Some of our most Memorable Misfits

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Draco was one of our all time favorites. He came to us from a hard life of being misunderstood and neglected as a result, but flourished with love and patience. He grew to be strong and fond of human interaction instead of afraid of it. He was gentle and curious. Unfortunately, from his poor start in life-- he had progressing abscesses in his lungs that he was being treated for long term, that he ultimately succumbed to.

Albus came from a long term, loving home that fell on hard times. He took some warming up, as he was very bonded to them-- but has since grown to love us as his new family. He joined our Ambassador team to travel to events and educate people about reptiles!

Toothless was a hatchling bearded dragon who came to us after their owner became frustrated with his slow eating and broke his jaw. Our wonderful vet was able to repair it, and he lived for about a year before it was apparent that he had sustained other injuries and he died peacefully in his sleep after his favorite meal.

Myrtle came to us from a commercial seller after it was found out that she has an incurable blood parasite and was unable to be sold. She is the sweetest turtle, and enjoys spending her days interacting with my family-- as I fell so in love I adopted her as my own pet!

Arthur was a bearded dragon that was owned in a pair, by a small child. Naturally, he and his tank mate were neglected-- but their neighbors stepped in and took the pair to try and help. When they realized the true scope of the damage, they called us and we happily took the both of them! We nursed Arthur for months around the clock and brought him back from the brink of death. He lived out his golden years being doted on and tucked in nightly.

Fawkes is a true example of resilience and perseverance. As our first ever medical case, Fawkes and I learned together. After receiving second and third degree burns from an improper setup coupled with severe neglect, Fawkes was in dire shape. It took years to fully heal the burned areas, but he remains blind. However, it doesn't affect his attitude or personality one bit and he has remained here at the rescue to ensure that the rest of his days are the best of his days!

Taco came unexpectedly one day, dropped off in a taco bell box. It was immediately apparent that he had sustained serious neurological and spinal injuries. He was heavily disabled and required constant specialized care and diet. Just as we thought we were making real progress with motor skills, he began exhibiting severe GI symptoms and we found out that he was one of the increasing bearded dragon subjects presenting with neuroendocrine tumors. We then switched to hospice type care, and cared for him around the clock until he passed.

Hagrid came to us beloved by his previous owner, who cared for him diligently for almost 13 years. We knew right away when he arrived that he would make a fantastic ambassador animal, and he has never disappointed. He is a gentle giant who loves everyone he meets! He is into his golden years, and has retired to his life of luxury and pampering, spending every nice day we have outside.

Pickett was a veiled chameleon who was so neglected that when he arrived-- all of his legs had been broken, he had a sinus infection that had progressed into an encapsulated tumor and collapsed his eye as a result (rendering him partially blind). We worked for the rest of his life to make him as healthy as he could get and adapt his world to give him the happiest and most comfortable life possible. He enjoyed interacting with us and taught many people about the intense commitment to care that specialty reptiles require. 

Starfish is a leopard gecko that came in with a highly advanced sinus infection that had progressed into a large hardened tumor-- preventing her from both seeing and eating. After immediate emergency surgery by our amazing vet, she was on the long road to recovery... and a long road it was. She was unable to see and eat solids for so long after surgery we were worried that it would never happen. But she never gave up, and made slow progress until eventually she could catch her own food! Today she is so miraculously recovered you can't even tell she was ever injured!

Tina and Queenie were part of an experimental breeding project gone wrong. They were both born with deformities that prevented them from living their lives unassisted. They came to us to give them the most comfortable time possible on earth-- and we did just that. Unfortunately, their time was short even though their impact was large.

Sybill was by and far the most beautifully tempered king snake I had ever met in my life. She changed my view on the breed forever with her sweet, curious nature and her calm demeanor. This snake was so well mannered, she could be hand fed! She was an integral part of our ambassador team, and could be held by anyone-- even the smallest of children-- without any worry. She ultimately developed an inoperable tumor in her GI tract and died peacefully in her favorite hide. But she will be forever remembered by the people who were "terrified of all snakes" until they met her.