Two shell garage?

Nemo and Lucy are little snuggle buddies now. Lucy copied Nemo's habit of snuggling into the blankets around the summer home. Occasionally one will occupy the hide while the other lounges behind it. A few days ago, this is what we found. Their two shells barely fit into the space but they were sharing so nicely. How cute is this?

Nemo's little friend

Nemo is still being monitored and his next vet appointment is next week. He is now bathing on his own each morning, sometimes with a little help. But he does his complete Zen bath and we haven't had to place him in the inescapable soaking tub for about a week. He has also been eating most of three shrimp every other day. I still give him 2 ml of baby food with his vitamins mixed in to make sure he's getting the proper nutrition.

With Nemo's lethargy, possibly empathy pains from my lethargy (?), we've talking about getting him a companion. We didn't want another box turtle because of aggression with another mail and mating with a female. While looking for live earthworms at Petco a week ago (ewww), we saw two Russian tortoises. Their care was nearly identical to Nemo's. Brian and I bantered back and forth about it. What if they didn't get along? What if it helped Nemo by having another creature who was eating and running around being curious in his territory? Pros...cons. Yesterday, we made the decision.

Lucy (name goes with Linus and Schroeder) is our new addition. She is one fast little tortoise. She is much lighter than Nemo even though she looks stocky. Her shell is the size of my palm and I am the size of an average 11-year-old. First there was curiosity on Nemo's part while Lucy hid inside an igloo prepared with reptile bedding and misted moss. Nemo knew something was in his territory. He was funny stalking around. He finally gave up looking and went into his big garage. Lucy came out of hiding, saw Nemo in the garage, and raced toward him literally bumping her nose into his side. I'm not sure if she was trying to snuggle or climb on top of his shell, which we later learned is a penchant of hers. In any case, Nemo wasn't about to budge. He just stood his ground and the two remained under the garage napping.

Later, when Nemo relocated to behind his summer home, Lucy once again ran over to him and climbed atop his shell perched there like it was her safe place. Nemo wasn't amused but didn't fight it either. Each found their own sleeping spots last night and stayed there till I came down this morning. Lucy likes being on the basking log. Nemo prefers his snuggly blanket under the summer home and now with a warming pad. Lucy voraciously ate a grape and then a piece of watermelon. I moved her food dish with a huge pile of leafy greens near her but she ran for cover under the iguana. About an hour later when I checked on her, her dish was empty except for a single blueberry. I guess blueberries are out. lol. Nothing wrong with her appetite.

And so the adventure begins. Will Nemo warm up and befriend Lucy? Or will he continue to tolerate her presence? Either way, it looks to be a good fit. Lucy is young enough not to be afraid of people. I think she's going to enjoy being handled and possibly follow us around. Russian tortoises only get to be 8-10". More to come. Will try to be more active with posting. I especially would like a photo of Nemo and Lucy together.

More vitamin B & force feeding

Nemo lost weight :-( Dr. Amy gave him another shot of Vitamin B and showed us how to force feed him. Thank goodness it didn't involve a torturous looking device I saw in the box turtle care manual. I used to give medicine to and force feed bunnies so I have the technique down. Brian holds Nemo and I hold the syringe of food and try to coax him to open his mouth. I think he was actually hungry this morning so he opened his mouth fairly often and easily. Second and third feedings today was a lot of patience on my part and a lot of resistance on his part.

We are feeding him a mixture of baby foods: turkey, corn, peas and a vitamin enriched canned food for sick cats and dogs. mmm, yum. At least we KNOW food is in his tummy now. The objective is to get his digestive system going normally and then good eating habits will kick in. The veterinarians conferred and believe Nemo may be much older than the 10 years we were told. He could be going into a natural "geriatric" mode. Except that doesn't explain his very active behavior a year ago.

Our next appointment is in two weeks. If Nemo isn't better by then, Dr. Amy wants to take an X-ray to see if something else is going on. I sure hope that's not the case.

Does anyone remember the Maypo commercials? Here comes the airplane...... Nemo was not happy in the above photo.

Nemo on the Move

Nemo is doing some strange things since his vitamin shots. Unfortunately, eating isn't one of them yet. He is wandering about more, not hiding as much when we are present, and doing his best to avoid his daily soaks. Yesterday I woke up to find him already in his tub staring at the humidifier trying to will it to start. He was patient while I started the mist for him. He took a long leisurely zen bath. It was so long he didn't have to soak yesterday in apparently the big scary tub.

