We approached the table at the repticon with all of the tegus in glass cubes lined up on a long table. So many to choose from. I knew this was the right thing. It's always best to choose a pet in person when you are able, so an animal and you can choose each other. Immediately one stood out because it was gorgeous and another stood out because of its personality. Both were equally pretty. But on the very end, was a unique baby that caught both my son's and husband's eye. She wasn't what I had been dreaming of. The others were! But they were completely enchanted by her. This was such a big commitment that it was going to impact the entire family. This was going to be an animal walking around the home no different than a family dog. Further, my husband was really making a sacrifice. So I took all of that into account. My husband, Scott and son, Chet made it very clear this was my decision alone, but there was no way I was going to discount their feelings. I was in agony trying to choose. Then I noticed quite a number of other people eyeing the one my husband and son liked. Even a very experienced tegu owner was making quite a fuss over her. That's when I thought maybe my guys were onto something. And the man who had eventually decided to get her, ever so politely stepped aside and gave me first dibs on her when he saw me start to seriously contemplate her. Well hell's bells there must be something special here about this tegu that I am clearly missing. Far too many things were going on involving this girl to ignore. And so I made my choice.
She had a fiery orange belly, a huge amount of black, and deep orange/peachy markings on her. This was highly unusual. The breeder, who claimed to breed them at home himself, said she was Chocoan (Chocoan extreme giant) but didn't sound completely sure. He also had no explanation for the crazy unique colors. How can you breed an animal and not even be sure what it is? That should be a red flag to walk away. But I didn't. ALL his animals were strikingly happy and healthy and stood out above most others at the show. I took a deep breath and just made a decision. We put the 24-25 inch peachy girl in a carry bag and home we went.
And boy we were in for an adventure. Because no amount of reading or Youtube movies could prepare us for this firecracker.
Stunningly Naive Family
She had a fiery orange belly, a huge amount of black, and deep orange/peachy markings on her. This was highly unusual. The breeder, who claimed to breed them at home himself, said she was Chocoan (Chocoan extreme giant) but didn't sound completely sure. He also had no explanation for the crazy unique colors. How can you breed an animal and not even be sure what it is? That should be a red flag to walk away. But I didn't. ALL his animals were strikingly happy and healthy and stood out above most others at the show. I took a deep breath and just made a decision. We put the 24-25 inch peachy girl in a carry bag and home we went.
And boy we were in for an adventure. Because no amount of reading or Youtube movies could prepare us for this firecracker.
Stunningly Naive Family