Scaley Addictions

The quickest way to make an enemy of me is to neglect or be cruel to animals. Anyone who knows me knows that has always been a line I will not tolerate being crossed.

From day one, our adoption paperwork clearly states that if life changes and you can no longer care for an animal adopted from us, we will take that animal back. No questions. No judgment. I'd rather receive an animal back healthy and loved than see it suffer because someone is struggling to provide proper care.

Today, I received a heartbreaking reminder of why that policy exists.

I was contacted by the spouse of someone who adopted an animal from us because the adopter had left the animal behind. When she arrived back in our care, she was barely recognizable. Her toenails were severely overgrown. She was lethargic. She had no interest in food. Most shocking of all, she was roughly a third of the size she was when she was adopted over two years ago.

For those who don't understand reptiles, this isn't normal.

Reptiles have very specific husbandry requirements. They need proper heat, proper lighting, proper nutrition, and proper care. They are not decorations. They are not social media props. They are not animals you post pictures of to make yourself look like an advocate while failing to provide the basic care they need behind closed doors.

Seeing an animal come back in this condition is unacceptable.

I am disappointed, angry, and most of all heartbroken for the animal that had no voice and no choice.

Please, if you have adopted an animal from us and your circumstances change, contact us. We will help. We will take the animal back. We will work with you. There is absolutely no shame in admitting you can no longer provide the care an animal needs.

But allowing an animal to deteriorate to this point before seeking help is not okay.

The animals entrusted to us deserve better. Every single one of them.

I had AI remove the former owner from picture as you can see she was very healthy. Post of intake photos coming tomorrow.

Today we got to be part of a special milestone! 🎉

A local vet tech is working on the final steps needed to earn his LVT, and we were more than happy to lend a helping paw... and a couple of fluffy volunteers! 🐰❤️

Bun Bun and Snowball got to help with a rabbit blood draw and subcutaneous fluids training today. While they may not have understood the educational importance of the visit, they definitely understood the extra cuddles, treats, and attention! 🥕🐇

This isn't the first time we've brought some of our exotic animals in to help veterinary students and technicians gain hands-on experience, and it certainly won't be the last. We believe the more experience future veterinary professionals can get working with a variety of exotic species, the better care our scaly, furry, and feathered friends will receive in the future.

A huge congratulations to this soon-to-be LVT! We're honored that Bun Bun and Snowball could play a small part in the journey. 🎓🐰

Who knew being adorable could also be educational? 😆

Bun Bun and Snowball soaking up all the attention—they definitely earned their spotlight today! 🐰💕

Sometimes all your training pays off… just not in the way you expected 😂

So one of my volunteers, Bailey, has been with me for YEARS—since she was in elementary school. Mom’s a teacher, so the other day before leaving for work she tells the boys:
“Do NOT call me unless the house is burning down.”

Welp… 🔥🐍 apparently we should’ve added “or if two snakes fall out of the ceiling mid-date.”

About 15 minutes later… phone = absolutely BLOWING UP.
Mom rushes home thinking the worst, only to find two very committed snakes who decided the unfinished basement was the perfect romantic getaway… and then proceeded to fall from the ceiling without missing a single moment of their… activities.

Nature really said: “The show must go on.” 😭

Mom immediately hits the “NOPE” button and calls in the professional…
Bailey.

And this kid—no hesitation—walks in, scoops them up like it’s just another Tuesday, and pops them into a tote like a seasoned pro.

Meanwhile… the boys…
Oh yeah… suddenly they’re posing in pictures like wildlife photographers, as if they weren’t running for their lives 30 minutes earlier 💀

Best part? Bailey asks if she can hold them before release.
Of course I said yes.

I’m seriously so proud of how far she’s come—knowledge, confidence, and zero fear while everyone else is losing their minds.

Moral of the story:
➡️ Always listen to your mom
➡️ Snakes don’t care about your house rules
➡️ And never underestimate the kid raised around reptiles 🐍💪

Video in comments watch top right of video