Brewster Buddy

I am not a pet person. Never have been. Never will be. I think my kids will survive. It might be the meanest thing I do as a mom not to let them have a pet, but that’s just the way it goes. Well, at least, that was the plan. Somehow, someway, about 4 months ago, we adopted a turtle from a family friend. I had no say in the matter. The transaction was said and done by the time I got home. The boys were already in love. He even had a name.

Brewster.

You know that saying that animals are more scared of you then you are of them. That is totally false. I am way more afraid of them. I told Austin I was afraid of Brewster because I didn’t want him to jump out and scare me. Austin laughed his head off and had to sarcastically remind me that turtles don’t “jump”. Obviously I know that. My point was that I don’t like being startled by animals. I don’t want to be in the backyard not paying attention and then BAM! there’s Brewster. It scares me. Contrary to what you may think about turtles, they are fast. No, really. They are. Brewster would be cruising around, I’d turn my back for two seconds, and he’d be gone halfway across the yard. I didn't like that mystery in him.

The boys couldn’t get enough of him and it was really sweet to see them race home from school and head to the backyard to enjoy a game of scavenger hunt as they searched for Brewster. I’d just watch from the kitchen window. He was small and stealthy and just kinda freaked me out. I didn’t want to be pushing Wyatt on the swings and then catch him from the corner of my eye lurking in the grass. He gave me the creeps. The boys knew this and would love to creep up behind me with him in their hands and laugh their little guts out when I would scream.

But, this is how I was sold on our pet. He roams around the backyard wherever he wants. There is no cleaning him, or cleaning up after him. He eats whatever he wants and essentially can be our garbage disposal too. He even hibernates in the winter. He came out from hibernation a few weeks ago and he looks bigger. Lots bigger. I have to admit, overall he’s a really good pet. The boys have loved playing with him again. I, on the other hand, am trying to get used to the mini heart attacks again when I take out the trash and spot him spying on me from behind the red and yellow Cozy Coupe. Freak me out Brewster Buddy!

"One time I touched his nails."

"Fly Brewster! Vrooooooom!"

"Smile Brewster! Smile!"

"Ready! Set! Go Brewster! Go!

"Ahhhh! Haaahaa! Brewster Buddy!"