Turtling

“Bob Krause is larger-than-life. Grab yourself a nice latte or other drink of choice and prepare to travel with a true turtle-loving maverick!”

-Gary Bagnall, Entrepreneur, President/Founder of Zoo Med

“Entrepreneurs always display a passion for what they want to do and Bob’s passion for the small-animal world was an example of a dream come true. It was like he was crafting a product for himself. Instrumental in building the small-animal category nationwide, Bob had a uniquely creative style and a total understanding of the needs of both the pet and the pet owner.”

-Jim Dougherty, President/Founder of PetSmart

“In this memoir, you’ll see firsthand what ‘sticking to it’ means. Bob Krause has never done anything halfway!”

-Deb Armstrong, Bank President/Business & Finance Consultant

“An inspiration to so many. If more people cared as much as Bob in the things they believe in, our world would be a much better place.”

-Phil Cooper, Corporate President/International Pet Industry Executive

“Painted turtles and other species like them are often overlooked because they are commonly seen throughout their range. Bob Krause understands that these ‘common’ species are extraordinarily beautiful, and important to the ecosystems in which they live. With more than 50 percent of the world’s turtle species threatened with extinction, being common is a good thing, and Bob and his wife Denise are working hard to keep it that way.”

-Jordan Gray, TSA Education Coordinator, Chelonian Conservationist

“As you read Bob’s stories, you’ll see the most piquant examples of a life well lived and, most importantly, with purpose. Being a close friend, I can’t wait to see the unfolding of the rest of his life.”

-Ty Park, Conservationist, Founder of Iguanaland Reptile Zoo

“It’s so interesting to see what motivates people to go beyond making a comfortable living. Bob Krause could have easily stopped after owning a single successful pet store, but he strived to go further. It clearly shows that when someone stays the course and follows their passion, the rewards can be endless.”

-Mrs. Lisa and Dr. Stephen Smith, Anesthesiologist

“Bob Krause is a strong voice for conservation of wildlife and wildlands, and a long-term supporter of the Florida Turtle Conservation Trust.”

-George Heinrich, Herpetologist, Conservationist, Field Biologist, Director of FTCT

“A living legend! I grew up religiously going to his Noah’s Ark Pet Centers. Then, 40 years later, I find myself trekking around in the middle of the night in search of turtles with a dude old enough to be my dad. And you know what? It’s me who has to pick up my gait to keep up with this wild man!”

-Greg Wittstock, Founder of Aquascapes

Bob Krause had an idea for opening a pet shop as a young man. But not just any pet shop. Noah’s Ark Pet Center became “The World’s Largest Pet Center,” eventually growing into a chain of 24 stores as Bob, meanwhile, branched into wholesaling, manufacturing, and international sales, his company becoming a worldwide force in the pet and pet product industry. But Bob never lost his passion for what got it all started: his love for chelonians. “Turtling: Following My Passion” is his story.

Retired, Bob lives with his wife Denise on the Gulf Coast of Florida, staying active in various conservation efforts, turtle and otherwise.