Hi! I am new here- just registered today. Your post sounds EXACTLY like what my garter was going thru. My kids caught her a couple years ago, and I've been taking care of her since then. The last week she seems sluggish and dull-skinned and there is a lump that looks like a meal, right where your Sparky had it. I've been reading this site all evening and now I am WORRIED, not just because of the lump, but because I just realized I should be doing WAY more with this critter than just feeding her worms every few days! I am such an amateur!!!!
Is there any more you can tell me on how to deal with this- I know your situation turned out very sadly, but I am hoping you or some others might be able to give me a little advice, maybe we can save Dojo???
By the way, all I've ever been able to get her to eat are earthworms; could it be a nutrition issue as well?