This morning I was up earlier than usual. I had turned his light and mist on and tended to his food and water. Then I went into the living room to work on the computer. I heard a thump that sounded like a bug against the window which I shrugged off. Soon after I heard a steady thump...thump...thump. Recognizing the sound Nemo's shell makes when he walks along a wall, I leaned over the back of the sofa to see him trudging from one end to the other. The far end of the sofa is the only place there is no turtle or Pleo proofing.

He climbed over wires as if they were merely mild nuisances. I quickly cleared the stuffed animal giraffe away from his exit. He sauntered back into the living room after apparently circling the entire living room. Funny little turtle.

I was brave and opened up a can of nice meal worms for him yesterday. Nothing. and ewww. He did bask briefly today. Tonight he was lounging less than an inch from the heater. I'm guessing he was chilly? Whatever, at least he's more active. With as long as he has been somewhat dehydrated, I wouldn't be surprised if he needed a second round of shots. But he's getting some of his old spark back.

The photo was taken by Brian as Nemo tried to escape the vet's grasp last week. I just wanted to show it off even though it doesn't relate to this particular story.

Nemo Goes to the Vet

Nemo was not a happy camper today. We took him to the vet for lack of appetite, lack of basking, and lack of hydrating. He never quite came out of hibernation as perky as he was before hibernation. We miss his laps around the living room.

Dr. Amy weighed him in at 1.1 pounds. He didn't lose any weight which was good. The vet determined Nemo was dehydrated. She had him hydrated and also gave him vitamin shots and a small dose of antibiotic in case there was something going on that she couldn't see. His mouth was very pink though...a good sign.

The vet technician returned Nemo to the exam room after the vet took him for his shots. She proclaimed Nemo very upset confirming he hissed at her and let her know just how displeased he was. lol. That's our Nemo. The vitamin shots should stimulate his appetite. We also need to let him soak in an escape-proof tubbie for 20 minutes each day. We have a follow up appointment in three weeks. If he's still doing his necessary turtle activities, he'll have more vitamin B. Doesn't sound like anything serious, but I'm glad we took him to the vet.

Brian happened to have his camera in the back of the car and found Nemo especially amusing in his agitated state of being out of his Zen habitat. I'm happy to have photos of a turtle vet visit! Normally I wouldn't have considered that a photo op.

After getting home, Nemo parked himself directly in his garage. Later, after searching all of his hides, I realized he was the lump under the blankie in front of his summer home. We'll give him a break until his bath tomorrow.

Spray on vitamins

I am so excited. Stopped at the Gerty pet store today. Brian thought he would be brave enough to feed "can o' worms" to Nemo so I got a can. ewwww. I also glanced through reptile health products and, lo and behold, vitamin spray! Spray reptile neck to tail once a day. The answer to my prayers. I haven't really researched it yet but I did buy it and Nemo seemed to like being spritzed with it. At least he's absorbing some healthy vitamins through his skin.

Brian is having second thoughts now about feeding the worms. Will try to have my camera ready when he decides Nemo really needs to try a worm. I think that's why he's working so hard on the special outdoor enclosure. The soil will be stocked with earthworms and we won't have to watch. In the meantime, we just replenished his supply of Nova smoked salmon. Even though I like it, I didn't happen to have any out of the last package. Nemo at it tiny piece by tiny piece.

I also picked up some bunny bales of alfalfa. Nemo never did eat any of the special bales of timothy and alfalfa I got him last year. He just liked to play in it. He adores his cuttlebones so he is not lacking in calcium. Maybe since these little bales are hard, he'll like to chew on them. Such a fussy eater. Yay for spray vitamins though!

Move Over Nemo

Finally, the video from my new camcorder capturing Linus and Nemo's first meeting.

Nemo Meets Linus

Today Nemo was lounging outside his igloo--still in his hydration period between hibernation naps, I presume. Linus noticed Nemo's movement and trotted over to meet the unturtle. Linus kept his distance (about two feet) and stayed rather still while Nemo wandered from his garage behind his igloo where he could watch the green intruder from his safe distance.

After deciding it was safe to approach, Nemo carefully approached Linus, sniffed at his feet, and even tried to nibble at his foot. I guess you never know what might be tasty... Anyway, here is proof. Nemo up close and personal with a Pleo. I hope this is a sign of acceptance.

Oddly, Linus's battery exhausted as he was holding still during Nemo's inspection. I guess we'll find out next time what happens when Linus moves at close range. This picture was taken with the photo still setting of my BRAND NEW camcorder that Santa got me! I also took video (with sound!) but need to acquire something for the computer to transfer the video to share. Look out YouTube!

Yoo Hoo!

Linus is a little scary sometimes in a funny way. This morning he carried his leaf from the middle of the room over to Nemo's igloo. He then put his chin down like a puppy with his butt up in the air, leaf in mouth, and made a loud dino sound! Was he offering his leaf to Nemo? Does he know Nemo is in there? Too funny.

