💜 Farewell my petite purple princess 💜

[MissSkittles]

Yesterday my sweet petite purple princess Kali passed over the rainbow bridge to add her beauty to chameleon heaven. I was holding her as she took what I believe was her last breath and she slipped quietly away. In recent months, she was starting to slow down and show some signs of her age. Last week her decline accelerated as her little body prepared itself for passing. A few days ago I needed to move her to a small and safe enclosure, with platforms and netting to keep her safe if she fell. Saturday I took her outside one more time for some fresh air and sunshine.
In 12 days, it will be the fifth anniversary of her Gotcha day. I need to share her story.
Back in June of 2021, @jannb had the eggs from her pairing of her nosy be beauties, Hank and Emma hatch. Such adorable babies and Kali was ‘little E’. Jann had asked if I would take one of her babies and having four chameleons already, I felt my house was full enough. It wasn’t terribly difficult to convince me to get one of the babies though, and I chose ‘little E’. I picked up the little cutie on November 21st, 2021. This was the first of very many photos that I’d be taking of this little angel. I chose the name KaliDora, which means ‘beautiful gift’ in Greek.

It didn’t take long at all for her personality to start showing, along with quite a varied wardrobe of colors. She was so brave and curious as she explored her new home and was very sweet and trusting of being held.

I never knew what color she’d be wearing every time I looked in at her. She always had a hint of green to her cheeks though.

Then it seemed the primary colors would be in the purples. (My favorite color) She didn’t grow very large and thus she became my petite purple princess.

 

[MissSkittles]

Even though I already knew she was purple, it wasn’t until one day that we went outside that her purple really just popped out at me. Pics couldn’t do it justice.

She would still wear her other colors at times too. She was a very fashionable chameleon. The green cheek blush had changed to purple though.

In addition to never knowing what color she’d be wearing, I also never knew where I’d be finding her…or if I could even find her. She was very active. When she was moved into her double wide enclosure, it became sooo hard for me to find her. She was everywhere and used all of the space. She didn’t stop screen climbing though. A girl needs her hobbies.

Always had zero fear of me or the camera.

How I loved that sweet face.

It didn’t take long for her to develop another fun habit of isopod hunting. I found her like this so many times. She had it down to an art.

 

[MissSkittles]

She was pretty much the only one who didn’t totally freak out to go outside. I was always afraid the wind might take her away, though.

Another way she learned to have a bit of fun was climbing to the top of her door. I guess the view was better up there.

Of course, infinitely gorgeous when asleep and I’d melt to look at her.

That purple always always got me.

Such a smart (and sneaky) lady. She never went to sleep when I put her in the dark box to travel to her vet. On the way home I happened to look over and she was just sitting casually on top of my bag, looking around. Unfortunately, having to do treatment to an abscess area on her head from that vet visit completely destroyed all trust she had in me, and I was never able to regain it fully.

She did finally trust me again on Saturday when we went outside one last time. She was so weak and frail. I thought it important for her to feel the sun and light wind once more.

When I placed her back in her safety enclosure, I placed her in her plant. I later put the soft towel for her to lay on. She was too weak to keep her eyes open anymore. This is the last pic I took of my little honey and she passed several hours later.

I was going to bury her in my yard, but instead took her for communal cremation at my vet.
Five amazing and wonderful years with my petite purple princess…if only it could have been longer. I know I gave her the very best life that I could and I hope she was happy living with me. She gave me so much joy in my heart, and at times a few laughs as I watched her antics. She was always a fantastic little athlete and traveled with ease no matter how far apart her branches might be. Up until the end, she was a sharp shooter with her tongue and always got her bug on the first try. She loved hunting down the black soldier flies and was very skilled at it. My sweet Kali was purple perfection and I adore her with all of my heart. @jannb once more I thank you so very much for entrusting your sweet and amazing ‘little E’ to my care those years back.
To my perfect petite purple princess, KaliDora…wherever you have gone to rest, you’re making it so very beautiful and wonderful. I pray that someday I may see you again. Until then, my little honey.