From Deseret News archives:
SSSSSecond chance Reptile Rescue cares for critters, finds them homes
- Page:
- < Previous
- 1
- 2
He has an iguana that has a broken back because of a vitamin deficiency. The previous owners didn't know the iguana needed special lighting to keep its bones strong and the creature's back caved in.
"You never know what you're going to get from one day to the next," Dix said.
Dix said he also comes across what he calls the "ooh and ah" people. They purchase the biggest snake or some other reptile to show off and then don't take care of it.
"The person with the biggest toy is usually the biggest neglector," he said.
Dix said a lot of snakes are also bought by drug addicts to protect their stash. They will store the drugs in the tank with the snake, believing no police officer is going to search it. While the drugs are buried in the bedding, the fumes are toxic and cause snakes to develop upper-respiratory problems, which Dix says is the first stage of pneumonia.
Dix said he also uses the reptiles as an opportunity to teach people how to act if they ever come across one, whether it be aggressive or tame.
"I want to give them alternatives like hobbies instead of becoming a gang member," Dix said.
He also teaches Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, and in public and private schools, offers special needs classes for handicapped children and goes to the state fair.
Since the rescue started, a few people have decided to help Dix. Daniel Ader, 18, is one of them. As a volunteer, part of his work includes making sure the animals are clean and fed. He also helps Dix with the outreach programs.
"I've always loved reptiles and this gives me a chance to work with them," Ader said.
He has been volunteering for Reptile Rescue for about four years. Since he was 4 years old, he's always been interested in reptiles and trained himself on how to handle them. One way he trained himself was going to pet stores and asking to hold the most aggressive snakes. Currently, he has three snakes, a tarantula and a scorpion as his own pets.
Those interested in volunteering or who need to find a home for a reptile can call 860-2497.
E-mail: tdemasters@desnews.com
- Page:
- < Previous
- 1
- 2
Recent comments
is there an expo or addopting thing to day
don | Oct. 4, 2009 at 9:40 a.m.
- Changes to mental disorder manual? 10:04 p.m.
- Hoyas rally to down Friars 10:02 p.m.
- Dems seek backing on jobs pkg 9:48 p.m.
- GOP warned on blocked nominations 9:48 p.m.
- Job openings down 9:47 p.m.
- Photo: Hearts and helpers 9:44 p.m.
- Trucking company donates to U. 9:43 p.m.
- Penguin exhibit delayed 9:42 p.m.
- Schlesinger: Cohesion key for U.S. 9:35 p.m.
- Proposal to skip 12th grade now a bill 9:33 p.m.
- High school players commit to BYU
- Utah Jazz Ironmen
- LDS veggie program helps Bolivians
- Teacher merit pay debated
- 15-month-old Rachel Toone dies
- SLC's City Creek moves ahead
- Utahn's 'Caveman Diet' catching on
- MWC race shaping 'Survivor' style
- Kaman, not Boozer, on All-Star team
- Cougars hope for fast rebound
- Teacher merit pay debated
191 - UNLV bombs BYU into loss
185 - Countering attacks on LDS scholarship
160 - Why do they hate us? Try asking
155 - Letters: Tea Party hypocrites
119 - White House mocks Sarah Palin
93 - Rally in opposition to benefit cuts
90 - High school players commit to BYU
85 - Let's talk college hoops
78 - BYU's prime postseason position?
77
What if you could find out right now what the next play or sports event...
Some good comments this evening.
Millard is amazing. But it is a great accomplishment to just make it to...
Well looks like valley and piute won.
Can anybody cite a scholar knowledgeable about Mormonism that is not biased?...
I think if the Cougars could have cut the lead to anything under 10, they...
GO Union High School Cougars.
This may dead on arrival, but it is frightening that it is going to arrive....
I am so sorry to hear about this. I hope the Spirit is with your family at...
That was the most boring display of FB in a SuperBowl yet. Peyton played...
I agree with the eagle scout mother. Scouting is a wonderful program and...
