How does one know my Japanese Fire Newt is over 10 year old?

Because I named him after the character Tai from Digimon, back when my sister and I watched the first series when it first hit America.

He's survived having his leg ripped off by another pet. Twice. Second time happened when he was old enough that it's still only a nub. I didn't have a dog for most of my youth, not until late high school, and our cats weren't around long enough for me to love them (which wouldn't have happened anyway, they were horrible). I grew up with herps and amphibians. Which meant that kid Pariah dealt with a lot of critters dying as he grew up. It gave me perspective, helped me deal with death, and in many ways appreciate it. Having these odd pets also gave me a different perspective than many others, and showed me that the standard ways of looking at things are not the only options, if that makes sense.

But Tai here is still kicking, and it's always nice to see him when I'm at my parent's place.