Neglected Beardie?

[55fingers]

What an awful situation! And it's way too complex to pretend I know exactly what I'd do if I was "in your shoes". I don't think anyone else can second-guess you either. Your mom is really flaky, the way her answers keep changing- & by now, I'm sure you realize this is not how people are supposed to be. Your mom actually seems to need help of some kind, but there's not much you can do about it.

I suppose you could pretend that you know nothing about "who called CPS" but whether or not you're a "good poker player" -ie. whether or not you can keep a straight- believable- face, only you can answer that. Your heart's in the right place, as far as your siblings & the animals, but don't beat yourself up if you can't "fix everything" at this point- you shouldn't have to, it's not your fault.

So don't take on more than what's realistic for YOU at this time in your life, just because you feel bad for the dragon- as we've both said, it's 13 years anyway at this point. There will ALWAYS be animals around that are easier to adopt & probably more suitable for you to "rescue" when & if you're ready- & truly, NONE of us can rescue them all. It's so heartbreaking, but true.

Don't let it get you down, okay? Take good care of yourself right now- keep your own life on the right track. It will get better- you'll see- the more you connect with & keep non-toxic people in your life, & tune out the ones that can only bring you down. From what you've said, calling CPS was the right call- let them do their job & hope for the best.

Thank you, your words genuinely help. It's a really tough situation where unfortunately not everyone can win. I have gone ahead and told her to keep the beardie. For now my priority is my siblings and I just have to wait and hope that CPS do their job to help build our case. Hopefully it will ultimately help us with the animals' welfare as well, in the long run.