Thelmalu,

I didn't know how much Yertle interacted
with you as a person. That is sooo sweet.
I will never think of a turtle the same way
again.. I think you're probably right that
any animal will respond to kindness & caring
attention, but do it in different ways.
Maybe not exactly what humans think of as
love, but I'm sure they know when someone
cares for them and makes them comfortable.