Finding an eight-stone rodent on the couch would see most people racing for the phone to dial pest control. But it's a daily occurrence for Melanie Typaldos, 57 and her husband Richard Loveman, 54, who share their home in Buda, Texas, with a giant capybara named Gary. Ms Typaldos adopted Gary after falling in love with the semi-aquatic mammals - the world's largest rodent - during a holiday in Venezuela, and she and her husband are so fond of their bizarre pet they even let him sleep in their bed.
Melanie Typaldos and her husband Richard Loveman make room on the couch for their pet - an eight-stone capybara
'Affectionate': The semi-aquatic mammal enjoys a swim with his owner's daughter, Coral Waters, at home in Buda, Texas
Unusual: The Texas couple even let rodent Gary, who weighs eight stone, sleep in their bed
Companionship: Gary keeps a close eye on Flopsy the cat and Ms Typaldos' pet tortoise at her Texas home
Melanie, who adopted Gary from an owner who could no longer care for him, said having a capybara was not so different
Gary enjoys a swim in a rubber ring at owner Melanie Typaldos' home in Buda, Texas
Ms Typaldos said she fell in love with Gary the capybara and that he quickly became part of the family
Gary's owners say he gets along well with other animals - including Boston Terrier puppy Juju
Melanie and her husband Richard Loveman give Gary a bit of attention on the couch at their Texas home
Gary is seen left ready for a trip in the car, and right enjoying a cuddle with Flopsy the cat
Gary's owner adopted him after falling in love with capybara's during a trip to Venezuela
The capybara is the largest rodent in the world - followed by the beaver and the porcupine
Mr Loveman rests his head against Gary in the back of the car on an outing in Buda
Gary the capybara nuzzles with Juju the boston terrier in Ms Typaldos back garden in Texas
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