Beastly

MISFIT K9 are training their dogs in protection - to competition level. Based in Maryland, US, head trainers Dez Lynch, 33, Nic Tolson, 33 and OJ Blagmon. Jr, 35, put their dogs Luca Brasi and Black Doug - both bandogs - and Drop Top Wop - an American Pit Bull Terrier through their paces. Dez told Barcroft Studios: “I think this Misfit K9 is training the best dogs in the United States.” Dez owns five-year-old Luca Brasi and described him as the ‘best dog’ he has ever owned and how their bandogs are excelling as working dogs. Dez said: “ I think we have the top bandogs maybe in the whole world, I don't know. But I know as far as the United States there isn’t pretty much another bandog organization or a breeding kennel that can compare to the dogs that we recently put out.” Dez, Nic and OJ have been dog trainers and decoying for a number of years but came together to set up Misfit K9 in 2016. Every year they host a personal protection competition called Misfit Mayhem where people come from all over the US to compete with their dogs. Dez loved the bite suit from the moment he got into one but warned that training came with some dangers. Dez suffered a severe bite a couple of years ago, resulting in him needing plastic surgery. However, soon after, he was back in the suit working on more dogs. Dez said: “You would not do it if you don't have a passion for it.”

MEET the brave dog who has become a social media star - after being attacked by his own mother as a puppy. Brodie - the ‘Picasso masterpiece’ dog - is a one-year-old German Shepherd / Border Collie cross who now lives with cranial deformities. Amanda Richter, 30 and Brad Ames, 23, of Alberta, Canda, saw Old Macdonald Kennels’ Facebook post asking for applications to adopt him and, after deciding to visit, instantly fell in love. Amanda told Barcroft Studios: “And I literally looked at the picture and would cry and just be like, we have to go meet this dog.” Brad said: “I spent an hour with him. I had to take him home.” Brodie is a special needs dog because he needs a little bit of help with things. He is blind in one eye so he requires eye drops everyday and due to his fused jaw, cannot eat like other dogs. However, while he looks different, his owners said he behaves like any other dog. Brad told Barcroft Studios: “The disability doesn't slow him down in any way.” Brodie has become a bit of a social media sensation after Amanda set up an Instagram account for him - @bestboybrodie - so that people could keep up to date with his story and has over 150,000 followers. Amanda said: “He definitely looks like a little Picasso masterpiece for sure.” Amanda and Brad hope that after a bit of training, Brodie will become a therapy dog. Amanda said: “We'd like to take him maybe into old folks homes, children's hospitals, group homes for people that have disabilities, that kind of thing.”

MEET Ozzy - the ‘bazooka’ dog trained in jiu jitsu. This two-year-old Dutch Shepherd is a highly trained protection dog who belongs to Erin Leisen, 31, of California. Ozzy has effectively been taught jiu jitsu by Mike Jones, 35, head trainer at Primal Canine. Mike told Barcroft Studios: “I would say he’s the hardest biting dog I’ve ever worked with and then by far - when it comes to the technical ability - he’s definitely up there. That’s why he’s our one percenter, very rare, he’s our unicorn.” Erin, who is general manager of Primal Canine, is Ozzy’s handler and said that he is not a pet but a high level working dog. Erin told Barcroft Studios: “Ozzy’s a bazooka. He's not an everyday dog.” The couple also live with six other dogs - including Zilla - a one-year-old Dutch Shepherd who is Ozzy’s son. Mike started Primal Canine seven years ago to create a new kind of communication and balance approach and said that decoy training is not to be taken lightly. He said: “This type of training is extremely dangerous and it’s not for everybody. I have been hurt multiple times - I can’t even tell you how many times I have been hurt. I’ve had my bicep, pec muscle torn, I’ve been knocked unconscious, I’ve been bitten through a suit, through equipment.” Mike and Erin are proud of the ‘pack’ the organisation has created. Mike said: “We have the quote that I always use is that I’d rather die of exhaustion than boredom and that’s where we continuously push.”

