GIS# 060 Tampa, FL Listed with the Green Iguana Society on September 6, 2001. Found new home on October 7, 2001.

George's owners, Wendy and Greg Samuels, listed him with us on September 6, 2001. They sent three fantastic photos of George and we knew right away that it wouldn't take long to find a new home for him. Wendy said in her first letter to us, "We love our Georgie dearly and will be sad to see him go. We are going to start a family soon, and will not have the time needed to really care for him. Rather than neglect him, we would like to find a home where he would be happy. George is very important to me, and I want to be sure he is going to a place where he will be happy."

After a few people quickly showed interest in George, it didn't take long for Wendy to get in touch with Christian Jimenez who lives in Miami. Within a short time, arrangements were made, and Wendy decided that Christian and his wife would be the perfect new owners for George. Wendy sent us a letter and photos from that day.... "It's been 3 days, and I have tears in my eyes as I write you. George's adoption was quite successful, and I want to be sure to share my side of the story with you. I also have some pictures of the event."

"I called and talked to Christian's wife last week. A few minutes later he called me. He was so excited about George. After talking with him for a while I knew he was the right one for George, so I offered to drive him down. Christian volunteered to drive up. They got here around 10 am on Sunday and spent about two hours with us. George went right to Christian. He acted like he had known Christian and his wife all his life. He's normally skiddish around new people - but maybe it's because they're not iguana people. Christian and his wife definitely are. They spent some time getting to know George, hand feeding him, and learning his behaviors. I showed them his baby book, and we talked about everything. We got everything together and loaded the truck."

"I cannot say enough about Christian and his wife. They were both so genuine, and even my skeptical husband felt very comfortable about them. They have promised to stay in touch, and I think I may have to drive to Miami for a visit sometime. The interesting thing came when it was time to leave. They were in a small pickup, so George had to ride in the cab of the truck. It took a while for him to settle down. I've attached a picture of him looking out the window."

"As they drove off, I cried and cried...I miss him, and I am going to miss him for a long time. But I know he will be happy in Miami. He'll be outside on a screened patio with ½ sun and ½ shade - and he'll be able to stay out all year. Plus, he will have two people who have time and lots of love for him. They called to let me know they made it safely - and George was sitting on the couch eating raspberries and collard greens. The fact that he was eating is a really good sign. He never eats when he's stressed. One funny little story....when he finally settled down, he stretched out across the dash of the truck. They got a lot of interesting looks going through the toll booth. I really have to thank you for what you are doing. I had no idea it would be so easy to find a really good home for George. I know his life will be richly blessed, and I really appreciate that! Thanks so much." - a very teary eyed Wendy