Allan, I've lost a couple doing what you are trying to do.

The best solution I've found is to suspend them over some water in a bucket. After a few minutes, they will stretch out until they touch the water. Eventually, they will drop off. It man take a couple of hours.

Cover the bucket to keep it from getting too cold (air flow), and occasionally keep the foot wet. Make sure the water in the bucket stays warm (mix with new tank water.

If you get it too cold, you may lose it. Happened to me.