The one where I got to hold a Yellow Bearded Dragon

This is going to be a short story, so grab a cuppa, put your feet up, relax and enjoy.

Back in August 2016 I was having a cruddy time with my health, and again I found myself in my 4 wheel chariot, "The wheelchair." I was continuing to get out and about, on some adventures. This is one of those adventures.

It was a warm summer's day in the UK, not the drought we've had this Summer! There was a lovely summer breeze that ruffled your hair. My partner, Gareth and my Mum decided to take me to the park. Gareth pushed me in the lovely breeze to the local park, where there is something called "The Animal Conservatory" with parrots, canaries, fish, and reptiles. The birds were in massive netted cages, with trees and perches to fly to. The fish were in decent sized tanks, and the reptiles were in either tanks or big cages, depending on their natural habitat.

We wandered around The Animal Conservatory, where usually you only see a taciturn park ranger, who nod and carry on with their jobs, but instead I was lucky. We were looking at all the different lizards. My Mum is not a massive fan of Lizards and kept backing away from the tanks. Gareth and I were laughing at her reactions. At one point she hid behind my wheelchair when one the lizards came close to the front of the tank! The park ranger came over and spoke to my Mum. "Are you scared Missus?" Mum came from behind the wheelchair, "I am a bit, I am not a massive fan of reptiles in general." The park ranger just laughed and said "They can't escape." The park ranger turned to me and asked "Do you like lizards, and other reptiles?" In response I said "Yeah definitely, I held a snake here when I was young on a school trip. I have always wanted to hold a Bearded Dragon. I doubt I will ever get the chance... but you never know." The Park ranger looked at the top tank "Do you know what that reptile is?" I said in response "Yes its a Yellow Bearded Dragon, I watched a nature documentary about them." The Park ranger then made my dreams come true "You are right. He is called George. Would you like to hold him?" I sat in my wheelchair, in shock. I started to grin and said "Oh my goodness yes please!"

The Park ranger went around the back of the different tanks, and got George, the Yellow Bearded Dragon out. The Park ranger showed me how to hold George, and then my dream came true.  In case you can't tell, I LOVE BEARDED DRAGONS!!!!

MY DREAM CAME TRUE... GEORGE THE YELLOW BEARDED DRAGON

The park ranger explained how bearded dragons and other reptiles, can identify when a person is ill. He couldn't believe how still George was, he said "last time I George out, he tried to escape, and the person didn't get to hold him. You must be special." I said with a laugh "Yeah, special needed!" Everyone laughed. The ranger asked why I was in a wheelchair, and I told him about my boring health.

We all had to speak quietly as to not scare George, but he didn't seemed phased by the change to his environment. I couldn't believe how scaly, yet soft George was. Once or twice he looked into my eyes, and I almost felt a connection. He was so majestic and beautiful. George was just looking at his surroundings, and interestingly put his claw on my scar where I had my heart surgery. Animals can really tell when something is different. I got to hold George for about 30 minutes. I loved George. He was so calming, and just seemed so relaxed. Shockingly, Gareth even gave him a little stroke, which was rather unexpected given his normal aversion to certain textures! Apparently, he loves lizards too, though he draws the line at snakes!

Gareth got a snap of me. George is just like "I'm chllling."

The ranger put George back in his tank. I have to say George had dug his claws into me, as he didn't want to leave me. I said "Mum can we take him home?" The ranger laughed at my Mum's reaction "ABSOLUTELY NOT!"

That day was so special to me. Thank you to the park ranger for making that day special and a massive thank you to George, the majestic, beautiful and magical yellow bearded dragon.

It only takes a small gesture to make someones day. Remember kindness is the key to life.

There is a moral to the story I will not allow my Mum to hide behind my wheelchair, she has to confront her fear!

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