What has four legs, a shell and lives above my cubbie?

Last week during circle time, we learned about pets. Everyone was invited to bring something that reminded them of their own pet and we talked about it with the group. I live in a pet free building (good call, management company) in the city. Consequently, I brought my plush squirrel, Eggo, who reminds me of the little guy that lives in the tree outside my window, where animals belong.

I'd like to see your dog try to climb a tree
with an intact waffle in his mouth.

Little did we toddlers know that the whole show-and-tell was just a clever rouse to get us excited about the new class pet. This week, Miss Susan proudly delivered Turtle to the toddler room. He lives in about an inch of water in a small plastic box right above my cubbie. I don't think the placement was accidental. After I brought a squirrel to the learning center, Miss Susan probably assumed I needed more exposure to indoor animals. Too bad she didn't come to me for a name, too. Apparently, he will be known as "Turtle" until she can think of a name that is easy enough for us to pronounce. I would have suggested "Vermouth."

An animal inside? That's crazy!

Despite the fact that he is basically a Salmonella machine and looks nothing like the Lonesome George I was expecting, Turtle is quite loveable. He lets us touch his back (I wash my hands immediately after, of course) and he hardly ever hides in his shell, unless Julian is around. From afar, having a pet isn't the worst thing in the world.