Bogie=babyDINO
Active Member
I never thought I would be writing one of these horribly sad stories. My Tortoise, Bogart, was my child. I loved him so much its been too painful to speak about this. I stopped coming on tortoise forum because I was afraid of ridicule. I feel I should tell my story to warn others and help myself heal.
Bogart was my 1 year old sulcata tortoise that I was obsessed with! 2 soaks every day, wonderful diet, perfect 4 temps, 3 by 6 insulated enclosure, outdoor exercise playpen. Everything I could do for his health I would do it and a BIG thanks to everyone on here that showed me how, especially Tom!
Anyway I work at an animal hospital where a man brought in a German shepherd, one years old, and told us to euthanize her. He was convince she was part coyote and a danger to people. This dog was a wild wreck, growling and snarling. After the doctor tried to educate the owner on training tips and rescue groups it was clear he abbuses this dog and truly believe she needs to be put down. My heart went out to this scared puppy and I told the man I know someone who works with aggressive dogs and can rehome her. Reluctantly he signed her over to me. The trainer I was speaking of was my boyfriend at the time. Fast forwarding a month or so, Abby, was being rehabilitate at my boyfriends house where I would visit her often. She bonded with me over the weeks but continued have a very hard time learning to trust men. She ended up biting my boyfriend and his brother. I quickly saw this type of aggressive dog was out of my boyfriends skill level. He turned resentful of Abby but I would defend her. We broke up and he told me he is done with Abby. I boarded her at a facility but $30 a day was adding up quickly. I posted pictures of her all over the internet explaining her story and frantically trying to find her a home. I couldn't take her home to my parents house where we have 2 dogs, 5 cats, and Bogart. Abby didn't do well at the boarding place. They would call me several times saying she is hysterical. When I would visit her she would love on me like I was her saving grace. She knew she could trust me and everyone else terrified her. My mom and I found a few homes but she wouldn't warm up to them. It got to the point where I was out of options and out of money. I drove her to the pound crying knowing they would put her to sleep. The pound told me they were full and since I've been caring for her for 2 weeks she is considered my dog. My parents were not too happy when I brought her home with a dog kennel and told them I have no where to take her. She slept in the kennel and I would run her everyday to keep her energy down. Over months, Abby learned to socialize with our other dogs, cats, and people while I continued to look for a home. Whenever Bogart was in his playpen on the side of the house I made sure the fence was secure. Abby knew he was back there but left the fence alone. Having faith in that 4 foot fence was the biggest mistake I've ever made in my life. One day before school I put Bogart out in his playpen and I normally kept abby in her kennel while he was out but it was terribly hot that day and I felt horrible keeping her in her kennel for several hours. I let her out and places the lawn chairs and rocks blocking bogarts fence just in case. I left for school with a good feeling Bogart would be safe and abby is free to play in her pool if she wanted to. I underestimate the fence, my barricade, and most importantly Abby. I got home and went into the backyard to check on everyone and Abby's paws were bloody. I freaked out and immediately thought she hurt herself. She ran away and brought me back the source of the blood and I screamed at the horrendous sight of my baby Bogart. Brings me to tears now and I've been morning him for 6 months. She had demolished the wood fencing and my barricade. I cryed for hours and hours! It was my fault and there is nothing I can do to take it back!! My message to everyone who owns a dog and a tortoise. I do not care if your dog is friendly, ignores the tortoise and pays no attention, DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE the danger of them living together! Please take precautions.
I miss Bogart everyday! Who would have thought such a little innocent creature could steal my Heart the way he did. Abby is still here. I eventually healed enough to forgive her and continue her training. She shouldn't be punished for my mistakes. Abby is a very well behaved family dog now. Loves hiking and biking with me almost everyday. My parents have grown to love her also so we stopped looking for a home. Bogart gave his life and Abby was able to live. I'm so hurt by my ignorant mistake. I'll always remember my baby bogart. There will be no more tortoises for me until Abby passes then maybe I'll rescue one that needs saving like abby did. Bogart taught me how amazing tortoise are! I might not be able to own one but I donate and support rescues that save them!
