Several years ago Bob arrived at my back door, lost and homeless. He had apparently been wandering around for a good while before finding us. His shell had been damaged in a few places but was already healing well. Looked like something tried to eat him. At first he was in a nice big enclosure outside b the backdoor. He was there a little more than a year also spending the cooler times in his indoor enclosure. We watched him while in his enclosures and when not sleeping he was pacing the perimeter of the enclosure, apparently not satisfied. I should mention that we have a pack of dogs, rescues that are very peaceful toward other animals. In particular is the chihuahu, Cricket, who befriended Bob. Ultimately, after realizing he wanted to be with us and the dogs I allowed him out of his outside enclosure to interact with us. When it was time to go inside the dogs climbed the steps that lead to the door. Bob followed but obviously couldn’t climb the steps though he tried. Ultimately I brought him inside to live full time. He obviously was a pet that was given much attention. He has a strong attraction for the dogs and follows me around the house just like one of the dogs. He is very happy having his own box to retire to when it is bedtime (it is wooden with a hole in one side). He eats the best foods I can buy, vitamins and calcium, and gets a 30 minute shower each day. I have a large tub-sink in the mud room where he eats (then relieves himself). He has a water dish though the prefers drinking with the dogs. I realize many people do not agree with allowing a tortoise to roam freely in the house but this is a last resort. As I said he is attracted to the dogs and it is quite apparent he enjoys it. It is a common site to find him along side one napping. Or, he sits by the chair I’m sitting in. In fact he actually likes sitting in my lap! When I take him outside he never wanders on his own, he either follows and stays with his dog pals or follows me. Inside he wants to be involved with whatever I’m doing, sweeping or running the vacuum. Lately he has started something that has me puzzled. It began with my little toe. I wear flip-flops inside and Bob bit my toe though not hard enough to break the skin It did hurt. Also he nibbles at my ankles. He also nips the dogs pads but just a little bite. I thought he might be telling me he was hungry but it seems to be more like a game. When in that nibbling mood even if I push him away he comes back for more.
well, maybe I’m not keeping him as prescribed I do think he is healthy and happy. I think that’s the best I can do, better than turning I’m out where I found him.
well, maybe I’m not keeping him as prescribed I do think he is healthy and happy. I think that’s the best I can do, better than turning I’m out where I found him.