An Ode To Fred

So, last night Shelly and I got home and it was hard enough to get into the house. Relaxing night? Of course not....I went up to my room to get ready for relaxing and lounging on the couch, but I noticed my little buddy, Fred (my iguana) wasn't doing so well. He hadn't moved all day, cold, and very limp. I thought he was dead, so I picked him up and he moved some, but looked up at me with these sad little brown eyes and basically he asked for help. Going downstairs to ask Shelly if she could help me find a 24 hour reptile veterinarian, I felt so bad for the little guy. She found one and I called and I swept Fred away to get some aid. I go in and they were very nice, but unfortunately.....Fred had sand paction and it was going to have to be surgery. Surgery on a lizard!? I know.....I was as mind boggled as you are. After explaining that his change for survival was very slim and the procedure including the once a day visits back to the vet. everyday for 2 weeks after the surgery were costs that I couldn't pay at all. I cried, and they brought him in so I could say goodbye. Then they asked me to hold him and they gave him the shot....he shook a little, looked up at me......and went to sleep :( It was a sad ending, but he's not suffering any longer. After crying for a while looking at him, I turned and walked out of the room and started laughing a little bit. You see, there were these cute little furry kittens and puppies in the other room and here I was crying because my lizard had to be put to sleep. I drove home and to my surprise.....Shelly wrote out a little sympathy card for me. She was really sad that the little guy she would walk by and always see and point at and laugh wasn't going to be there any more. So.....here goes.....my ode to Fred.

When I bought Sam....Sam I am.....I kept him for a day not knowing he would die and you would come my way. Fred, you were neon green and kinda mean. I didn't care I liked you just the same, after you became a little more tame. I would watch you grow and Shelly just went with the flow. You scared the crap out of her when you crawled all over her arm and down to her elbow. Everyone liked you, cause you were cool. You didn't spit or drool. You whipped me a few times with your tail, but it's ok. You were great company, we had an understanding. Oh Fred, sleep tight.....nothing can make your limbs limp tonight...your in lizardland I just hope you understand......I'm not going to get another little guy like you, cause you guys are too much money.