He’s not a cheetah, he’s much slower, yet,

 Harriot is my pet, and I love him. 

 Unlike cats, though,  he’s fine when he gets wet.

 He actually likes to go for short swims.

 Though I give him the same thing for each meal,

 Harriot’s neck straightens when he sees food.

 Yet he hates things that just came from the grill,

 I think eating puts him in a good mood.

 Harriot’s shell is hard and truly green,

 just like our houseplant’s delicate bright leaves.

 My reptile is like a damp submarine,

 he sleeps in the water, under the eaves.

 This cool turtle is unlike other pets,

 Even though routine maintenance makes me sweat.