Ranch News

[guidofatherof5]

Today, I visited a local school who's class was studying reptiles. I took an adult T.radix female (Tourette), one of the baby Northwestern Garter Snake (T.ordinoides) a Western Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta), a African spurred tortoise (Geochelone sulcata) and of course tank (Chelydra serpentina-Common Snapping Turtle)
I showed Tank last. The kids were excited to see Tank again as this is his 3rd visit to the school. Tank was perfect and interacted with the kids as usual. The teacher also petitioned me to let Tank live in the classroom. Ah, no. He went home with me.
Once home Tank had breakfast and retired to a blanket for some rest. Rest means watching out from under the blanket.

*Update*
Tank's rest has turned into sleep. Poor tired, hard working turtle.

[Selkielass]

Awwww. Good job Tank. Ny-night.

[ProXimuS]

Aw how fun! I bet the kids loved that presentation

I have to say....I'm a little jealous they got to meet Tank....

[guidofatherof5]

He's a great turtle. He makes friends everywhere he goes.

[guidofatherof5]

Here's lucky enjoying some turkey heart I picked up today.

[guidofatherof5]

I posted earlier in the pet thread that I was going to have some big news about Tank.
I've decided to let you all in on what is going on.
In my city Tank (all snapping turtles) are considered dangerous animals. I've kept Tank in the shadows as I didn't want to lose him.
A few weeks ago My friend Steve Schmidt call me and told me about an "exclusion" to the dangerous animal code.
The exclusion is for "educational" animals. Since Tank has been used in many educational programs I feel he qualifies for the exclusion.
I contacted our City Attorney and filed the appropriate paperwork. The health board meets on Dec. 5th to discuss this issue.
My feelings are this should pass but if it doesn't I will be in for a legal fight.

I would like all of you to hope/pray/wish for a positive outcome to that meeting. Tank is a very important member of our family and I want him to be free to live with our family. He is the most unique turtle I have ever seen.

[infernalis]

I posted earlier in the pet thread that I was going to have some big news about Tank.
I've decided to let you all in on what is going on.
In my city Tank (all snapping turtles) are considered dangerous animals. I've kept Tank in the shadows as I didn't want to lose him.
A few weeks ago My friend Steve Schmidt call me and told me about an "exclusion" to the dangerous animal code.
The exclusion is for "educational" animals. Since Tank has been used in many educational programs I feel he qualifies for the exclusion.
I contacted our City Attorney and filed the appropriate paperwork. The health board meets on Dec. 5th to discuss this issue.
My feelings are this should pass but if it doesn't I will be in for a legal fight.

I would like all of you to hope/pray/wish for a positive outcome to that meeting. Tank is a very important member of our family and I want him to be free to live with our family. He is the most unique turtle I have ever seen.

Behind you all the way Steve.....

[Light of Dae]

In my city Tank (all snapping turtles) are considered dangerous animals. I've kept Tank in the shadows as I didn't want to lose him.
...
I would like all of you to hope/pray/wish for a positive outcome to that meeting. Tank is a very important member of our family and I want him to be free to live with our family. He is the most unique turtle I have ever seen.

See you and Tank will be just fine. I have no doubts. You've nailed it already. Snapping turtles are considered dangerous animals but Tank is the most unique turtle you've ever seen. You could easily prove how awesome he is by bringing him to them for educational purposes.

lol Bring them to school Steve!!

Hey there's an idea... Get all the kids who've met Tank to make him cards to stay! Them show the cards to the board members, if kids have seen Tank n been okay with him I think Y'all will be alright.

Nothing but positive thoughts.

[Foxrun402]

Me too I think Tank rocks and he already loves you guys too why would they want to break that up, all they have to do is see it! He is awesome!

[Greg'sGarters]

EVERYONE RUSH TO STEVE'S HOUSE! Lol. It's like you look out of your window and see 50 people all carrying snake hooks and garter snakes on your front lawn lol.

You and tank will definitely be in my prayers. I know what it's like to have something that you love but shouldn't have. I used to have a gator that was sweet as ever! He would take food from my hands and would knew when it was me coming to his tank. However, if I had got caught with him, I would be fined $25,000 and he would be taken away. Unfortunately he died from internal parasites. I know what you are going through. You and Tank will definitely be in my prayers. please, keep me updated.