Hello! I’m Danielle Laybourn. Welcome to my blog! Your go‑to spot for everything axolotl care.
I live in Tacoma, Washington (though I’m Seattle‑born and bred), with my husband Jeff and our quirky crew: three grown kids, Elijah, Dakota, Nik, and a granddaughter who’s already smitten with our slimy princess, Lucy.
By trade, I wear a few hats:
- CEO and co‑owner of Water Out South Puget Sound
- Broker at Hawkins‑Poe
- Former document‑security consultant, real‑estate broker, and vinyl‑sales rep
School days? Rockwell Institute, Holloway Institute in Michigan, Curtis and Lakes High. But trust me, nothing taught me more than that first, neglected axolotl in a six‑gallon tank.
Lucy’s Rescue Journey
On December 3, 2022, I rescued Lucy. She was cold, cramped, and living on gravel. Fast forward: we ditched the gravel for fine sand, bumped her from 6 gal to a cycling 20 gal long, and added cozy hides. We battled impaction. She’s passed five of eight swallowed rocks (with help from an amphibian vet!), and discovered she LOVES pellets, Repashy Grub Pie, and salmon bits.
Now? She glides through her aquarium like royalty. She even paused mid‑swim to “read” through Jeff’s lost glasses. True story!
What You’ll Find Here
I’ve built this site to share everything I’ve learned:
- Setup and Cycling: Step‑by‑step guides to get your tank running smoothly.
- Health and Nutrition: Tips for feeding, preventing impaction, and working with vets.
- Fun Anecdotes: Because part of the joy is the quirks: like Lucy’s “freeze frame” swims and her love of sandy hills!
If you’re just learning about axolotls or you’re troubleshooting a rescue, you’ll find clear, tested advice here.
Let’s Chat!
Got questions? Troubleshooting tank cycle? Or just want to share your own rescue tale? I’m all ears.
📧 admin@axolotlcare.com
📸 Instagram: @lotlcare
Dive in, explore, and let’s keep our little water dragons happy and healthy, together.