We hardly knew you, Lt. Jackson

Well, after the mite episode (almost eradicated, one more tank cleaning and one more lizard to have three consecutive days of zero mites), the ladies became so tired they have all decided to enter brumation somewhat earlier than last year. Brumation is the term used for reptiles hibernating - they often still wake up, but it is their bodies' sort of regeneration time - and when they fully awake or arise from this suspended state, they are ready for the mating season.

But one won't be joining them. Lt. J, or Lt. Jackson, a young adult, daughter of General Jackson and the late Angel, departed this world. We thought she had overcome all obstacles, and we were particularly pleased she would keep the spirit of General going. You see, General Jackson started all this fuss about Bearded Dragons, and General is a runt, last of the litter, with some deformed digits. Well, Lt. J was born with a single claw on her right foot instead of a proper full leg and foot with digits and claws. We did not think she'd make it, but she was more than a survivor - she was a realist. She used that single digit claw more efficiently than the other lizards used their good appendages.

We laughed at her antics as she became a proficient climber - you name it, she climbed it! And she never complained or used it as a "pity me" ploy. She ran with the best of them after the crickets, and would patiently wait her turn for meal worms. She was a lady, through and through, just like her mom is.

We don't know what happened. As a young adult she may have been going into her first brumation, but her tank mates still aren't into that stage. She'd been a bit quieter than usual for the past week or so, hiding under the tunnel log, but the females often did that to escape Zeus' constant amourous advances. She still came out to say hi, and wander the tank, and the night before she sat on the top of the branches with Zeus calmly at her side. In the morning she greeted the world, but did not eat.

And by the time Justin, (see All Reptiles Great and Small ) the boy that started us on all these lizards, (see She waits for him ) returned home from school, he found his second favourite lizard resting beside the branch - out in the open to be found - to say one final goodbye, we think.

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