Myrtle is the Box Turtle that lives in my parents' backyard. Myrtle was originally acquired as a pet for my sister, but she has had free roaming privileges in the backyard since the day she arrived at our house. When my sister got older and went away to school and then later got married, it was determined that it would be best for Myrtle to stay in the warm California climate. So, Myrtle has remained, free-roaming, for years. She is elusive, though, and only comes out from hiding on rare occasions. One of those occasions was the other day while Scout was out exploring. The encounter was pretty funny.
I heard Scout start barking like crazy in the backyard at my parents' house, so I went out to investigate. This is what I saw:
Scout is super curious and really wanted to check Myrtle out. But, she wasn't sure what to make of Myrtle, so she was pretty cautious as well. She was a little more bold once I got out there and started sniffing Myrtle like crazy. Myrtle, of course, stayed safely tucked in her shell. I tried to explain to Scout that Myrtle is okay and she should just leave her alone. She didn't seem to care. She sat there sniffing and barking for a few more minutes, but finally lost interest when Myrtle wouldn't come back out of her shell. Smart turtle. Hopefully Scout will realize that Myrtle is a friend and not an enemy. She does eat the snails after all, so we like having her around.
3 comments:
I can relate to Scout's shock as I too have still not gotten over the fact that you had a pet turtle in your yard that I never knew about. I believe this is the first time I've ever seen her. Hello Myrtle. Nice to meet you!
Note the marks on Murtle's lower left side of her shell. Those were put there by Whitney. I'm glad Scout didn't sink her teeth into her, or dig her up and throw her around the yard as a welcome ceremony. However, I do believe you need to use the proper spelling of Murtle's name. It's Murtle, and rhymes with turtle.
Myrtle is smart. I think she still hasn't gotten over the fact that Whitney (I hope that's the right dog...) bit her and swung her across the yard.
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