Beman, Rest in Peace my little love. June 2018 - February 9th, 2025

Beman

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Staff member
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It is with a heavy heart that I share this with you all. Beman is now in the vines of heaven watching over me. Beman was my impulse Petco purchase which was a Birthday present to myself in October of 2018. It was an instant love and my very first experience with a reptile. I knew absolutely nothing and quickly figured out I was very misinformed. Based on his size at the time that would put him at an approximate hatch date in June of 2018 and roughly 4 months old. He would have been 7 years old this June. He passed of old age at 6 yrs 8 months old.

I want to share the following details, so people know what my experience of old age with Beman was like. I feel it is important that some of this thread be educational for others. While I know my experience may not be the same as another’s exactly it may help someone that reads this at some point. I have been lucky in the fact that I do have an experienced reptile vet. Someone I could talk to consistently about what was happening and provided feedback in a most thoughtful and caring way. My knowledge of normal vs not normal gave me a baseline. But the bond and trust between Beman and I allowed me to truly know and see through his facade of being “ok”. And throughout this my only goal was to let Beman live a normal happy life in a natural environment without extreme intervention until I could see it was his time.

The last year and a half, I have seen gradual and subtle signs of being an old man. Small things at first like not being as nimble moving through the cage branches. Also signs of arthritis in one of his front arms. Over the last 6 months I have watched him decline slowly. Differences in behavior towards me, swelling to the arthritic front arm, closing eyes sporadically, missing branches, reduced grip. The last few weeks he showed more extreme signs of decline. Missing branches completely and I would find him hanging by his tail stuck and not able to grab anything. Stopped using the entire cage space staying to the upper 1/3 of it instead. More extreme swelling to the entire right forearm especially at the joints of the wrist and the elbow plus the other arm now being swollen. Barely gripping with the front feet at all and walking flatter with the pads of his front feet not doing a full wrap around branches. Edema which would likely be linked to organ function issues. Extreme puffing to the back of the casque even though on a very reduced diet, which would be more than likely linked like the Edema with extra fluid retention due to compromised organ function. Moving much slower laying on branches instead of standing up. Eye turrets being more sunk in. And no longer sleeping in his hidden behind plants sleeping spot that has been his every night place the last 3 years. Instead sleeping totally out in the open on the top basking level. In this entire period the last year and a half, he never stopped wanting to eat.

I will never forget being new in the forum and being told that my Petco baby would live a very short and unhealthy life due to his “bad breeding”. Being a newbie and hearing this I freaked out even more than I already was. The only good that came out of that comment was that it further sparked my eagerness to learn as much as possible as fast as I could. I had to understand the ins and outs of every single aspect of husbandry. I desperately needed to know all warning signs and became very proficient in spotting things for other new keepers. Beman became my passion, and my passion led to the ability to help many people and their chameleons over the years.

People outside of this hobby do not understand the love that a person can have for a chameleon/reptile. It’s not like when you tell someone you lost a beloved cat or dog. Beman was one of the most extreme loves I have ever had. My best buddy that had the most goofy and friendly personality. From the moment he followed my fingers back and forth along the glass cage at Petco he had my heart. I committed every single day to ensuring he had an amazing life with a perfect enclosure set up. Everything automated, real branches, all live plants including hibiscus with blooms that never lasted because they were his favorite to nibble. I would give him a world in which he could thrive. I would show him my love in everything I provided for him. I committed every single day to this.

Most of all I would give Beman a peaceful passing. I would not let him suffer any more than needed. Lastly, I would give him my heart to take with him… and so I did.

