Thriving vs. Surviving

There is a difference between thriving and surviving. There is also a difference between innocently not knowing and not caring.

Many animals that require an enclosure of some sort, are often mistreated or kept improperly. Most often it’s due to lack of knowledge and experience. And just because someone may have enough money to buy or adopt an animal, does not mean they can afford to take care of them. I have enough money to buy a tiger but I’m not doing it!

People say, “Reptiles have no emotions. They only know to bite and will not want to interact with you. Reptiles only like you for warmth and food. That’s it.” Well, if your reptile is in a literal box with nothing to keep them stimulated, how can you expect them to be happy?

Example: A few years ago, there was a tegu named Rex, that I fostered for 2 weeks while his new home was getting ready. His very first home was at a petstore. He lived there for quite some time in a 40 gallon fish tank (36 inches long X 16 inches deep x 18 inches high). That’s super small! Bearded dragons should be in enclosures bigger than that and they are not NEARLY as big as Tegus. As a result, Rex’s growth is stunted. He should be Winston’s size but will forever be the size of a juvenile. Rex had everything he needed to survive in his tank. A little bit of dirty water from poo, no dirt to dig in, and was only fed bugs. I’m not sure if he had proper lighting or the bare minimum but from the sounds of it, probably didn’t care as long as it was a light. He was labeled as “aggressive” and people didn’t want to buy him.

Eventually he was given to my friend who knew Rex was in desperate need of a good home. The place was shutting down and animals needed homes. Rex went from hating life and wanting to give up, to this butter ball you see here. As soon as he was shown what a campanion tegu was supposed to live like, he was happy. He had a big enclosure, his lights, his dirt, attention, a place to sleep in, and things to play with. It was absolutely amazing how much he changed as soon as he was out of there. He still had his moments but they were just him being the boss and trying to test you.

Last I heard, Rex went to a sanctuary doing what Winston used to do before I had him. Educating the public about reptiles.

I believe that if we provide more than enough to just survive and give enough to thrive, your pet will live a very long and happy life. Giving them everything they want and need, will show you their true self. Research where they are from and try to replicate their native environment in their enclosure.

…We say certain animals have no capability of showing such emotions but so many of us don’t give them the proper life they need to thrive for us to witness their full potential…