It wasn't my choice, it was my Daughter's and aince she and I are "joined at the hip" and she is only 11, naturally I have stepped in to fill in the blanks for her. I have always loved torts, but then I love ALL God's Creation, adore animals and plants, Nature in general. I had never been around pet tortoise except briefly in childhood years an acquaintance had a little Greek tortoise, whom I remember seeing roam the house. They probably fed her the wrong food, and all the other "beginner's mistakes".... I am always open to my children trying new things as I know the pets will be well cared for so my daughter's choice of pet was ok with me and even exciting. I love those babies to pieces! Of course we got 2!!!! Just like many other beginners out there, but we are figuring it out in the babies' favor. I love watching them walk, climb, eat, drink. Love their little pink tongues and love to watch the back of their feet when walking. Their backs look like little old "bowlegged babushka"... Just love them! Another favorite is a big yawn when they show inside of their mouth and that tongue! Looove it! Love it! Great thread by the way