Old age signs

[Jevin]

Well on Tuesday I had to make the hard decision to say goodbye to Chandler. I was facing old age and he had gotten to the point where he was no longer able to move under his own power and was starting to have laboured breathing. I chose to have him cremated and when I receive his ashes, a small quantity will go into a necklace I can wear daily. It wasn't an easy decision to make but considering I got him from a less than ideal source, I'm happy and proud he lived over 5 years.

 

[jannb]

Well on Tuesday I had to make the hard decision to say goodbye to Chandler. I was facing old age and he had gotten to the point where he was no longer able to move under his own power and was starting to have laboured breathing. I chose to have him cremated and when I receive his ashes, a small quantity will go into a necklace I can wear daily. It wasn't an easy decision to make but considering I got him from a less than ideal source, I'm happy and proud he lived over 5 years.

I am so sorry for your loss. These guys leave a big hole in our hearts and it really hurts to lose one. Sleep tight Chandler.

 

[MissSkittles]

I’m so very sorry Jevin. (((hugs)))

 

[Sonny13]

Sorry for your lost, always painful and consider them as a full family member. You made the right decision and are there with his true friend. He had a wonderful life, keep him close in and to your heart

 

[bbyoda]

So sorry for your loss. Thank you for caring for him so well throughout his life and for helping him pass by ending his suffering through humane euthanasia. Sometimes the right thing to do still hurts. Chandler will be missed.

 

[Jevin]

He was at least stubborn right up until the end. Just faced with old age.

Managed to grab one last good pic of him on the day I had to say goodbye.

 

[bbyoda]

He was at least stubborn right up until the end. Just faced with old age. View attachment 327534
Managed to grab one last good pic of him on the day I had to say goodbye.

Sweet boy looking handsome til the end.

 

[Jevin]

Honestly the hardest part with this goodbye was how he was himself to the very end. The vet suggested feeding him hornworms and despite attempting to force feed him one, he spat it out immediately. If I offered a cricket, he would still nab it without issue. It is also comforting though because he was his stubborn self right until the end. It confirmed without a shadow of doubt that I was just facing old age and he was hitting the point where his body was just starting to shutdown. As much as I want to blame myself, I know I can't because his bloodwork and X-rays confirmed he was in good health. Honestly the vet was overjoyed seeing him because most chameleons she sees at his age show signs of poor care. It will be a while before I acquire another one so I can heal but also not until I have enough time to give the level of care I find acceptable for a chameleon during it's first year of life. I'll keep his enclosure running as I have a breeding isopod population in there that I can sell off the excess.

 

[dinomom]

He was at least stubborn right up until the end. Just faced with old age. View attachment 327534
Managed to grab one last good pic of him on the day I had to say goodbye.

It is heartbreaking but you gave him a beautiful life