HOLLAND, Mich. - Some pet owners have one, two or even three pets in their homes. Lalo Salcedo of ReptilesLS has nearly 50 reptiles inside his Holland home.
Salcedo's love for the scaly animals began at a young age when he got his first lizard.
"Just looking at them gives me a peaceful feeling," Salcedo said. "It's the 'it' for me. I don't really know how to describe it."
Salcedo is also deeply rooted in his faith which has become a constant in his life. What started out as a hobby has now turned a vital peace of his vocation. "I told God if it takes reptiles for me to minister so be it," he recalled. "The happiness they bring to people is just priceless."
Many people have different types of strange phobias, including being afraid of reptiles. Salcedo says his love of reptiles and introducing them to people were previously afraid of them helped some conquer their fears.
"There's more to it than just the reptiles, but I know through the reptiles I can help a lot of people."
Salcedo plans to take his nearly 50 reptiles and open his own exhibit.
For those wanting to assist his fundraising efforts, he will be having an event at the Buffalo Wild Wings in Holland on Wednesday, Dec. 5. Mention his company, "ReptilesLS," with your order and 20 percent of the proceeds will go to his fundraiser effort.
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