NO ONE ELSE UNDERSTANDS

[RikkiL]

this heartbreak of losing your beautiful pet, I need to share with someone other then my husband who understands this pain. My Wall-e is AMAZING YBBB panther chameleon. I have had the pleasure of being his person for almost 5 years now. Im bawling right now so please excuse any of my spelling errors. He loves his enclosure even when it's not clean lol, he loves chasing his roaches and eating big fat juicy worms from our hands. Shoot he likes when my nails are a hornworm color I however dont think it feels great when the naaw on a finger. Well his time is coming to an end and I'm HEARTBROKEN as my husband is making him a lovely wooden box I sit in tears trying to keep my mind somewhere else. NOT WORKING. About 3 days ago I notice the first sign his eyes didnt quite look right. My husband tried to assure me it was the angle but I knew, he also stopped being hungry only one tiny roach was eating. Which when he would prepare for shedding he would slow down also but this was different. Last night it dramatically got worse, i will spare the details. We moved him to his 2x2x4 enclosure moved all the branches about 2 inches from the bottom, moved his heat and uvb and our trying to make him as comfortable as he can be. But he was also beautiful light pale yellow with his toquuse blue bars looking like the magical dinosour he is. And this is the shitty part all we can do is wait. This is terrible and before anyone says take him to the vet, the closest one is 4 hours away and I know he won't make it that far it will be more stress for the same result. This is so freaking hard thanks for reading my sappy story and thank you for understanding my pain.

 

[MissSkittles]

Sadly, too many of us know the pain and can empathize with you. Yes, my first instinct was to tell you to take him to the vet. However, even if it were closer, there’s possibly nothing more to be done for your sweet beauty, Wall-e. Even though we can’t quite wrap our brains around it well, at 5 years, he’s an old man. You’ve done well and are blessed to have so many years with him. I’m a hospice nurse and say it all the time…each day is a gift.
When I lost my chameleons, I tried and fought so very hard for them, but death won’t be denied. The hardest part was there was no hugging or kissing goodbye, as we do with our cats and dogs. They are most at peace when we leave them alone, which goes against our instincts. So to help soothe my breaking heart, I talked to them. Yes, I admit I did also give them kisses when I held them. It’s not expected to feel such a depth of grief for losing a mere lizard, and that may make it harder. You are not alone in your grief and we here understand all too well. My heart will be with you today. ((( )))
Now I want to touch on something practical…determining when death has truly occurred. It is not so easy to tell with a reptile. I have had two which passed with me and not at the vet with euthanasia. While I was quite sure that each had indeed passed, I waited a day to be certain before tending to their remains. I placed them in their little boxes with plenty of soft cushioning (lids off) and just watched and waited. I’m sorry that this sounds horrible, but I waited until their bodies became stiff.
Keep your sweet little panther man as comfortable as possible and instead of waiting in pure grief, think of all of the good memories you’ve had with him. Something to consider is having a portrait done of him by Rebecca Wang https://www.psychedeliczen.com/ She is a forum sponsor and has painted my first chameleon, Grumpy along with other member’s chams. It is a very special way to memorialize your companion animal.

 

[RikkiL]

This is why I posted here and not told any of my friends. Thank you for understanding I'm currently printing photos and a sweet sticker for his after home. We had a little lady pass almost 2 years ago and that about broke me. We only had her for a few days. So I knew this was going to be difficult. Once again thank you for the kind words

 

[GrannyK]

Sending big hugs your way! I am currently tending to a 4 1/2 yr old panther as well. his grip is decreasing, he tucks into bed sooner, and slipping occasionally. He still eats like a beast but can’t shoot as well as he used to so I am in the process of making adjustments and trying to wrap my head around what’s coming sooner rather than later. My situation is tough because I got him when we received devastating news, he kept my head up, was a saving grace, and my life has never been the same. He was the only good thing I had to think about at the time. I’ve since gotten more because I love caring for them but honestly this 1st one will be very hard when it happens.
Wall-e is lucky to have you, and he is beautiful!