Repticon Dallas, Part 5: DFW Reptile Rescue

On April 13th & 14th, Repticon Dallas filled Ennis' KJT Auditorium with 20 vendors offering a wide variety of reptiles, amphibians, and other exotic pets for sale. You could find nearly every product you would need to keep your pet herp happy and healthy. The vendors at Repticon ranged from large pet stores with extensive inventories to specialty breeders/dealers featuring beautiful, rare morphs. Most were more than happy to talk (in detail) with visitors about their business and herp care. Several nonprofits were there to raise money and showcase their adoptable herps. It was a fun, successful event that I look forward to attending again in the future.

One of my favorite booths at this Repticon show was that of DFW Reptile Rescue. One of the few no-kill rescues in the Dallas-Fort Worth area that takes in pet reptiles, this Burleson-based 501(c)3 nonprofit has been finding forever homes for the scaly since 2007. Carrie and Melissa Caposello are a pair of delightful gals with hearts of gold and a talent for describing the personalities of their rescues. They also own Caposello Photography...so I'll apologize in advance to Carrie and Melissa. My pictures just don't do these beautiful herps justice. Check out the gorgeous photographs on the DFW Reptile Rescue website and Facebook page.

Carrie (left) and Melissa (right) Caposello of DFW Reptile Rescue.

One of two bearded dragons that were available for adoption from DFW Reptile Rescue. This one was adopted at Repticon last weekend, but there is another fierce little dragon looking for a forever home.

One of the panther chameleons recently taken in by DFW Reptile Rescue is showing off her Aggie pride. This girl's belly slowly turned a beautiful maroon while she surveyed all the action at Repticon from her perch.

In addition to their booth, Melissa gave educational talks (both days) on basic reptile care and tips for choosing the reptile that best fits your personality and home. Some of her tips included keeping in mind the habitat requirements of adult reptiles when looking at juveniles, how much you want to be able to handle your new pet, and the ages of any children in your family when choosing to add a reptile to your home.

Melissa Caposello demonstrates the proper way to handle large snakes and gives one family a hands-on encounter with one of the many ball pythons available for adoption.

If you are thinking about adding a reptile to your home (or just want to ask some questions about common reptile pets), contact Carrie or Melissa at DFW Reptile Rescue. You can reach them via phone at (817) 659-9990 or email at dfwreptilerescue@gmail.com. You can also like them on Facebook. Carrie and Melissa will have booths at several upcoming reptile shows in the DFW area, so be sure to stop by and check out their adoptables at Lone Star Reptile Expo on May 18th & 19th, NARBC (North American Reptile Breeders Conference) on August 10th & 11th, and again at the fall rendition of Repticon Dallas on October 19th & 20th.

[Disclaimer: I am in no way affiliated with Repticon, Exo Terra, Zoo Med, or any of the other sponsors of Repticon. I was not asked to write these blog posts and was not compensated for them. Everything in these articles are my own observations and opinions.]

Did you miss my earlier posts on Repticon Dallas? If so, check them out...
"Part 1: The When, Where, and Who Was There?"
"Part 2: What's Inside the Zoo Med VIP Bag?"
"Part 3: My Herp Haul"
"Part 4: Review & Upcoming Shows"