Yesterday, when I went outside, I noticed a shell on the sidewalk in front of my house. I wondered what it was doing there. Upon closer inspection, I saw that there was a creature in that shell. A hermit crab. I had no idea what it was doing there, but I knew that it was going to be fried sitting on that hot concrete. (It's been at least 90 degrees Fahrenheit every day this week.)
So I rescued it. I moved it to a spot under a shady tree. Then I went in the house to find a shell. Shells make good water vessels. The crab definitely needed some water. I filled it with water and put it near the crab, which was still tightly curled in its shell. I wondered what else I could do to help it. I had the brilliant idea to cool it off with a little water sprinkle from the hose. It had to be roasting in that hot shell! That's what I did.
Then my daughter came outside. "Mom, what are you doing?"
"Rescuing a crab."
She gave me a funny look. "Did you remember you had dinner cooking on the stove?"
Oh, right. I almost forgot about that.
She stooped down and picked up the crab. "Mom, this thing is dead!"
"Is not!" I said.
"Yes, it is. And the house is going to burn down while you save a dead crab!"
(FYI: The house is still standing, and the food did not burn. But the crab. He might be dead. He hasn't moved a bit. So, yes, I may have been trying to rescue a dead crab. Time will tell. If he falls out of his shell, we'll know for sure.)
All credit to you Sherry to rescue the crab whether dead or alive. It may well be still alive but due to the heat may be deep sleeping.
ReplyDeleteTouching story to read.
Yvonne.
I guess I have a soft spot for animals- dead or alive. ;)
DeleteTrying to save a dead hermit crab speaks a lot for your character. I would've done the same thing. Keep us posted about the crab. :)
ReplyDeleteI think it's dead, but it still hasn't fallen out of its shell, so I'm just going to leave it under the tree next to its shell of water for now.
DeleteOne out of two surviving isn't bad. 50/50 shot with your life saving efforts lol hopefully the crab makes it though
ReplyDeleteI had to try!
Deleteit would've been ironic if you had crab for dinner too....
ReplyDeleteYou're so bad, Dezzy!
DeleteWe used to put a soaked sponge with the hermit crabs, I think. Do you usually have them in your next of the woods, Sherry?
ReplyDeleteI did that for our crabs, too, when we had them. We don't live near a beach, so I'm not sure why a crab would be where it was, unless it was someone's pet, and they just left it there to die.
DeleteHe's a long way from home.
ReplyDeleteYes. No sandy beaches anywhere in the vicinity.
DeleteGlad your house is still standing! Hope the crab awakens and scuttles away, singing your praises.
ReplyDeleteIt would be nice if the crab would scuttle away, but I don't think that's going to happen. My daughter is probably right. It's probably already dead.
DeleteHow did the crab get onto the sidewalk in the first place?
ReplyDeleteThat is an excellent question, and one I have been asking myself. I'm thinking it might've been someone's pet, and they just left it there. But no kids were in sight. The crab is clearly visible under the tree in our front yard, if someone was looking for it.
DeleteTell that child I said to quit criticizing you. You are doing your best, and the house is not going to burn down.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
I agree with you. We had a little discussion about that.
DeleteOh my goodness Sherry, I think it is sweet you tried to save the crab... glad to hear the house didn't burn down xox
ReplyDeleteI'm glad the house didn't burn down, too. That would have been bad.
DeleteYou didn't knew that the crab was dead. And out of kindness you have tried to rescue it. That is great mam.
ReplyDeleteCan't let a crab roast in the hot sun, even if it is dead.
DeleteWell, at least you cared and you tried. I often "almost" burn the house down. ;)
ReplyDeleteLife & Faith in Caneyhead
I've had my share of "almosts" too. That's why we keep a fire extinguisher nearby. :)
DeletePoor crab! I'm glad the house is okay though.
ReplyDeleteIt would have been bad if the house had burned down!
DeleteKudos to you saving a crab, Sherry! You've set a good example for your kids :D
ReplyDeleteThey'll just have to remember to turn off the stove if they go on any rescue missions. :)
DeleteMy nana always maintained it was the thought that counts and I think it wonderful that you thought to save this crab even if it did turn out he was beyond saving.
ReplyDeleteI like your nana's thinking!
DeleteHopefully the crab survives
ReplyDeleteIt would be nice, but I don't think it will.
Delete