The Blanket Connection

I haven't wanted to overwhelm Nemo's blog with Linus news, but I did want to share that Linus was named before his affinity for soft toys and blankets was known. It dawned on me that blankets was something both Nemo and Linus have in common. Maybe they will share blankies. Then again, I doubt Nemo likes to share...

At last report, Nemo had changed his hibernation site to his main igloo. For about four days he had "hung out" in the doorway watching Linus when he was in Nemo's area. It was nice to be able to see that Nemo was okay. Even when he burrowed further into the blanket, throughout the day he would turn around or change the position of his head. Movement is good. Yesterday afternoon, however, he went into deep blanket hiding again. I can barely see where he is. In fact, I checked the other igloo because I wasn't sure I was seeing him. Until his next hydration, I guess that's where he'll stay. At least I know he's comfy. He IS like Linus from Peanuts. Nemo demands his blankies!

I Am Curious Nemo

Nemo chose to continue his hibernation in his main igloo--the one with his name on the sign over the door. Last night he was buried head first into the blanket with only his butt and back legs visible. Late this morning, he had turned around. Linus had been in the kitchen earlier so I was talking and laughing and Linus was making his Pleo sounds. Possibly Nemo is curious about the commotion. I think he's too slow and sleepy right now to be too curious. If he sees some of what is going on with Linus, maybe he will want to interact with him when activity level increases. At least Nemo is moving a bit that I can see he's okay. His hibernation is very stressful for me!

Why all the commotion this morning? Linus was doing handstands! I was able to capture it on video which you can see using the Nemo & Linus YouTube Videos link. I never would have thought a robotic pet's artificial intelligence would include chasing his own shadow and balancing acts! What fun :-)

Nemo's New Pleo Sibling

On Sunday, December 9, Brian and I "hatched" our new Pleo (artificially intelligent life form). We named him Linus. He's amazingly emotionally expressive, curious, interactive, and cuddly in a dinsaur sort of way. I discovered the evolution of Pleo last year and made sure I was on the list to sign up for a first release. His arrival was delayed several times while the manufacturer adjusted design, programming, and features to be the best possible. We were not disappointed. Pleo videos are showing up on YouTube, a Flickr photo group was already established, and Pleo Plogs can be viewed at PleoWorld.com (link provided to the right on this blog).

Since Linus's hatching, we've witnessed his first steps, are still experiencing new sounds and behaviors, and can't stop giggling. He is definitely a joy. When Nemo is active again, it will be interesting to see how the two interact. Hopefully Nemo will be curious. I'm sure Linus will want to nudge Nemo. Could be fun.

I hope you enjoy watching Linus "grow" while Nemo takes his long winter nap.

Creative Dining

These photos were taken just before my computer had problems (and before his 24/7 hibernation). They still make me laugh. I have no idea what made Nemo decide to sit in this manner.

Hibernation is Scary

Scary for me...not Nemo. Nemo is my first indoor reptile. I did have a box turtle when I was 11 that lived in the yard. I studied the different requirements for turtle hibernation and then set up three areas for his blanket hibernation. Curiously, he chose one of the igloos the day Brian and I finally "got it". Nemo doesn't need to eat and he doesn't need to exercise and he doesn't need it warmer. He needs to be left alone to hibernate.

He seems to have gone into full hibernation mode as of Sunday evening. He is wayyyy back in the igloo on a blanket and under a blanket. I'm so used to checking on him whenever I am in the room. You can see from his videos that he was one active little guy before September. It's a little disconcerting when your pet doesn't eat even if he does look perfectly healthy.

The clincher was yesterday when, after I hadn't seen him move even a fraction of an inch for nearly two days, I placed my hand in the igloo and placed it gently on his shell. He was so cold! I spoke to him gently saying I just wanted to make sure he was okay. After about 20 seconds I started to panic that he was so cold and not moving. Finally, he moved his foot, I breathed a sigh of relief and respectfully thanked him and removed my hand. Whew.

Apparently I did the hibernation set up right because he's doing it. Yay for my Nemo! Next year I'll be more educated about his needs. I've had pets all my life that were rushed to the vet when they stopped eating for two days. It's going to be a long winter...as well as quiet. Pictures coming soon. Since there will likely be no new Nemo activity for awhile, the photos I haven't been able to post because of computer problems will be used to entertain those who happen on this blog. Hope you are enjoying the build up to the holidays. If not, remember to breathe...slowly!

