What a wonderful contribution.... This brought my heart great JOY to read.When I was a kid, we would visit the island of Crete where my mother was from.
All of us children would collect snails, and gather greens for my aunt to cook.
One time they were all empty, and I still remember her laughing about it.
Anyway, I still remember my sister "rescuing" one, and setting it free in our backyard.
It made on the plane in her purse. I doubt it survived in the NYC borough of Queens for long.
Its funny the memories we keep. I remember feeding it romaine lettuce.
I have a similar story that was told to me.... there was a wedding on a small touring ship where I am living.
Part of the decor ( for some reason ) were bowls of gold fish on the tables.
After what I'm sure was a few "drinks".... one of the guests came up with the brilliant plan of setting their goldfish free
and releasing them overboard.... proudly shouting....... BE FREE little FISH...... BE FREE. HAHAHAHA.