In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, Amanda Rudolph’s son wished for a bearded dragon for his birthday. Initially, the new pet brought excitement, but as it grew, her son's enthusiasm faded. To her surprise, taking on the task of caring for the dragon reignited Rudolph’s long-lost passion for reptiles and opened up a new chapter in her life.
Through her research on bearded dragon care, Rudolph found a vibrant community of reptile enthusiasts. This helped her rediscover “Amanda”—not just as "Mom" or "wife," but as an individual with her own interests.
Today, Rudolph's home is filled with 23 dragons, and she has learned that each possesses a distinctive personality and strong bonding abilities, making them akin to the cats and dogs of the reptile world. Although they require significant care and attention, they reward their owners with affection and companionship.
Rudolph's family have also embraced the reptile-centric lifestyle. Becoming her cheerleaders and assistants, the children live out the Rudolph family motto, “teamwork makes the dream work.”
In June, Rudolph's passion culminated with the "Drippin Dragons Reptile & Exotic Pet Expo,” an event that exceeded expectations with a fantastic turnout of vendors, animals, sponsors, food trucks, and attendees. Rudolph's family played a crucial role in the event’s success, and the supportive community made it all possible. The expo allowed first-timers to conquer their fears, interacting with animals they once found terrifying. Encouraged by the event's success, Rudolph is already planning the next expo.
DrippinDragons.com | @drippindragons
“Bearded dragons aren’t fish; they’re similar to dogs, but less messy. Before bringing
one home, research and make sure you’ve got the time to care for it.”
Through her journey with bearded dragons, Rudolph has not only found a new sense of self but also built a vibrant community around her, here in Dripping Springs and beyond. Her experience highlights the joys and rewards of caring for these unique pets and the profound impact they can have on a family’s life.