Phlash is a red-eared slider turtle. Debi has had Phlash since 1959. They were $0.25 at the dime store, and because so many kids and parents did not know that the sliders had to be able to get out of the water to avoid softshell, so they mostly died.

Max life expectancy for a red-eared slider in captivity is about 35 years with decent care. Phlash, at 66 years old, may be the oldest one in the US. My brother tracked down the woman who ran the national turtle society. She had a turtle, same type, which was about 57 years old. She was nice, and perhaps not happy that her turtle was not the oldest known one. Debi has had Phlash continuously since Debi was 8 years old. He loves music, animal screensavers, goldfish as entertainment and as an occasional Sushi treat. His sign is obviously Pisces and he likes long days bathing in the artificial sunlight. He is not currently in a committed relationship. He swims forwards and backwards.

photo credit – Lenny Frieling

Leonard Frieling Pen Of Justice

• Multi-published and syndicated blogger and author.
• University lectures at University. of Colorado, Boulder, Denver University Law School, Univ. of New Mexico, Las Vegas NM, and many other schools at all levels. Numerous lectures for the NORML Legal Committee
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