Happy Holidays!

Instead of our usual educational article, we decided to share a feel-good story this December. This is the story of a Russian tortoise named Speedy. He was brought into our hospital this summer by a Good Samaritan after being hit by a car and suffering a large shell fracture. Russian tortoises are NOT native, so we knew he had been someone's pet. We repaired his shell and I took him home to nurse him through the recovery. Two weeks later, we miraculously FOUND the owners! Through some rather unfortunate circumstances, he had been lost and his owners thought they'd never see Speedy again. Speedy and his family were soon reunited and it was quite the happy ending! So, in the holiday spirit, we give you this poem and let you know that miracles do still happen. Good Samaritans still exist out there and wayward tortoises do sometimes find their way back home...

'Twas a Night During Summer

(adapted from the classic 'Twas the Night Before Christmas)

'Twas a night during summer and all through the hospital

Several people were stirring, and enjoying cold popsicles.

The patients were seen by the doctors with care,

With cute puppies and kittens frolicking there.

Our hospital cat was nestled snug in his bed,

While visions of catnip toys danced in his head.

And Dr. Smith in his scrub top, and I in my hat

Had just settled down for a nice little chat.

When out in the waiting room, there arose such a clatter,

I sprang from my desk to see what was the matter.

Away to the treatment room I flew like a fox

Pushed through the door and threw open a box.

The lights on the steel of the new exam table

Gave a shine of wonder to our little fable.

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,

But a small Russian tortoise who was ever so dear.

With a big shell fracture, hit by a car,

I knew in a moment it must be sub-par.

More rapid than eagles my technicians came,

And I whistled and shouted and called them by name!

Now Lisa! Now Laura! Now, Ashlee and Danielle!

On Kerri! On Sharon! On, Alyssa and Michelle!

To the top of the porch! To the top of the stairs!

Now, glue away! Glue away! Glue away, pairs!

As we read about tortoises in our exotic books,

When they have a shell fracture, mount on the hooks.

So up to surgery the technicians they flew,

To find a collection of wire and surgical glue.

And then, in a twinkling, I put him together,

The wires and hooks made him all better.

And I took him on home, for more supportive care,

To munch lettuce and peppers in a warm dry lair.

He was dressed in hardware, from the top to the side,

But he could still move his feet to scramble and hide.

A bundle of wire he had stuck on his shell,

And he looked like a rocker just ready to yell.

His eyes, how they twinkled! His nose, how cute!

His mouth opens wide, but he is a mute!

His droll little beak was drawn up like a bow,

And the skin on his neck was as dry as the snow.

A piece of lettuce he held tight in his beak,

And his shell it rounded at the top like a peak.

He had a slim face and four long little feet,

That tapped when he moved like dancers on the street.

He was quiet and regal, a right suave little guy,

And I laughed when I saw him, then gave a sigh.

He had a long road to go before he was well,

But I knew with much love he would soon be swell.

And then we got word, his family was here,

They had lost him last month and shed many tears.

Through word of mouth, they heard of our reptile stray,

And somehow we found, he had traveled some way.

Our tortoise is back, with his family again home,

And we wish him quite well, with our nice little poem.

And to all our clients, we wish with all our might,

Happy holidays to all and to all a good night!