I Didn't Know Where to Post This

[trentsheba]

I don't know what to do and didn't know where to post this problem. I took care of my neighbor's pets while they were on vacation. Their son had a pet turtle in a 10 gal. tank. The turtle was already good size and had no real room to move around. There was no land area, just a floating dock, that he was too heavy to really get onto. He just leaned against it to rest. I tried offering them a tank I have. It's still a bit small for him, but much bigger than they have him in, (it's 29 gal). I even mentioned that this way, there'd be room for a basking area. They haven't taken it and I don't think they're going to. I didn't get a definite answer.

I don't know if this is now completely out of my hands or if there's anything I can do. I was nice about it, while still letting them know that I didn't approve of the lack of proper care. What else can I do?

[TexasTanker]

Unfortunately, some people are irreverent when it comes to experience, advise, and kind offers. Having worked in Animal Cruelty investigation, I can tell you: Most people are perfectly content with "their way" until its too late. Short of breaking down the door and swapping by force... not a lot can be done except be available and willing when the need arises.

I remember telling a man point blank, "If you do not bathe that dog and treat it for fleas it will die a slow agonizing death." Texas Law offered some leniency to me as far as intervening but flea infestation does not constitute arrestable neglect. I was able to demonstrate that it had heartworms and intestinal parasites, which were treated but the man insisted that by not bathing the dog and supplementing with garlic, his dog was fine.

A month later the vet called to tell me the dog was in renal failure from severe anemia. It was too late for the dog and it was finally enough for me to act against the owner. That was a lesson I had to learn. Some people refuse to be helped when they think they have the right answers. Your neighbors probably got shoddy advice from the pet store and think that trumps all. After all, aren't they experts?

There are a couple worthwhile options available for the hard headed. There are tons of turtle specific communities just like TFK out there. If you have an opportunity to segway into mentioning one during a regular conversation, mention that you know (yes lie) the moderator of one of these communities and he is very experienced and has a PHD is turtle poop or whatever. Shrug and say you'll send a link, cause they have tons of neat project ideas they can do with the kid for the summer.

People generally respond better when they think a change of technique is their idea.

And if Turtle forums are half as outspoken as this forum is, they'll tell the neighbors in no uncertain terms that the turtle needs more space.

Hopefully, this helps. But mostly, I hope you have a great summer.

[trentsheba]

Thanks. You're right, but it's so frustrating and sad. I'm not close to my neighbors, (relationshipwise, I mean locationwise, they're right across the street), but I do see them often and might be able to work something in conversation. I'm trying to get through while being somewhat subtle about it. I like your idea. I'm afraid that if I keep bugging them about it, they'll be less likely to take my advice.

[trentsheba]

Well, good news, they've decided to take the larger tank for the turtle. This will actually give it some room to move. It's not great, but it's a start.

[TexasTanker]

Good to hear!! Now would be a good time to throw in the turtle forum suggestions for "summer projects".