Things are going pretty well for Mr. Vincenzo. The wound is beginning to close and didn't seem to pain him when I cleaned it and put more Neosporin on it; he still isn't using his hind legs, but he doesn't seem to be bothered by the handicap. The hole in his shell should mend over time, too, but I don't think it's a good idea to just let him go and get caught by another dog after he's back to normal. Mom wants to keep him as a house pet. I'm not really sure about it. He's a wild animal and he survived without help up until the neighbor's dog caught him. But now that he's on the mend, I'm reluctant to just let him go be mauled by another dog. It's a difficult decision. Mom teases me and hums 
the melody from "I've Grown Accustomed To Her Face" when I try to puzzle it out. I never thought I'd say this about something not covered with fur, but turtles are actually kind of cute, especially when they yawn. Vincenzo got to go outside again today for some sun and, sometime during the day, he consumed half a strawberry and some pieces of hardboiled egg. This may not sound like strenuous activity, but I don't suppose many people would feel like eating a cheeseburger and fries after being mauled by a tiger. After eating all that food, he Y A W N E D, and then sort of smacked his lips. And then he did it twice more; all three times made me chuckle. So, without further fussing over the cuteness of turtles, here are pictures of our crotchety house guest. He was most offended when Mom put the camera close to his face for the mugshot... but it could just be that he always looks that way.
5 comments:
Awww! He's looking much better in these photos! Have you decided what to do with him when he's better yet?
I think we're going to end up keeping him as a semi-pet. Poor guy. The legs still aren't working properly, which will cause problems for him if we release him in the woods.
Yeah, that's probably best then. Did you ever get ahold of anyone at DNR?
Oh! Yes. DNR called back on Sunday. And was disappointed by the fellow's reaction. His response was,"Put it in a box and let nature take its course." I then asked if he knew whether box turtles are protected or have any other special status. His response,"Lady, I'm not going to get excited about a *box turtle*. Technically, they could get you for illegal posession of wildlife, but it's a *box turtle*."
I was insensed!
I think you did a very good thing when you rescued Mr. Vincenzo. At least keep him till the hind legs are being used. I'll bet you would notice if he needed to be let loose.
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