MEET King V - son of Venom. Five-year-old Venom, aka Chunk - the ‘King’ of the micro bullies has been retired from the public and while he takes the time to chill out, his son King V is next in line to the throne. Venomline is believed to be one of the most valuable American Bully bloodlines in the world and its owner, Matt Siebenthal, 37, of Florida, said before retirement, Venom had earned over $2 million. However, Matt said Venom is priceless and that they would never sell him. Matt founded Venomline in 2017 and is extremely happy with all the dogs the line has produced including offspring in 30 countries around the world and a number of champions such as Champion Ting whom they hope will make it to 'grand champion' this year. King V has amassed a large following online which Matt thinks is not only due to his famous dad but his unique look. King V is a 13-inch tall chocolate tri-colour pocket bully with green eyes. Matt said: “I'm thrilled with how King V has been turning out, how he looks at just 12 months old. So surprised, blown away and definitely excited about this guy's future." 12-month-old King V’s first litter has already sold out with prices starting at $10,000 per puppy. Matt told Barcroft Studios: “I think King V could absolutely be as successful or more successful than his dad Venom.”

MEET the incredible dogs trained to military standards. Tyler Falconer, 27, of Boston, set up Falco K9 four years ago after serving in the navy. Falco K9 train dogs in obedience, police work as well as personal protection and Tyler uses his experience in the military to all aspects of the dogs’ training from puppies to deployment on the street. Tyler, who is also a firefighter, told Barcroft Studios: “I apply my military background to Falco K9. In a sense of my criteria is a little bit higher than your average company. It's not just a job to me because I know the ramifications if not done properly. We train so there's not any failed deployments out there on the street, whether it be a personal protection dog and/or police dog.” Tyler owns Nala, a four-year-old Belgian Malinois who is trained in protection. Tyler said she is one of the best dogs he has ever trained or owned. Tyler is a trained decoy and loves to suit up at any given opportunity to practise scenario training including car jackings and muggings. Tyler said: “The feeling inside the suit, it's amazing - you feel like you're really connecting with the dog on that level.” Tyler started Falco K9 from his apartment before progressing to a facility in South Boston and is proud of how far the organisation has come. He said: “I can’t help but think that so many things had to go a specific way and so many things had to go right for me that I definitely don’t take it for granted that I’m one of the luckiest men in the world."

HUGE dogs, originally bred to hunt big game, have evolved into a new breed of protection dog. World Class K-9 has been training and selling personal and family protection dogs for almost 25 years – with a specific focus on the Dogo Argentino breed. Run by Julius Henry and his team, the Georgia-based business is home to the 95-pound Dogo ‘Achilles’, who is Julius’ personal bodyguard. The breed itself was engineered to hunt big game in Argentina, and as such, are incredibly powerful dogs capable of bringing down wild hogs three to six times their size. Julius told Barcroft Studios: “Our dogs are not here to play games. They are trained as professional guardians, like a bodyguard. Achilles has the courage of the biggest baddest Dogo. There’s nothing he won’t do in order to defend me.” Alongside Achilles, World Class K-9 is home to the five-year-old 105-pound Trapial who is also an incredible example of the Dogo breed. “What intrigued me about the Dogo Argentino is their heart,” said Julius. “There’s nothing I can put in front of them that they won’t go through to do their job. They can be as active as you want to be and at the same time they can be as relaxed as you want to be.” Julius sells his sought-after puppies for around $5,000 and his trained protection dogs for between $15,000 and $25,000. And he’s been offered $75,000 for Achilles, but says the prize pup isn’t for sale.

