Happy Scales Rescue & Rehab is a nonprofit exotic animal rescue dedicated to the ethical intake, rehabilitation, and responsible rehoming of animals other than cats and dogs. Operating within the same facility as Happy Scales & Tails Exotics, our mission is to provide a second chance for reptiles, amphibians, birds, small mammals, fish, and other exotic animals in need. We will offer community education, safe surrender options, adoption services, and ongoing care for unreleasable animals.

Nubz’s Story – The Boss Man With a Big Heart 🦎👑

Hey peeps! I’m Nubz, and if you’ve been around Happy Scales for a while, you probably already know me. If not don’t worry, you will soon! I’m the boss man around here, running the show and keeping everyone in line (well… most of the time).

My story started in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, where life wasn’t looking too good. I was living in the back of a pet store, waiting for what they called “the end of my journey.” I had a pretty bad case of tail rot, I was thin, weak, and honestly, just plain miserable. The store claimed I had been to the vet, but that wasn’t true I was left alone and forgotten. Then one day, everything changed. The amazing crew at Happy Scales Rescue & Rehab stepped in and gave me a second chance. They didn’t see a lost cause they saw me, a little dragon with a big spirit. I was taken to a real vet this time, given medicine, love, and proper care. Part of my tail had to be removed, but that’s how I earned my name: Nubz! My short tail might make me look different, but to me, it’s my crown a reminder of how far I’ve come.

These days, I’m not just surviving I’m thriving. I’m the proud leader of the Happy Scales & Tails Ambassador Program, traveling around to schools, events, and expos to share my story and the stories of other reptiles who deserve the same second chance I got. My mission is to teach people that reptiles aren’t scary; they’re smart, loving, and full of personality.

You’ll usually find me cruising around on a shoulder, lounging on the car dash, or soaking up the spotlight at events. I go everywhere and I love meeting new faces! Oh, and you won’t find me far from my queen, Queen, the sassy dragon who rules the roost right beside me. Together, we’re the ultimate power couple of Happy Scales partners in crime, cuddle buddies, and co-rulers of our scaly kingdom.

I may have lost part of my tail, but I gained a whole new life one filled with love, purpose, and a forever family. I’m Nubz, the little dragon with the big heart, proving every day that even the smallest lizards can make the biggest impact. 💛

Hissy’s Story – Finding Hope in Every Breath 🐍💚

Hi, I’m Hissy a name that’s both the most fitting and unfitting one a snake could ever have. You’ll understand why soon enough. My story isn’t an easy one, but it’s one of survival, healing, and finally learning what love feels like.

I used to live in a storage unit in northern Minnesota. I was trapped in a tank, kept in the dark, and only remembered every so often when someone would stop by to feed me. My water was often dry, my air was stale, and my shed stuck tight over my eyes. I couldn’t see much, but I could feel my hunger. When they dropped live food into my tank, I had to take my chances even when I couldn’t see clearly. I struck blindly, and every time I missed, I got bit. The bites caused wounds that never really healed, and before long, my nose became so damaged that breathing through it was nearly impossible.

The shedding on my head stopped coming off completely, sealing in my pain. I started breathing through my mouth instead, which made a soft hissing sound every time I took in air. It wasn’t aggression it was survival. But my humans at the time didn’t understand. They must’ve thought I was trying to bite, so they took me somewhere and had my fangs removed. I didn’t know why I just remember the pain and confusion. After that, eating became almost impossible, and I eventually gave up trying.

I thought that was the end of my story until one day, light poured into my world again. My tank was lifted out of the dark storage unit, and I was told I was going somewhere called Happy Scales Rescue & Rehab. I didn’t know what to expect, but I decided to trust because honestly, I didn’t have much left to lose.

When I arrived, I met people who didn’t see a broken snake. They saw someone worth saving. They spoke softly, moved slowly, and held me gently even though I looked rough. They didn’t flinch at my scars or my hiss they just smiled and called me beautiful. For the first time in a long time, I believed them.

They took me to this bright, cold place they called the vet. I was nervous, but the woman there was kind. She examined me carefully even my mouth, which made me uncomfortable but she didn’t hurt me. She gave the rescue some medicine and instructions to help me heal. That’s when my transformation truly began.

Every day, my caretakers soaked me in warm water, gently cleaned my face, and applied medicine to my nose and eyes. At first, I didn’t understand what they were doing, but then… I started to feel better. The stuck shed around my eyes loosened, and one by one, the old layers came off. For the first time in what felt like forever, I could breathe without keeping my mouth open. I could see the world clearly again and it was beautiful.

Now, I live in comfort, surrounded by warmth, care, and people who love me exactly as I am. I still make a soft hiss when I breathe a reminder of everything I’ve survived but it’s not a sound of fear anymore. It’s the sound of strength.

I’m Hissy, the snake who found light after darkness, and proof that even the most wounded souls can heal with love, patience, and a little warmth. 💚

Queen’s Story – The Sassy Ruler of Happy Scales 👑🐉

Greetings, loyal subjects I’m Queen, the bearded dragon who reigns supreme over the land of Happy Scales. My story began in North Dakota, where I was dropped off at a local pet store with little information and even less handling. I was young, fiery, and full of attitude scared of my new surroundings but determined to let everyone know I wasn’t just any dragon. I was royalty.

