Missing Mexican Lizard Found by Dog Named Stella
Listen to the story
For months, residents of a small Italian town searched for a large lizard they had nicknamed Godzilla. The reptile, originally from Mexico, is venomous and had been abandoned near the Adige river in northern Italy. Its disappearance had worried locals for weeks.
The mystery was finally solved thanks to a small dog named Stella, who lives in the village of Barbona. While out with her owners, Stella caught the lizard's scent and began to bark loudly. Her owners followed her and discovered the missing reptile hiding nearby.
According to the dog's owners, the lizard appeared disoriented, as if it did not know where it was or how to get back home. They did not attempt to catch it themselves, since the species can be dangerous if handled incorrectly. Instead, they contacted local experts, who arrived and safely captured the animal.
The lizard was then taken to a secure location, where it will be cared for properly. Local residents have expressed relief that the search is finally over. Many are now praising Stella for her sharp senses, saying the little dog deserves credit for solving a mystery that had puzzled the whole town.
Vocabulary6 words
- Godzilla
- a famous giant movie monster; used here as a nickname
- venomous
- having poison that can hurt or kill
- Adige
- the name of a large river in Italy
- bark
- the loud sound a dog makes
- disoriented
- confused about where you are
- captured
- caught and controlled safely
Quiz
Answer key
1. Mexico 2. She smelled it and barked 3. False
Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
For months, residents of a small Italian town searched for a large lizard they had nicknamed _____.
The reptile, originally from Mexico, is _____ and had been abandoned near the Adige river.
The mystery was finally solved thanks to a small dog named _____.
Stella caught the lizard's scent and began to _____ loudly.
Her owners followed her and discovered the missing reptile hiding _____.
According to the dog's owners, the lizard appeared _____.
They did not attempt to catch it themselves, since the species can be _____ if handled incorrectly.
Local experts arrived and safely _____ the animal.
The lizard was then taken to a secure _____.
Many are now praising Stella for her sharp _____.