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Lost Tortoise Found After 3 Years

Lisa Selvaggio
by Lisa Selvaggio
Published:  October 27th, 2023

A story about a lost tortoise in Florida proves that reunions can happen even years after losing a pet, and that social media can play a huge role in reconnecting people with their lost pets.

Mark_Kostich/Shutterstock

It All Started with a Facebook Post


On October 21, 2023, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office shared information on Facebook about a tortoise that was found trying to cross a road in Interlachen, Florida. The post explained that deputies had found the animal, which was an African sulcata tortoise – a breed that’s native to the Sahara Desert. And the post had photos of the large tortoise and the men who rescued her.  


Because the animal liked being around people, and even liked having her head petted, it became clear that she was someone’s lost tortoise. To ensure she would be cared for by experts, she was taken to Florida’s Wildest Animal Refuge, who even agreed to keep her permanently if she wasn’t reunited with her family.


In the meantime, the Facebook post contained a phone number that anyone could call with information, so everyone waited to see if an owner would come forward to claim the tortoise.  


A Quick Response and a Happy Reunion


It didn’t take long at all for this tortoise to find her family. The following day, October 22, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office added an update to their original post, proclaiming that the owner was found.


But what makes this story extraordinary is that the tortoise didn’t go missing recently; she went missing three years ago in April 2020. And she was found 5 miles from her home.


With the support of social media and everyone spreading the word, the animal’s owner learned that a tortoise had been rescued. She was able to prove ownership with the help of a Facebook post from 2020, which included photos and a plea for assistance in finding her lost pet.


Florida’s Wildest Animal Rescue made their own Facebook post about this delightful reunion. They explained that they received a message about a similar looking tortoise that went missing years ago in the area where this animal was found. By comparing the owner’s photos to the rescued tortoise, they were able to determine that this was indeed the same animal.  


African sulcata tortoises have a reputation for making their way out of enclosures because they can dig really well and can slip out when you aren’t looking, so it isn’t all that surprising that this adventurous tortoise got lost. Everyone is thrilled that she’s home again, where she can get the care and attention she deserves.  


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Lisa Selvaggio
Lisa Selvaggio

Lisa Selvaggio is a freelance writer and editor, and our resident cats-pert, with certifications in pet nutrition and pet first aid. She enjoys producing content that helps people understand animals better so they can give their pets a safe and happy home.

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Introducing a new tool to your dog can feel like uncharted territory. While some dogs will readily accept whatever is thrown their way, others will become stressed or anxious when presented with something new. Unfortunately, if you are in a position where a muzzle is necessary for the safety of your dog or others around you, forgoing a tool because your dog appears to be uninterested in it isn’t an option. So, what do you do? How do you train your dog to wear a muzzle? This guide will dig into the importance of conditioning when planning to muzzle your dog. This includes explaining what conditioning is, walking you through the process step-by-step, and sharing some helpful tips to set you up for success. What is Muzzle Conditioning? Before expecting your dog to wear their muzzle, it is recommended that you take the time to focus on muzzle training, also referred to as muzzle conditioning. This is the process of introducing the muzzle alongside positive rewards. If each time your dog sees or interacts with the muzzle, they get “good things,” it will create a positive association. Over time, they will not only tolerate the muzzle but happily accept it. Why? They recognize that wearing their muzzle means they will receive good things like verbal praise, pets, and their favorite treats. How Long Does It Take for a Dog to Get Used to a Muzzle? There is no one guaranteed timeline when working on muzzle conditioning. While some dogs will quickly take to the muzzle, adjusting in just a few days, others will take longer. Some factors that can impact this include your dog’s personality, trainability, previous experience (positive or negative) with a muzzle, and their trust/bond with you as the person introducing this tool to them. It’s important to keep in mind that the time it takes does NOT mean you are doing better or failing at your training efforts. We have three dogs, all of which have been muzzle-trained. While two of our dogs took to the muzzle relatively quickly, Lucifer’s nerves and anxiety made the process more challenging. This doesn’t mean it was impossible. With time, patience, and consistency, he is now the dog that is most comfortable in a muzzle out of the three. We just had to move at his pace.

How Much Outdoor Time Does My Dog Need?

Spending time outside is very important for overall physical and mental health, both for humans and animals alike. Our pets, dogs especially, can be quite dependent on the time they spend outdoors. It helps stimulate them, keep them mobile and active, and also helps them spend all that extra energy they have stored which in turn impacts their behavior for the better. But as it is with everything in life, there is always too little and too much of a good thing. So in the end, it does make you wonder – just how much outdoor time does your dog need? And, can you really overdo it? Let’s find out!How Much Outdoor Time Does My Dog Need?The amount of outdoor time your dog needs can vary based on factors such as their breed, age, health, and individual preferences of your dog. It can’t really be the exact same for all dogs out there. Just like humans, some pooches have preferences of their own. Some love to snooze and relax, and aren’t really fans of going outside and zooming about. Others, however, can’t get enough of adventures in the great outdoors. Still, in general, all dogs require at least a small amount of daily outdoor exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. With that in mind, these are some main factors that could influence the amount of time your pet needs to spend outside of the house:BreedDifferent breeds have different energy levels and exercise requirements. High-energy breeds like Border Collies or Labrador Retrievers may need more outdoor time compared to lower-energy breeds like Bulldogs or Basset Hounds. As you get to know your pet and the specifics of their breed, this too will become apparent. AgeAge plays a major role in dog energy levels. Puppies generally have more energy and may require several short play and exercise sessions throughout the day. Adult dogs on the other hand usually need at least 30 minutes to 2 hours of exercise per day, depending on the breed and individual needs, whereas seniors usually don’t have as much energy so one walk a day will do just fine for a pooch in his golden years.HealthDogs with certain health issues may have specific exercise restrictions. Consult with your veterinarian to determine an appropriate exercise plan for a dog with health concerns. Don’t overdo it with your dog, if the vet prohibits it. The same goes for seniors, who can’t really play all that much outside. SizeDog size is a big factor in determining energy levels and the need for outdoor fun. Smaller breeds may get sufficient exercise with a shorter walk or playtime, while larger breeds might need longer and more vigorous activities.Individual PreferencesSome dogs are more active and enjoy activities like fetching, running, or hiking, while others may be content with a shorter walk or playtime in the yard. On the other hand, some breeds, due to their inherent traits, might love relaxing outside, even when it's chilly. Others, though, will love the warmth and coziness found indoors. 

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