Prologue:
Piper brought changes to the household this year when she, through clever manipulation, slide presentations, and likely out-and-out lies, convinced us to let her get a bearded dragon. And, full confession, I ♥ him! Nugget (Nugs, Nuggie) is like the grandson I’ve never had. I buy him cute outfits, I snuggle with him, I bring him treats of arugula and crickets, and he rides around on my shoulder. He’s been an emotional-support pet for Piper as he accompanies her to parades, Farmer’s Markets and holiday bazaars, and now that he has his own 10 gallon “RV” (instead of his 40 gallon home tank), he is able to do weekend trips with us as well. (Plagiarized from my 2023 Christmas letter.)
The idea of adopting a bearded dragon was concieved over a year ago, probably when Piper saw one at the local PetSmart. Art Gecko had been rehomed over a year ago when Piper (‘s mother) realized how much her interest had waned, so another terranium wasn’t up for debate. I held strong until Dwayne was in CA and Piper and her BFF presented a PowerPoint detailing all the reasons getting a beardie was a not a whim but a carefully thought out plan with growth opportunities and benefits. Their plan was doomed to fail. Until they were halfway through the presentation, and I realized I needed to Zoom Dwayne in so he could hold strong.
We both caved like my willpower at Trader Joe’s in December.
And just like that, I used up my 13 gigs of storage on WordPress. (Otherwise, there would have been more pictures of Nugget, believe you me.) I’ll be at the drawing board, if anyone needs me.
Needopedia 