Hello beautiful soul!
Weeks ago, I noticed a beautiful iguana inside my patio enclosure. I had no idea how she entered so I kindly asked her to find her way back out.
I waited. And waited. And waited.
Weeks went by and still she clung to the sides of the screen, just out of reach of my net.
I grew worried.
She looked rather thin.
I know what you're thinking....how does one determine if an iguana is too thin?
She also appeared dehydrated.
Again, I know what you're thinking....
I suspected she might be depressed.
I know, I know.
Alas, this is the burden of an animal empath.
I propped open the patio doors to encourage her exit.
She remained, and summoned 2 mourning doves and a male cardinal as company.
That was an exciting couple of hours.
The birds finally left, but not the iguana.
I didn't want to call wildlife control for the obvious reasons that an animal empath doesn't want to call wildlife control.
I consulted Chat GPT who recommended I put out some fruit and fresh water.
I sacrificed one of my best mangoes and nectarines.
She didn't even take a bite.
Finally, I went outside and had (another) stern talk with her.
I let her know that it was my wish for her to live a full and vital life outside my patio.
I let her know that I was feeling trapped and anxious for her.
I let her know that I would prop the door open (only slightly this time) so that she could easily leave.
Sometime later that day, she crept out into the wide world.
I felt her liberation in my own body.
A few days later, I heard a light scratch at my window.
It was my friend.
She came back (this time outside of my patio) to show me she was ok.
And to thank me.
I know what you're thinking....
How does one determine that an iguana is expressing gratitude?
You just know.
She even smiled and posed for the photo you see above.