MEET Bandit - the 130lb ‘Merle King’. Bandit is a two-year-old Great Dane Bandog Mastiff Mix. His striking looks attract attention when he’s out on a walk with his owners Martin, 32 and Lisa Lewis, 36, of Brigg, UK. Martin, a security dog handler, said: “When we're out and about people's reactions to Bandit, it's more I'd say a 50/50 split because people will see his looks, his colour and be like ‘Oh my god, he's so cute, looks like a teddy bear.’ Other people will go ‘Oh my God, look how big he is; I'm off the opposite way'." The couple got Bandit when he was one-year-old and decided to train him in protection and have been delighted with his progress. However, Martin and Lisa said Bandit knows when to switch off from work and be around the family, including their sons Reece, 14 and Logan Foley, 10. They refer to Bandit as a bandog due to him being a working type Mastiff. Martin said: “A Bandog’s characteristics are basically a strong willed dog that can protect its family fiercely but at the same time be cuddled up and act like a family pet.” Martin and Lisa set up their kennel name - Berserker Bandogs and have future plans to breed him as well as entering him in trials. Martin said: “Bandit is our ultimate Bandog because he can do everything we ask him to do - he’d protect the family, to his last breath. He will cuddle up and play with you. He’s just a general great all round dog.”

MEET Sirius Black, aka Si, who is thought to be the largest black tri-colour American Bully in the world. His owner, Stacy Slone, 32, of Maryland USA, always knew he was going to be big and is delighted with the way Si has turned out. Stacy said: “He’s 17 months old, 170 pounds with a 27-inch head and he’s currently the largest tri-coloured American bully in the world. “I always knew he was going to be huge and I always thought he was going to become the biggest black tri." Stacy and his daughter, Payton, 12, love the Harry Potter series and decided to name their dog after one of the characters. Stacy, who is also dad to Taylor, four, said: “Si is basically a gentle giant. My daughters lay on him, they play with him, they walk him, he’s always cool, calm and collected everywhere we go. Sometimes if we’re doing videos I’ll have Taylor walk all three of them at the same time and that really goes to show how great their temperament is - that a four-year old could walk what 350-pounds worth of dogs.” Stacy has started training Si to become a service dog, to help those with anxiety. Stacy and his partner, Harley McGee, 23, run OldBay Bullies and also own female American Bullies - Maia and Godiva. They have recently bred Maia with Sirius and expect the litter to be born soon. Stacy said: “I’m expecting some of the largest tris in the world - obviously it’s coming from the largest tri in the world. What else would you expect?”

MEET Sirius Black, aka Si, who is thought to be the largest black tri-colour American Bully in the world. His owner, Stacy Slone, 32, of Maryland USA, always knew he was going to be big and is delighted with the way Si has turned out. Stacy said: “He’s 17 months old, 170 pounds with a 27-inch head and he’s currently the largest tri-coloured American bully in the world. “I always knew he was going to be huge and I always thought he was going to become the biggest black tri." Stacy and his daughter, Payton, 12, love the Harry Potter series and decided to name their dog after one of the characters. Stacy, who is also dad to Taylor, four, said: “Si is basically a gentle giant. My daughters lay on him, they play with him, they walk him, he’s always cool, calm and collected everywhere we go. Sometimes if we’re doing videos I’ll have Taylor walk all three of them at the same time and that really goes to show how great their temperament is - that a four-year old could walk what 350-pounds worth of dogs.” Stacy has started training Si to become a service dog, to help those with anxiety. Stacy and his partner, Harley McGee, 23, run OldBay Bullies and also own female American Bullies - Maia and Godiva. They have recently bred Maia with Sirius and expect the litter to be born soon. Stacy said: “I’m expecting some of the largest tris in the world - obviously it’s coming from the largest tri in the world. What else would you expect?”

MEET the daredevil 19-year-old who LOVES snakes - including deadly venomous ones. Student Bryce Broom lives in South Africa and boasts a reptile room with a variety of snakes from all around the world. His current collection includes five ball pythons, two snouted cobras, corn snakes, a variety of geckos and a pair of cape cobras - Africa's most toxic cobras. Bryce was given eight months left to live due to serious health complications, but he claims that snakes have literally saved his life by giving him hope and a sense of purpose. Bryce told Beastly: "I don't like calling my snakes a collection because they are part of my family." Bryce spends most of his daily routine taking care of his beloved pets... Bryce has been handling dangerous animals for as long as he can remember: "I've got photographs of me handling tiny little crocodiles when I was tiny myself," said Bryce. The most dangerous animal Bryce owns is a year-old cape cobra with an attitude: "Most Cobras bluff and just strike at you with their mouth closed but not her, she will come at you with mouth open just ready to bite - they have a potent neurotoxic venue that shuts down your nervous system, it's a nasty bite," Bryce added.