Rest in Peace Beman my little love June 2018 - February 9th, 2025



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A sweet and beautiful tribute to your sweet and beautiful little man. 😭😭😭 I’ve said it before that Beman knew exactly what he was doing when he chose you that day at Petco. Little cutie just wanted a happy home with you and ended up igniting a passion in you that has improved the lives of countless chameleons around the world. He’s left quite a legacy behind. It’s so hard to say that final goodbye and I’m sorry that you had to. No question that Beman would thank you if he could, not just for the fantastic life you gave him and all of your love, but for giving him a peaceful passing and relief from his failing body. Your amazing Beman is now free of his aged and failing body and is enjoying all of the delights of the heavenly trees. Until you meet again some day. Sending you so very much love and big big hugs. (((💗)))
 
So sad to see this and so sorry for your loss. 😢😢😢 I really saw Beman as our chameleon forum ambassador. He will truly be missed. Thank you for sharing the ailments he had as he aged. I think it’s important to understand what to expect when they get older. You really showed what great husbandry can do for these pet store chameleons and how they can live great long lives. His hibiscus picture is still my all time FAVORITE photo. It always makes me so happy when I see it and I’m so glad he will be memorialized through that calendar cover photo. Sending love and hugs! 💕
 
I’m so sorry. 💔 😢Beman is sort of a Legend here. His inspiration has and will continue to help so many on the forum through the experience he gave you. The bonds we have with these creatures are unexplainable until you live it. He is gonna rock those vines in heaven. Flashing his stunning colors and finally meeting the lady chams he’s always dreamed of entering his enclosure. 💚 He was the luckiest boy, and thank you for sharing his journey, he sure was one handsome guy.
 
I'm so sorry for your loss. I really enjoyed watching your journey with him, to become the chameleon information ambassador that you are today. Because of him countless chameleons have lived with much better conditions than they might otherwise have. His impact, and yours, is one of the most wide-spread of any chameleon that I've seen. RIP Beman, but you will not be forgotten, and as long as that is the case, you are still with us.
 
Thank you everyone... Sorry for my delay in responding. It is amazing to me the people I so looked up to when I started here that have left comments. Thank you for being part of my growth in this hobby. Reading your threads helped me learn and understand. @Motherlode Chameleon @absolutbill @jamest0o0 ❤️

@janjan20 and @MissSkittles I feel like we learned together you both joining the forum right after me. ❤️

@Sonny13 and @MissSkittles thank you for being my very closest friends in the last year of Beman's life. For allowing me to share and giving me feedback. You both mean so very much to me and I could not have gotten through the last few months without you both being constant sources of emotional support. ❤️

@GrannyK It has been an absolute pleasure watching you grow and become such a valuable member of the forum, people like you is why I have stayed here so long trying to help others. ❤️
 
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It is with a heavy heart that I share this with you all. Beman is now in the vines of heaven watching over me. Beman was my impulse Petco purchase which was a Birthday present to myself in October of 2018. It was an instant love and my very first experience with a reptile. I knew absolutely nothing and quickly figured out I was very misinformed. Based on his size at the time that would put him at an approximate hatch date in June of 2018 and roughly 4 months old. He would have been 7 years old this June. He passed of old age at 6 yrs 8 months old.

I want to share the following details, so people know what my experience of old age with Beman was like. I feel it is important that some of this thread be educational for others. While I know my experience may not be the same as another’s exactly it may help someone that reads this at some point. I have been lucky in the fact that I do have an experienced reptile vet. Someone I could talk to consistently about what was happening and provided feedback in a most thoughtful and caring way. My knowledge of normal vs not normal gave me a baseline. But the bond and trust between Beman and I allowed me to truly know and see through his facade of being “ok”. And throughout this my only goal was to let Beman live a normal happy life in a natural environment without extreme intervention until I could see it was his time.

The last year and a half, I have seen gradual and subtle signs of being an old man. Small things at first like not being as nimble moving through the cage branches. Also signs of arthritis in one of his front arms. Over the last 6 months I have watched him decline slowly. Differences in behavior towards me, swelling to the arthritic front arm, closing eyes sporadically, missing branches, reduced grip. The last few weeks he showed more extreme signs of decline. Missing branches completely and I would find him hanging by his tail stuck and not able to grab anything. Stopped using the entire cage space staying to the upper 1/3 of it instead. More extreme swelling to the entire right forearm especially at the joints of the wrist and the elbow plus the other arm now being swollen. Barely gripping with the front feet at all and walking flatter with the pads of his front feet not doing a full wrap around branches. Edema which would likely be linked to organ function issues. Extreme puffing to the back of the casque even though on a very reduced diet, which would be more than likely linked like the Edema with extra fluid retention due to compromised organ function. Moving much slower laying on branches instead of standing up. Eye turrets being more sunk in. And no longer sleeping in his hidden behind plants sleeping spot that has been his every night place the last 3 years. Instead sleeping totally out in the open on the top basking level. In this entire period the last year and a half, he never stopped wanting to eat.

