TAKE ME HOME

Two rehabilitated green sea turtles were released back to their ocean home off the Florida Keys on April 22 to mark Earth Day in the subtropical island chain.

The two juvenile reptiles, named "Larry” and “Moe,” were rescued last year off the Lower Keys and diagnosed with fibropapillomatosis, a debilitating tumor-causing disease that affects sea turtles around the world.

Treatment at the Turtle Hospital included surgeries to remove the cauliflower-like tumors, broad-spectrum antibiotics, fluids, vitamins and a diet of greens and mixed seafood.

Adorable furry faces are waiting for families at the Florida Keys SPCA

BRANDY

13-year-old female labrador mix.

Looking for: People, small dogs and lots of walks!

Turnoffs: Some big dogs, but not all.

DOT

7-month-old female rabbit. Looking for: Aren’t there any rabbit lovers out there?

Turnoffs: Please don’t try to pick me up.

WALNUT

2-month-old female domestic shorthair.

Looking for: Attention, affection and lots of playtime.

Turnoffs: I haven’t met dogs yet. What are those?

Before the releases, kids and their parents, who enthusiastically applauded the released turtles, had a chance to see the turtles up close and learn from Zirkelbach about the need to protect the oceans.

The Turtle Hospital, based in Marathon, is the world's first statelicensed veterinary hospital solely dedicated to the rehabilitation of endangered sea turtles. The facility has been rescuing, rehabilitating and returning turtles to the wild for 37 years.

— Contributed

Keys Weekly is thrilled each week to showcase some “furever” friends that are ready, waiting and available for their perfect adoption “match” at the Florida Keys SPCA’s Marathon campus – complete with their best qualities, preferences and turnoffs to ensure the best fit.

From cats and dogs to Guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, reptiles and birds, the perfect addition to your family is waiting for you at one of the SPCA’s two campuses, in Key West and Marathon. The SPCA’s knowledgeable staff will help with advice and care tips while working to ensure a good fit between each pet and its people. The SPCA’s Golden Paw program also provides special assistance with vet bills and medications for special-needs and older animals that require a little extra TLC.

See all the animals waiting for a home at fkspca.org. To contact the Marathon campus, call 305-743-4800 or visit the campus at 10550 Aviation Blvd.