Gov. Kim Reynolds pardons turkeys, Squash and Stuffing

Unbeknownst to them, Tuesday was an extra special day for two turkeys — Squash and his gobbleganger, Stuffing.

With just a few ceremonial words, Gov. Kim Reynolds gave a new life to the two birds and pardoned them outside her Terrace Hill home.

• The tom and the hen were raised by the family of Ben Slinger, president of the Iowa Turkey Federation.

What's next: Squash and Stuffing will live out the rest of their days at Living History Farms in Urbandale.

• And as for the rest of their turkey friends — well, they're not as lucky this year as turkeys are in abundance at stores.