Freyja, a bearded dragon celebrated as ‘the most popular bearded dragon in Cheltenham’, has recently undergone a critical surgery, allowing her to continue her important role as a therapy animal at a local care home.
The reptile was rescued in November 2023 by 32-year-old Danni Barnard after being found abandoned in a field in Lydney amid near-freezing conditions. Thanks to Danni’s care, Freyja was nursed back to health and has since become an inseparable companion to her owner.
Over nearly three years, Freyja has accompanied Danni on many outings around Cheltenham and further afield, including visits to Tewkesbury where they enjoy time by the canal together. Danni often shares moments such as feeding Freyja sweetcorn while enjoying a takeaway pizza.
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Importantly, Freyja also serves as a therapy animal at Whittington House Nursing Home in Cheltenham, where she regularly visits residents, offering comfort and companionship. Danni notes that Freyja has developed “quite a little fan club” among the residents, with many looking forward to her visits and eagerly holding her despite initial hesitations.
Recently, Freyja underwent surgery to treat preovulatory stasis, a serious condition in female reptiles involving partially developed infertile eggs that can cause dangerous infections if left untreated. The operation took place at Highcroft Veterinary Centre in Brislington, Bristol, on 21 August 2023, costing £1,550, with ongoing medication and aftercare costs estimated between £300 and £400.
Danni expressed her deep affection for Freyja, saying, “She’s my baby. After already surviving so much and bringing so much joy, Freyja really deserves to have every chance to keep living her beautiful life she fought so hard for. She’s given so much to others and deserves the world.”
Currently, Freyja is recovering at home in Cheltenham, with Danni hoping her pet will soon regain full confidence and return to her therapy visits. To assist with the financial burden, Danni has established a GoFundMe page to help cover the costs of surgery and recovery.
Whittington House Nursing Home’s manager, Kirsty Hopton, echoed the community’s affection for Freyja, saying: “Many of our residents are animal lovers, but I didn’t expect everyone to fall so completely in love with Freyja. She’s a joy to have in the home, and our residents are always delighted to see her.
“Freyja regularly helps residents celebrate their birthdays, but just being near her brings smiles all round, and she enjoys all the attention, whether it’s a cuddle, a stroke, or a tickle under the throat. We’re so lucky that Danni is happy to share Freyja, and I can guarantee she’s the most popular bearded dragon in Cheltenham!”