Turtle Family Visits Keller Library

Dexter, Missouri - Jessica Loflin and her mom, Dee, brought their Turtle Family to Keller Public Library for their weekly Summer Reading Program, "On Your Mark, Get Set........Read on Wednesday, July 13th with a theme of "Slow and Steady Wins the Race.  They also brought many pelts, furs, skulls, shells, and other items from Missouri animals.

Mr. Bill Drake read the book The Tortoise and the Hare.......well he sort of read the book.  He actually improvised with such an enthusiastic voice the children were glued to his every word all the while Mrs. Judy Nea worked her magic with two puppets, a tortoise and a hare!  She was an amazing puppeteer!

It was a hands on experience as each child touched the educational items on display.  They were also excited to hold members of the Turtle Family - Myrtle, Elvis, Crackers, Oscar, Baby Face, Dot, Hulk, Dani, and LittleFoot.  The children even got to feed some of the turtles watermelon!

Myrtle has been in the their family more than 50 years, but she is believed to be about 67 years old.  She was originally found at Wappapello Lake area in 1959 and became a family pet for four generations.  You can tell she's an old girl by the way she looks and she loves to eat eggs and worms.....and watermelon!

Elvis is a rescued turtle who would not eat in the beginning.  Once taken to Helping Hands Veterinary Clinic it was discovered that Elvis is mostly blind.  He has cataracts and has trouble locating his food. 

Crackers is also a rescue.  His shell was partially destroyed by an industrial lawnmower.  Once "glued" back in places his shell will not close completely therefore allowing prey to eat him if returned to the wild. 

This week's program will be "Motion Commotion" on Wednesday, July 20th at 11:00 a.m. with Crafts and Ice Cream.  It's the last one of the summer and you won't want to miss it!