Do you ever feel like there are guardian angels watching over you? Like they are invisibly floating above you, arranging parts of your life like a game of chess, pulling strings and making moves, to maneuver you into the right place at the exact right moment in time? A recent series of mishaps and setbacks led up to the most epic, serendipitous moment of our Costa Rica experience. It began with our miniature dachshund Sophie becoming violently ill, projectile vomiting every hour until we took her to the vet. After checking her vitals and doing a blood test they still weren't sure what was wrong with her. The vet decided to hook her up to an IV, due to her severe dehydration, and keep her overnight for observation. The next day the vet said she was feeling better and that we could pick her up that afternoon. We scheduled a departure time and in true "Tico time" fashion we were running behind schedule by over an hour. Finally we head to the car just as a worker shows up to work in our yard. He parked his motorcycle directly in front of our car, like the universe was deliberately shielding us from our intended departure, once again. Finally we hit the road and as we are almost to the town of Uvita we notice a furry blob on the side of the road, as we speed by. My husband Andy decides to turn around to check on it, just incase it is an animal in need. We put on our hazard lights and pull up to an adorable, smiling sloth trying to slowly cross the busy Costanera Highway. Many sloths die each year in Costa Rica when they are hit by vehicles. They are slow moving animals and if one tries to cross a busy road, the chances of it being hit are very high. 18-wheelers are barreling toward us in both directions, just as the sloth makes it from the side of the road, into the south-bound lane, directly into the line of traffic. Andy stands there blocking him from moving further into the road, trying to nudge him in the opposite direction, as we signal to the truckers. One of the trucks slows down, honks his horn and gives us a double thumbs up. Everyone in Costa Rica supports the wildlife here, as it is a huge part of what makes this country so special. Eventually we decide he needs to be carried away from the dangerous highway, just as he continues trying to cross the road and we see another truck barreling toward him. Andy makes an instant decision and delicately picks him up and carries him across the road. It takes a real man to stop traffic to help a sloth safely cross a busy road. Here is a video I took of the heroic, touching sloth rescue: Helping a sloth safely cross a busy road in Costa Rica Spotting a section of trees off the highway, we decide he will be safest in that area. Andy picks him up again to make sure we leave him in the safest spot possible. The friendly little guy shows us his appreciation with a happy wave and a smile. He brings tears to my eyes with his joyful spirit and genuine gratitude. A heart-warming video of him smiling at us: A sloth smiling at us from a tree after we saved his life on a busy highway in Costa Rica If we had been even 60 seconds later, or earlier…I cringe to think of the results. It occurs to me in this moment that maybe Sophie took one for the sloth team and became violently ill to save an innocent sloth's life, and to give her parents the most epic, humbling, touching experience of their Costa Rican adventures so far. Muchas gracias mi perro, dogia Sophia, who is now feeling much better. And thanks to my hero of a husband for being such a good, helping, compassionate person who always does the right thing. How many people can say they helped a sloth cross the road?
149 Comments
Kari
10/7/2016 08:24:26 am
Thank you, he is just precious! He melts my heart.
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Mom
10/7/2016 09:10:26 am
What a touching story, again, well written! You three (Sophie included) are having the most amazing experiences. I can see why this one is high on your list of favorites. Love you guys!
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Kari
10/7/2016 09:18:54 am
Thanks mom, it was the coolest experience of our lives! Still makes me cry, love and miss you!
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Andy Silcox
10/7/2016 09:52:59 am
I'll bet the sloth was behind schedule too
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Kari
10/7/2016 10:01:19 am
Haha, I bet you are right, Tico time is a real thing around here and sloths are Ticos too :)
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Kari
10/7/2016 03:07:19 pm
Muchas gracias, yo tambien! (Thank you very much, me too)
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Kari
10/7/2016 03:08:07 pm
Mucho gusto (my pleasure), thanks for reading! Made my day as well :)
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Kathy
10/7/2016 06:40:45 pm
Thank you
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Kari
10/7/2016 07:38:31 pm
My pleasure :)
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Kari
10/8/2016 06:57:09 am
It felt pretty good too :)
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This really made me smile!! First of all, the sloth is adorable! It would have been hard for me to leave him because he is just so cute. And good job, Andy!! It was so kind of you guys to help the sloth. It makes me sad to think of the sloths that are killed trying to cross the street. So heartbreaking! I'm really glad you were able to help the sloth. Such a touching story!
