Getting a special needs bearded dragon !

[Lish]

Hi, I want an opinion from people who have bearded dragons and also to scream. I have been looking around and seen a post for a bearded dragon. This person who i contacted said that the dragon maybe blind and does not eat alot. It has to be feed by hand, and it will not keep down a lot of food. I asked him if they would be willing to negotiate on the price and he told me that if i just want it then i could have it for free. But he was willing to go half price on the cage.
First of all, how do you not know what is wrong with your bearded dragon? Ever heard of a vet? It cost $40 to get a visit here.
I am going to purchase the bearded dragon and go to the vet asap and see what we can do to make him/her better. It really makes me upset that people get these as pets and do not research them and set them up before the purchase. I have been researching for over 6 months, my mother in law did the same thing on just getting one and worrying about what it takes later. I still take care of it for her !!!
Oh and found out by taking hers to the vet (Which i did that too!!!!) That her baby is a special needs also. Neualogical problems and can not use the front legs to walk with.
These creatures need specific things and for people who get them on a whim........ I don't know it just really upsets me that they have to suffer someone elses stupidity.
I know that people think they are just so cool looking and yes i will agree that they are.
BUT, do not get one if you are not ready for the responsibility. You have to be ready to do what is necessary to take care of them. I have found that they need companionship. They love to be touched and held. My mother in laws bearded dragon loves it when i kiss her under her chin. When she is mad and starts to turn black i pick her up and start kissing her there and she turns back the bright orange she is suppose to be. She loves it. And no !, It does not bother me a bit.
But all in all i just do not understand people.
I will be picking up my new bearded dragon this weekend, so i will post pics and let everyone know how it is doing.
Let me know what you think cause i would love to hear how everyone feels about this !
http://s581.photobucket.com/albums/ss253/Lish1979/

UPDATE: 6/15/09
She is doing fine. She is blind but eating very well. Today she is being stubborn and will not let me feed her she wants to do it herself. Stubborn child but hey i will let her try. I have not been able to pick her up as of yet, but really have not tried cause i am wanting her to get use to me by touch and voice. If anyone has any suggestions on helping her eat by either hand or by herself please let me know. Everything helps.
I will try to post pics soon.
Thank you all for your help.

 

[leelasmom]

...It really makes me upset that people get these as pets and do not research them and set them up before the purchase.
...These creatures need specific things and for people who get them on a whim........ I don't know it just really upsets me that they have to suffer someone elses stupidity.
I know that people think they are just so cool looking and yes i will agree that they are.
BUT, do not get one if you are not ready for the responsibility. You have to be ready to do what is necessary to take care of them.
...Let me know what you think cause i would love to hear how everyone feels about this !

It sounds like you are doing the right thing!

I give you a lot of credit, because if it was me, I'd make them give me everything they have - no charge...

Don't you think that it takes a lot of nerve for them to try and charge you for the tank, when you are willing to take in a special needs pet that obviously, they can't be bothered with anymore? You will likely end up spending quite a bit of money on making sure it gets proper veterinary care and has the set-up it needs. Which again, I applaud you for being willing to do.

You know, I could write a book on how I feel about irresponsible pet owners. So to keep it short, if everyone who wanted a pet took their care seriously, then we wouldn't need animal shelters or rescuers.

 

[Jasper's Mom]

I think you are doing an amazing thing. Caring for a special needs dragon is in turns heartbreaking, wonderful, frustrating, wonderful, expensive, and wonderful. They are so much work but give so much back, and the feeling you get when they turn that corner and start to get better is indescribable. Every little improvement is cause for celebration. I wish you much luck with this poor little dragon. There are lots of us here who have experience with special dragons and we are all glad to help in any way we can.

 

[zebraflavencs]

I have a special needs dragon, Yardley, missing several toes, and his right back foot. I built a special viv, to exercise that back leg, and he is actually now stronger than the other two with all limbs !
Good for you !
Janie.