MEET Bane the 165lbs Presa Canario who, according to his owner, is the perfect family guardian. Elijah Prada, 39, of California, runs SoCalPresa who breed Presa Canarios and aim to produce the ultimate family guard dogs. Elijah also owns Negra, a 117lbs Presa Canario and together his dogs make quite an impression on people. Elijah said: “It's either going to be on one end of the spectrum or the other. They're going to be extremely scared of them or they're going to look at them with absolute admiration, practically hearts popping out of their eyes." Three-year-old Bane and Negra, who is three months younger than him, have both been trained in obedience and protection. Elijah said he wants his dogs to be able to be around family all the time but then handle an issue should it arise. He said: “Bane is definitely the perfect family guardian. He is the result of over 15 years of breeding, that we specifically were looking for traits that were family friendly, but also extremely guardian. I literally couldn't think of anything more that I would want out of a Bane, nothing." Elijah said that SoCalPresa put a lot of effort into placing puppies with the right family and has sold dogs to celebrities including American football star, Odell Beckham Jr. and NBA star, Lonnie Walker.

DUBBED 'a wolf in sheep's clothing', the Giant Schnauzer is a breed of dog that might look docile but hides an aggressively protective nature. Leedor Borlant of Protection Dogs Worldwide has been training protection dogs for over a decade and says the Giant Schnauzer is one of the hardest breeds to train, making them cost from £30,000 upwards. Leedor's associate trainer Matt owns a Giant Schnauzer himself: "The reason why I got this breed in the first place was because of my asthma - a lot of the dogs used to set the asthma off and I found that the Giant Schnauzer didn't". Matt has returned to Protection Dogs Worldwide for a refresher session with his Giant Schnauzer Achilles: "He's back today just to see where he is after a period of time out - is it still going to perform after two years of doing nothing?" Matt said. Most people would associate the Schnauzer breed to the miniature and standard-sized one, whereas the giant ones are pretty rare. "I would still class them as cute and cuddly, with an underside that not many people see," said Matt. https://www.protectiondogs.co.uk/

YOU would not want to cross paths with this man's hyena. Animal trainer Luke Cornell has been working with deadly animals in the film industry for over thirty years. His South Africa farm called 'Cornellskop' boasts an animal menagerie that includes lions, cheetahs, ostriches, baboons and many others. Assistant trainer Shané has been working with Luke for over four years and is confident working with all the animals at Cornellskop - except one. Hyena Lola is a loyal and loving animal towards Luke, but anyone else that crosses her path "is meat". Luke said: "If I'm not in the vicinity you can stroke Lola through the fence and she will be really sweet, the minute I'm in with her she turns into a psycho." For the first time in years, Luke attempted to get Lola to finally warm up to Shané, but it didn't quite unfold as they hoped - with Lola having to be pulled back after darting towards Shané aggressively. Shané said: "I'm terrified of being alone with Lola, she's an apex predator. If I were to go in with Lola I would probably end up in hospital or be dead."

A MONSTER merle bully is vying for the title of the UK’s most unique dog. Mikki Wills owns MegaBuilt Bullies’ King Marshall and claims the 115-pound dog is the UK’s first lilac merle tri XL bully. The impressive canine is the son of MegaBuilt Bullies’ famous merle bully ‘Aftermath’, and was imported into the UK from Vancouver in 2018. Mikki, who runs Cheadle-based Bullies & Luxury UK, told Barcroft Studios: “Marshall will always be king of the merles. His coat pattern is phenomenal. He was the first merle in the UK and he’s a big eye-opener. He gets stopped all the time in the street just because of the patterns on his coat and how big and heavily-set he is.” ‘Merle’ refers to the dog’s appearance and in Marshall’s case means he has a combination of brown and champagne tones in his coat. At 22-inches tall and with a 25-inch head, Marshall is a unique and sought-after bully, with his puppies selling for as much as £8,500. He’s joined by four other dogs at Bullies and Luxury UK: Panda, Ultimate Bullies’ Cercei, and Bamboo who is already shaping up to be bigger than Marshall at just nine months old.

