This past December, as cold weather swept through North Carolina, a vulnerable senior turtle known as Grandma found herself in a heartbreaking place — abandoned in a dumpster, clinging to hope.
Grandma, who is missing both of her right legs, had little chance of climbing out on her own. But her spirit hadn’t given up. She was alive, alert, and waiting — until a Good Samaritan noticed movement among the trash and looked inside.
There, nestled in the garbage, was Grandma — quietly waiting for someone to care.
She was quickly brought to Carolina Waterfowl Rescue, where staff were heartbroken by her story.
“We were all really upset when we heard about her coming in from the trash,” said Jennifer Gordon, the rescue’s executive director. “Knowing she especially needed a special home, since she only had two legs, and someone just left her in the trash — likely because of her disability — was heartbreaking.”
Despite everything she had endured, Grandma didn’t let her challenges hold her back. At the rescue, she blossomed.
“She doesn’t let her past hardships slow her down,” the rescue shared in a post. “She is so friendly and sweet.”
Grandma quickly became a favorite among the staff and visitors. She loved hand-fed snacks, happily accepted affection, and often swam right up to the edge of her tank just to flash a smile at anyone nearby.
“When she gives you those big turtle eyes, it’s hard to walk away!” the team wrote.
Months passed, and Grandma kept greeting everyone with the same sweet hopefulness — until finally, the right person came along.
A woman searching for a companion met Grandma and wasn’t daunted by her special needs. She saw Grandma for who she truly was: a gentle, loving soul deserving of a second chance.
Now, Grandma is settling into her forever home — safe, cared for, and ready to enjoy her golden years with a family who adores her.
“She’s a senior turtle who just wants to live the good life,” the rescue wrote. “And we want that for her, too.”
You can help more animals like Grandma by donating to Carolina Waterfowl Rescue.
