General Jackson, Genny-ru, friend extraordinaire. You were the one that started it all. Our first lizard, bearded dragon, Pogona Vitticeps. You helped Justin (and us) through trying times of growing up, and learning to accept the world and self. See She waits for him
There was an instant bond between the two of you - when Justin went to the tank for a final "pick out" - you scrambled over all the larger lizards and desperately tried to get Justin's attention - it worked! The runt of the litter - the sales people tried to talk you, Justin, into another - you just immediately said "that's the one" - and both of you were right in your decision to choose each other.
We thought you were male, General - and greeted you with "General Jackson, me buddy". When we found out your true calling, we stopped with that greeting - and you were insulted, rightly so. More than anything I could ever do - you showed the males in this household that we should all be treated equally - a greeting is for THAT person, not because of gender, but because it suits the person.
You defied all books on nature - you were the first lizard to learn where your home tank was - and how to climb into a laundry basket during the day to be near your best friend's smell. You recognized his voice - I'd come home and call out and get no reaction - Justin would enter the house with a quick hello and you'd start scrambling in your tank to get to him.
You taught Justin trust, acceptance and love. When he'd have a hard time at school or with friends - you'd be there for him, patiently listening to him, and then encouraging him to play with you. I have never seen another lizard play tag. He taught it to you, but you learned it - and you taught him that he DID have an effect on those around him - in a positive way. You adored him, no matter what - as he grew and became more involved in other activities more suited to a teenager - you would patiently wait. You would never reproach him with anything more than a look and a swish of your tail in that certain way - and he'd know he was remiss in his attention to you. And you would then be rewarded with his undivided attention - and you would be happy and content. He would realize that he still needed to treat you as the friend and lady that you were - with respect and caring. That has become an essential part of him.
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