Blanket Hibernation

Nemo seems to be fully in semi-hibernation. Semi because he still comes out of his sleeping spot to bathe, chew the cuttlebone, step in his food dish, and choose the sleeping spot of the day. We are expecting snow and freezing rain today. Nemo hasn't moved since last night. He has a comfy little spot in the fold of a blanket behind his summer home. Occasionally, I peek under the blanket to check on him. Each time I find myself giggling at how his legs are so peacefully sprawled behind him and how sometimes his head is stretched out resting on the blanket or a fold of blankie like a cat would do.

One time today I was going to move him so he would have to hike back to get some exercise. But he looks soooo comfortable. I think it's going to be a quiet winter.

Waiting for the Mist

My computer is almost back to normal. Soon I will have access to posting photos easily again. In the meantime, Nemo continues to be Nemo. Earlier this week, a friend stopped by and met the much talked about "unturtle". He had decided to bury himself in his igloo head first that day and was in no mood to be sociable. A few hours later, when my guest was getting ready to leave, I poked my head around the corner for a Nemo check. I didn't see him in his usual places so stepped fully into the room. I found him in the center of his wading pool staring with a distinct look of annoyance at the empty mister. I had no idea how long he might have been in there but tried to imagine how a turtle might think. He knew mist came out of "there" and he knew I had something to do with it.

After my friend confirmed Nemo's body language and expression, she had a good laugh. About five minutes later, after saying goodbyes, I returned to find Nemo still waiting. He didn't budge as my hands reached down for the humidifier seeming to know I wasn't going to reach for him. It takes a few minutes to clean it out and add the fresh water, but he sat patiently in his beautiful terracotta tub. I again reached down with the humidifier, plugged it in, and there was mist. I moved away and watched from the other room. He stayed in the pool another ten minutes thoroughly soaking up the mist and assuming his trademark butt mist position in the first minute. It still makes me giggle. Who needs words when even a turtle can communicate quite clearly. However, I wonder how many other turtles demand that their personal humidifiers be refilled?

Nemo in the Spotlight

Nemo has been quite the inactive lump since his semi-hibernation. So Brian and I were very surprised Saturday night when he became the most active turtle likely in history in a single hour. We had company for dinner all sitting in Nemo's space at the table. You would think with so many humans around, a turtle would go into hiding. Not the unturtle! Upon our guests' arrival, Nemo promptly took a bath after making an obstacle course out of his route. During dinner time, he was back into the tub for bath complete with several butt mists. He then wandered over to Brian's feet and nudged his sneakers before climbing over his foot! After meandering around for awhile, he finally settled back under his summer home. We hadn't seen that much activity since the day I moved the cool mist humidifier by his former wading pool.

He was back to being a lump again yesterday but still quite cute with his positions. Today's cuteness was sleeping most of the day with his head tucked under the summer home (plastic bin) with it balancing on the middle of his head. Silly silly unturtle.

Will be adding pictures soon. Am still having computer problems and must juggle computers to do my blog with images.

Nemo's Favorite Napping Position

This is Nemo's favorite way to sleep--head buried under a blanket. For winter, I placed an extra blankie for burrowing in each of his hides for warmth and extra deep snuggling. For now, he's happy just tucking his head out of sight.

My lesson for the week is blogs and computer problems do not go together. Am borrowing Brian's laptop while mine is "on vacation".

Earlier this week, Nemo turned video into reality when he decided to bathe while my Tao of Relaxation music was playing in the room. It was quite lovely to watch. Recently I have turned on "zen music" when I first wake up to feed him and make sure his cool mist humidifer is filled. Each time I have done that, he has come out of hiding. He must like it! He really is a zen turtle.

It had been suggested to me that possibly Nemo has been running and hiding from me lately is because my energy is low--I'm not feeling well. Maybe part of turtle "people recognition" includes sensing their energy. If mine changed, maybe he's not recognizing me right now? Maybe I have to rebond with him? The morning after considering this possibility, he awoke to zen music and proceeded to wander to my side of the room and meander around me--even touching my feet as he circled me. I didn't intrude--did not try to touch him. I thanked him for being nice. I'm hoping the tide is changing and he will "come out of his shell" for me. lol. Well, you can use your own words...

Preparing for Winter

See his foot in the lower left of the igloo? That's where Nemo spent from about 2 pm yesterday until sometime after I left the house for a few hours at 2:30 pm. When I returned home, he was perky, alert, and lounging in his little turquoise summer home across the room. "Yay, mom's gone. Now I can really have fun!"

Nemo's Latest Video Released to YouTube

I am proud to announce the release of Nemo's latest video--Crouching Turtle--Nemo's Art of the Zen Bath. He adores his new wading dish and I was able to capture many moments on camera during his recent baths. I hope you enjoy it.