So Long Turtleman

Most of you know who Turtleman is.  I found him in a school parking lot in 2009.  We rescued him and I thought surely he was going to die.  But that little sucker lived for 3 years! 

Next to a nickle.

2009

2012

He was still very much alive and kicking...and needing a bigger habitat.  I moved him outside to a plastic pool but I still thought he needed something bigger.  We brought up the idea of releasing him many times but Ethan wouldn't have it.  Well, as luck would have it, he escaped.  I managed to find him buried against the fence across the yard.  Poor thing was trying to break free.  Ever hear that turtles run slow?  Not this one!  I think he could win a turtle marathon with the way he flew across the yard. 

We showed Ethan where he was hiding and explained that Turtleman needed freedom and that's what he was trying to get.  Ethan cried and said we couldn't get rid of him because he loved him.  I dropped the subject for a while then Ethan came up to me and said (in a very grown up voice), "Mom.  I've made a decision.  I think Turtleman needs a new home."  I was stunned!  Luckily Mondo had the perfect place to release him.  Where might you ask?  A golf course of course!  This one has 3 or 4 ponds full of turtles that look just like Turtleman

I was so suprised that Ethan let him go...and without any tears.  He flew into that water and dove to the bottom.  I put hot pink fingernail polish on his back so we could see which one he was.  After a few minutes he came back up, looked at us, then swam away.  It was like he was saying goodbye. 

I'm so proud of Ethan for making such a grown up decision.  He only asks about him when we are at the golf course.  And sometimes he thinks he sees him...although it's really hard to tell.  So long Turtleman!