Against my better judgment but with a heavy heart, I have rescued a sad case.
Several months ago, I was informed by a co-worker that she had a turtle that she wanted to get rid of. At the time, I told her I could not take any more animals (I already have a cat, a dog, and Milo the Mata Mata). Over the past few months, I have been told by the previous owner that the turtle has been dropped on a tile floor, lost in her apartment for 5 days before it was found again, and then recently, I heard that the turtle was again lost (how turtles "escape" from their tanks is beyond me). This was last Friday. At this point, I told her that if the turtle turns up alive, that I will take it. Yesterday, she found it, alive, and in her 3 year old daughter's room, dressed in Barbi clothes and stuck in some sort of toy house. (not funny) So I told her, to bring the turtle to me post haste. This afternoon I took the turtle. I am happy to say that it is in MUCH better shape than I expected it to be in, although HIGHLY stressed out, hungry and with some peeling skin areas. The turtle's eyes look good, she (I think its a girl) is very active and already eating, which is a good sign.
Now, for a little history. The story she gave me, was that the turtle came from a friend of hers, who "smuggled" the turtle back from Mexico in her pocket several years ago. She believes the turtle was wild caught, and not bought in Mexico, but she is not entirely sure. She also does not know where in Mexico the turtle came from. Initially, she told me it was a snapping turtle. WRONG!So, without further ado, meet Bubbles:
