Growing Like a Weed

[Kimmie]

that is one awesome turtle

[guidofatherof5]

Originally Posted by Kimmie

that is one awesome turtle

He is and I thank you for the comment.

[guidofatherof5]

Tank was up early this morning and ventured into the living room. I slept on the couch last night so my blankets were still there. I knew Tank would enjoy a good sleep in them so I made him a bed on the couch. When I first put him in it he was reluctant to stay but quickly settled in. We talked for a bit before he disappeared under the blanket.
7 hours later he stuck his head out from under the blanket to see what was going on. I told him he didn't need to get up and apparently he felt the same way. This photo was taken just before he went back to sleep.
He is such a pleasant turtle.

[sharthun]

Definitely amazing to share a life with an animal like that!

Originally Posted by guidofatherof5

Tank was up early this morning and ventured into the living room. I slept on the couch last night so my blankets were still there. I knew Tank would enjoy a good sleep in them so I made him a bed on the couch. When I first put him in it he was reluctant to stay but quickly settled in. We talked for a bit before he disappeared under the blanket.
7 hours later he stuck his head out from under the blanket to see what was going on. I told him he didn't need to get up and apparently he felt the same way. This photo was taken just before he went back to sleep.
He is such a pleasant turtle.

[guidofatherof5]

I agree. I couldn't ask for this thing we have with Tank to be any better. Both Tank and my family benefit from this relationship. I've never seen any signs of stress on Tank. It was like he was meant to live here.
It will be interesting to see how he does over a long 4th of July weekend. My son and I are taking a road trip to Austin Texas and will be gone for 5 days. I've never been away from Tank since he come to live with us. My girls will be caring for him. We will see how he does without his old dad around.
I'm not worried as I think he will be fine other then wandering around looking for me and to be totally honest I will miss him very much.

[jpsteele80]

I have to be honest, I'd love to see this snapping turtle in person one day, every time I look at this thread I'm in total awe that you have a snapping turtle that has a personality like this, it's just unheard of

[guidofatherof5]

After work I went into see Tank. He gave me the hungry turtle look. This can't be since he was just fed a nice 4 oz steak less then 24 hours ago.
I sat down on the floor and leaned into him. He stretched up to me and was within an inch of my face as I explained to him this wasn't a food day. He had every opportunity to bite me but instead he just listened. When I was done I saw his eyes dilate back to normal and he let our a breath of air which was one of those disgusted exhales. The look on his face was classic. It was like "You've got to be kidding me"
Tank is such an awesome turtle. So much personality in a 31+ pound snapping turtle.

[guidofatherof5]

Just a few moments ago I walked in to tell Tank good night. As I stood there he stretched his neck up toward me. I reached down and placed my hand along side his face. It was then I felt him lean into my hand. I used my index finger to rub the side of his face. This lasted for almost a minute. It was as if he wanted that contact. That little bit of touch. His eyes were telling me he was comfortable and content. He then pulled back and settled into his water for bed.
Such a strange and wonderful turtle. Almost mammal like behavior.
A 31+ pound snapping turtle finding comfort in the company of a human.
Amazing.

[jpsteele80]

Very strange but has to feel comforting at the same time, just goes to show you that animals may feel more than we think

[guidofatherof5]

Originally Posted by jpsteele80

Very strange but has to feel comforting at the same time, just goes to show you that animals may feel more than we think

I couldn't agree with you more. Tank and even my garter snakes have shown me things that you wouldn't expect from a reptile. Reptiles in particular are given little credit in the feeling dept.

[guidofatherof5]

Tank got some outside time today.
He's such a handsome turtle.

[Tracy33]

He's looking just great !!!!!
I also think its what we put in to our pets , is what we get back , and you are doing a great job .

[guidofatherof5]

Tank made the local Sunday newspaper. As soon as the article is posted online I'll link it up.

[guidofatherof5]

Originally Posted by guidofatherof5

Tank made the local Sunday newspaper. As soon as the article is posted online I'll link it up.

Once the page opens click on 'Click to read" once on that page click on the article and it will zoom out so it can be read.

Faces of Neighbors 2014 - The Daily Nonpareil - Council Bluffs, Iowa: Special

[jpsteele80]

That's freaking awesome, congrats