I will never forget being new in the forum and being told that my Petco baby would live a very short and unhealthy life due to his “bad breeding”. Being a newbie and hearing this I freaked out even more than I already was. The only good that came out of that comment was that it further sparked my eagerness to learn as much as possible as fast as I could. I had to understand the ins and outs of every single aspect of husbandry. I desperately needed to know all warning signs and became very proficient in spotting things for other new keepers. Beman became my passion, and my passion led to the ability to help many people and their chameleons over the years.

People outside of this hobby do not understand the love that a person can have for a chameleon/reptile. It’s not like when you tell someone you lost a beloved cat or dog. Beman was one of the most extreme loves I have ever had. My best buddy that had the most goofy and friendly personality. From the moment he followed my fingers back and forth along the glass cage at Petco he had my heart. I committed every single day to ensuring he had an amazing life with a perfect enclosure set up. Everything automated, real branches, all live plants including hibiscus with blooms that never lasted because they were his favorite to nibble. I would give him a world in which he could thrive. I would show him my love in everything I provided for him. I committed every single day to this.

Most of all I would give Beman a peaceful passing. I would not let him suffer any more than needed. Lastly, I would give him my heart to take with him… and so I did.

Rest in Peace Beman my little love June 2018 - February 9th, 2025



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Oh I am so so sorry. My heart aches for you. I know he would thank you if he could. I teared up reading your lovely tribute to him. You and Beman are and will continue to be an inspiration to so many, including myself. He could not have had a better keeper. And I mean that. You went above and beyond for him ❤️
 
I'm so sorry for your loss. Beman had the best momma he could ask for 💗 You've taught me and so many others so much! I'm truly grateful for all you have done. Beman will forever be remembered by all of us 💗
 
Thank you everyone... Sorry for my delay in responding. It is amazing to me the people I so looked up to when I started here that have left comments. Thank you for being part of my growth in this hobby. Reading your threads helped me learn and understand. @Motherlode Chameleon @absolutbill @jamest0o0 ❤️

@janjan20 and @MissSkittles I feel like we learned together you both joining the forum right after me. ❤️

@Sonny13 and @MissSkittles thank you for being my very closest friends in the last year of Beman's life. For allowing me to share and giving me feedback. You both mean so very much to me and I could not have gotten through the last few months without you both being constant sources of emotional support. ❤️

@GrannyK It has been an absolute pleasure watching you grow and become such a valuable member of the forum, people like you is why I have stayed here so long trying to help others. ❤️
I know we have had the "old Cham" discussion recently and your input has really helped me with my oldest. I really thank you for all of your input. ❤️
 
Becca, I am so sorry for your loss. Beman was a fantastic success story here for so many new keepers to learn from. I have enjoyed his journey, although the final days of a journey are never easy. From impulse buy to hospice care, these amazing creatures are so special. I have also enjoyed watching you grow as a keeper and a mentor here on the forums. Your advice has touched so many. Thank you and I pray in time the pain of loss will be replaced with only happy memories.

Rest in Paradise little one ❤️
 
So sorry for your loss. Beman couldn’t have lived in a better place. You learned quickly and have helped so many others with your knowledge. I hope you will stick around and continue to help people still. That’s a great tribute to Beman you’ve written. Hugs and love. Beman, RIP in chameleon heaven. ❤️😪
 
These tiny creatures capture our hearts and show us love we thought wasn’t possible. I’m so very sorry for your loss. ❤️ You have taught me so much and I am forever grateful.
 
Thank you everyone. I will be in and out of the forum for a bit. I received some very unexpected family news a few days prior to losing Beman. I am dealing with a lot of loss all at once. So if you do not see me actively in the forum know it is not because I don't want to be here helping. Heaps of love to you all. Thank you for your support.
 
