Within about ten minutes, both boys were back with an injured turtle (aptly named Hook), that they had rescued from the side of the pond. The boys of course had their pocket knives with them. (You never know when you might need to cut fishing line!)
After most every kid at the park had looked at and pet this little creature (and hopefully washed their hands), we decided that he needed to head to the vet. The hook was through the roof of his mouth and was bothering not only his mouth, but his eye as well.
Off we went to a local vet, and friend from church. It was the very end of the day, and he had gone home, but the assistant was thrilled that we had brought him in to them. She explained that the kids had no doubt saved his life because he wouldn't be able to eat. She talked with the kids for a while and explained that UBC had just done a study on the turtles from this pond. She took our number and told us that they would call us so that we could release Hook back to his home the next day.
So this afternoon we went back to the vet to pick up Hook. The assistant had gone home and printed out information for the kids about this kind of turtle. A red-eared slider. How great are some people? So you can guess what we'll be doing more research on.
The vet had the kids all put gloves on before they would give the turtle back to them. And off we headed to the pond for the big release.
Look Ma, no hook!
Teigan is actually hugging Hook here, and I'm the only one who finds that funny! Everyone said their goodbyes, told him not to eat strange shiny things, told him they'd look for him next time. (We marked his shell with nail polish - H for Hook.)
And off he swam. Back home in his pond with a new lease on life. I can't even remember how many animals we have rescued, or tried to rescue. We've had a few not make it through the night. (Abandon baby quail are very fragile - we have yet to have one live.) But these experiences, the ones that are rescued and released back into their homes, are so rewarding.
