We've been thinking about something at Lizzy's Lotyls that is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. We are now being contacted approximately three times a week by people asking if we can take axolotls they can no longer keep. Some surrender requests involve two, three, four, or even five axolotls at a time. And here's the part that's important: We produced none of these animals. These aren't animals coming back to us from our own breeding program. They are axolotls produced elsewhere...

From the new owner: "I wanted to give you a little update on “Sensational Strength”! The post office near me received her on Tuesday and let me know that I could come and pick her up if I didn’t want to wait on her delivery scheduled for Wednesday, so I was able to bring her home earlier than anticipated! So far she’s doing great- she acclimated well, no signs of stress, and was happy to get a snack. She’s getting along wonderfully with her new tankmate, no troubles with nipping at all! ...

There is a big difference between simply having axolotls that reproduce versus operating a breeding program that is built around the long-term health, genetics and welfare of the animals. A backyard breeder may have a few animals, produce a clutch and find homes for the babies. A large retailer operates on an entirely different model, where animals move through a commercial supply chain. Neither comparison really describes what we do at Lizzy’s Lotyls. Our goal isn't simply to produce...