Stepping up on the soapbox

[Trace]

There has been a lot of discussion here recently about "kids" owning large snakes and the fact that these animals are being dumped or euthanized because people are unable to care for them. Unfortunately it happens with all reptiles, not just the large boids.

As some of you know, I do chameleon rescue here in Ottawa. Since the end of December I've taken in 13 chameleons in various states of health. (that's a lot of unwanted animals!) To my credit, 10 are still with me, the 3 I lost were in such sad shape that even veterinary intervention did not help them. All I can hope is I made their last few days comfortable and loving. Now I'm not looking for accolades or pats on the back, I do this with my own money and, more importantly, my sheer love for these woggley eyed monsters. I guess sometimes I just want people to think about the time and commitment it takes before they go and buy a "cute" herp.

Here are some of my success stories:

This is Conehead. He came to me in December extremely malnourished and dehydrated. He weighed at the time approx 80g. He had lost all of his fat stores in his body, including the ones in his head. Today he is eating like a champ, putting on weight (154g) and has re-developed the typical grumpy veiled attitude.

http://www.ssnakess.com/photopost/data/500/405109-0991-med.jpg

This is Calypso. I've had him for about a year now and he was given to me because he did not have a tail! How superficial can people be? This guy is the friendliest critter and (not trying to brag) one if the most handsome nosy be's I've seen.

http://www.ssnakess.com/photopost/data/500/405113-1330-med.jpg

And finally, the man who started it all; Bacchanal. This guy came to me severely burned. His burns were on his casque, shoulders, arms and knees (which you can still see the scars) and has since sloughed his casque and spines. Despite his "frankensteinish" appearance he is completely healthy on the inside. This guy wants nothing more than to be held by me everyday. He was my first rescue and still by far my favorite!

http://www.ssnakess.com/photopost/data/500/405113-1338-med.jpg

Here's a close-up of his head:

http://www.ssnakess.com/photopost/data/500/405113-1344-med.jpg

Kudos to all who rescue these unwanted animals!

Trace

[LdyDrgn]

Poor little guys :( I really enjoy looking at the chams but I feel I do not have the experience to get one and keep it healthy.

You get a pat on the back form me :) Good work!!

[norman]

i agree Trace...good work. how was the last one burned? was it a heat light or something else?

[Matt_K]

Great work Trace. You put a lot of time into what you do and i truly owe all of my knowledge of Chams to you!! You taught me a lot in such a short time and helped me understand that they really aren't that hard to care for!! Now that i have two, there is no turning back and i honestly regret not getting into them sooner.. Maybe had i met you sooner!! :D Once again, great work and you do deserve a 'pat on the back'..

[Xetox]

They are great pets, I love them!! I have only had one come in as a rescue and he was malnourished and dehydrated but he is now healthy and one that I use for breeding. I love vields and dont think I could never not own one :)

[Big Mike]

Good work...it's nice to see someone who cares enough to take in those beautiful unwanted creatures.

I was really thinking about getting one but I'm going to hold off until I know I can provide an optimum enviroment for it.

[stormyva]

Good job Trace!

I too would not own a chameleon... I dont have the time or experience for them!

[SD-SNAKE]

Thats very nice of you. Keep up the good work on keeping herps safe. thank you Nick

[Jaylyn]

They look good, Trace!!!

I've been thinking about Bacchanal lately....Zeus's old scabs on his casque and dorsal crest are starting to seperate from the flesh below. I've had him for 15 months now - so he's had that long to heal. Frustrating. His dorsal crest looks almost exactly the same as Bucch's - his crasque is much different because it was burned continuously for pretty much 4 years so it did never develop.

I love Bucchanal's fat, little casque!

Jaylyn

[Ryan]

Great job with those guys Trace, congratulations!

[BurmBaroness]

Wonderful! Nice to see someone else who takes in rescues, which can be caostly, financially and time-wise. It's the love of these creatures that more than pay ya back. Blood, sweat, meds, tears, it's all worth it when you look at the little faces, and see health and happiness.

[Xetox]

After I got my first cam, I was stuck.

They just have the best personality, there atitude just everthing about em!~

[Trace]

Thanks for the kind words everyone! :D

This post was by no means made to disuade people from owning a chameleon, or any other reptile for that matter. I'm more that happy to answer any questions that you may have about them.

Norman: It was a heat lamp that did this. It was not done on purpose anyways!

Matt: A personal thanks! I know your chams are going to live to a ripe old age, and nothing makes me happier! Keep sending me pics man..... and you DO need more! :P

BurmBaroness: You're right... the rescues seem to be the most appreciative of all the work you do. Maybe they just know...

Thanks again folks... I'm off to feed the gang now! Does it ever end! LOL

Trace