In Native American teachings, Turtle is the oldest symbol for planet Earth.
Ever since I came to this country ('Turtle Island') twenty some years ago I had unusual experiences/encounters with turtles.
Once I was kneeling on the ground watching a Painted Turtle. She decided to crawl on my lap and tried to get underneath my T-shirt. Another one is 'Miss Epoxy'. 3-4 years ago a Painted Turtle had wandered into our pond - to my great delight as they have to come on their own. One evening I found her on our driveway with a badly cracked shell. I was very distraught and called a friend who is a veterinarian. He recommended to use super glue (epoxy) to seal the crack. She spent the night in the bath tub and by next morning was released back in the pond. 'Miss Epoxy' stayed for another month and seemed just fine!
I am happy to say that another Painted Turtle has found her way into the pond again. She is a very shy one and I haven't found a name for her yet...