A Maryland man says he can rebuild his auto parts store, but what he cares about most is his pet 13-year-old alligator.

Andrew Cohen's store on Tuesday caught fire and began to spread. When firefighters arrived they were able to keep it away from where Cohen's 4-foot long "pet" Wally, resides.

A fire department spokesman says firefighters did the smart thing and left Wally in place after determining he was safe.

Cohen says he's owned the scaly reptile since it was an adorable three inches long the now menacing animal now serves as the store's "junkyard dog."

A sign over his tank reads, "Refund department."