Rosie passed away while sunning herself on one of Malibu’s glorious warm January days.  She gave me a warning a few days before that she was not well.  Nothing monumental, but knowing her as well as I did, I could see that something was not right, and I said to Marshall, “Rosie is dying.” A cantankerous huge old Leopard tortoise, she came to American Tortoise Rescue in September 1998 from a confiscation by West LA Animal Shelter.  Rosie was always angry, withdrawn and definitely agitated unless I sat down next to her in the leopard yard and gave her a massage. She spoke to me in a way that no other tortoise has ever done before or since.  I loved that big old girl, and I truly believe that she loved me – Marshall and I used to laugh and call her a frozen turkey.  She was the same size and weight. I guess she just felt it was time to go over the Rainbow Bridge even though I did not want her to go.  But tortoises are very stubborn.  She had a rich full life, an ocean view, loving back rubs and two people who cared about her so very much.  I will never forget you, Rosie.  You were a silent, but loving old girl.  You brought me hours of pleasure and helped me learn so much about the special and incredible bonds we can have with animals.  Bye bye, old girl.  I will see you again when I, too, cross the rainbow bridge.

So please give geenrously to the Rosie Fund so other turtles and tortoises can be saved and live the good life. American Tortoise Rescue is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization (Federal Tax ID: 93-1219374). Donations are tax deductible to the maximum extent allowable by law. Please consult your tax advisor.