Strange Happenings

Last evening and night had been stormy - definitely NOT Nero weather. He spent the night occasionally digging in the corner, wanting to be comforted...a wakeful night for both him and me. That is not unusual. What is unusual is his sudden relieving himself in the house this afternoon, and then going into the balcony for doing his bigger business! He never ever does that inside the house. The last time that happened was almost 2 years ago and he had an upset stomach. Plus, he had gone for his customary walk both last evening and this morning, and done his business, so there was no question of having to hold in for long periods either. It was all very strange. He does not have an upset stomach, he is not scared right now, and doesn't seem stressed (except after he relieved himself in the house, which he knows is wrong and he had his tail down looking very apprehensive). It all seems very mysterious.

Anyway, I took him out for a quick walk just in case, and to check if he was feeling ok. He was quite happy going for a walk, and roamed around normally. Of course, having done his business inside, he didn't have much left to do outside. It being afternoon, and very hot, we kept to nearby lanes and his normal route.

That is when we had another strange appearance. I left him on a loose leash, and sniffing around, I suddenly heard a big rustling, and found him standing still in surprise. I saw a big lizard (about 1.5-2 feet long) basking in the sun near a house compound wall, totally camouflaged by the dry sand and grass. The only reason I saw it was because it had its head up, looking at Nero and because of the rustling sound that movement had made. Luckily, Nero was far to surprised to growl or get his hackles up, or even move. I slowly reeled in his leash, and slinked away from the lizard. Nero throughout seemed surprised but came easily, waiting till I loosened his leash again to start nosing around. I had reached the end of the lane and was turning back for a second look, when Nero surprised a stray dog sleeping in the shade and I was locked in the tussle of getting him back in control. By the time, I looked back, I couldn't see anything. The lizard might still be there, but was camouflaged. I certainly wasn't going to go and check. I briefly thought of taking a picture, but discarded the thought because a) taking pics with my mobile camera is a pain and b) that would involve going back and looking for the lizard again. No thank you. Plus, I didn't know how Nero would react the second time around, and the lizard was big enough to harm him if it came to that.

We walked back, me still slightly in shock, Nero, panting about in the sun, walking normally. Called hubby and told him the story. He laughed and commented that he walks Nero twice a day and sees nothing, and I take him for one walk and get to see it. Yea right...like I don't wish it wasn't me either! Googled it at home, and where I had described it iguana-like, it seems monitor lizards are found in the general area and there is even a species called the common indian monitor lizard! Ugh! Like monkeys weren't enough pests in the neighborhood. But then, maybe we are the pests in the lizard's area. Whatever the reason be, it sure has been one strange afternoon.