Turtlehood

This turtle's origin is a humble one. It was October 2015. In a basement pet store off the main drag in Boston's Chinatown, before he was known as Peso, a lively and enthusiastic tiny turtle raced around the backs of his brothers and sisters. Looking at the rather lethargic or skittish kin, Kayla, confidently said, "that one" to the tiny tortuga who would soon become Peso. It was a round table discussion for multiple nights about what to call the new housemate. Shelly, Sheldon, and Squirtle were expected suggestions but were not fitting. In a bit of desperation, Kayla looked at the bottle of turtle food and saw, in the small print at the bottom, "Net Weight / Peso", and gave, a silly suggestion, of "Peso". It was fitting for the turtle who truly was about the size of a $2 Mexican Peso.

First Enclosure

First Proper Sunbath

First Playtime with Kayla

Peso's first enclosure was short lived: a small plastic dish with a basking platform. It was quickly upgraded to a small tank with smooth rocks, shallow water, and a basking dock where he learned to stretch out and soak in warmth. Peso's personality continued to be excited and enthusiastic. He roamed about his tank and was rarely cautious, he slept peacefully under a plastic log. His days were simple—eat, swim, bask, sleep.

As he grew, his shell hardened and darkened in color. In the first year he ate a special diet of fortified turtle pellets, this helped his shell grow strong and without deformities. Peso was there as Kayla studied for exams, worked her jobs, and was a hit at all the parties. Little did they know, just how long this adorable shelled friend would be around. By the time he was a year old, Peso had grown much larger and even more active. He would swim laps around the tank, climb up to his basking spot with ease, and sometimes even recognize Kayla's voice, turning his head when she called.

Early days with Peso

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