She is a Columbian and with such abuse there and no handling or taming you would think it would be a lost cause trying to own something that scared and defensive. The first days I got her she would flinch if you stood over her and hiss loudly in the kennel and puff if you walked up to her. She never bit me just whipped and squirmed. She did try to get me once with her teeth but I was being too impatient and scared her.
Taming is not lost on Columbians, as I priorly owned a gold tegu male before I moved, let them do it on their own discretion and watch and learn body language. I have learned pretty quickly with Elvis touching or rubbing or holding her tail is a big no-no.
I hope I can give my experiences with these Tegus and give some advice to those who are still hesitate in owning one.
If anyone has additional advice on helping her scars don't be afraid to chime in. I'm doing aloe soaks, non medicated neosporin, and VetBalm. They are very itchy and sore. Her one nostril is almost fully shut from scar tissue and I want to work on reopening it so she doesn't sound so wheezy.
The shelter called her Elvis for her sassy, cantering walk and tendency to wiggle her hips to get away from her meds. I'm also open to suggestions on renaming her.
