A homeless young man and his pet bearded dragon
Homelessness with pets is not unusual—dogs are the most common companions, and occasionally, we see cats. But in my twenty years working at this shelter in the Southwest, I’ve never seen anything quite like this: a young man arriving with a bearded dragon. Our shelter serves over two thousand unique individuals each year, many of whom have experienced homelessness or shelter life more than once. But every so often, someone walks through our doors for the very first time. This young man was one of them.
Shelter Space and a Unique Challenge
Our emergency shelter isn’t designed with individual rooms or beds—most of our guests sleep on mats we provide, laid out across the floor. Elderly or medically fragile individuals may use cots, but for the able-bodied, space is limited, especially during colder months when the shelter fills to capacity. Personal space is scarce, and belongings are often reduced to what can be carried. To help, we offer secure storage in our “bag room,” where guests can place their items in totes, accessible at designated times throughout the day. This system works well for backpacks and duffel bags—but it wasn’t built for a 20-gallon glass enclosure housing a bearded dragon, complete with a heat lamp and habitat accessories. This young man’s situation presented a new kind of predicament—one that required compassion, creativity, and a quick solution.
Support and Small Steps Forward
Our social service staff, along with dedicated interns, work closely with our guests to help them navigate the complex web of resources available. They quickly stepped in to assist the young man, offering a creative solution: housing his bearded dragon in one of the social workers’ offices. Grateful, he agreed. With his pet safely cared for, he could begin focusing on his goals—starting with obtaining a state ID, a crucial first step toward employment and housing. He visited his bearded dragon often, stopping by the social workers’ area whenever he had a moment. As he waited for his ID to arrive, he began to build trust and momentum. Soon, he secured a job and began working with staff on setting up a bank account. We also helped him receive mail—a vital service for those without a permanent address—so he could get his debit card and other important documents.
A Difficult Decision and a Compassionate Offer
Although it may seem like everything happened quickly, the reality was quite different. Even for our most motivated guests, the path to stability is often slow and uncertain, hindered by limited resources and scarce employment opportunities. During this time, housing the bearded dragon in the office worked well enough, but it wasn’t without challenges—especially during off-hours and weekends. Eventually, the topic came up: could something else be done? Would he consider rehoming his pet? It was a painful thought, but the young man expressed that if it came to that, he just wanted to make sure she went to someone who would truly care for her.
That’s when I was brought into the conversation. I was told about the situation and offered the opportunity to take in the bearded dragon. My wife was excited about the idea, but I felt it was important to speak with the young man first. The next day, a colleague and I sat down with him. I introduced myself and told him I wanted to help—not by taking his pet away, but by caring for her until he was ready to bring her home again. I believe he was relieved. We didn’t know how long it would take, but we agreed on the plan and shook hands. It was a moment of trust, and a small step toward hope.
A Bittersweet Goodbye and a Hopeful New Beginning
On January 30th of this year, I brought the bearded dragon home. My wife and I carefully set up her enclosure and dove into learning how to care for her. It was both exciting and educational—we found ourselves charmed by her quiet presence. On weekends, we let her roam the house, and on sunny mornings, she’d bask by the storm door, soaking in the warmth. Sometimes she’d disappear under the couch or bed, making herself right at home. Then, on May 19th, the young man walked into my office—well-dressed, holding a motorcycle helmet, and beaming with pride. He had been working steadily and had just secured a place to live here in town. He was ready to bring his beloved companion home.
After nearly four months of caring for her, I felt a mix of emotions. I was proud of him for reaching this milestone, but I also felt a twinge of sadness at saying goodbye to a creature who had become part of our daily lives. We arranged to meet at the shelter that Saturday. My wife and I brought the bearded dragon, and he arrived in a car, full of gratitude. As he gently placed the enclosure in the back seat, he picked her up one last time in front of us. “I’m going to have her on my shoulder on the ride home,” he said with a smile. Watching them leave together, I felt a deep sense of fulfillment. This experience reminded me that even small acts of kindness can help someone reclaim their life—and that sometimes, a bearded dragon can be part of a happy ending.