Meet the Dragons: They are Real!

Recently a lesson about reptiles went off on a tangent. The kids and I unearthed something fascinating: dragons are for real. Will wonders never cease! There is none of the large-scale, fire-breathing, damsel-napping drama but the resemblance of these animals to the dragons’ artwork we looked at is uncanny. There are dragons that fly and there are those with other astonishing characteristics that are as fascinating as the legendary dragons we see depicted by the media.

It all started when we were working on an assignment on reptiles. One of the kids piped up asking if dragons are reptiles because they look like scaly lizards with a long, snake-ish neck. We looked at the dragon images as we debated about how to classify a dragon. There is also their resemblance to dinosaurs that one can’t ignore though some information suggests dragons existed way before the dinosaurs. But as we delved into the world of reptiles and dragons, we found a few of them!

“The Lego Dragon” by Trey Ratcliff is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Komodo Dragon

First up was the Komodo Dragon, a monitor lizard found in Indonesia. It can grow up to 10 feet and weigh up to 330 lbs, making it the largest lizard alive on earth today. This muscular reptile is as intimidating as a dragon should be and it is a patient predator. It is not just its unforgiving claws and teeth that a prey should be worried about.  Its saliva is full of bacteria that cause blood poisoning!

“The Komodo Dragon” by Adhi Rachdian is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Flying Dragon 

It is amazing to watch these flying dragons in action as they glide down to escape a snake. They are found in South East Asia and their wings are not really wings but skin folds. They glide not fly but it is as close to a mythical flying dragon as it can get. Cooler still, their tails help them steer their way across trees. They can glide as far as 30 feet.

Bearded Dragons

Also known as pogona, a name that is less exotic than bearded dragons, these babies make neat pets. They are rather tame and while they don’t breathe fire, they do have a distinctive feature. It is not just the spiny ‘beard’ that puffs up when they are on alert. They change color. They are darker in the mornings and as the day goes on they change color to become lighter. They are found mostly in Australia.

“Bearded dragon” by Frank Paul Silye is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Sea Dragons

At first glance, sea dragons look more like sea horses than dragons. But then if you consider Eastern lore, dragons are also water creatures. Their snout, tail and wing-like fins are less like sea horses and more like dragons. Also known as leafy and weedy dragons, they are found mostly around Australia.  They are a protected species.

“Day 39: Weedy Seadragon” by Chris Smith is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Frilled Dragon

Yet another species that calls Australia its home, the frilled dragon is best known for the frill around its neck that looks similar to an Elizabethan collar. It is skin that hangs in pleated folds under its neck. The dragon unfurls it to scare away potential enemies. Apart from this line of defense, there are no other tricks up the frilled dragon’s sleeve except to turn tail and make a run for it.

“Dragon on a pole” by davidfntau is licensed under CC BY 2.0

There’s nothing like a dragon to liven up a lesson on reptiles. It made us wonder if the legendary dragons we hear so much about were based on these tinier replicas of them that assumed gigantic proportions. Or if over the ages, these dragon doppelgangers are the only memory of magnificent beasts that actually existed. 

Handmade Dragon Goodies

I love everything about handmade goodies. Their sheer artistry and brilliance, their little imperfections being a sign of all the hard work and love that goes into it.  It’s no wonder that I spend hours and hours looking at Pinterest and Etsy, hoping that I can learn something from it. I always, without fail, come back inspired. Not that this inspiration turns into any sort of skill, I still try and sometimes, that’s all you need.

In trying to find a present for my dragon loving niece, I came across these beauties on Etsy that I just had to share here. I could wax ad nauseum about how gorgeous they are and how talented the people who made them are but I’m going to post photos of them instead and have you make your own judgements about them.

A vintage fantasy dragon ring

Made to order, if I could go back and do my proposal again, I’d probably have picked this ring (the wife would’ve probably objected but look at how stunning this is).

Molded Dragon Dice

I want, I want, I want! I would sit all day playing board games if I had this piece of art with me! 

Custom Deluxe Dragon Wings

I wish I could say my Halloween costume is sorted. I love that the artist lets you pick your own wing colors. Amazing artistry!

Which one would you want as a present?  

Finding the Right Pet for Kids

Taking care of pets teaches children about responsibility and compassion. Studies have proven time and again that children who grow up with pets are more confident and are happier. Being around pets also keeps people healthy!

If you have been thinking about adopting a pet for your child (despite the fact that you can't really have dragons as pets), it is best to do your homework. For starters, you could get your child to play pet games on one of the many virtual pet sites. Games apart, kids also need to take care of their virtual pets by feeding them and playing with them to keep their pets alive and kicking. Of course, taking care of a real life pet is a different ball game altogether and comes with its share of demands.

While some choose to adopt exotic pets, it is best to start with common pets. Choosing the right pet involves understanding the needs of the pets and to see if you have the environment and resources to match those needs.

“Burning Life 2008 9/21/08 Lizard” by Shadoe Landman is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Cats

Kittens are some of the most sought-after pets for young children. These fur balls love to play and do need attention, though they are not as demanding as dogs, and are equally comfortable to be on their own. Some people can be allergic to cats, so you will need to check for that. Fostering a kitten first rather than adopting one can tell you if anyone in your family is allergic to cats.

“Shimmer…” by Helena Jacoba is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Dogs

The needs of dogs differ according to their breed. You will need to choose the right puppy based not on their cuteness but by understanding if you can provide for them. Dogs need a lot of attention, playtime and daily walks. Bigger breeds need a lot of space to run around and cannot be kept in small apartments.

“puppy” by Lisa L Wiedmeier is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Hamsters

Hamsters are adorable and easy to maintain. They don’t require a lot of fussing and they do quite well on their own. They are usually active at night, so don’t require much care during the day. However, it is important to clean their cage and bedding regularly as they can get smelly.

“Bubble the shy hamster” by Su—May is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Birds

Birds can be active, intelligent, and do need interaction. You will need to make sure that your child is ready and able to shower them with attention every day. They leave behind quite a mess in the cages and your child should be willing to handle that, and there is the constant chirping!

“Angel” by Stephanie is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Pets also require vet attention from time to time for vaccinations and other check-ups. All pets need to be groomed, fed and played with but in varying degrees. By factoring in your child’s personality, the kind of commitment they will be able to give a pet, and your lifestyle, you will be able to make the right choice.