Hard Knocks.

Box Turtle

We found this guy on the camp road near the path that leads out to the Flow Lands. Which is actually a beautiful place, with wild orchids and pitcher plants and other exotics. Poor guy was hit by a vehicle and is luck he wasn't crushed, though his shell was badly cracked.

I was sure he was going to die, the damage was that bad. Jo said if we had found him like, an hour later, the huge break in his shell would have allowed his internal organs to dry out. Since we found him in time, she just smiled and said she could help him.

When we saw him the next day, in the reptile and amphibian area in Jo's rehab barns, I couldn't believe what she used to help repair his shell.

Now the Salamander Tribe – Makayla, Jalil, and Dugan – are excited about keeping him alive so he can be turned loose into the wilds again. Well, Makayla and Jalil are. Dugan doesn't seem to give a crap.

If I was going to name this guy, I'd call him "Tank". But Jalil is calling him Lightning, because of the zig-zag scar on his shell.

This is one lucky turtle. Just like all the other animals that come under Jo's veterinary care. She gives her all to help them.