A little reptile with a big personality finds the perfect place to belong.

Alex wasn’t your typical rescue. Unlike the dogs and cats we usually care for, Alex was a bright green chameleon with curious eyes and a quiet demeanor. He had been left behind in a small, empty tank after his previous owners moved away—forgotten and without proper food, heat, or care.

When a neighbor discovered him and brought him to Heart for Paws, Alex was weak and dehydrated. His vibrant colors had faded, and his tiny body showed signs of stress. But like so many of the animals we rescue, Alex had a spark in him—a will to live, adapt, and trust again.

Though caring for a chameleon was new territory for us, our team jumped into action. We created a safe, enriched environment with proper heat, humidity, and nutrition. Day by day, Alex’s colors began to return—literally. His skin shifted to brighter greens and blues, and his eyes began scanning his surroundings with renewed curiosity.

Alex quickly became a staff favorite. He had a calm, almost wise presence. He’d perch on his branch, quietly watching the world around him, occasionally extending his tongue in a slow, deliberate motion to catch a cricket (with impressive accuracy, we might add).

Then came Ellie, a reptile lover who had been looking for a chameleon companion and stumbled upon Alex’s story online. She was experienced in reptile care and touched by Alex’s journey. After a meet-and-greet and home inspection, Ellie officially adopted him.

Now, Alex lives in a spacious, custom-designed terrarium filled with branches, plants, and plenty of places to climb and explore. Ellie speaks to him like a member of the family, and while chameleons aren’t known for cuddles, Alex shows his appreciation in his own quiet, colorful way.

Alex’s story reminds us that every life matters—no matter how small, quiet, or different.
With compassion, knowledge, and a little bit of patience, even the most unexpected rescues can lead to the most beautiful new beginnings.