Beloved Tegu Lizard attacked by a Dog!

Hello friends!

My name is Wendy and I am an experienced reptile owner especially Tegu lizards. But this is about Ani, a black and white Argentine Tegu, about four years old. He is just now reaching adulthood!

Known to be the world’s smartest monitor lizard, they know their names, can be trained and even seek out human affection. They live approximately 15 years and make great companions despite their large size. I always tell people he’s just a “scaley dog.” He even walks on a leash!

My sweet little guy was attacked by a large dog! The animal had broken into his enclosure thus resulting in some extreme injuries, six broken ribs, lacerations, five puncture wounds and one puncture over 4” to the entire abdomen.

I was not present when this occurred, however the owner of the dog put the enclosure back how it was and decided to hide this information from me. They did not contact me to me and pretended like nothing happened or some how I wouldn’t notice the hundreds of fly eggs all over his body or the giant tears to his skin. He was left unattended for nearly FIVE HOURS in pain. Flies thus layed eggs and hundreds of thousands of maggots filled every cavity of his body.

The dog owner was not remorseful, nor apologetic. Although they are the responsible party- they refuse to help with and financial help despite nearly killing my defenseless lizard.

Ani was taken to an emergency vet and then seen by my exotic vet who preformed life saving measures as well as repair to the abdomen and removal of dead infected tissue. They also removed as many maggots as possible which were everywhere inside his body including his mouth and eyes.

He now must be watched closely and receives antibiotic injections three times a week. The stitches closing his wounds, must stay in for an entire month. It breaks my heart he was injured so violently and I question humanity for the lack of empathy or responsibility from the dog owner.

My vet bills are astronomical, not only that as embarrassing as this is, I am also battling the financial burden I have endured from a domestic violence situation I am a survivor of. My pets have helped get through the turmoil, desperation and nightmares that haunt me from nearly a decade long of abuse.

I am reaching out to the kindness of strangers and animal lovers. Thank you to all that have compassion and understanding for this horrible series of incidents. Thank you for helping Ani in his journey to recovery and longevity! He wants to be here, I want him to stay with us on this planet for there is still good in the world