Melanie Typaldos, 57, from Texas, U.S.A, adopted giant rodent Gary after falling in love with capybaras during a holiday in South America. The eight-stone creature - which is similar to a giant guinea pig - is seen above left enjoying a dip in the pool with Ms Typaldo's daughter Coral, below left on the sofa with Ms Typaldo and her husband Richard Loveman, and right ready to take a spin in the car at home in Buda. Ms Typaldos claims owning a capybara is 'really no different than having a dog or cat', adding: 'I can't imagine life without him'.


Melanie Typaldos and her husband Richard Loveman make room on the couch for their pet - an eight-stone capybara named Gary


They give Gary a bit of attention on the couch at their Texas home


The capybara is the largest rodent in the world - followed by the beaver and the porcupine


Gary's owner adopted him after falling in love with capybara's during a trip to Venezuela




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 from owning a dog or a cat


Mr Loveman rests his head against Gary in the back of the car on an outing in Buda


Gray is enjoying a cuddle with Flopsy the cat


Gary's owners say he gets along well with other animals - including Boston Terrier puppy Juju



Ms Typaldos said she fell in love with Gary the capybara and that he quickly became part of the family


The semi-aquatic mammal enjoys a swim with his owner's daughter, Coral Waters, at home in Buda, Texas