10/22/2026
❤️ A MESSAGE FROM MY HEART TO OUR VANCOUVER ISLAND REPTILE ENTHUSIASTS FAMILY ❤️
I’ve been less present on social media lately because running this business, supporting our community, and advocating for reptiles has become more demanding than ever. I’ve realized I need to step back, breathe, and reconnect with why I started.
Yesterday, we lost Zinc—my boy, my heart, and the bearded dragon who helped shape everything I’ve built. 💔
Many of you know him from our banner, business cards, or T-shirts, but to me he was so much more. Zinc was one of the original members of this community and a major reason I became the advocate and educator I am today. He taught me to ask more questions, keep learning, and strive for better care.
He changed my standards, my goals, and my life. I don’t know where I would be without him.
For nearly 12 years, I’ve worked to make reliable reptile information, supplies, and support accessible to everyone. Throughout that time, I’ve been striving to help people make informed decisions, provide proper care, and learn without judgment.
None of us knows everything. What matters is being willing to learn, recognize mistakes, and do better for the animals who depend on us.
Zinc lived a long, healthy life, and I’m incredibly grateful. His passing has reminded me of the importance of supporting breeders who keep proper records, understand lineage and genetic history, and prioritize responsible breeding and veterinary care. Necropsies can sometimes help us understand what happened and protect other animals in the future.
We will continue breeding reptiles, but we are taking this opportunity to step back and focus more deeply on the foundation of what we built and the goals we have already been striving toward. All of our reptiles have known lineage, and we know what their parents look like. We have consistently put a great deal of thought and care into ensuring our animals are bred for proper structure and health before we ever consider colour or other traits.
Our priority has always been the health and well-being of our animals. Before we consider breeding, we make sure they are healthy, and we work to ensure the babies they produce are also healthy, thriving, happy, and able to live long, prosperous lives.
🖤 LOOKING AHEAD: A NEW CHAPTER FOR OUR COMMUNITY
With uncertainty surrounding reptile regulations and legislation, education, responsible husbandry, and advocacy are more important than ever. I will continue working toward a future where keepers have the resources and knowledge they need.
I’ve also had to accept that I’m only one person. The past few years have taken a lot out of me, so we are making changes.
We will be downsizing and focusing on education, quality products, custom enclosures, bioactive supplies, and accessible reptile care.
Our doors will remain open to anyone who genuinely wants to learn and do better. I may not always be available immediately, but my passion for this business and community remains.
❤️ TO EVERYONE WHO HAS SUPPORTED US: THANK YOU.
Thank you to everyone who has purchased from us, shared our posts, recommended us, asked questions, offered advice, helped other members, or trusted us for support.
You’ve helped make this community something far bigger than I imagined.
I dedicate this next chapter to Zinc. 🖤
He taught me to keep learning, improving, and fighting for better standards. He was part of the reason this community exists, and he will always be part of the reason I continue.
As we move forward, I’m returning to the foundation of everything I built: education, advocacy, accessibility, community, and a commitment to animals who cannot speak for themselves.
I’ll do my best to be more present while also giving myself space to regroup and build sustainably. I don’t know exactly what the future holds, but I know why I started—and Zinc will always be part of that.
Rest easy, my boy. Thank you for changing my world and giving me a reason to keep fighting for the others who need us. 🖤🦎
You were so much more than the face on our banner.
You were the heart behind so much of what we do.
With love and gratitude,
Vancouver Island Reptile Enthusiasts ❤️🖤
