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Member since: 22 Jun 2007, Viewed: 29772 times
My Blog Entry
Sea Turtle Surprise
Back when there were just four (sans Jackpot), we took the pack to Highland Beach every 4th of July for a beach day and bbq. Until it got demolished, we had access to friends' vacant old beach house and pool, on a great private stretch of beach.
Rudy frolics in the surf, chases birds and looks for stuff on the beach. Mack is content to make new friends and get hugs. Chloe likes to do her own thing and be left alone, as she's not crazy about people she doesn't know. Lacey loves to swim with dad. I (of course) am taking pix ~ we are all enjoying a lovely sunny day.
Rudy runs back to us, then down the beach. Oh, he wants me to follow him. I motion to Bob & Lacey that we are going down the beach. Mack is happily sitting with the people next to us, who say they will keep an eye on our stuff and him. Chloe & I follow Rudy. He starts barking at a pile of seaweed. Since there are blue jellyfish on the beach. I get a stick and poke through the mess. Some driftwood, styrofoam, plastic, a shoe......and.......a loggerhead hatchling entangled in monofilament. Barely alive, I untangled and scooped him up; telling Rudy what a good find he made! He's all proud and prancy.
Now, you're probably wondering, why didn't I just put him in the ocean? He was weak, it was bright daylight; so most likely he would have become instant lunch for a bird, crab or fish. It was a Saturday, so I knew the nature center was still open. We get back to our stuff, I put the hatchling in a damp towel, with spring water. We get Bob & Lacey out of the water to show them. I only take Rudy with me to take the turtle to the center. There is a drop box out front, so we gently place him in there, with where and how he was found, along with my contact info. On Monday we got a call, thanking us (especially Rudy). He was doing better, and would be released with other hatchlings on the next full moon. Then they asked, if I would like to be there. HECK, YEAH! 
Weeks later, I got to see "Little Rudy" off, on his amazing journey. We had to let them walk on the sand, and redirect them if they went away from the water. I have been hooked on sea turtles, ever since. We are lucky that 90% of all sea turtle nests in the USA are here in FLA. Highland Beach is a favorite spot!
To learn more on what YOU (even if you don't live on/near the beach) can do to help these marvelous creatures, see: http://tc.yourhub.com/Jupiter/Stories/Non-profit-Organizations/Special-events/Story~484863.aspx
Blog Barks
Another sea turtle picture with a little history appeared in today's paper. There is a woman that operates an endangered sea turtle operation down in Myrtle Beach. She brought a blind turtle to a housing progect and had it in a nice little tank for the day. His purpose was to raise awareness and funding. Someone in our newspaper responsible for lay out must have a soft spot for sea turtles. Two stories in one week raising awareness is a very good thing.
Astrid and mom
49 days ago by Astrid
Way to go Rudy. We usually go to Florida once a year and we know there are certain times when you have to be quiet because turtles are nesting. We are so proud you saved Lil Rudy! Now he will grow big and strong...just because of you!
54 days ago by SableandChi
RUDY!
You are truly amazing and you did a good thing. Goodness runs deep in you!
We have turtle programs here in Charleston too. Dad has always wanted to get involved, but now, since reading your blog, he will!
Great goin buddy! 
LYMI
The Lady Belle
PS, Remember: Grab Life by the Tail and HANG ON TIGHT!!!
57 days ago by DogStar
This morning (7/1) on the front page in the Charlotte Observer there was a picture of a loggerhead sea turtle being released along with 139 others at Sebastian Inlet, FL. They had been held in captivity for two years and two weeks for research on something called a 'turtle excluder' that would be used by shrimpers to reduce turtle deaths.
Good to see our newspaper make good use of 'extra' space. They usually feature things like a Schottish Rite marching band on Memorial Day. Now...what's wrong with that picture?
59 days ago by Astrid
Wow...Rudy the hero with his namesake swimming in the sea. We're proud of you AND your mommy for helping a little creature in need.
Astrid and mom
60 days ago by Astrid
Well done Rudy, Your a top dog. xxxx
62 days ago by ALFIE
Tina, we need more people like you!
Wonderful story, beautiful work you do in all aspects of animal/creature humanity!
64 days ago by Marciatin
Awesome story! We miss friday night glasses of Joy!
64 days ago by Angela_and_R...
awesome story, awesome dog.
65 days ago by WeLoveOur7Dogs
What a great story! I've been on a few turtle watches but never saw one. What a great experience that must of been for you and Rudy to have together. I hope his namesake is doing fine out in the big wide ocean.
66 days ago by jenleeh
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