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and slither into your heart."That's it, I am so out of here," Nipper scowled, sniffing me. "First, you come home reeking of other dogs, then cats. I understand that it's a business thing because you write a pet column, but this, this is too much. That's frog pee if I ever smelled it. Admit it, you've been cavorting with reptiles."
"So, you're leaving?" I asked, going into the kitchen and extracting a homemade dog biscuit from the cookie jar.
"Yes," he nodded, following me, tail wagging involuntarily as he eyed the treat. (That's why dogs could never excel at poker.)
"Where are you going to go? After all, you're not allowed off the front porch without a leash," I gently reminded him.
"That could be a problem," he replied, "So, I'll tell you what, give me that cookie and we'll call it even."
Between you and me, Nipper has reason to be jealous, I did hold reptiles, lots of them, even a Tarantula at Cool Critters Outreach.
Cool Critters Outreach (www.coolcrittersoutreach.com) is an animal rescue and education program started by registered reptile specialist Brian Gill in early 2006 as a way to educate the public about reptiles and invertebrates.
The rescue arm of the organization takes in unwanted and abused reptiles and invertebrates, nursing them to health, placing them in aquariums/ wildlife sanctuaries or adopting them out to new, experienced owners. They also offer a "Pet Sitting" service for owners who want to leave their pets with experienced caretakers when taking out-of-town trips.
Brian's interest in exotic creatures began in childhood, even though his parents didn't allow him to have any. He more than made up for that as an adult, starting with a Corn Snake he received as a gift.
"What began as a hobby," he said. "Grew into much more. Now it has been over a decade, and I'm up to 70 or more animals. Go figure! But this is what I feel I was meant to do."
Animal rescue and education was not his original career path. He was a Child Support Training Supervisor for Hamilton County Job and Family Services for nearly 14 years when a layoff caused him to reevaluate his goals.
His wife Richelle, shares his passion and now acts as Director of Operations for Cool Critters Outreach. The sanctuary for exotic snakes, lizards, geckos, turtles, alligators and invertebrates of all kinds is housed in the basement of their Finneytown home.
The home that the Gills share with their three children and a literal "Noah's Ark" of wildlife (including three dogs, a kitten and two ferrets) is indistinguishable from the others on their quiet suburban block, until you spot a cage sitting in front of the garage door. Inside is a giant Iguana, enjoying a sun bath. Giant tortoises roam two penned-in areas in the back yard.
What struck me was how neat and clean everything was. Even with dozens of cages and tanks, including a locked alligator pen with its own pond, the only smell was that of fresh greens being chopped for a "Critter Salad" of fresh turnip greens, kale, mustard and collard greens. A refrigerator is stocked with a freezer full of frozen rabbits, rats, mice and chicken parts. I also spot artichokes, tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, grapes and bananas. In the corner, large tubs house crickets and mealworms.
"Our goal," Brian said. "Is to dispel some of the myths and rumors that people have regarding these animals. We also want to help people understand what it is to keep a reptile or invertebrate as a pet. The problem is, people don't understand what a commitment owning one is going to take long-term."
Brian Gill's top five suggestions for people considering reptiles and/or invertebrates as pets
1. Find out what the animal's lifespan is. Some can live for over 100 years. If you should pre-decease your pet, how will they be provided for after you're gone?
2. How big will the animal get? For example: A tiny snake can grow to several feet in length very quickly.
3. Where will they live? Do you have the proper space in your home and can you expand that as the animal grows? How will you regulate the light, heat and humidity? Some creatures may need environments that are half land and half water. Will it be a hardship to keep the area clean and well-maintained?
4. What are their dietary needs? Get the specifics. Some eat only live food such as crickets, mice or rabbits. Are you able to accept that? Many people can't. Be honest with yourself because those are the realities of owning exotic pets. Determine where you will get their food and how/where it will be prepared and stored.
5. Find a veterinarian who specializes in reptile in advance of getting your pet. Your new companion will need regular, professional care on the same level as cats and dogs.
Send your pet photos and stories to Marsie Hall Newbold at marsolete@insightbb.com, with your name, your pet's name, age, breed and a short explanation and she will post them on her new website: www.marsiesmenagerie.com. You can also become a fan of Marsie's Menagerie on Facebook.
