The narrator recounts their experience adopting a bearded dragon named Big Tony from a pet store. Initially, they were surprised when an employee offered the dragon to them, as the family who owned him had dropped him off just minutes prior. Despite some initial health concerns, Big Tony quickly won the narrator's heart.
The narrator then shares their journey of creating an elaborate and functional vivarium for Big Tony. They highlight the importance of proper research and quality products, and express frustration over the marketing of inadequate substrates and heat rocks.
The vivarium setup involves PVC board construction, ensuring the enclosure can hold water, and the use of silicone for a gasket. The narrator also details the creation of a scape, or a miniature landscape, with rocks and a sandy hillside appearance.
The substrate is mixed with various materials like coco fiber, play sand, and excavator clay, and the vivarium is filled with plants and small branches. The narrator also explains the importance of UVB, LEDs, and heating for the dragon's well-being.
Finally, the narrator shares their joy at observing Big Tony exploring his new home. They express how their relationship with Big Tony has grown over the months, and they are excited to share his new vivarium with their audience.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. A bearded dragon was abandoned and later adopted by the narrator.
2. The dragon, initially named Lizaard, was given a new name, Big Tony.
3. The dragon was dropped off by a family who had him for over a year.
4. The dragon was initially observed to be big and alert, with a slight kink in his tail tip and a missing toe.
5. The narrator is an advocate for responsible animal-keeping.
6. The narrator has previously helped animals in similar situations, such as Cynthia, who had no human interaction for five years.
7. The narrator is not seeking rescues but keeps finding them.
8. The narrator dismantled and disinfected the dragon's previous enclosure.
9. The narrator made a temporary setup for Tony while planning a more permanent one.
10. The new enclosure was constructed using PVC Board from Home Depot.
11. The enclosure was assembled with a frame and screens, with a top layer of corrugated plastic.
12. The enclosure was designed to hold water and had a finished look.
13. A stand was assembled for the enclosure.
14. The enclosure was given a sandy hillside aesthetic with painted rocks and driftwood.
15. The enclosure was filled with a substrate blend of top solid, coco fiber, play sand, and excavator clay.
16. The enclosure was populated with plant life including an Elephant Bush and a Spineless Prickly Pear Cactus.
17. The enclosure was equipped with UVB lights, LEDs for the plants and visibility, and a heating implement.
18. Big Tony was observed to be comfortable in his new enclosure, exploring and using its features.
19. Big Tony has become an integral part of the narrator's life, being taken outside for natural UV rays, free to roam the office, and even napping on the couch.
20. The narrator has built a strong bond with Big Tony, sensing that he needed help and wanted to stay with him.