Broken Hearted this morning

11 years ago

I am very sad this morning.

Although I have had dogs/cats in the past, because of my current situation I am only pet mom to 2 box turtles. They go out for the summer, but their enclosure had to be replanted. While I was doing that I had them out in a Tortoise playpen.

I have used this a lot since I got it, but I put it in a different spot yesterday and those 2 escape artists got out--there was only a half inch gap that I didn't notice. I think they worked together to lift it to get out.

Luckily my DH found the one I had the longest (over 30 years), but the little male I've had for about 15 years I fear is gone for good. My yard is not fenced and they headed for a wild area at the back of my lot. There are many places to hide. If he goes too far he will fall into an irrigation ditch and be swept away.

I live in the rural high desert so being an eastern box turtle, he doesn't know what he is in for. I am so mad at myself for not being more careful. I'm going to put some water and food out for him when it's sunny in that area, but I'm really not holding out much hope.

I feel so guilty knowing he faces certain death.

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Comments (9)

Ninapearl
11 years ago
awww, i'm so sorry! do you think he might just be satisfying a little of his wanderlust and he will return to his partner? i sure hope he comes back! putting food out in a trail might lead him back to you. :(

don't beat yourself up, we all make mistakes! had he lived in the wild all of those years, chances are he might not have lived nearly as long.
notolover
Original Author
11 years ago
Thanks for the encouraging words, I'm keeping an eye for him. Morning temps were in the 40s so I'm sure he's hunkered down somewhere for now.

I always joked that I wanted to put a chip on him that I could use a locater with since he was always the hard one to find in their enclosure when it was time to bring him in for the fall.

I don't know if they even make such a thing, but it would be handy in a case like this.
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It just breaks my heart to read posts like this. Our pets are such a wonderful part of our lives and its gut wrenching when they pass away. My thoughs and prayers are with you Pauline and Ann. Time does heal and one day you will feel the urge to find another pet. For me it was much like LindaC. Our Gretchen passed away about one month after my Mother left this earth and I also felt like I needed some time but boy it was so hard to come home to an empty home. As if guided by a higher power I went to a pet shop for just inquire about a breed and I fell head over heals with a pen of puppies. But I wasn't sure it would fly with the family as they too were greiving. I went back to that pet store 3 times before I was sure. Abbee and Apollo bring me joy every day....I know that in time both of you will find a pet that will fill that hole in your heart. PEACE! Susie
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Linda, I am so sorry for your loss. Consider youselfs hugged,when I lost my Piper this last summer at nearly 14 I got the following 2 messages and thought I'd share with you. I don't know the author of the poem, it was not with the message as I saved it. A Star Sign from your recently departed loved one... I have used the star three times in my life, it had worked every time. I used it when I lost both my parents and July 1996 when I lost my Golden Retriever, Tammy. Part of the blood that flows through my veins is Native American. What I'm about to tell you was told to me many years ago by a wise old lady. I believe I must share it with people who have lost their dog because I know of the great pain they are going through. The following will not work if it is a false gesture on your part. You must have loved your dog when he was alive and upon his death you feel like your heart has been ripped from your body. When a loved one passes they must take a long and lonely journey. The following will tell you how to know if their journey was a success. Go into the night , the first clear night in your area. Go to a spot where there is no noise, to go. Close your eyes and think of all the wonderful things that you and your dog did together, talk to your dog as if he was right by your side, tears will flow like a giant river---all at once you will feel a strange sensation, it will feel as if your dog is sitting right by you. At this point open your eyes and look to the sky. Look all over the sky but mostly in the North North East portion. All at once you will see a blinking star, it will be the brightest and warmest one in the whole sky, it will draw your attention to it. At that point close your eyes, then open them again. If you see that star again you will know your dog has had a successful journey. This star will stay in the same spot every night. It will stay there until your grieving is over, then if will disappear never to be seen by you again until you too have made a successful journey. When you go to the bridge you will also put this star into the sky. Look for the star, your dog is waiting to give you the sign. and the poem Please don't shed tears for me When I am in my grave. Think of all the fun we had And all the love I gave. I showed you only happiness, So why now should you weep? I gave you many happy days And memories to keep. We were very loyal friends, Our love was strong and true. I thanked God every single day For a master as loving as you. I knew when you needed me Or when to stay behind. Your touch was strong but gentle; Your voice was warm and kind. Don't shed your tears for me When my time is through. I'm waiting by heaven's gate To spend eternity with you. Ellie
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Lily316
11 years ago
Good luck in finding him. Keep looking. He may return to his friend.
User
11 years ago
Wow, that's a long time, I'm sorry this is happening and hope some how you are able to find him. I know it's hard, but do try to be optimistic, sometimes that and a little tenacity can work miracles.
User
11 years ago
I am so sorry! Our box turtle, Oscar, escaped his outdoor enclosure 7 years ago and we never did find him. Lots of hiding places here as well. We had him for almost 14 years. He was quite an escape artist and we used to discuss painting his carapace with really bright colors to make him easier to see, but were never able to find turtle-safe colors. Don't give up hope yet though, prior to his final escape, Oscar ran away many times and one time, he was gone for almost 2 weeks before I finally found him. Hopefully, your guy will show up as well. The best time to look for them seems to be very early in the morning, and after a rain when everything is still wet. Good luck!!
123joanneD
11 years ago
What a sad thing to happen :( I hope you'll find him.
spedigrees z4VT
11 years ago
I'm so sorry. Wow, 30 years is a long time, and even 15 years is longer than any of my dogs have lived. I'm hoping you will be able to recapture the escapee, but as Nina, said, he would likely never have had all these years, had he not been fortunate enough to be in your care.

Unfortunately they don't make small chips that are trackable. Microchips are only for revealing a cat or dog's owner when a lost pet is found. There are tracking collars, but heavy, bulky and expensive, unfortunately.

I hope you find your lost turtle.
lucillle
11 years ago
This is a sort of far fetched idea, but I thought I'd put it out there: There are bloodhound groups that do tracking for fun. Maybe see if one is in your area and in exchange for refreshments the group might come over and try to track your turtle. You would meet interesting people and it might work.
Debbie Downer
11 years ago
Lucille, I had the same thought - a long shot but who knows. Ive heard of that method used for tracking lost cats - the hounds need to smell something with the pet's scent on it - bedding or etc.

Broken Hearted this morning

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Broken Hearted this morning

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