The other day our neighbours excitedly came to the door telling us that they'd found a "schultkrrate" (a turtle for the rest of us anglophones). In only a short time the critter was at our house and names were being tossed around (including Speedy, Franklin and Shellty). When we educated ourselves about Turtles we learned that he was a Snapping Turtle. We assumed that since he's (she, how would you know?) got a shell that probably measures 5" long he probably wasn't from the wild. We've never seen a turtle that large around here. Come to think of it, we've never seen a stray turtle on our street before.However...
1. We weren't finding appropriate food for "Snapy"
2. We have a track record for killing pets.
3. Dad hates reptiles. (note welding gloves in pictures to come)
4. Today we learned from a friend that he has seen turtles of this size at the Winkler Golf Course.
Therefore...
It was decided that Snapy would be best off in his natural habitat (away from Dad). So we headed out to find a spot in the creek. Chris was content with the idea of tossing him in the creek by PM Elias but Nettie would have nothing less than the luxury of the golf course. We found a nice curve in the creek and released him. Within minutes he was submerged and gone. Many tears were shed on Snapy's behalf and a prayer was said for his future. Charity was the reassuring force for the family of mourners. "We'll find a nutter Snappy" she reassured her crying older sibblings. Daniel showed little emotion but we know he was hiding it behind his soother. It took the healing power of McDicks for the sobbing to end.
