The Turtle Lady

Wherever she goes, Turkey the turtle brings levity and curiosity. A chorus of “Is that a turtle?!” follows her anytime she leaves the house and it still makes me chuckle every time I hear it.

The community hub where I volunteer was having a birthday celebration and I was asked to bring in Turkey. In all of the years I’ve been volunteering with the hub, she’s never visited. This was a treat for everyone, especially Turkey.

She loved being fawned over. There were people in attendance who even took it upon themselves to babysit (turtlesit??) her in her playpen while we were eating cake.

Turkey is a good judge of character and she was relaxed and curious about everyone who took the time to meet her. She posed for the camera while the birthday celebrant held her to take pictures.

After cake, we moved the party up the street to the local bar and the owner was kind enough to allow me to bring Turkey in since she was in her carrier. Throughout the celebration, everyone came over to meet her.

The owner even suggested that she’s their new mascot and the entire staff agreed. They even posted on their social media that she’s their new mascot.

The staff was telling locals that came in that there was a turtle in the bar. I was even stopped on the way out to prove that it wasn’t some elaborate prank and Turkey got to meet even more people. Smiles all around.

Tomorrow, she’s going to visit again to watch Team Canada kick butt at the Fifa Tourney and get all of the attention from everyone.

I can’t help but appreciate the joy that Turkey brings out in people. It’s truly an honour to be able to experience it alongside those who meet her and those who know her enough to call her Turkey.