blastPHANT1337
New Member
I haven't posted much on the forums but have long looked to them for advice, and now I thought I would share the story of my first chameleon who sadly passed away last night. For you chameleon lovers, celebrate her memory with me. I'm sad to see her go, but it was her time.
Gertrude was a wonderful veiled chameleon and a fabulous friend, dearly loved by those who knew her and respected by acquaintances. She rose from a humble beginning and made a life for herself among the tall trees of Virginia.
Not much was known about her birth. Her previous caretaker originally obtained her in February 2012 and decided she was unable to provide for her when she outgrew her cage. While somewhat misguided about her proper husbandry, she admitted to truly caring for Gertrude despite her short temper at times. My own experience with Trudy began in April 2012 when I met her in a small shop on the boardwalk at the beach. She came home with me and we set up a much larger cage to her liking with an open door. Over the next three months, she learned to trust me and would come to the front and reach for me whenever I would walk by. We formed a sort of agreement where she would accept my transportation so long as I did not pet her, and I was often reminded of this boundary by a strong hiss. She spent many hours resting on top of my computer monitor, enjoying its warmth and watching me as I studied for exams.
In July 2013 we moved to our new home. She grew to love the large ficus trees I had placed in the sunroom. In particular, she found that she loved to watch out the windows and observe traffic and passersby. Over time it became apparent she was unable to lay the burden of eggs she carried despite numerous attempts, and she required surgery. On October 24th 2013 she successfully underwent a procedure to remove these eggs and quickly recovered. Within a few days, she was climbing in all of her old favorite spots and eating her favorite cockroaches and hornworms. After this operation she spent the best part of two happy years doing the things she loved.
In July of 2015 she began suffering from the illness that would eventually claim her. Her enjoyment of life and all of its curiosities was evident until the very end. Even when she was no longer voluntarily eating and could not hold her own weight for much time, she was content in observing all that went on around her and was always happy to be moved to a new vantage point. When the end came on the night of October 27th, 2015, it was peaceful as she slept in her spot by the window.
Gertrude was a wonderful veiled chameleon and a fabulous friend, dearly loved by those who knew her and respected by acquaintances. She rose from a humble beginning and made a life for herself among the tall trees of Virginia.
Not much was known about her birth. Her previous caretaker originally obtained her in February 2012 and decided she was unable to provide for her when she outgrew her cage. While somewhat misguided about her proper husbandry, she admitted to truly caring for Gertrude despite her short temper at times. My own experience with Trudy began in April 2012 when I met her in a small shop on the boardwalk at the beach. She came home with me and we set up a much larger cage to her liking with an open door. Over the next three months, she learned to trust me and would come to the front and reach for me whenever I would walk by. We formed a sort of agreement where she would accept my transportation so long as I did not pet her, and I was often reminded of this boundary by a strong hiss. She spent many hours resting on top of my computer monitor, enjoying its warmth and watching me as I studied for exams.
In July 2013 we moved to our new home. She grew to love the large ficus trees I had placed in the sunroom. In particular, she found that she loved to watch out the windows and observe traffic and passersby. Over time it became apparent she was unable to lay the burden of eggs she carried despite numerous attempts, and she required surgery. On October 24th 2013 she successfully underwent a procedure to remove these eggs and quickly recovered. Within a few days, she was climbing in all of her old favorite spots and eating her favorite cockroaches and hornworms. After this operation she spent the best part of two happy years doing the things she loved.
In July of 2015 she began suffering from the illness that would eventually claim her. Her enjoyment of life and all of its curiosities was evident until the very end. Even when she was no longer voluntarily eating and could not hold her own weight for much time, she was content in observing all that went on around her and was always happy to be moved to a new vantage point. When the end came on the night of October 27th, 2015, it was peaceful as she slept in her spot by the window.
It sounds like she thoroughly enjoyed her time in your care.
