Now named Keane, the turtle is an adult Chinese softshell turtle who was “very lucky” to have been found, as he likely would have “not survived” on his own.
“Keane has been in the shelter since May, and we have noticed he’s losing his cheeky spirit,” they said.
“Sadly, he has been overlooked time and time again, and we’re worried for our little friend.
“We are doing everything we can to give Keane an enriched life, but he is really getting stressed in the shelter.
“This little guy needs a home, and today we are appealing to our friends and followers to share his story to help him find the one person who can give him the home he’s been waiting for.
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“Chinese softshell turtles are solitary animals that must live in a pond or aquarium of at least 400 litres, with a large basking area and UVB lighting.
“Unfortunately, Keane doesn’t get along with other turtles, so he’ll need to have the space to himself. He loves to burrow in the silt at the bottom of the water and has a great appetite.
“There must be someone out there who can help mend his little broken heart,” they added.
The DSPCA has reached out to the likes of Dublin Zoo, Kilkenny Reptile Zoo, and other sanctuaries, which are not in a position to take him.
Meanwhile, the DSPCA is also “desperately seeking” a foster home for a dog and her nine puppies.
The dog, named Junebug, and her nine puppies were taken in by the animal charity after being found in the back garden of a Dublin home on Monday afternoon.
The puppies have tested positive for parvovirus, so the DSPCA is seeking a foster home for them away from the shelter.
As the puppies are too young to be separated from their mother, the Dublin charity has said it needs “another very special person” to foster the mother and her pups.
The DSPCA is seeking a foster home for a female Lurcher and her nine puppies
A DSPCA spokesperson said: “We know this is a big ask, but we’ve had amazing people who have helped us before, and now we need another very special person to foster Junebug and her nine puppies.
“Our vets and fostering team have all the guidelines you’ll need to know when fostering young puppies with parvovirus.
“Their mom does not have the virus. Is there anyone out there who can open their hearts and their home to this little family who desperately need a safe and quiet environment to get better and be together?
“They will need a home with no other dogs. If you can help, please email dog.foster@dspca.ie,” they added.
Nicola, who works with the foster team for the DSPCA, told the Irish Independent that Junebug is a lurcher and the puppies are a mix breed.
“We received a call from a member of the public to say that Junebug wandered into their garden one day and had her puppies,” she said.
“Junebug is a great mum; she is looking after her puppies so well, so she does most of the hard work!
“All the pups were started on a course of antibiotics due to having parvovirus. They will be coming back for weekly check-ups with our veterinary team to ensure they are doing well.
“Junebug will do most of the work herself in regard to looking after her pups, so the foster home just needs to provide a safe environment for her to do this,” she added.
The DSPCA often look for puppies with the virus to go to foster homes to ensure that the virus is not passed on to other animals already in the shelter.
According to the Dublin charity, a shelter environment is “not a place for a puppy”, especially ones who are already sick, as they are so open to picking up additional illnesses.
