Skippy {almost} Ate Picasso

Picasso the Painted Turtle

Nothing can ruin a midnight attempt to get work done like wet paw prints leading away from the crime scene plastic kiddie pool which is mysteriously and disturbingly missing it’s former occupant, the painted turtle your child excitedly brought home from the park that very afternoon.

This isn’t the kind of incident we’ll be hearing about from John Walsh of America’s Most Wanted fame – but still. When my ice water is poured, my laptop is up and running and the pillows on the couch have been fluffed to the appropriate degree so I can work comfortably from that particular perch – I do NOT want to be interrupted by the sudden realization that the dog is being way too quiet out back and I can see the evidence of his exit from the pool scattered across the back deck – but I can’t see the turtle anywhere. 

Praise the Lord that turtles have tough shells. I’m a tomboy and an avid fan of all things turtle – from tiny ceramic miniatures to the Teenage Mutant Ninja variety – and I have never seen a turtle retracted that far into its shell. Poor Picasso! We haven’t even provided his first supper and he just about became dinner for our playful mutt. I followed the footprints across the patio, down the steps and into the yard where one frightened turtle lay upside down in the grass showing his good side – the beautiful “painted” underside of his shell – for all the world to see.

Our dog can’t open his oddly built mouth quite wide enough to chew on a small dog bone, but apparently he’s got room for a turtle in there. Good to know. 

So, new neighbors – if you are coming to visit, please be warned that your turtles and any other small pets you possess should remain at home. And while you’re at it – leave the kids at home as well. If you think Skippy enjoyed noshing on a turtle, just wait until you see how much he wants to chew on your child.

Food for thought – why did I get a dog, again?