View attachment 362142

It is with a heavy heart that I share this with you all. Beman is now in the vines of heaven watching over me. Beman was my impulse Petco purchase which was a Birthday present to myself in October of 2018. It was an instant love and my very first experience with a reptile. I knew absolutely nothing and quickly figured out I was very misinformed. Based on his size at the time that would put him at an approximate hatch date in June of 2018 and roughly 4 months old. He would have been 7 years old this June. He passed of old age at 6 yrs 8 months old.

I want to share the following details, so people know what my experience of old age with Beman was like. I feel it is important that some of this thread be educational for others. While I know my experience may not be the same as another’s exactly it may help someone that reads this at some point. I have been lucky in the fact that I do have an experienced reptile vet. Someone I could talk to consistently about what was happening and provided feedback in a most thoughtful and caring way. My knowledge of normal vs not normal gave me a baseline. But the bond and trust between Beman and I allowed me to truly know and see through his facade of being “ok”. And throughout this my only goal was to let Beman live a normal happy life in a natural environment without extreme intervention until I could see it was his time.

The last year and a half, I have seen gradual and subtle signs of being an old man. Small things at first like not being as nimble moving through the cage branches. Also signs of arthritis in one of his front arms. Over the last 6 months I have watched him decline slowly. Differences in behavior towards me, swelling to the arthritic front arm, closing eyes sporadically, missing branches, reduced grip. The last few weeks he showed more extreme signs of decline. Missing branches completely and I would find him hanging by his tail stuck and not able to grab anything. Stopped using the entire cage space staying to the upper 1/3 of it instead. More extreme swelling to the entire right forearm especially at the joints of the wrist and the elbow plus the other arm now being swollen. Barely gripping with the front feet at all and walking flatter with the pads of his front feet not doing a full wrap around branches. Edema which would likely be linked to organ function issues. Extreme puffing to the back of the casque even though on a very reduced diet, which would be more than likely linked like the Edema with extra fluid retention due to compromised organ function. Moving much slower laying on branches instead of standing up. Eye turrets being more sunk in. And no longer sleeping in his hidden behind plants sleeping spot that has been his every night place the last 3 years. Instead sleeping totally out in the open on the top basking level. In this entire period the last year and a half, he never stopped wanting to eat.

I will never forget being new in the forum and being told that my Petco baby would live a very short and unhealthy life due to his “bad breeding”. Being a newbie and hearing this I freaked out even more than I already was. The only good that came out of that comment was that it further sparked my eagerness to learn as much as possible as fast as I could. I had to understand the ins and outs of every single aspect of husbandry. I desperately needed to know all warning signs and became very proficient in spotting things for other new keepers. Beman became my passion, and my passion led to the ability to help many people and their chameleons over the years.

People outside of this hobby do not understand the love that a person can have for a chameleon/reptile. It’s not like when you tell someone you lost a beloved cat or dog. Beman was one of the most extreme loves I have ever had. My best buddy that had the most goofy and friendly personality. From the moment he followed my fingers back and forth along the glass cage at Petco he had my heart. I committed every single day to ensuring he had an amazing life with a perfect enclosure set up. Everything automated, real branches, all live plants including hibiscus with blooms that never lasted because they were his favorite to nibble. I would give him a world in which he could thrive. I would show him my love in everything I provided for him. I committed every single day to this.

Most of all I would give Beman a peaceful passing. I would not let him suffer any more than needed. Lastly, I would give him my heart to take with him… and so I did.

Rest in Peace Beman my little love June 2018 - February 9th, 2025



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I’m so sorry. He was the reason so many other chams have been guided to healthy lives. I hope you are able to take some solace in that my friend. RIP Beman
 
I’m so, so sorry for your loss. You and Beman have helped a lot of people over the years with your experience, me included. My heart broke when I saw this post, but the fact he almost made it to 7 years is AMAZING! Send you all the love and hugs.

Rest in peace little guy, I wish you all the yummy bugs and leafy plants that you could possibly want. ❤️
 
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