SSSSSecond chance — Reptile Rescue cares for critters, finds them homes

Along with providing a home for them, Dix works with the reptiles that were not properly taken care of so they can function as normally as possible.

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.

He provides free animal control training classes for police officers and firefighters. He deals with troubled youths in hopes of making an early intervention so they don't get into gangs or drugs.

"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.

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