I helped save a sea turtle!

Last night we went for our usual evening beach walk and happened to meet a lovely lady and her sweet little schnauzer dog named Maisy. She asked us if we had seen the turtle wedged under the rocks and INSTANTLY Mom and I went on alert. By time we walked over to where it was there were a few more people gathered around talking about putting it back into the water.  I went straight into my Bark Ranger roll and woofed VERY LOUDLY - of coarse Mom had to interpret as not everyone talks dog (can you believe that!!)  Through Mom I told them that people are not allowed to touch or move turtles and that as it had been there since the last high tide - some 8 hours earlier - it was probably severely dehydrated. We also didn't know if the turtle was sick or injured and in need of medical treatment. The little turtle was only about 1 foot long and was a beautiful little Hawksbill. 

Silly Mom had left her phone in the car as it had looked like it was going to rain so while we kept watch another lady went to call the Base Police.  They came very quickly and checked the little turtle - it was still flapping it's flippers so we knew it alive. They in turn called the turtle rescue and as luck would have it -  one of the police officers actually volunteers with the turtle rescue and he told everyone I WAS RIGHT  - that we shouldn't touch it and that we did the right thing calling them.  Sadly we had to leave before the turtle rescue came (it was still very hot and Mom was worried about us over heating) but the police said they would stay there and wait. The little turtle will no doubt spend the next few week recovering at the turtle rescue center.

Mom was so proud of ME for doing my bark ranger duties so well that when we got home I not only got a Frosty Paw - but 2 cookies as well !!!!!  Bark Ranger Reilly at your service :)

Little turtle wedged under the rock

Baby Hawksbill Turtle

Our new friend Maisey

Leaving the turtle well protected :)