Hmm. I think I should've picked a pink harness instead of a baby blue one. She's a girl after all. Darn it. Oh well, at least blue ones are less likely to show dirt.
Wait whut? A giant lizard in a harness? Seriously? Oh yes, I'm very serious about taking a baby Godzilla out and about with me someday. I love my companion and my dream is to have her by my side! She will not eat your dogs or your children when I visit the local park. Promise.
Initially, she will be very fearful. I pray she does not freak out and alligator roll, thrashing about. I took her out twice before as a baby. One time she was reserved and stayed snug against me. The other time, she went nuts in terror. She thrashed about so hard, two of the ferret harness buckles popped open. She dashed off fast as lightening. I was very lucky that tegus are smart and that she does love her home because she ran right for the front door. I didn't have to worry about her being on some rednecks dinner plate that night. I never tried to bring her out ever again. But now that she is totally tame and a calmer sub adult ... I am game to try again. But this time, I will be far more prepared.
I have bought her a much sturdier harness. It is a kitten harness with tight buckles. And I am making sure she gets used to wearing it before attempting an outdoor adventure. She trusts us a lot more. She is bigger and a little shower. Less skittish. I will make sure that someone is with me when I go out for the first time and that I have a towel or blanket to help catch her in case there are any accidental escapes.
The goal is her to get used to going outside and then take it a step further ... get her to enjoy it. I'd like her to enjoy the sun, the fresh air, and the grass between her toes. All animals should be able to experience that, no matter how incredible their home life is. I may never have a calm enough tegu to go out to public places like some pets. But I really, really want my tegu to be able to accompany me outside someday.
Wait whut? A giant lizard in a harness? Seriously? Oh yes, I'm very serious about taking a baby Godzilla out and about with me someday. I love my companion and my dream is to have her by my side! She will not eat your dogs or your children when I visit the local park. Promise.
Initially, she will be very fearful. I pray she does not freak out and alligator roll, thrashing about. I took her out twice before as a baby. One time she was reserved and stayed snug against me. The other time, she went nuts in terror. She thrashed about so hard, two of the ferret harness buckles popped open. She dashed off fast as lightening. I was very lucky that tegus are smart and that she does love her home because she ran right for the front door. I didn't have to worry about her being on some rednecks dinner plate that night. I never tried to bring her out ever again. But now that she is totally tame and a calmer sub adult ... I am game to try again. But this time, I will be far more prepared.
I have bought her a much sturdier harness. It is a kitten harness with tight buckles. And I am making sure she gets used to wearing it before attempting an outdoor adventure. She trusts us a lot more. She is bigger and a little shower. Less skittish. I will make sure that someone is with me when I go out for the first time and that I have a towel or blanket to help catch her in case there are any accidental escapes.
The goal is her to get used to going outside and then take it a step further ... get her to enjoy it. I'd like her to enjoy the sun, the fresh air, and the grass between her toes. All animals should be able to experience that, no matter how incredible their home life is. I may never have a calm enough tegu to go out to public places like some pets. But I really, really want my tegu to be able to accompany me outside someday.