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Kari
10/8/2016 06:58:03 am
Thanks for your kind words :) It was hard to leave him, I wanted to take him home with me! That face!! We were happy to help the precious little guy.
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10/8/2016 07:14:32 am
That is so funny and adorable. What a fun memory for you!
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Kari
10/8/2016 07:53:02 am
For sure!! :)
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Amber Myers
10/8/2016 07:16:02 am
Aw, how nice! I'm sure the sloth was thankful. It really does look like he was smiling.
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Kari
10/8/2016 07:54:26 am
I know it totally does :)
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Kari
10/8/2016 07:54:52 am
Me too, thanks :)
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Kari
10/8/2016 08:43:11 am
I know, unfortunately as the human habitats continue to grow the sloths habitat continues to decline :(
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10/8/2016 08:33:37 am
I absolutely do believe that something is watching and gives us the opportunity to pay attention to what is happening and why. Mindfulness and being aware of our surroundings makes this journey so much more interesting! I love your sloth friend. He is adorable and seems very grateful! :)
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Kari
10/8/2016 08:43:36 am
I agree, thanks so much!
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Kari
10/9/2016 06:52:08 am
gracias
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Kari
10/9/2016 06:52:48 am
I know, right?? So surreal seeing one in the wild.
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10/8/2016 09:42:54 am
That little guy is just the cutest! They've got the goofiest smiles!
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Kari
10/9/2016 06:53:20 am
They sure do - his smile melts my heart.
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Kari
10/9/2016 06:53:44 am
my pleasure :)
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10/8/2016 10:22:44 am
Like so many of your commenters, I just had to stop by and tell you what a smile this little guy brought to my face! I thought it was cats who had nine lives!
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Kari
10/9/2016 06:54:12 am
Ha ha, thanks Leslie! :)
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Kari
10/9/2016 06:54:45 am
I know, I want one!!
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Kari
10/9/2016 08:48:25 am
I love love :)
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Kari
10/9/2016 08:48:51 am
I know, that face!!!
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Kari
10/9/2016 08:49:18 am
Aw thanks :)
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10/8/2016 11:17:28 am
Who knew sloths were so cute? Pinning to my "See the World" board so I can put "save sloth on a road in Costa Rica" on my bucket list.
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Kari
10/9/2016 08:50:37 am
I love it! This was such a bucket list moment for me!!
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Kari
10/9/2016 08:51:46 am
My pleasure, thanks for reading :)
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Holly
10/8/2016 12:50:26 pm
Oh my goodness! He is the cutest thing EVER!!! I'm so glad you did that! That was awesome!!! I've never been to Costa Rica but now I want to go see a sloth!!!
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Kari
10/9/2016 08:52:23 am
Costa Rica is by far the coolest place I have ever traveled to - I never want to leave!
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Holly
10/8/2016 12:59:09 pm
PS I'm sharing this EVERYWHERE! Thanks again! :) <3
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Kari
10/9/2016 08:52:54 am
Thank you so much Holly, it is much appreciated :)
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Sincerely Shanti
10/8/2016 02:02:26 pm
Lovee this!
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Kari
10/9/2016 08:53:22 am
So glad I can share the love!
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Kari
10/9/2016 08:53:46 am
Thanks me too!
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Ashley Voicu
10/8/2016 09:21:48 pm
He is brave! I would be so scared and cautious, especially if I the creature is unfamiliar to me
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Kari
10/9/2016 08:54:13 am
My husband is fearless! :)
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10/8/2016 09:34:55 pm
amazing experiences you guys are having, and being kind to the surrounding while having these is really a kind thing to do :)
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Kari
10/9/2016 08:54:50 am
Aw thank you, I think the sloth helped us as much as we helped him :)
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10/8/2016 11:41:34 pm
From the title, I assumed this would be quite the silly story, but it truly brought me to tears. This is a really touching story as someone who loves wildlife as well, I'm so glad you were there when you were!
