WGRZ (Buffalo, New York) 04 December 10 R.A.R.E. Helps Injured, Unwanted Reptiles (Sarah Hopkins)

Cheektowaga, N.Y.: Marion Janusez handles reptiles with a tenderness often reserved for a newborn child, but that's because the animals are her babies.

"I don't know," Janusez said with a laugh, "They're just perfect, as far as I'm concerned!"

Enter her home and no matter where you direct your gaze you'll see evidence of the scaley objects of her affection-- whether they're alive or not, real or fake.

"I just love how independent they are," said Janusez. "They fascinate me, the moment they're born they're on their own, and I'm a very independent person myself, and I think I admire that."

Janusez is the driving force behind R.A.R.E. (Reptile Adoption, Rehabilitation, and Education), a unique animal shelter that's dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating injured or unwanted reptiles; it's so unique, she says she gets calls and email from people all around the world.

Her Cheektowaga home doubles as homebase for the non-profit, and shelters dozens of reptiles, with yearly bills that add up to more than $12,000.

"We don't charge for surrenders because I don't want people just throwing them outside or letting them die in the cellar," said Janusez. "But we just ask for a donation. If you don't have it, we'll take the animal anyway."

The unwanted pets often come from children-- and their parents-- in over their heads with a new pet. She says she got four drop-offs this week alone from college students leaving for school.

Janusez takes as many as she can with an ultimate goal of finding them new homes; however, she is picky about who can adopt.

"I want somebody that's really going to care for this animal," said Janusez.
R.A.R.E. Helps Injured, Unwanted Reptiles

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