thinking back.

[coastergirl946]

I am not a beardie owner, but I have been on this forum for a while, especially since my boyfriend's beardie (Curt) became ill. Unfortunately, he passed away at the age of 3 1/2 this past Monday (he didn't even make it halfway to the normal life expectancy thanks to complications from being impacted .. all I have to say is that it was a horrible lesson to not use sand and that it can have lasting effects long after the sand is removed).
I feel terribly remorseful for not knowing everything that I needed to know to help Curt. I learned about how acidophiliz could have helped him the day before he died. I just learned today not to handle them after they have eaten or they can throw up, to let them bask afterward. He was getting impacted every time he ate to the point where he wasn't digesting his food.. even with baths, baby food prunes, correct temps, greens being provided, the correct size of food, and veterinary assistance. It got to the point where he was lethargic, black bearding with stress marks, and throwing up.. by that time, it was too late.
I would like to stay on this forum and learn as much as I can so that when I do get a beardie, I will be the absolute best owner that I can possibly be. I also want to thank all of the moderators and the long time members here who have PMed me and responded so quickly with caring and nonjudgmental advice when Curt needed help.

 

[Grogshla]

sorry to hear of you and your bf's loss.
Please stay on the forums and ask us anything u need.
Wishing you all the very best

 

[coastergirl946]

For future reference, what age of beardie would you suggest I get seeing as how I would be a first time owner? I don't care if it's a rescue or not, I will do everything in my power to give it the best life possible.

 

[Jess]

I'm so sorry about Curt.

My favorite age to get a beardie is around 2 years old. That is how old Dudley was when I adopted him, and he has been absolutely perfect. They aren't half as expensive to feed, and it's amazing how much less there is to worry about! Adult beardies can take care of themselves pretty well. My first beardie, Wink, was a very high maintenance and expensive rescue beardie because of all of his health problems, and I adopted him as a baby. After he passed away, I adopted Dudley from someone who was pregnant and didn't want their beardies anymore, and he is wonderful.

 

[coastergirl946]

I broke down crying the other night because it hit me that Curt is really gone. I took care of him, fed him, cleaned his tank, bathed him, helped him poop, sprayed/bathed him when he was shedding, let him run around and explore, etc. when my boyfriend was at work. I hand fed him when he was sick, held him on the way to the vet, and held and cuddled him when he was exhausted and in pain after pooping.
My boyfriend is telling people that I loved his pet more than he did.. I'm not sure that's true, but I feel as he said that I developed a kinship with him.. it hurts and I hate that he died in pain. He aspirated on his own vomit because he wasn't able to digest his food even though we were doing everything we could. I can't get past that, it hurts knowing he died in such a terrible way.
I'm really not looking forward to going to my boyfriend's house and not seeing Curt's viv there. That's going to sting.