Hi All,

I apologize for being one day late. Yesterday was World Turtle Day! The purpose of World Turtle Day, always on May 23 has been sponsored yearly since 2000 by American Tortoise Rescue. It is meant to bring attention to, and increase knowledge of and respect for, turtles and tortoises, and encourage human action to help them survive and thrive.

As everyone who has a turtle (or many) knows, they make excellent pets! I am the proud owner of 5 and cannot imagine my life without them. Although they might not be the most cuddly of pets, they have their own unique personalities, and love their families. Yertle, our 19 1/2 year-old Leopard Tortoise greats everyone at our front gate. The Mailmen, UPS people, DHL people, and FedEx people all know him by name. He loves our dogs and everyone who goes outside to great him. Tessie our Reeves turtle, whom we have had for 24 years loves to great us in the morning, splashing around in her barrel pond. She looks just like ET and has a permanent smile on her face. All our other tortoises are equally as sweet and loved. I am proud to be a turtle owner, and will tell any parent that turtles make great pets!

If this is something you think would be a great addition to your family, PLEASE find a Turtle Rescue near you! You can save a life and celebrate “World Turtle Day” every day!