HUGE dogs with coats that make them look like bears are being produced at a kennel which claims to offer the “dog of your dreams”. Aleksandr and Nina Khilyk run Kinu Liutas Kennels, a Ukraine-based business that’s home to some of the most unusual looking dogs in the world. The couple specialise in the Tibetan Mastiff – an ancient breed notable for their large frames and extremely hairy coats. Nina told Barcroft Studios: “The Tibetan Mastiff is one of the most ancient breeds in the world. They're flawless guards, excellent friends and companions. Kinu Liutas is the most unique breeding ground in the world. It has something no other place has. It has a dog of your dreams.” The breed can grow to as tall as 80cm, with the largest Mastiff at Kinu Liutas measuring 75cm. At Kinu Liutas, the Tibetan Mastiffs are afforded a luxurious existence with their own bathroom, a training room, a room for puppies, and very soon a swimming pool just for dogs. In fact, one whole floor of the Khilyk’s four-story house is dedicated to the dogs. And while the couple say they breed for themselves, they have managed to establish a successful business from their dogs, and have never sold a puppy for less than 10,000 Euros. But the main thing for Aleksandr and Nina is simply owning such rare dogs. Aleksandr said: “When you come home from work and 100 kilos of joy run towards you and push you onto the floor and you can't get up. Then three more happy little puppies join him – that's the happiness.”

A GIANT pit bull has smashed a previous weight record at one of the US’ premier breeders. Romper is the pride of Tennessee-based ProBulls – a pit bull breeding and training company known for its huge dogs. Previously, the king of ProBulls was the 182-pound ‘Kong’, who unfortunately passed away two years ago. Now Kong’s son Romper has surpassed his father’s record, weighing in at an incredible 183.4 pounds. ProBulls owner Cullen Brewer said: “We’re more than ecstatic that Romper has finally matched Kong’s numbers. It’s only going to continue to go up from here too. I think that 190-mark is well within reach. At the moment, I’d love to see anybody else show us a bigger dog on the scale. I make no claims of having the biggest or the best, but we’re proud of what we have. And if you got bigger and better, prove it.” But Cullen says Romper is unique not just because of his impressive weight. He said: “What he produces, his bone, his head, and just the all-round perfect family member is what he’s all about.” It’s no surprise then, that Romper’s stud fee is currently sitting at $10,000 and his puppies can sell for up to $20,000. The company currently has around 25 other dogs on-site and has been running since 2004. Over the 15 years it’s been in business, ProBulls has become known for consistently producing quality dogs with large frames.

MOST four-year-old girls are happy playing with toys but one badass toddler is busy training protection dogs. Kennedy helps her parents Steve Cabral and Ariana Santiago train a team of elite protection dogs at Fine Line Family K9. Based in Florida, the company specialises in dogs that can become family pets, but can also turn on the aggression at a moment’s notice to ward off intruders. Kennedy helps the business by feeding the dogs, walking them through agility courses, and training them to take down decoys on attack commands. Owner, Steve, said: “Kennedy helps us train the dogs, lets the dogs out, feeds the dogs, and sneaks some treats when she’s not supposed to. We do worry about her safety a little bit, but the reality is these dogs were raised with kids, they know Kennedy. Kennedy has been dealing with these dogs, we’re not just putting her next to a strange dog.” Alongside protection dogs, Steve and Ariana provide service dogs to those in need, behaviour modification training, and obedience training. The company works with a range of breeds, from German Shepherds and Malinois, to Rottweilers and even labradoodles. Kennedy’s favorite is Tasha, a Belgian Malinois that has formed a bond with the four-year-old and is ready to defend her at any moment. “I hope Kennedy takes over the company tomorrow,” said Steve. “I’m sick of shoveling dog poop.”