When the rescue team first met me, they saw the word “unwanted” written on my tag, but they didn’t see me that way. The moment they laid eyes on me, they knew I was something special a diamond with scales, a queen in need of a throne. I might have been hiding in fear at first, but my spirit was far too bright to stay tucked away for long.

At the beginning, I didn’t want anyone touching me. You could look — from a respectful distance, of course — but hands were a big no-no. However, I couldn’t resist when my new caretakers started showing up with snacks. Crickets, worms, salads… now that got my attention. Before long, I realized that these humans weren’t so bad — especially the ones holding food. If you’ve got snacks, you’ve got my heart (and maybe your finger too if you’re not careful).

Over time, I learned to trust and even enjoy a good head rub or basking session with my humans. My sass never faded, though — a queen must always remind her subjects who’s in charge. These days, I rule my kingdom with pride. My “enclosure” has expanded into what I call the entire house. I roam freely, charging anything that dares to cross my path — cats, dogs, and the occasional unsuspecting toe. None are safe from my royal strut.

And, of course, every queen needs her king. That’s where Nubz, my trusty partner in crime, comes in. Together, we rule over Happy Scales LLC — he’s the calm to my chaos, and I’m the spice to his charm. The humans may think they’re in charge, but between you and me, we all know who really runs things around here.

From the unwanted to the unstoppable, I’ve claimed my crown, my castle, and my forever family. Long live the Queen — ruler of snacks, sunlight, and all things sassy. 👑💛

Fuji’s Story – The Gecko Puppy King 🦎🐾

Hey there, I’m Fuji proud to be one of the world’s largest geckos! My species is called Rhacodactylus leachianus, but that’s a mouthful, so you can just call me a leachie for short. I’m a big boy with strong toes, a strong personality, and an even stronger love for snacks!

I came to Happy Scales Rescue & Rehab with my buddies Hades the corn snake and Taki the leopard gecko. When I first arrived, people told my caretakers that I was “super aggressive” and had a “mean personality.” But honestly? That’s not true at all I’m just a little misunderstood. I don’t like other male leachies hanging around because, well, this kingdom is only big enough for one gecko king. Once you get to know me, you’ll see I’m more of a confident protector than a grump.

During the day, I like to chill in my favorite hide, staying nice and cozy while everyone else is running around. But when the lights go out, it’s my time to shine! I come out to explore, climb, and show off my impressive size and strength. If you listen closely at night, you might even hear me squeak or bark that’s right, I actually make noise! It’s one of the reasons I’ve earned the nickname “the gecko puppy.”

Now, I’m proud to call Happy Scales my forever home. I’ve traded my old reputation for a much better one as an ambassador for my kind! I help raise awareness about leachianus geckos and teach kids (and adults!) that even the biggest, rarest reptiles can have gentle sides too.

I may look intimidating, but really, I’m just a big, scaly puppy who loves attention, adventure, and the occasional midnight snack. Life is pretty sweet here at Happy Scales, and I’m proud to represent the giants of the gecko world one squeak at a time. 💚

Charlie’s Story – The Gentle Giant of Happy Scales 🐉💛

Hey there, I’m Charlie — a fun-loving bearded dragon living my absolute best life! Around here, I’m known as “the spoiled child,” and honestly… I’ve earned that title fair and square. I’m also kind of a giant — seriously, I’m one big, impressive boy! But don’t let my size fool you — I’m as gentle as they come. Part of my job here at Happy Scales is to show people that even big, “scary” dragons have soft sides and love to cuddle just as much as the little ones.

I came to Happy Scales Rescue & Rehab from a very loving family who had to move out of state and couldn’t take me with them. It was tough saying goodbye to my kids and hoomans — we had so many great times together — but sometimes life changes. They wanted the best for me, so they reached out to the amazing folks at Happy Scales to make sure I’d be cared for and loved just like before.

From the moment I arrived, I won everyone’s hearts with my calm, curious nature and big, lovable personality. My caretakers quickly learned that I love being out of my enclosure — after all, I’m a dragon, not a decoration! If they don’t let me out fast enough, I give a gentle reminder by scratching or knocking on my door. Subtle? Not exactly. Effective? Absolutely.

When I’m out, I enjoy basking by the window, watching the birds, and, of course, staring down the fish tank. I’m convinced one day I’ll finally catch one of those slippery little guys through the glass — a dragon’s gotta dream, right? I also prefer to be hand-fed because, well, eating from a bowl just doesn’t fit my royal status.

Now, I’m proud to say I’ve become part of the Happy Scales Ambassador Team! I get to go out, meet new people, greet kids, and show off just how amazing dragons really are. I love spreading the word that we’re not scary — we’re smart, gentle, and full of personality. Every event is a new adventure, and I can’t wait for more opportunities to teach people how great dragons can be!

Life is pretty awesome here at Happy Scales. I’ve got all the warmth, love, and snacks a dragon could ever need — plus a chance to make a difference. Not bad for a big ol’ cuddlebug with a love for the spotlight. 💛

Welcome to our Go fund me page.

We are proudly recognized as a non profit charity and all donations are now tax deductible. 

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/love-the-unlovable