For 31 years Zeke the turtle lived securely in the home of Bob and Debbie Young of Beverly, Massachusetts. But on July 30, 2012 the box turtle made a not-so-quick escape after the family cat pawed open a screen door on the back deck. For over a month Zeke, the prodigal turtle, was on the run.

When the Young's realized he was gone, they placed ads in the local paper, put up fliers around town, and used the services of a search and rescue dog trained to track down reptiles. They even offered a cash reward for Zeke's safe return.

Finally, their neighbor's golden retriever sniffed out Zeke as he was trying to hide in some ivy. Zeke's slow but steady monthlong journey had taken him about 1,000 feet from where he had busted out of his home. The neighbor told reporters, "He was just sitting there in the lawn, just waiting to be found. It was easy pickings. [The Young's] called me … and couldn't believe it. [They were] thrilled."