Boy carves initials on turtle in 1965. Dad finds turtle alive 47 years later

[aint_no_life_nowhere]

21. It very much recognizes me

It recognizes my voice, face, and touch. I've taken it to several vets over the years and it typically hides in its shell if a stranger comes close to it or touches it. Same thing for strangers who come to the house. I can pick it up and its legs and head emerge from its shell for petting. When I stroke its head, it pushes it up into my hand, like a dog. It practically lets me do whatever I want to it without withdrawing into its shell; bathing, wiping, giving it shots, carrying it around the house or yard. If it walks across the floor and I call to it, it looks at me, and if I tap the floor with my hand it comes (because I then feed it). I hand feed it but it won't take food from anyone else. It doesn't get excited when I walk through the door, however, as its pretty slow. It communicates by blowing air through its nose, expressing either displeasure or fear (if I accidentally bump its shell) or relaxation (if I caress it). It can also make a high-pitched squeal in its throat when really frightened. Mine doesn't do tricks but I read about a tortoise owned by a guy posting on a turtle blog that would tip back on its hind legs and beg for ice cream.