Pierre was out “helping” John water the shrubs this morning when John noticed the cat standing stock still, nose stretched out, on high alert. He peeked into the brush, afraid it was a snake, but instead found a small painted box turtle. Pierre’s eyes were huge. The turtle took one look at the big gray tomcat and zpf – faster than you can say turtle – drew head and all four legs neatly into the shell. I wish I’d gotten a photo, but by the time I heard John calling me and ran downstairs, Pierre had gotten bored with his new friend and wandered off. Both Shadow and Pierre spent quite a while sniffing the strange ‘rock’. They seemed to know it was an animal of some sort, but by the look of puzzlement on their faces, couldn’t quite figure it out!
Mr. Turtle, I am happy to report, was last seen running as fast as his stubby legs could carry him back into the woods. He’s probably telling the same story, albeit from his own perspective, to his turtle-buddies now.
Overheard in the woods: “I’ve seen creatures with fur before but these two seemed different. They stayed even when the humans came by. They kept poking me with their noses. I was so glad when they left so I could run back to the trees. That garden looked so delicious and had a lot of pretty plants to sleep under but I don’t know if I want to meet the two furries again.”
What a coincidence! Both Pierre and the turtle were probably most shocked to see one another indeed.
LOL. Actually the turtle looked horrified. If you can picture it. I love turtles. I am glad Mr Turtle did not get hurt by either Pierre or Shadow (who also investigated the new creature, but left quickly – if it’s not a tennis ball she can chase, she’s not interested)