Rudy the Turtle Retriever

This is the face of a turtle retriever.

Yep.  Rudy becomes obsessed with turtles every spring when they're on the move.  Not only does he patrol our fenced in backyard for them, he seems to have a sixth sense when one is near.  

He could be in what looks like a dead sleep, then suddenly leap to his feet and run to the door.

Sure enough... just moments later I hear the telltale thunk of another turtle being dropped onto the deck.

You see, he retrieves them.  Brings them to the door and waits for someone to come get them and carry them out of the yard.

We average a turtle a day.  Once in awhile - no turtles. However, some days we may have 3 or 4.  Most are box turtles like this one.

 
The other day Rudy managed to find a huge snapper.  No, he didn't retrieve it.  He woofed twice.  Since Rudy hardly ever barks, I came running.  A little work with a shovel and that mean snapper was out of the yard and on his way.

You might be wondering if Rosie retrieves turtles, too.  Nope.  In fact, Rosie isn't interested in them at all.   Must be one of those boy things...  or maybe she's waiting until we have some turtle soup!