Gina Heslop
Richard Belzer spent his final years in an old house caring for his wife, and four dogs became his ‘children’ who helped him live longer.
Philip Johnston, a garbage man of 15 years, led a routine life, collecting trash in the same neighborhoods. One day, while on his usual route, he spotted a peculiar sight on someone’s lawn: a large stone-like creature slowly moving through the grass. Concerned, he called his co-workers over to investigate. They couldn’t identify the creature, but it was alive, and they decided to document it.
As the day wore on, Philip couldn’t let go of his curiosity about the creature. Eventually, it became clear that the creature was a coconut crab, a species typically found in coastal areas of Africa and Asia. Its presence so far inland puzzled everyone. Philip’s co-workers wanted to continue their route, but he couldn’t abandon the crab.
The crab seemed to have a purpose as it headed for a specific trash can that the wind had overturned. Ignoring Philip and his colleagues, it started scratching at the can’s side with its claw. Philip was torn between duty and compassion, fearing the crab would die if left behind. He decided to call Animal Control, who, after some convincing, sent someone to retrieve the crab.
While waiting for Animal Control, Philip watched the crab’s fascination with the overturned trash can. He hesitated to get too close to the crab’s sharp claws. Little did he know that what was inside the can would shock him.
When Animal Control arrived, they were equally fascinated by the crab’s presence. They managed to capture it and were curious about how Philip had spotted it. But what intrigued everyone the most was the crab’s relentless attempt to access the trash can.
The story of Philip and the coconut crab became a local sensation, highlighting the unexpected encounters one can have even in the most mundane jobs. Philip’s compassion and curiosity led to the rescue of an unusual visitor in an ordinary neighborhood, leaving everyone with a memorable tale to tell.