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Kari
10/9/2016 08:55:35 am
Thank you! Right place at the right time...it must have been written in the stars :)
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10/9/2016 07:38:59 am
What a cool experience! I'm glad you took pictures as well.
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Kari
10/9/2016 08:56:39 am
I know, being caught up in the moment we almost forgot but grabbed the camera at the last second! So glad I will have the photos/videos to always remember this special moment :)
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10/9/2016 10:38:36 am
haha I love it:D Sloth is my husband best animal:D he is lazy as much as he is:D
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Kari
10/10/2016 07:34:31 am
Haha!! :)
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10/9/2016 11:45:33 am
What an adorable sloth! One of my favorite photos from our trip to Costa Rica is a watch for "SLOTH CROSSING" sign...
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Kari
10/10/2016 07:35:39 am
That is awesome, I have a whole album of photos of funny Costa Rican signs :)
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10/9/2016 01:43:09 pm
I just want all your pics for my desktop wallpaper! What a beautiful piece on helping him. Loved every part of this.
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Kari
10/10/2016 07:36:09 am
Aww thanks :)
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Kari
10/10/2016 07:36:28 am
I know right??
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Kari
10/10/2016 07:36:54 am
Gracias :)
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Wow! what a touching story. how kind you guys are to stop and saving his life, I really do believe in angels out there looking over us. Hope sophie is doing good now. This is the first tie I saw a sloth. He looks so innocent. That good deed will reward you with something good. Not that you did help him expecting anything back but that good thoughts will surly will reward you ! May god bless you all!
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Kari
10/10/2016 07:38:00 am
Thank you kindly for your nice words! I think the sloth helped us more than we helped him, it was an experience I will never forget and will always make me smile :)
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Kari
10/10/2016 07:38:46 am
I know!!
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10/10/2016 07:37:21 am
That picture at the end. Looked as if he was smiling.
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Kari
10/10/2016 07:39:16 am
He was a happy little guy :)
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10/10/2016 07:38:10 am
I just love sloths! They always seem to wear a permanent smile on their face - absolutely adorable!
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Kari
10/10/2016 07:39:44 am
They sure do :)
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Kari
10/11/2016 06:47:44 am
For sure!
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lex
10/10/2016 09:20:30 am
Great deed from you, truly kind hearted act. Blessings on you.
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Kari
10/11/2016 06:48:45 am
gracias :)
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10/10/2016 09:49:59 am
This is fantastic!!! How awesome of you guys to stop! Great post!
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Kari
10/11/2016 06:49:27 am
why thank you :)
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Kari
10/11/2016 06:50:19 am
Thanks for your kind words, he helped us as much as we helped him, such an unforgettable experience!
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Kari
10/11/2016 06:50:54 am
Mine too :)
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Kari
10/11/2016 06:51:23 am
My pleasure, his smile melts my heart :)
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10/10/2016 08:23:10 pm
Oh how cute! What an adorable story. I love your perspective on this as well! A great attitude to have. And sloths are actually really cute aren't they! Love the wave at the end!
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Kari
10/11/2016 06:51:56 am
The cutest!! Thanks!
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10/10/2016 11:12:55 pm
Oh my goodness that sloth makes my heart melt!!!! Loved reading your story!
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Kari
10/11/2016 06:53:31 am
Thanks for reading :)
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Kari
10/11/2016 06:53:01 am
I was shocked how many cars flew by without stopping, as we were clearly trying to keep him out of the busy road as the cars kept flying by! So lucky we came across him when we did and that my husband turned around to check on him!
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10/11/2016 05:47:22 am
Awwww! This is absolutely precious! I think it was fate that you all were behind schedule, to help this sloth cross the road. I think it's so important that we humans realize that our constant need to create can sometimes damage the wildlife. Kudos to you and your hubby!
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Kari
10/11/2016 06:54:23 am
Aw thank you kindly :)
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10/11/2016 07:13:10 am
I was seriously watching the videos with so much joy, because people like you restore my faith in humanity. I love the fact that wildlife is so important in Costa Rica, it should be important everywhere. And even though I´m sad that your dog got ill, I´m really glad you saved a sloth thanks to her.
