It was quick, I would like to believe she didn't suffer, and I was able to euthanize her myself. She was gone within 20 seconds, and believe me I know because I was counting
Lizzie was a 3yr old, German giant female dragon.
She has produced 2 clutches of eggs for me this season.
Months ago, I believe I posted about it too, Lizzie became extremely aggressive. Biting at her cagemates both male and female. Causing open wounds. I took it as she wanted to be by herself...consulted my vet and he agreed.
So I caged her by herself.
But she would bath with the others, and be fine with it. So I started short interactions with her and the others.
Not long after, she was doing great, I left her in the enclosure with the others for a period of 2hrs while I ran to town. Didn't think twice as she was showing no signs of aggression for a while.
Came home to find one of my other dragons tail, crushed. Said tail had to be amputated. Lizzie went back to being on her own.
Same thing...she'd bath with the others, and only spend minimal time with the others.
Today, I was cleaning cages.
Stupidly, but innocently, I thought Lizzie would be fine in with the others for a brief moment. There was food in there, water, ample room.
The moment I put my hand with Lizzie in that enclosure, she lept off of my hand, and grabbed ahold of another dragon. Ironically, the same dragon ( female ) whose tail was amputated. My hand was still in there and I grabbed lizzie by the sides of her head and put pressure on the sides hoping to open her jaw. No way. I had to get my other hand in there and literally pry her jaws apart.
I put her back in her enclosure, and tended to Kiyomi's crushed lower leg/foot.
Came back to Lizzie, who was attempting to eat her own foot.
(((((
Called vet, then sent SOS online.....
Vet agreed that it sounded like something snapped in her and euthanasia was the only choice.
Through multiple responses, I found what I believe to be equal - almost as humane as vet induced euthanising.
RIP my sweet little girl. My poor sweet baby. I do not know, nor will I ever know, what happened to her.
This is the darling I took to reptile shows with me, perched upon my chest with no leash. She was a big girl, sweet girl....she would not move, 'less we passed the feeder table
I'm open to any idea's of what may have happened to Lizzie....why she "snapped", and am willing to answer questions.
But I beg of you, please do not insult, harass, or judge me for my decision. You may not agree and I respect that. But please, do not start personal attacks and flaming. especially during this time of loss. I mean come on, you may not agree, but no need to be a sadist in a persons rough time. The decision to euthanise does not come easy to any.
RIP my sweet baby.
Christina
Lizzie's story: my choice to euthanise
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