As I have read the debate that I unintentionaly began, The tones certain individuals have taken concerns me. I proposed a simple statement " I hope I am doing the right thing" to which some have chosen to, impatiantly, request answers pretaining to the wellbeing of my friend. Yes I do call him a friend not a pet. As I stated pictures will be posted as soon as possible. From them I request a statement of the conditions of his habitat. Sudgestions ARE welcome and I take no offense to strong opinions and feelings in these matters as I am only looking for the best for Terri.



Brief description of the habitat:



5' x 14'

walls 1.5 foot panel board above ground 8" under ground

outside the walls are slate rocks of verried sizes burried 6" with gravel under them

2' x 1.5' in ground concrete pure water " bottled" sloped pool

1' square slate cave

mulch pile about 4' square

native grasses many kinds tall and short

wild strawberries and sweet clover



Brief descrtption of Terri:

Native Alabama 3 toe regular boxie

5" Adult

eats very well

is very active in the habitat

could be a world class sprint turtle



Reasoning for wanting to keep Terri:



I live in a very high traffic residential area that is growing fast with no regaurd for the impact its having of the native animals of all kinds. I do not see myself as rescueing him or that he needs me in any way. I have given much thought into the needs and care that he will require. I feel confident that I can and will provide a safe and inriching life for him and he in return gives me great joy to watch and learn from him. He has an outstanding personality. I regret to say that I had a 6.75 foot green iguana that I raised from 1 year old to 11 and sadly lost him due to poisoning by pesticide. I do not want harm to come to any animal, having lost a dear friend in the past, and with guidence I will keep Terri safe and happy as best I can.



I am Not looking for a pat on the back for a "good deed" you should never.



The dicussion my simple post has sturd up gives me alot of insite into the different attitudes people have on the "pet" topic. None of the animals I have owned have been pets, I relate to them as I would a person because they do react to it posatively.



Thank you for all of your varried insite into the many attitudes reguarding captive and wild turtles. I did not mean to start a debate over what right and whats wrong, I just wanted to know if my approach was going in the right direction. Thank you again.



P.S. I have been away from the net for a small amount of time. I have to have time to respond to any questions or statements I recieve. Patience is a virtue.

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