A truck stopped in the road in front of my house the other morning. A woman got out and placed what looked like a puppy on the road. She waited for it to cross the road, but it didn’t move. I was so upset, because I can’t stand to see an animal treated that way. She finally got back out of her truck and moved it to the edge of the road.
While all of this was going on, I was trying to get my window raised so I could let her know that what she was doing was illegal (among a few other things). That never happened, because she’d already gotten back in and sped away.
I was so furious that I grabbed my car keys to get her tag number and tell her she needed to pick that poor puppy back up and find it a home. I was a woman on a mission.
I had my car started and in reverse when something told me I should at least go see if the animal was still alive. After all, it could have already gotten run over. I don’t always listen to this voice, but I did this time.
Boy, did I ever get a surprise when I saw it! That sweet, fuzzy little puppy turned out to be a turtle. I’m glad I listened to that voice inside my head. Regardless, it was still one of God’s creatures, so I had to help it. As hot as it’s been, I knew this poor turtle had to be thirsty. I carried it to the yard and finally came up with a solution on how to give a turtle a drink of water. The top of a birdbath filled with a little water was perfect.
It took a while for the turtle to get calmed down. When it finally did, I watched in amazement how it slowly stuck its head out and leaned its head in the water and drank. I could actually see its throat moving as it drank. It was such a sight to behold.
When I went back outside later, the turtle had apparently had its fill. Its thirst was quenched, and it was onward to another adventure.
My anger toward that woman had turned into appreciation. She was trying to save that poor turtle from getting run over and giving it an opportunity to find water. It turned out to be one of those times about which we say, ‘It was meant to be.’
It always gives me a boost of energy when I can help an animal in need. So my day was off to a good start.
I get excited every day to see what type of journey I’ll be having. Whether it will be average or one where people will comment, ‘That had to be Gail….’, I always thank God for every day he lets me have.
So, until later, be kind, show appreciation, be thankful and pray often.
