HELOISE Response helped Jane become a Sol provider

Dear Readers: Here is a letter from Jane, one of my office assistants, who is now an iguana owner:
"A while back, iguana lovers everywhere were asked to send in any facts or hints they thought would help me care for my new iguana hatchling. Well, the response was terrific! I have learned so much about these wonderful, fascinating creatures that I thought it was time to share some of the letters.
"First and foremost, most everyone said to learn everything you can before you decide on an iguana for a pet. They need special lights, food and enclosures, and basically are very high-maintenance.
"My little guy, Sol (visit www.Heloise.com to see a photo), cost only $20, but I wound up spending more than $350 that night in a pet store before I knew it. I wish I had bought a book or at least checked the Internet for information. Then I would have been prepared. But he is so fun to watch, and I've really enjoyed experiencing his lizard world, so now I think it's worth it. But they are not good pets for children, and they can carry salmonella.
"I've also enjoyed the stories readers have shared about their 'iggies.' Though mine is still so young, I can see some of the same traits in Sol that other owners have experienced, like curiosity, clumsiness, affection and determination. I imagine that as he gets older, I will have a definite 'personality' living with me. I can only hope I've learned enough to be sure he'll stay healthy and be around for the next 20 years. Imagine living with a 4- to 6-foot lizard! Who would have thought?
"Thanks for the letters and photos. We'll pick some and put them on the Heloise Web site. So keep them coming! Read on for some interesting tidbits from iguana owners." Jane, Heloise's assistant
Elaine Williams of Reagan County Elementary School in Texas says: "In September 2001, the sheriff brought a towel-wrapped bundle into my fifth-grade schoolroom. He stated that a lady had called the sheriff's office saying, 'There's a lizard in my yard ... a big lizard!' He asked if my fifth-grade students would like to have the iguana. And so we have had it ever since. I did have the lizard tested for salmonella. We try to keep its cage extremely clean."
Sally says, "My iguanas have all been litter-box trained, scratch at the door when they want in or out, and have free run of the house and the front and back yards."
Karen says, "Iguanas are fascinating pets and are cute, fast-moving little green guys when young, but you should be extremely cautious about saying anything that would encourage an inexperienced person to acquire one."
Note: We would love to hear from other readers who have iguanas as pets. You can mail your story and/or photos to: Heloise, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, Texas 78279; fax to: (210) 435-6473 (HELOISE); or e-mail to: Heloise@Heloise.com. Heloise
King Features Syndicate