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Kari
10/11/2016 08:19:02 am
Thank you, I could not agree more :)
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Kari
10/11/2016 08:19:27 am
Aww thanks :)
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Kari
10/11/2016 01:55:17 pm
Thank you kindly :)
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Sheena
10/11/2016 01:36:22 pm
Andy, what a hero! :-) This is incredible, I absolutely cannot wait to go to Costa Rica, I'm in Guatemala now & heading south. Did the sloth show any resistance when you picked him up?
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Kari
10/11/2016 01:56:11 pm
Happy Travels, you will love Costa Rica! Nope, no resistance, he was very pura vida! :)
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Kari
10/11/2016 02:48:45 pm
Que Linda :)
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Paige Strand
10/11/2016 03:05:59 pm
Being familiar with your blog, this does not surprise me one bit lol. He looks so smiley!
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Kari
10/11/2016 04:43:39 pm
I guess I shouldn't have been surprised either! :)
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Kari
10/11/2016 06:48:06 pm
Humans should not handle sloths unless in case of emergency such as this. Thanks :)
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Deni
10/11/2016 06:11:00 pm
Such a cute little guy! I'm not too sure what I would have done in this situation, if I'm honest. I've grown up with a lot of wildlife and have generally been taught to not interfere with wild animals, as the smell of humans tends to ostracize the animal that needed help. I'm glad that you were able to help him though!
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Kari
10/11/2016 06:47:01 pm
I agree - we never handle wildlife. But in this case the sloth was in direct danger and if we hadn't physically moved him he would have died. We were glad to help him and save his life :)
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10/11/2016 06:43:50 pm
omg this post gives me life. That photo of the sloth just starfishing on the road is absolutely priceless. What an awesome story :)
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Kari
10/11/2016 06:48:52 pm
It is pretty priceless :)
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Kari
10/12/2016 11:12:19 am
Awww thanks, yeah her smile speaks a thousand words :)
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Rosi C.
10/12/2016 08:35:25 am
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Kari
10/12/2016 11:12:53 am
gracias!
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Kari
10/12/2016 11:13:26 am
Thanks he makes my heart melt too :)
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Kari
10/12/2016 06:20:08 pm
They are the coolest and thanks to you for stopping by :)
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Kari
10/13/2016 06:54:25 am
Thank you for stopping by, the sloth pretty much made my whole life, I can die happy now :)
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Kari
10/13/2016 06:54:51 am
He sure is!
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10/13/2016 09:59:14 am
What an amazing story! Sorry to hear your sweet pup had tk get sick, glad she is doing better. Thanks for sharing, the pictures are amazing as well!
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Kari
10/13/2016 10:01:55 am
Thank you! :)
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Kari
10/15/2016 05:45:45 am
My pleasure, thanks for reading and for your kind words :)
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12/7/2016 07:59:22 am
This is so lovely. Sloths look so cute. I'm glad you could save this fella.
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Kari
1/4/2017 06:35:10 am
Thanks, he is the cutest :)
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Kari
1/4/2017 06:34:34 am
I agree, it shocked me to see how many people just flew by in their cars without stopping. These animals are why Costa Rica is so special.
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Wendy
12/11/2016 09:28:31 pm
Kari - I had not seen this post before...I mean I knew about the sloth and saw the video, but your written rendition is absolutely wonderful...I don't know if I could have picked him up...you guys are great!
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Kari
1/4/2017 06:33:46 am
Thanks Wendy!! Thankgod for Andy, he is never scared of anything!
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12/23/2016 07:30:53 am
Hi Kari,
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Kari
1/4/2017 06:33:11 am
I absolutely love Dominicalito, we are headed there today! Thanks for your kind words :)
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Kari
1/17/2017 06:25:32 pm
That is incredible and does not surprise me!
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Barbara
2/1/2017 07:52:13 am
They're so cute *__*
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Kari Pinkerton SilcoxIt would be a tragedy to die, having never really lived. Which is why my husband Andy and I quit our jobs, sold our house and decided to chase our dreams. We moved to Costa Rica without a plan, and this is the story of our adventure. POPULAR POSTS:
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