Toby the turtle was the best turtle ever!  We moved into a new house with a creek that ran through our back woods.  Our kids found Toby in the creek when he was just a lil guy, and hoped we would approve of them bringing him into our home to live.  Once we researched his proper habitat, off to the pet store we went to get a tank and all the “fixins” for him to be happy.

Happy he was, for the next 16 years!  Our winters were cold, but other than wintertime, we always took Toby outside for him to soak up sunshine and get some exercise (hence the outdoor photo – isn’t he cute?!).  We often took him to the creek for afternoons as well where he would find some critters to eat and play in the water for a bit.

Did you know a turtle has to go to an exotic animal veterinarian?  We only took him to one a few times thank goodness.  Once was because he got a sliver in the creek in his front flipper.  He was so happy when the dr. removed it, we gave him boo-boo treats when we returned to the house…yep, you guessed it, crickets and worms!

Toby lived a fine life with us, and we miss him dearly.  Though it has been years since he passed, we are actually considering writing a children’s book about him.  Maybe more to come!

• Jim and Mary Jean