It sounds like they had some serious flaws in their husbandry. I'm sorry that your little girl didn't make it. It's unfortunate that she had to suffer because of a pet store's lack of caring and education. You did a good thing, trying to get her healthy. Bearded dragons are a big, but rewarding responsibility, and you are wonderful for taking in a beardie in poor condition as your first.This is awesome!!!
I had a beautiful baby girl beardie I named Fury- I used to work at Petsmart, and she was seizing in her enclosure- and since that wasn't " pleasing " and customers kept complaining, they were going to put her down as she wasn't selling.
I took her home instead, she had metabolic bone disease- she only grew a few inches before she passed away. She was my first bearded dragon, too. I loved her so much and I wanted her to live a happy life but she deteriorated after a year and I had to put her to sleep.
It is so heartwarming seeing someone else able to take on such an amazing animal with such a difficult disease.
I can't wait to hear more about her! Nice job!
I'm thankful that Ruth appears to have only mild to moderate MBD.