The Turtles or the Dogs?
By hofferp
@hofferp (4734)
United States
March 18, 2010 1:22am CST
In early January, I took my Mom (82) to the Animal Shelter to pick up a 10-lb black female terrier she'd seen in an e-mail, sent to her by my sister, who's on the Board of the Shelter. Mom wanted a companion for the 10-lb terrier, Shikari, that she has now. When we got to the Shelter, we found out that Marlee (that's what Mom named her) had a sister, and the two had never been separated. Mom, with her big heart, couldn't stand the thought of them not being together, so she got both of them (Marlee and Savannah). Teaching the two new puppies (8 months old) not to dig has been an issue, but the "killer" has been that the two puppies are now killing Mom's turtles, some of which she has had for almost 40 years. After killing two large turtles and three baby turtles, Mom has decided to put Marlee and Savannah up for adoption. It was the turtles or the dogs. If it were your turtles, your dogs, what would you have done? I, not being in to turtles, feel like she's making the wrong decision, but going along with her decision, I put an ad in the local newspaper and have posted the dogs on Craigslist. What would you do? P.S Mom's separated the yard in to the dogs' yard and the turtles' yard, but somehow the turtles keep getting in to the dogs' yard.
1 person likes this
8 responses
@carmencar (111)
• Italy
18 Mar 10
My mother has a dog, a cat and three turtles (two of land and one of water).
The dog is a hunting dog and it never had problems with other animals. Reality all living free in the yard...
Regarding this decision...i don't know what to do..I love my animals and this is a hard decision!
P.S. Sorry my english..I'm Italian...:)))))))))))
@carmencar (111)
• Italy
19 Mar 10
Thanks!!!
My mother a few years ago lost a turtle wich was very fond...today still crying when she think!!!
When you love someone is always hard to let it go!!!
Three months ago, my little dog gone...and Its miss much!
@hofferp (4734)
• United States
2 Apr 10
The dogs found a very happy home with two older people who have two older dogs. The dogs are all getting along and the people are very happy. Mom sent Marlee and Savannah, and their two new freinds, an Easter basket full of goodies. So it ended well for everyone...the dogs and the turtles... Thanks for your comment.
@dawnald (85135)
• Shingle Springs, California
18 Mar 10
And I was just going to say, find a way to separate them. Hm, myself I'd put the turtles up for adoption. But I can understand your mom's decision, after all the turtles were there first.
@hofferp (4734)
• United States
19 Mar 10
I just got an e-mail from Mom. Some people just a few blocks from her were at the Groomer's, and Kathy, the Groomer, told them about the Terriers. They have a Lab and a Poodle, both very old, and they were interested in the Terriers. They came over and took both Marlee and Savannah for a trial run to see how they'd get along with the older dogs. Mom's excited because the girls won't be that far away, so she can take a "sneak peak" at them to check up on them, assuming this works. Mom gave them 24 hours to make a decision. She said she couldn't go through saying good-bye again. My guess is she drown the keyboard as she typed... Well, maybe we've found a solution. And the answer was -- turtles win. Thanks, Dawn.
@hofferp (4734)
• United States
19 Mar 10
Nice picture. Unfortunately, Mom chose her turtles. Haven't heard if the new home for the dogs is working out... I'll let you know. I have two dogs of my own...and they do love you unconditionally! Mine are at my feet as I type. Thanks for the response.
@Nemonezonicamidecus (247)
• Italy
18 Mar 10
I'd have kept the turtles and given away the dogs. Turtles are very old friends and puppies do not have any problems in loving a new master or family... They'll be fine. Ciao
• United States
19 Mar 10
What I would do is... Find out how the heck the turtles are getting into the dog's yard and STOP IT from happening ever again. That is the responsibility of the pet owner. Just like a parent has to prevent their kids from darting into the street, or their toddlers from having access to windows and stairs, you have to keep your turtles away from the dogs.
@hofferp (4734)
• United States
19 Mar 10
I put chicken wire up yesterday, but in the mean time, a young family who'd just lost one of their three dogs (old age) came and adopted Marlee and Savannah. As of today, the couple still has them, so it's beginning to look like Marlee and Savannah have found a new home. My Mom cried all day yesterday and this morning, but she's in better spirits this afternoon. Now, we have to worry about Mom's remaining dog, Shikari. Shikari misses her two buddies. AND the turtles are out and about. (Shikari, although she too is a terrier, has learned to leave the turtles alone. The puppies just never did learn.)
@Qaeyious (2357)
• United States
18 Mar 10
My mother always had dogs and cats, and before she would fully accept one, it had to get along with the others, both cats and dogs. Otherwise, out they go.
As for me, I would prefer dogs to turtles. After all, it would be ridiculous putting a turtle on a leash to walk it. (sorry, yes I know, low-class joke)
Pity a more efficient fence can't be found.
@Mike4me (567)
• Philippines
18 Mar 10
If they were my turtles and my dogs, I won't send my dogs to adoption centers, or have someone else adopt them because as their owner, I do know that dogs are curious and fun and playful creatures. I should know that things like that could happen and I already lost the turtles. Just because I lost my turtles doesn't mean I'm gonna lose my dogs as well. They are still new and needs training so I would understand if it happens.
@hofferp (4734)
• United States
19 Mar 10
Even though my Mom's decided to give the dogs to a new home, it's been a tough decision for her. She won't give up the dogs, unless the new owner will take both sisters, has a yard for them to play in, will love them, will train them, etc. She WILL NOT give them up to a shelter. Thanks for your response.
