Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Walking My Dog


I meet the strangest people, um lizards,  when I walk my dog.

The day started out nicely enough when I decided to take a short drive to a local conservation area to check out the savanna and get some exercise. I was all excited - Hey, a savanna, and they allow dogs! Who knew what glorious adventures awaited us. "You up for an adventure?" I asked. She seemed pumped. And eager to get there.


DOG is my Co-pilot. (She keeps her eyes on the road for me if I have to send a text . . . JUST KIDDING! I'm not stupid. )


It turned out to be a very quiet, beautiful place to take a walk. 



This particular area contains "600 precious acres of tallgrass savanna, a rare ecosystem. The preserve also includes wetlands, woodlands, prairie and open field ecosystems offering a variety of habitats that attract a diverse bird population." Yeah, birds. No mention of exotic lizards. But they have a Wildlife Discovery Center there too and I guess the "Wildlife" gets antsy if they can't walk around a little now and then.


She can sense something's coming.


This thing was HUGE. Five feet long.


Ugly as sin, too.

At least it was on a leash. But I'm telling you, the thing scared the heck out of me. Upon further inquiry it was determined that this was not your ordinary large lizard - No, it was a celebrity lizard! Imagine! An Asian water monitor generously donated by actor Nicolas Cage. Poor Nick had to travel a little too often for work and  was not able to take proper care of his beloved pet.  So he dumped it here to be with us devoted dog walkers. 

After I got home I looked up Asian water monitors:

"Captive juvenile water monitors will do well on a diet that consists of fish, frogs and an occasional newborn rodent. As adults, water monitor diets can include more rodents and other small mammals, insects, mollusks and fish."  



And what about little black poodles?? Huh? Do they eat them too?  Tomorrow I think we'll stick to the park.

                                         

9 comments:

Samplings from Spring Creek said...

Ugh That thing is ugly and scary

Vic in NH said...

Yikes! One good chomp on that leash and it would be free to scramble. what a horrible thought! Lizards aren't cuddly...

Jennifer M said...

I don't care for lizards either and I guess better to come across one on a lesh. The area looks great for a walk though. Kathy you find wonderful places to walk, so pretty. Wish I was closer, I would join you anytime for a wonderful walk.....

quiltgrannie said...

Celebrity or not, stay away from my dog!!!

debby said...

Oh wow! What a fun story. I do like lizards, and I would have been fascinated to see that one, as long as it was on leash!

Ann in PA said...

I don't do business in lizards, especially 5 foot long lizards. Yikes! Give me a sweet, cuddly, furry dog anyday.

cityquilter grace said...

makes you wonder what GOd was thinking when He created them...am sure they have a purpose but not on a leash i'd guess...and somewhere else also

@nke said...

At least you came home with your dog!

Anonymous said...

I would have loved seeing the lizard with fair warning so I could pick the dog up and move out of his way. :-)

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