Dear Thomas,

Thanks so much for writing to me - I love turtles! And, thank you for being kind enough to get Henry to a rescue. 

Yes, you did the right thing by taking Henry to the rescue, and he says to thank you. He’s mostly content there. He’s saying that sometimes he’s a bit too warm. He was apparently someone’s pet and was dumped when he was no longer wanted; he isn’t used to being outdoors in the heat. He’s having trouble finding good shady spots when it’s hot out, and says it’s not that the couple who run the rescue don’t have shade, but more that the other turtles who were there before him know the good spots and get there first. If you can, perhaps pay him a visit on a warm day, see if the impressions I’m getting from him are correct, and if so, maybe gently point out that he’s in the sun and looks a bit uncomfortable. If they’re not in the yard a lot when it’s hot out, the couple might just have failed to notice that Henry is being kept out of shady spots.

Other than being a bit warm at times, Henry seems happy and well. He says the food he’s eating took a bit of getting used to, because it’s different than what he was being fed in his previous home. But, he knows this food is more nutritious and healthier for him, and has learned to like it. He really likes it when they feed him juicy vegetables with a little bit of crunch to them. 

Henry says the couple caring for him seem to like the turtles and want them to be happy and healthy. He does wish they’d make it shadier, but aside from that he feels happy and safe in their care. He’s also learning which of the other turtles are nice and which he should avoid, which is wise. Aside from those warm days, he does like being outdoors and feeling the grass under his feet and breathing the fresh air. It’s much nicer than being stuck in a too-small cage.

All in all, I think you did very well by Henry, and again commend you for taking the time and effort to rescue him. Many people dump turtles, thinking they can survive on their own, but sadly that’s very rarely the case. You did a good thing.

Many Blessings,

Jennifer Dickman