Freyja, a bearded dragon affectionately known as “the most popular bearded dragon in Cheltenham,” has recently undergone life-saving surgery and is expected to continue her role as a cherished therapy animal.
Rescued in November 2023 by animal enthusiast Danni Barnard, 32, Freyja was found abandoned in a field near Lydney, battling near-freezing temperatures. Since then, Danni has cared for Freyja alongside her collection of exotic pets, including tarantulas, geckos, snakes, tortoises, and a Jack Russell terrier.
Over nearly three years, Freyja has become Danni’s constant companion on various outings around Cheltenham and beyond. The duo frequently visits Tewkesbury, enjoying moments by the canal where Freyja is treated to sweetcorn while Danni orders a Domino’s pizza.
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More notably, Freyja visits Whittington House Nursing Home in Cheltenham, where she serves as a therapy animal for residents. Danni shares that Freyja has “quite a little fan club” at the home, delighting the residents by comfortably settling on their laps. “She’s very gentle, and even residents initially unsure about her grow curious and eager to hold her,” Danni explains.
Recently, Freyja was unable to visit the care home as she required urgent surgery for preovulatory stasis, a serious condition affecting female reptiles. This ailment involves infertile eggs developing but failing to be fully released or absorbed, posing the risk of rupture or infection if untreated.
The surgery, performed at Highcroft Veterinary Centre in Bristol on 21 August, cost £1,550, with further expenses anticipated for medication and aftercare amounting to £300-£400. Despite the financial burden, Danni remains committed to Freyja’s wellbeing: “She’s my baby and has already overcome so much. Freyja truly deserves every chance to live her beautiful life.”
Currently recovering at home in Cheltenham, Freyja is expected to return to her therapy visits “confident and well” soon. To help with the costs, Danni has established a GoFundMe page seeking support from the community.
The nursing home’s manager, Kirsty Hopton, praises Freyja’s positive impact: “Many residents are animal lovers, but Freyja has won everyone’s hearts. Her presence brings smiles, celebrations, and comfort. We’re incredibly grateful that Danni shares her with us, and I can safely say she’s the most popular bearded dragon in Cheltenham!”