Darwin

[xp29]

This makes me happy and breaks my heart at the same time. He is still a very handsome little man. I'm glad he is getting to enjoy himself.

 

[NickAVD]

Beautiful photos. I am sad and tears are full of my eyes when I read your post, but I'm glad for Darwin, I'm glad that he managed to go to the MN and enjoy him favorite ice cream.

 

[AHBD]

That is really sweet, your care of Darwin has kept him going and although he's slowed way down he looks content . That's all you could ask for under these circumstances. It looks like a wonderful place and I'm glad your family had such a nice time.

 

[ChileanTaco]

Thank you for the update and yes, as sad as it is that he's slowly declining, I'm really happy that he still has the quality of life he has And a big "thank you" is what I'm saying, as Taco's "wormgiver"

 

[acidburn01]

A Craigslist ad came up over the weekend for a dragon who was to be re-homed to make room for a salt water aquarium. Based on the photos, the little guy looked pretty skinny and needed some quick help to find a good home. Today we brought home our new buddy Darwin (named after the Northern Territory capital in Australia). He is very calm and curious/alert, but he is skin and bones and quite dehydrated looking. When we got him home, we offered him some water via syringe. He was skittish at first but once he figured out I was offering water he started lapping it up non stop for about 10 minutes. Of course I overdid it a bit and he wound up storing some in his beard which I promptly pushed out.

After that, he was more alert but still skittish so I put him in his tank. He sat on the log for a minute and then started licking around. I put him near the water bowl and he immediately dunked his head in and started drinking. After a few more rounds of that, he's content on his basking spot all pancaked out acting like he's never seen good UVB exposure before. He's got nose sheds going so he's rubbing his face on the logs a bit now.

He's quite a calm, curious little guy and I look forward to getting to know him. He has quite a bit of work to do in terms of getting his fat pads restored and building his muscles back up but I'm pretty confident at this point. I'll make a salad for him later once he's settled in a bit and see if he wants to eat. I'll introduce some bugs in the next few days but don't want to shock his system as I'm not sure what his routine or diet was before so we'll start from scratch with water.

I weighed him at 318g and he's about 18in long. He's estimated to be a year old but I wasn't able to get any of his history so I'll just go with what I've got. Here are some photos and videos of him.
Just after we picked him up

Getting some water via syringe

Video:

First look at his new home

Drinking from his water bowl

Video:

I know this post is several years ago, but what do you mean water stored in the beard and you pushed it out.? Like, what does that look like.? My boy, Nubby, flattens out like that when he drinks and he always drinks *a ton* and afterward, he's breathing real hard and forced and will hold his mouth open a bit while doing it. I've never heard of them getting water in their beards, I thought their beard was like a pouch where water/food sits before they swallow it or something.

 

[CooperDragon]

I know this post is several years ago, but what do you mean water stored in the beard and you pushed it out.? Like, what does that look like.? My boy, Nubby, flattens out like that when he drinks and he always drinks *a ton* and afterward, he's breathing real hard and forced and will hold his mouth open a bit while doing it. I've never heard of them getting water in their beards, I thought their beard was like a pouch where water/food sits before they swallow it or something.

It meant that he would drink more than he could swallow right away and would just let it sit in his beard. He eventually swallowed it, but it was a behavior I hadn't seen before at the time. I just rubbed his beard a bit with my finger and he swallowed the rest of the water without issue.

 

[CooperDragon]

I'm sad to report that Darwin died last night. He went downhill pretty quickly like these guys tend to do. I was at home with him and was able to hold him on my chest and make him as comfortable and secure as possible at the end. I'm really going to miss that little guy. We went on a ton of adventures. I'm glad I cataloged it all here so I can go back and read about them. He was able to visit 21 states over the years and seemed to love every road trip we went on. His energy and curiosity allowed him to explore any new places without skipping a beat.

 

[NickAVD]

Oh, no! Darwin was the first dragon I met on this forum, reading your thread. I reread it several times and each time I found something new about your adventures with him. I write and tears come to my eyes. But I am consoled by the fact that he was very happy with you and you gave him a wonderful life.
I believe that now he is in a place with many sunny days and tasty bugs and many adventures await him.
Rest in peace little Darwin.

 

[xp29]

I'm sad to report that Darwin died last night. He went downhill pretty quickly like these guys tend to do. I was at home with him and was able to hold him on my chest and make him as comfortable and secure as possible at the end. I'm really going to miss that little guy. We went on a ton of adventures. I'm glad I cataloged it all here so I can go back and read about them. He was able to visit 21 states over the years and seemed to love every road trip we went on. His energy and curiosity allowed him to explore any new places without skipping a beat.

Man I'm so sorry to hear of his passing You gave him a great life, but I know knowing that doesn't stop the hurt. Please accept my deepest condolences
Darwin's adventures and tales was inspirational to me in the beginning of my journey with beardies. I'm continually astounded how a little lizard can touch so many people all over the world. It's truly a testament to how great they are.
Rest in Peace Darwin

 

[acidburn01]

I'm sad to report that Darwin died last night. He went downhill pretty quickly like these guys tend to do. I was at home with him and was able to hold him on my chest and make him as comfortable and secure as possible at the end. I'm really going to miss that little guy. We went on a ton of adventures. I'm glad I cataloged it all here so I can go back and read about them. He was able to visit 21 states over the years and seemed to love every road trip we went on. His energy and curiosity allowed him to explore any new places without skipping a beat.

Oh no, that's so sad. I'm so sorry. You gave Darwin the best life he could have ever possibly had. It's so hard loosing these little guys. They may be cold-blooded but I know they make bonds just as well, if not stronger than, cats and dogs.

I know he'll never forget the kindness you showed him when you saved his life.

 

[ChileanTaco]

I'm just reading this after coming home from travel. RIP cool and brave guy, you were really special, Darwin!
And a big "thank you!" to you @CooperDragon for having cared for him so well making him able to become this cool and brave guy

 

[Claudiusx]

I'm so sorry Liam.

RIP Darwin.

-Brandon

 

[AHBD]

So very sorry to hear this, he was a special scaly boy that was not just a pet but also a companion. He went on so many adventures with you and you really gave him the best life he could have. My deepest condolences to you for this loss.

 

[Esther19]

I am so sorry. Sincere condolences and prayers as you navigate the difficult time ahead.
May Darwin rest in peace and happiness as he awaits you at the Rainbow Bridge.

 

[Xjrosie]

I'm so sorry. I just saw this, as I have had a lot going on and haven't been back to visit in a long time. My deepest condolences.