This is my story and thank you for taking the time to read it. Its scarred upon my heart.
Bogart was my 1 year old sulcata tortoise that I was obsessed with! 2 soaks every day, wonderful diet, perfect 4 temps, 3 by 6 insulated enclosure, outdoor exercise playpen. Everything I could do for his health I would do it and a BIG thanks to everyone on here that showed me how, especially Tom!
Anyway I work at an animal hospital where a man brought in a German shepherd, one years old, and told us to euthanize her. He was convince she was part coyote and a danger to people. This dog was a wild wreck, growling and snarling. After the doctor tried to educate the owner on training tips and rescue groups it was clear he abbuses this dog and truly believe she needs to be put down. My heart went out to this scared puppy and I told the man I know someone who works with aggressive dogs and can rehome her. Reluctantly he signed her over to me. The trainer I was speaking of was my boyfriend at the time. Fast forwarding a month or so, Abby, was being rehabilitate at my boyfriends house where I would visit her often. She bonded with me over the weeks but continued have a very hard time learning to trust men. She ended up biting my boyfriend and his brother. I quickly saw this type of aggressive dog was out of my boyfriends skill level. He turned resentful of Abby but I would defend her. We broke up and he told me he is done with Abby. I boarded her at a facility but $30 a day was adding up quickly. I posted pictures of her all over the internet explaining her story and frantically trying to find her a home. I couldn't take her home to my parents house where we have 2 dogs, 5 cats, and Bogart. Abby didn't do well at the boarding place. They would call me several times saying she is hysterical. When I would visit her she would love on me like I was her saving grace. She knew she could trust me and everyone else terrified her. My mom and I found a few homes but she wouldn't warm up to them. It got to the point where I was out of options and out of money. I drove her to the pound crying knowing they would put her to sleep. The pound told me they were full and since I've been caring for her for 2 weeks she is considered my dog. My parents were not too happy when I brought her home with a dog kennel and told them I have no where to take her. She slept in the kennel and I would run her everyday to keep her energy down. Over months, Abby learned to socialize with our other dogs, cats, and people while I continued to look for a home. Whenever Bogart was in his playpen on the side of the house I made sure the fence was secure. Abby knew he was back there but left the fence alone. Having faith in that 4 foot fence was the biggest mistake I've ever made in my life. One day before school I put Bogart out in his playpen and I normally kept abby in her kennel while he was out but it was terribly hot that day and I felt horrible keeping her in her kennel for several hours. I let her out and places the lawn chairs and rocks blocking bogarts fence just in case. I left for school with a good feeling Bogart would be safe and abby is free to play in her pool if she wanted to. I underestimate the fence, my barricade, and most importantly Abby. I got home and went into the backyard to check on everyone and Abby's paws were bloody. I freaked out and immediately thought she hurt herself. She ran away and brought me back the source of the blood and I screamed at the horrendous sight of my baby Bogart. Brings me to tears now and I've been morning him for 6 months. She had demolished the wood fencing and my barricade. I cryed for hours and hours! It was my fault and there is nothing I can do to take it back!! My message to everyone who owns a dog and a tortoise. I do not care if your dog is friendly, ignores the tortoise and pays no attention, DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE the danger of them living together! Please take precautions.
I miss Bogart everyday! Who would have thought such a little innocent creature could steal my Heart the way he did. Abby is still here. I eventually healed enough to forgive her and continue her training. She shouldn't be punished for my mistakes. Abby is a very well behaved family dog now. Loves hiking and biking with me almost everyday. My parents have grown to love her also so we stopped looking for a home. Bogart gave his life and Abby was able to live. I'm so hurt by my ignorant mistake. I'll always remember my baby bogart. There will be no more tortoises for me until Abby passes then maybe I'll rescue one that needs saving like abby did. Bogart taught me how amazing tortoise are! I might not be able to own one but I donate and support rescues that save them!
This is my story and thank you for taking the time to read it. Its scarred upon my heart.
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