Farewell to Captain Mo'...

[SoCaliSon]

Talk about a real bummer... It seems like I just got pics of this guy up, and now he is leaving us. I rescued Captain Mo' from horrible care about 3 or 4months back, He is a 2 y/o male Veield that was incredibly dehydrated, living in a cage a third the size it should be, with a UV that was admitted by the owner to be as old as he was. So I payed and brought him home and provided the proper conditions for him. After letting him settle in, and clean fecals, I let him at one of my Females Caddie... And willingly did the deed. I have 26 eggs of his babies incubating. He has really been a joy for the last month or two since he settled in, and has been eating, drinking, pooping, and even had a shed for me. Normally I come home to see him purched high in his 4x2x2 jungle. Yesterday I got home to find him laying powerless in his pothos, eyes closed, and very lightened colors. I checked the temps and everything was perfect... I tried to get him to move and it seemed he had lost motor skills and the ability to hold himself up. He was Perfect the day before... This happened over night. He would barely open his eyes for me. I gently ran some water down his cheek and he opened up to allow some in...and actually drank like that for a good 5 mins. I made sure he had a comfy spot and let him be. I was expecting him to be gone by this morning. This morning he has made his way to the bottom of his cage... and is obviously lingering on deaths doorstep...Poor guy... I hate seeing them struggle through the last hours....I expect him to be gone when I get home.

The part that gets me is he was doing GREAT! More active than I had ever seen him and he even behaved himself and allowed me to take some nice pics of him so I could introduce him to the forum. Glad I got these shots of him before his final days.

I am done rescuing chams after this... I am tired of pouring my heart and effirt into turning them around...getting attached and them watching them pass having their lives shortened by improper care. This is my 2nd death in a month... and while I am convinced I did everything possible for these two... I just hate seeing them go after putting 110% into them for so long.

Farewell Captain Mo'...

 

[dodolah]

OMG.
you have my sympathy, Joe.

You tried your best. He is looking great for someone that used to be in that condition.
Sometimes it happened out of our control.
Your heart is in the right place.

I hope someday you'll be able to do rescue case again.

 

[BocaJan]

I am so sorry for your departing friend. Seems like there is a lot of this going around lately, and they are all sad. I wish your Captain Mo adieu.

 

[Kat77]

Oh no! Joe, I'm so sorry. It's been such a rough month for you! You've got a good heart. Maybe you'll be able to find it in you to rescue another one day. You and Captain Mo are in my thoughts.

 

[SoCaliSon]

Thanks guys...To give you an idea of how rapidly this occurred these pictures were taken just a few days ago... He was active one day...Down the next...I hear that this is how they leave us...But I have never seen one of my chams take a dive like that...

Thanks again for your kind words... I just got home and he is barely hanging in there... I hope he is not suffering.

 

[Chameleons Northwest]

I just saw this thread. How crushing. You have our sympathies. Poor little guy. I wonder if it was one of theose mysterious parasites that don't show up on fecals. He does look so good in his photos. At least you gave him a good loving home and some great care for his last few months on this earth.

 

[jannb]

I sure hate to hear this. I remember seeing his pictures just a few days ago it seems like. He is a beautiful boy! Reminds me of my Luie. I know he will be sadly missed. Jann

 

[reptimom]

I't so very hard to lose a friend. I am sure he appreciated all your efforts though.

 

[Glittergloomgirl]

:: Big hug :: Joe think of how happy he was in his new home, running around doing things he never did before. Cheer up you gave him the best months of his life, be proud!

 

[SSimsswiSS]

Sorry for your loss. Just know that you gave him a better 4 months of life, in your rescue. Their so good at hiding what's going on, inside.

 

[ToniandGizmo]

I am so sorry to hear about Captain Mo. He looks good in his pictures. Your rescueing him was probably what added those extra months to his life. And, you gave him the one thing all males seem to live for - a lady!

I do know how you feel, it took me 10 years after my little female veil (Widget) passed before I purchased another cham.

Sounds like you were the best thing that ever happened to Captain Mo.

My thoughts and prayers are with you.

 

[gregdabender]

Im sure the Captn is giving you a salute right now. Dont give up from what the picture show he looked very healthy which was from the care YOU provided...but they usually wont show a weakness until its too late...for protection in the wild.There are somethings that are just out of your control.

sorry for your loss