I do really well with the WDs but I tried my hand at some beardy hatchlings - I think I got them too young or something (I don't know). They were so tiny and NOT cheap. The first one went into some sort of shock in its first shedding and wouldn't eat or anything. I tried so hard - he went real quick (did not even get the chance to take him to the vet). The second one lasted six months - he was sweet and got attached to me too but both he and my parakeet, Jade, died on the same day. I often wonder if they both got sick from the same thing - airborn something or other? They were Rankins dragons. Anyhow, I was devestated by losing them both that now - I'm just going to try to rescue or rehome juveniles or adult dragons (of different species eventually). Too many risks with the littler ones it seems. And so many older ones that need a second chance for one reason or another. Yes, looking into their eyes does touch you heart and soul. Everyone at work just thinks I am crazy for loving my WDs so much - just a lizard to them. What do they know right? But, I share my photos and stories with some of my pals and they think they are cool. Everyone else can just bite me. LOL.

I take it you like my signature? I LOVE the whole bite me thing... same way I feel... If someone doesnt like the fact Im taking in these critters whom no one wants... They can bite me too! Lol... My mom tells me they are just snakes, or lizards, or frogs... but to me, they are like my kids... I love them just as much as I do my kids, I take them to a dr when they are sick, just like my kids, I play with them, I feed them, I clean up after them... just like I do with my kids... I tell everyone whats really awesome about having reptiles... Is that you dont have to do their laundry... you just have to pick up their shed, and put it in the trash lol (I hate doing laundry lol) So do you know of any really good WD books?

__________________
"We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals." ~ Immanual Kant

"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened." ~ Anatole France

I recently was in a pet store with a baby boa that had respiratory infection, I told the staff, and they asked me what to do about it. I told them up the heat and humidity, and see the vet for antibiotics. He said he had to contact the owner first. I only hope he did, the baby was feeling miserable. I also took a bearded dragon home once from a pet store, as he was not breathing well, I am not sure what he had. He did not live long enough to get to the vet. We had rehydrated him, but he was doing very poorly. My kids say I have sucker written all over me.

i was in a chain petstore today and I saw a frog probably taking its last breath of air. He was laying upside down, legs all spread out. I told the store manager. When she took it out of the enclosure it sort of wiggled a little, but that was about it.

__________________
My name is Liz
Do what's best for the animal, not what's best for you.

I have not purchased a pet from a petstore. I purchased my WD from a reptile breeder - the same one that I bought the Bearded Dragons from (but I do not think that their passing was at the fault of the breeder as they were healthy when I bought them). I would buy from him again - but I will not do the hatchling thing again (at least not for now). If one landed in my lap I would do everything in my power to care for it. But, my comfort level is with the adults really (or juveniles). I am contstantly pointing things out to the petstores when I notice them - I would hope that there would be some requirement for experience if you will be dealing directly with the critters they have there - but, not so much from what I have found. I am lucky that my local petsmart has a guy that is great with reptiles (because he owns and really loves them too). So, I am confident with the advice that he gives me. I hate seeing them handled badly - almost like they are insignificant to a dog, cat, or something fuzzy. My WDs are just as loyal and loving with me as my two dogs are - and just as intelligent (if not smarter) too. They totally ROCK.

I went back to brand X pet store to buy more froz rats for my snakes, and the little guy was gone... So hopefully someone bought him that will get him vet care, or the manager took him herself... anyways Im still desperatly looking for a good WD book, Ive found tons online but dont want to spend 30 bucks on somthing comparibe to a childrens book...lol if anyone would send a few reccomendations this way I would be sooo happy!

__________________
"We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals." ~ Immanual Kant

"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened." ~ Anatole France