Hi everyone, and thank you so much for taking the time to read this.

I’d like to introduce you to Tangie, my beautiful bearded dragon — my little warrior, my family.

I met Tangie over three years ago, and from the moment I saw her, I knew I had to get her out of the awful situation she was in. At the time, I didn’t realise I was walking into a home where an animal had been completely neglected and forgotten. In the corner of a dusty, lifeless enclosure — no lights, no heat, no food or water — was Tangie.

She was literally a bag of bones, lying in her own waste, barely able to move. I was told, “don’t touch it, it bites,” and that it was a male. But I didn’t care. I knew she needed help. I paid everything I had at the time — £150 — to take her away from that place, and I never looked back.

From that day forward, I made it my mission to give Tangie the life she had never known.

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For weeks, I stayed by her side, feeding her by hand, making sure she was warm, safe, and loved. Slowly, she began to come back to life. Within a week, she was waving at me, watching TV on the sofa, exploring the house. She even started sunbathing on the windowsill — she became full of personality, curious and funny, and full of love. Despite her past, she never gave up. And in turn, neither did I.

I gave her a new enclosure, the proper lighting and food, and although her growth was stunted from years of neglect, she thrived. She became my shadow, my little companion, and without question — part of the family.

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Why We Need Your Help Now

Recently, Tangie hasn’t been her usual self. She’s still eating, drinking, and using the toilet, but she began arching her back strangely and clawing at her stomach like something was bothering her. I noticed a bulge, and even a small whitish lump poking from her side. She was clearly uncomfortable.

I rushed her to the vet, and after an ultrasound, we were told it could be swollen tissue or possibly a tumour. The next step is blood tests and possibly surgery if it’s operable — but the costs are high, and I’m currently in a tough situation.

I’ve just been wrongfully let go from my job after standing up against unfair treatment, and with a baby on the way, I’m struggling. I’ve always tried to support myself without asking for help — but Tangie deserves a fighting chance. She’s already survived so much, and she’s still fighting.

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What the Funds Will Be Used For:

• Blood tests: ~£150

• Medication or treatment (depending on results)

• Surgery (if needed): Could cost £300 to £1,000+

• Any additional funds will either go toward Tangie’s continued care or be donated to another animal in need if we are lucky enough to have anything left over.

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Why Tangie Deserves This

Tangie is more than just a pet. She’s a survivor. After being abandoned and left to die, she opened her heart to love again. She’s gentle, affectionate, and has brought so much joy to my life. Her spirit never broke — and she’s never stopped trying.

Now I want to give her the chance to heal and live the happy, pain-free life she’s fought so hard for.

Even if you can only give £1, or simply share this page with someone who might be able to help — it means the world. Every bit of support goes directly to helping Tangie.

Thank you for reading. Thank you for caring. And thank you for helping me fight for Tangie, just like she’s always fought for herself.

— Alfie mcquillan