MEET the self-branded 'Lion Dad' who is the proud father of two lions, two ligers and seven wolves. James Smith, of Stanton Missouri, has been around these big cats and wolves for over thirteen years. He was bottle-feeding them when they were puppies and is still feeding them raw meat today. James is an animal handler at Wild Animal Adventures Park and says he couldn't imagine doing anything else in life. The bond he has developed with the big cats is so strong that female lion Zella will even sometimes suck on James' thumb like a baby. James told Truly: "As far as they're concerned and as far as I'm concerned in a real way I am their parent, I did take the position of their mum." Park Manager, Sheri, added: "I think James has a natural ability, he was made to communicate with animals - it really is a gift." However strong his bond with these animals may be, James still needs to keep his wits about him when working with these potentially deadly animals. "You're talking a 250-300lbs cat - it could take them getting mad over something little and that's it, you're not walking out of that cage," James said.

OWNERS of a unique American bully say they have a “million dollar dog”. OG China Boy is one-of-a-kind, combining elements of American, Exotic, and Pocket bullies in one muscle-pound, compact package. Founder of 038 Bullyz and owner of OG China Boy, Eddie Bonilla, said: “OG China Boy is a million dollar dog. It's a dream come true for a lot of people to get to the level where we're at with OG China Boy. It's like the equivalent of making it to the NBA. Sometimes it's unreal.” Eddie runs his Massachusetts-based breeding business along with his wife Jennifer, and is the owner of seven other bullies – though China Boy is the head of the pack. The couple imported their prize pup from China, and have now given him a stud fee of $5,000. After Eddie had China Boy for 40 days, he says the dog had already netted him around $200,000 in stud fees, and predicts he will easily make a million dollars in the coming years. Eddie said: “When you think of him and what he's made in two-and-a-half months, he’s priceless. But even with a million dollars, nobody's going to give up this dog.” Weighing in at around 75 pounds, the sought-after American bully is particularly unique due to the combination of desirable elements from multiple versions of the Bully breed. With a 25-inch head combined with his compact size, China Boy is sure to become a legend in the bully game in-future.

SELLING for up to $10,000 a pup, KeBully Kennels' micro bullies are 'pure luxury'. Mino Kerouani has been breeding pitbulls for over a decade and has gradually reduced the size of his litters throughout the years. Mino told Truly: "A couple of years ago, everyone wanted pocket and standard bullies, right now all they want is micros." KeBully is run as a family business, and Mino travels in first class to personally deliver each dog he sells. He maintains a relationship with his customers, regularly checking on them. His main stud Shogun is the perfect example of a micro bully, having won Mino various international prizes. "In the future I want to be the best breeder in the world," he said.

MEET the daredevil who has been training exotic animals for film and television for over thirty years. Lions, cheetahs, hyenas, monkeys and caracals are only some of the animals that Luke Cornell lives with in South Africa. Luke first started working with animals on set in 1988, and he has never looked back since. Luke told Truly: "I was catching snakes and bringing them to set, I had no idea you could make a career out of it". Since then Luke has developed intimate relationships with these dangerous animals he works with daily. As part of their training for working on set, Luke's cheetahs are made to run after a fluffy toy. Truly filmed Luke feeding his lions, the most dangerous animals he owns. "Once you give them that big piece of meat, the real lion in them comes out and you see the killer come out - the big males have all tried to kill me," Luke said. Animals have enabled Luke to live his dream, as he describes what he does as more of a lifestyle than a career. "It's this or nothing," he said.

