I am so so sorry! I hope you can find a good vet that is available now. Please tell Chloe that whatever happens she is doing an excellent job taking care of him and Ragnarock knows this.
He's gone. I wish I knew what went wrong and I feel like we are to blame (as parents) for not educating ourselves better on bearded dragons. I just have a tremendous sense of guilt and feel so awful for my daughter. Thank you all so much for the wonderful information and support you offered up. I know many people in my personal life who wouldn't understand why my daughter and I are so upset and affected over this so it makes me feel better to pour all this out to you kind people.
I am so very sorry for your loss but, please do not beat yourself up over this. Many times owners that rehome their animals, or pet shops will not have the proper care advice to new owners. We have all been through it and have had to change many things in our husbandry. There is a lot of conflicting information out there and you did what you thought was right by your dragon. That being said, I hope you don't give up and will in the future get another baby to love. Just make sure all is correct before bringing one home so he has a happy healthy place to live. They really are amazing creatures and real snuggle bugs. Again this is probably not your fault so please don't beat yourself up over it. I do hope and pray you and your family heal from losing your baby. God bless!
I'm sorry too, and agree with previous post- there is a lot of info out there that suggests that bearded dragons are the perfect, easy reptile to start with, and lots on anecdotal info out there to refute those claims. things can go "south" very fast with these guys, and it's so unfortunate that people may become disillusioned with beardies based on a first experience such as yours- there are many things that could've gone wrong, none of which would've had anything to do with your good intentions, so all you can do is honor your beardie that's gone now, and take it from there.
i'm sorry for your loss...
I'm so very sorry to hear about Ragnarock. It hurts so bad to lose one, gives you an empty hole in your heart. Blaming yourselves isn't going to help anything at all, will just make you feel worse. Please be sure and tell Chloe that her special beardie loved her very much and that he is now at peace.
We are here if you need to talk and many of us know the horrible feeling of losing a beardie. They are amazing creatures and a lot of people don't realize that they can be as loving as a dog or cat, if not more so.
If it makes you all feel better, leave his lights on for at least a couple of days as looking at a dark tank right away is devastating.
I am so sorry he didn't make it! We do understand your pain, as losing a pet, no matter what kind, is losing a member of your family. There are many people here that you can talk to, and there's even a section for "Beardie Memorials" where you and Chloe can share pictures and your memories of your time with Ragnarock.
As mentioned, it's not your fault, so please don't blame yourselves. You are obviously caring and loving owners and I'm sure he knew that!
Accompanied by a resourceful site and supportive members, I hope in time you do try again when you're ready.
If you or Chloe need anyone to talk to, we're all here for you!
Much love,
Julie