antique cast iron dragon? eagle? bird? sea serpent? hook?

I got this at a yard sale and I just got it because it was so cool looking. It's been sitting my drawer for a while now and I have been trying to figure out what it is. I can't find anything like it. The woman that I bought it from thought it was a "door hook" of some sorts. It's cast iron and painted red with black. It measures about 4 1/4" in length.

ANY help would be appreciated.

Thanks!