Give me shell-ter

Earlier this week, a co-worker sent around an e-mail saying that he had found a turtle in his yard, but could not keep it and wondered if someone wanted to give it a home. Of course, I immediately jumped from my chair to find out more. He/she is an adorable baby snapping turtle, only slightly larger than a quarter. I started spewing a bunch of turtle-speak as a member of the TE (Turtle Elite), and found myself genuinely excited about the immediate future of this adorable creature.

I knew I could not take him/her, with a beautiful baby boy and adorable rabbit already on my watch at home. So, I was ecstatic when I found out my boss would take her, even if just for a while while she gets strong and, like an injured fawn, can be released back into the wild (like Old School). Well, "Paca" (its original name) has now become the Communications pet. He/she resides in my boss' office, and we all go in to check on him/her every few hours. This morning, he/she ate a small worm, so I was relieved to find out it still has a good appetite. That is the key.

So today, "Paca" was officially made the office mascot. I commented on the irony of having a turtle for a mascot, as they are slow by nature. My boss added that they also go into a shell and hide when approached. So, maybe, "Paca" is perfect, after all.