Did I get a "rebound" pet?

[haileytaco]

Hi, I used to own A bearded dragon who was five years old and sadly died due to cronic sand impaction (I used to think sand was ok). I loved my boy so much and I was unaware he had any health issues until 2 weeks before his death. I thought that he would be okay though his ill time but when we went back to the vet for the fourth time in two weeks, we got new medicine for him and he died that night. He was the first pet which I had a very strong bond with, and I miss him very much. I have since had several dreams about him in which we are happy and he is alive and well again. I happened to get a baby Rankins dragon four days after he died, and I'm wondering if this is a rebound pet? I'm having trouble naming this Rankins dragon and am still having the dreams about my old Beardie. I am getting another Rankins Dragon today which is from the same clutch as it was recommended from the breeder to have 2 of the females rather than just one. If my new Dragon is a rebound pet, what should I do?

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

I am sorry you lost your beloved dragon. Anytime you lose a pet, it is extremely devastating & you lose part of your soul along with them.
If you did get him in haste, maybe try to look at it in a way of healing & try to accept him/her into your world as you did your dragon. I am quite sure that your dragon would want you to help out another dragon & give them a good life, too.

I am sure it is an adjustment for you though not having him around.
Hopefully you will start to form a bond with your new rankins.

Tracie

 

[Heyimbrit]

I know how you feel because I'm having the exact same problem right now. I had to put one of my dragons down a few weeks ago and I'm still upset by it. I still cry when I think of him or look at pictures of him. I don't know when I'll really be over him or IF I ever will.

I saw a dragon at a local pet store near me and started playing with him after Prince passed away. I ended up getting him because the store said he was mean and lowered his price dramatically. (He's actually the nicest beardie I've ever met. He LOVES to cuddle and hates being in his tank. He also trusted me right away the first time I ever picked him up and every time after that)

I was afraid to get him because nobody thought I was ready yet. ( I got him almost 2 weeks after I lost Prince) I was afraid of what my family and friends would think. I didn't want to get my new beardie to replace the one that I lost but I felt that I needed to fill the empty space somehow. They guy at the pet store said I had "Empty Tank Syndrome" and totally understood me when no one else did.

I've had my new guy for almost a week and I love him to death but sometimes I still feel like I got him just to fill the tank when in reality I wanted another beardie to keep me company. I have a baby beardie as well but she's too young to take out and play with every day. Having an adult that I can take the the store, let run around my room, and cuddle with is a feeling that not many people understand. I just wanted that bond that I had with Prince and I found it with another beardie. I guess in a way it feels like I cheated on Prince but it was for the best for me.

Sorry...I needed someone to hear how I'm feeling. There's nothing wrong with getting a rebound pet as long as you don't treat them like the one that you lost. They are their own animals so as long as you treat them that way and give them all the love that they deserve you should be fine.