MEET the giant pitbull family! Rasit Kaplan and his wife Jenny live in Rotterdam, Netherlands, with their three children - and their army of XL American bullies. Rasit and Jenny run Giant Bully Pitbulls, the home of some of Europe's most powerful dogs. "When I was young my mother told me, you will have a zoo with your own animals," Rasit said. "It's not quite a zoo, but I have my own kennel. I like big dogs, strong dogs, who are also disciplined." The couple got their first bully, Tyson, in 2009, although he sadly passed away at the end of 2019. Rasit said: "Tyson was my first XL dog. Before that time pitbulls were banned in the Netherlands. He was the father or grandfather to all of my dogs, he was very special." Tyson's legacy lives on in dogs like his son Magnum, a 150lb colossus who commands a 3,500 euros stud fee and Rasit says is "priceless". The company's latest breakout stars include Magnum's son Bokito the Silverback, who weighs in at 120lb despite only recently celebrating his first birthday and Rasit's "million dollar girl" Mystique - an all-black XL female who Rasit was offered 30,000 euros for when she was only a week old. Jenny said: "What makes her special is that she's fully black like a panther, not a single white hair on her body. She's one of the most rare dogs in Europe, maybe even the world." Rasit and Jenny spend an incredible 12,000 euros a year on dog food. The couple walk their pack 12 times a day and say that they feel entirely comfortable with their dogs around their children, aged 3, 10 and 13, and that the breed's reputation for aggression is unfounded. Rasit said: "These dogs, if you raise them well, they have the best character, they are so sweet. We are one big giant pitbull family!"

THIS DAREDEVIL family own more than 1,000 reptiles - including a 20ft anaconda. Meet the Barczyks, owners of The Reptarium facility in Michigan. YouTuber, and proud dad, Brian Barczyk, has been obsessed with reptiles since a young age and has been professionally handling them for over 30 years. Now working alongside his wife and son, Brian's animal collection includes a two-headed snake, a 20-foot anaconda, pythons, bearded dragons, chameleons, iguanas, tortoises and frogs. And Brian admitted to Beastly: "I've been bitten probably 100 thousand times by snakes". Brian runs a successful YouTube channel with over 2.5 million subscribers, in which he shares the family's daily life with their precious reptiles. The Reptarium is a properly run family business, as Brian works daily with his wife and son, splitting the tasks between them. Wife Lori was actually afraid of reptiles before meeting Brian but is now an integral part of The Reptarium. Brian's son Noah is learning the ropes of the business and Truly filmed one of his first attempts at handling alligators. The Barczyks are looking forward to a successful future as they recently moved their biggest reptiles into brand new $15,000 enclosures.

MEET the team behind Confidential Kennels - the fourth-generation breeders of the colossal Cane Corso dog breed. These dogs can weigh over 150lbs and sell for up to $10,000. The mostly-female crew is at the forefront of resurrecting the ancient breed that was used for fighting in wars in Ancient Roman times. Confidential Kennel owners Angela and Jesse have been breeding and training these dogs for over a decade. They even run a program called 'Reuniting Warriors With Warriors', which sees them donating trained Cane Corsos to wounded war veterans. Jesse told Truly: "We do not make a cent on it, it costs us a lot of money to actually operate it". Angela is proud to have put together an all-female crew at Confidential Kennels, making them stand out in the male-dominated dog breeding industry. She said: "I want women to feel safe and secure and empowered, them being a part of preserving the Cane Corso makes them feel strong".

MEET Wally - the 5ft, 60lb, federally-licensed emotional support alligator. Owned by Joie Henney, from Pennsylvania, Joie's house boasts a variety of reptiles, ranging from bearded dragons to ball pythons. The reptile that steals the show, however, is the four-year-old Wally, who has a special place in Joie's heart. Joie told Truly: "He's far from a typical alligator, he loves cuddling and he loves giving kisses". As well as having full run of the house, Wally is regularly taken out for walks to parks, malls and even restaurants. Joie, who refused to take medication when going through depression, found great relief in interacting with Wally the alligator. With a solid fan-base, Joie works with volunteers daily to show Wally in schools, birthday parties and other events.