I had to put down Archimedes on Friday morning. The infection had crossed into his pelvic cavity, and was eating away at his spine, which according to the vet would be nearly unbearably painful for him. Additionally he was no longer able to to have significant bowel movements, in addition to atrophy that was becomning extensive in his good leg, most likely due to lack of nerve activity coming through the infection in his spine.
It was an awful decision to make, but my vet, who is phenomenal, said that it was truly the best one for Archimedes. Thank goodness for X-Rays, so that I could see for myself the devestation that had been rendered on his poor body. Even at the very end, the vet commented on what a beautiful Uromastyx he was, which in a way made it even harder.
Archimedes was buried in our family "pet cemetary" in WI, Friday evening. I keep thinking I am over the worst of the loss, but then I find myself on the very edge of tears *again* as I write this.
Archie was a very special lizard, who enjoyed freaking parents out (he used to sit on my shoulder while I organized the parking of cars on our lawn during football games while in college), watching TV, sleeping under working subwoofers and befriending crickets (though almost never eating them). He is survived by his "brother" Mosca, myself, and various other animal and human family members.
His loss has left an enormous gap in my heart, but may he once again be happy, painfree, and enjoying newfound freedom in his special place in heaven.
With sadness,
Elizabeth
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1.0 Mali Uro Archimedes
0.0.1 Egyptian Uro Zuberi Mosca Khu (Mosca)
0.0 Fish
0.1 Sulcata Minnie
1.1 Iguanas Flik and Loki
0.1 Newfoundland Jasmine (RIP)
0.1 Feline Winter
Indiana & Wisconsin
and basking in the warm sunshine, as he tells all the other animals how wonderful YOU are 
