Can you honk any louder?
So Saturday our family went berry picking (black raspberries and blueberries this time) and on our drive there we came across a little critter crossing the road. From up the hill we could see something rather small and dark moving very slowly across the road and at first glance it appeared to be something inanimate. But I soon realized it’s rhythm was methodic instead of wind driven and told hubby to slow down. He slowed none to soon, for had we been going at our original pace we would have run it over.
It was probably not the best idea to come to a complete stop on a 40 mile an hour road but my only thought was for the little critter in front of us, which I still could not clearly see. So my husband turned on his hazards and I got out and finally identified of all things, a turtle! The little guy was now trying to climb onto the median. As I picked him up a suburban came speeding down the highway behind us blaring his horn.
Nice. Anyway, I ran across the road with the turtle in hand (he was hiding snuggly in his shell) and placed him on a slope leading up into a woodsy area. I told him not to cross anymore roads and ran back to the car, happy we had gotten to him before that suburban had. I love wildlife, and people that run animals over without a thought (like that suburban dude probably would have) really make me mad.
:heart: 
I’m glad the little guy was helped to safety!
I always cringe at the thought of any animals getting hit. I once had a bird run into my car’s front grill while I was going something like 45 or 50mph, and I cried almost all the way home, despite the fact that I could have done nothing to change what happened.
Still, in all honesty, if people are going to stop for critters, they need to do it SAFELY. I think you did so, by slowing down gradually, putting on your hazards, etc. But my husband actually knows a woman whose car was totaled and who sustained severe injuries because she was trying to avoid a *squirrel* on a busy road, and caused a large accident by her sudden braking and swerving. All creatures are special and worth saving, but when you’re driving a very heavy, quickly moving machine on a road with other drivers, I certainly believe that the safety of the humans around you or in your car are much more important than a randomly wandering critter. Even if it *does* break my heart to think of an animal getting hurt or killed by the cars. :(
Beckys last blog post..Bedtime Shenanigans
You are a hero! I hit a rabbit once at night on a dirt road in the middle of nowhere Utah and I cried for a long time!
Good for you for saving the poor little fellow. Hopefully he follows your advice. :)
Richelle Fs last blog post..Sharing the Love
That’s great. My husband would have done the same thing. I love the wild life but I can honestly say I wouldn’t have rescued it. I would have drove past saying “I hope he makes it across”.
When I lived in Maryland we lived across the street and down a little ways from a pond. We regularly had ducks crossing the streets and I would always see cars pulled over with kids on the side of the road watching the ducks. It was always a great site.
That was very nice of you to save the turtle. It sounds like you got to him just in time!
Shannons last blog post..Mother’s Guilt
Did I ever tell you about the squirrel who was trying to commit suicide on Rogene Drive??? I’m not even kidding. It was so sad. I can almost hear you talking to that turtle. You always give the best advice!
You saved a life! That is so cool . . . I’ve hit little animals before and felt so terrible for them afterwards - I’m glad that wasn’t your case.
BTW, happy belated birthday and congrats on the big party! I missed much of it due to time differences and lots of company, but it looked like fun . . .
Mozi Esme’s Mommys last blog post..Tihavene Dedication
What a humanitarian….kudos to you, but do watch that you don’t get hurt in the process.
That was a very kind thing to do but, gosh, do be careful when you do stuff like that. Sounds like that Suburban would have been quite happy to roll over you, let alone a turtle.
Fergus Mayhews last blog post..She Who Must Be Obeyed
That’s so great that you took the time to do that. Most people would have just drove around him. You probably saved his life!
kailanis last blog post..Commentor of the Month Award - June 2008
How cool! Be careful though. A saved turtle is not worth a hurt Summer!
What a sweet tale. We do the same thing whether it be braking for a squirrel or a rabbit or throwing our car into park to help a critter along:-)