Hi Robyn, I just stumbled on to you site, and I really enjoy it, it has taught me so much about ponds and animals.

I have a question that I hope you can answer

I'm about to release 2 turtles, red eared slider turtle, both over 6 months old, in to my pond, but seeing how there's always some Herons visiting my pond, and ate so many fishes from my pond in the past, I'm a little hesitant to release the turtles.

Thanks

Herons can eat small turtles. How big are the 6-month-old turtles? There is always a risk with having any animal out exposed to predators. You can reduce that risk by netting the pond, at least for a while. Or, you can take the chance. Life is about risks and chances. With all the animals I have, I've seen way too many animals die though. My poor dog got really sick fast and is dying; the vet thinks it's liver cancer. I lost a LOT of pond fish (about 20) this year to herons and an unknown problem. So, I understand your concern. It's up to you. You can release them where at least they'll have an adventure, or net the pond, or keep them inside at least until they're a little larger. I'm not sure how big they'd have to be that a heron couldn't easily get them. Sorry, I'm not much help.

you're dog is dying? how sad :( I understand your pain though, I lost a dog to the coyotes 5 yrs ago, I had the dog for 5 yrs, I had the dog's mom since she was a puppy too.

Anyways, best of luck to your dog! :)

My dog had a sonogram this morning. His liver only had one possible tumor but his spleen and kidneys were enlarged. His blood work for liver and kidneys fails as well as some other values. He hasn't eaten in a week. His heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, and spleen at least are failing. They think he has hepatitis. His skin and urine are bright yellow. I'm giving him sub-Q fluids and Baytril injections myself as well as trying to force feed him baby food and calorie supplements (sugar and vitamins). It's very hard on him and I. My mother is all upbeat thinking he'll be fine since he doesn't have profound liver cancer like they thought. I've lost many animals and some suddenly like my baby Beebee (a chicken I hatched who was almost 2 years old at thet ime) and Salty who were eaten by a fox last March. People made fun of me for being devasted by that. I think it's easier when they die fast though even though the initial shock is more profound since you don't have time to prepare. My dog is still alive but I've already had time to grieve his impending death. Sorry to get off topic but Schmoo (the dog) is heavy on my mind.