Turtle ExpressMy friend Ann rescues all kinds of animals, and in all sizes. She helps turtles, cats and dogs, even horses. Ann lives in Ohio, where she has worked at an Animal Rescue Shelter for the past 16 years! Recently, Ann rescued a female Eastern Painted Turtle. It had been living in a private outdoor pond that was crowded with too many other turtles. The pond was small and scummy... dangerous for the turtles' health. Ann named the turtle Lucy. But since Ann had other pets, including a horse, which already required a great deal of her attention, she knew that she needed to find a caring individual who could adopt Lucy. Ann wanted to find Lucy a new home where she would get more attention and more swimming room. Ann called me to see if I was interested in giving Lucy a good home. I had been wanting to adopt another Painted Turtle, so I answered her immediately with an enthusiastic "Yes!" But I live in New Jersey, and Ann and Lucy were in Ohio. Neither of us had the time to drive 500 miles. How would I get Lucy? Would you believe it -- many turtle keepers buy their turtles from breeders who ship them by overnight air express. This is what Ann recommended.  Ann said she would call the shipping company and schedule a pickup time. She would then pack the turtle very carefully in a little box, which she would put within a bigger box, to keep her safe and protected from the heat. Most importantly, the inner box would have many air holes and the outer box would have little screen windows to help keep the turtle comfortable. If the weather was super hot, Ann would put a small ice pack in the turtle's box to help it stay cool. An overheated turtle can die if left in the heat too long, such as in the sun without any shade or water. Once she had packed and sent the turtle, Ann would call me so that I would know the package would arrive the very next day. I agreed with Ann, and this is what she did. She packed the turtle carefully, called the shipping company, and then called me when the turtle was picked up. The next day it was very warm outside. I knew Ann packed Lucy's box carefully, and she used the best and quickest delivery service. But I was still worried that the turtle in the package would be too hot. Then the express truck arrived! I was just coming home when the van driver delivered the package right to my house. Even the driver was concerned about the turtle. He said, "Hurry up and open the box; it's warm and I want to make sure it's all right." I opened the box quickly but carefully. When I looked inside, I saw Lucy the Turtle, sitting there calmly and looking up, as if to say, "Put me in some water, I want to swim!" What a relief! I was so happy! Lucy was a beautiful turtle, and she looked so shiny and healthy. I took her outside, holding her with both hands to be careful, and put her in her new pond. There she has plenty of room to swim. I arranged rocks for her to climb onto, where she can dry off and lay in the sun. Her pond has fencing around and over it, to protect her from other animals. Lucy soon settled into her new home very quickly. Soon, she was swimming around and eating very well. A turtle that is active with a good appetite is usually a healthy turtle. I am so excited to have my new turtle, and I am also thankful that she arrived in fine condition. I look forward to giving Lucy all she needs for a long and happy life.  Here are a couple of good websites with information: http://www.Turtlehomes.org http://www.webspawner.com/users/danegerturtle/index.html
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