I just wanted to share Spottys story. This is why I do what I do today.
When I was in high school, my science teacher had a box turtle in a 20 gallon habitat, that was a bad attempt at a semi aquatic. It was half gravel and half water. No ramp or safe way in and out of the water, just a drop. There was a filter, but this tank had not been cleaned in the 20 years of his life. Literally. Only fresh water added when it got low. Spotty had only ever eaten pellets. He had no lighting or heat.
I asked the teacher, what kind of turtle he was, and he said a semi aquatic box turtle. After a quick Google search I learned that no box turtles were semiaquatic, and they could easily drown.
I begged him to take initiative and work on the habitat. He had no interest. So I took it upon myself to buy the supplies he needed, and install them in his 20 gallon myself.
After months of begging, this teacher finally let me take the turtle home.
I built a 6’ x 3’ habitat for him , and used his old 20 gallon as a pool that he could safely enter and exit and he pleased. He got fruits, veggies, worms, roaches, calcium, lighting, deep substrate, and outside time. His appetite grew, his movements became graceful and confident. With each passing day, he became a living testament to the transformative power of love and proper care.
The tale of Spotty the Turtle serves as a reminder that even the smallest creatures are worthy of compassion and kindness. Spotty not only survived but flourished, proving that sometimes, all it takes is a little love to change a life forever.
