A tribute to Oscar

ferretinmyshoes

Veterinarian
Staff member
My sweet man Oscar has left me. :( He was 6 years old and didn't age well. He started having issues with gout last year and was arthritic on top of it but still got around okay and was doing well. He had hammocks in his cage that he took advantage of. But about 6 months ago he had a sudden drop in weight but still good appetite. And in the last month he really went downhill fast - you could see all his bones and his skull had no fat or muscle around it at all. But he still cruised around and ate for a while. Once he stopped eating though I knew it was time. So I let him go with what dignity he had left.

So sad to see him go. He was what got me started here on the forums! And what triggered my passion for chameleons really. He was always a social butterfly and I took him to so many school presentations, open house presentations, etc. and he would crawl all over anyone and shoot bugs from anyone brave enough to hold them and he never showed any sign of stress. He was a really unique guy and I doubt I'll see the like of him again. He had great colors too, and quite the variety of them. His sons are taking after him in that department, and some of them are social too, but not quite like Oscar. I really do miss him. :(

When I first got him as just a little guy:
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So handsome:
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Playing in the fall leaves: https://www.chameleonforums.com/frolic-fall-foliage-pic-heavy-94826/

His babies hatching: https://www.chameleonforums.com/babies-oscar-loretta-babies-116276/

Making great resources for other chameleon keepers:
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Look at how bad he looked in the end though...
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He's gone to the big rainforest in the sky now. :( Miss you sweet old man...
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I'm so sorry for your loss. He has made his way to the rainbow bridge and you will see him again someday. I have a hard time reading this but can't wait for that day.

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge .

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge .
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...
 
I'm so sorry to hear about Oscar, but he was well-loved and lived an incredible life. Through him so many children (and adults) learned to see reptiles differently and have appreciation for these wonderful creatures. RIP Oscar, you were amazing.
 
Dayna,
So sorry about Oscar. He sounds like he was an amazing fellow who helped others learn about these wonderful creatures.
I have a couple old guys who will be following in Oscars footsteps soon. Maybe they can hang out together and feast on hornworms everyday!
Hope Blue will brighten his cage for you!
 
Dayna, I am so sorry to hear about Oscar. Know that you gave him a good life and he gave you some fantastic memories to hold in your heart forever. Sleep tight little man. You were loved by many Mr. Handsome.
 
Dayna, I'm sorry Oscar is gone. He led a very special life and thanks for all the pictures and stories. Rest in Paradise little one. :(
 
Sorry for your lost. I'm sure you gave him the best there was to offer. It was brave of you to let him go as it was his time. I wish you the best.
 
So very sorry for your loss Dayna. I'm glad he led you to your love of chameleons and to this forum though. I'm sure you will hold him in your heart forever. They have such short lives but leave us with so much.
 
I'm so sorry for your loss of Oscar.... He was loved and wanted for nothing! You did one of the kindest but hardest things that we as "animal" lovers must contend with......
 
Awe Dayna I am so sorry. It is funny, I thought of him the other day, I don't know why, but was wondering if he was still alive and thinking he must be getting old. I was sorry to see this post, and know how it hurts to lose a chameleon, or any pet for that matter. He lived a great life with you and what better than to have your keeper being a Vet!. He was a lucky guy and I am glad you let him go with dignity. It is always a hard decision, but from the last pic you know you did that right thing. RIP Oscar...
 
I am so sorry you lost Oscar, he was one of the chams everyone knew. Watching Oscar taught a lot of people how to care for a chameleon. He will be missed, but left knowing he was loved.
 
Thank you all for your kind words. I got his ashes back in a sweet little heart shaped urn. It sits with his pawprint and the nametag from his cage. And next to the line of cages is the painting I did of him. He was really the start of it all...

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What a beautiful way to remember him. I love the little foot print. You did a lovely job on the painting also.. RIP Oscar
 
Sorry to hear about your little buddy, Oscar. What a beauty he was, and sounds like a gentle soul too. You guys will be in my thoughts. :(
 
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