An old friend decided to get a tortoise on a whim and I'm mad

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Was scrolling through facebook today, and came across a friend of mine who had just got a pet tortoise for her son. I know for a fact that she is not going to care for this tortoise properly, and it truly makes me SO MAD. I commented to her telling her that I am always more than willing to giver her advice and information, but she's too proud to admit that she needs it. She's keeping the poor thing in a baby play pen thing, with no lights or anything.

I am also feeling guilty, as I think I'm the one who gave her the idea to get a tortoise. I've been posting photos of my tort, and she's been admiring and such and now she has one??? Maybe I should just keep my tort to myself, asnd not share to Facebook as it gives people who don't know how to care for them ideas.

What can I do, other than what I've already done????
 

wellington

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You need to tell her about tfo. Then you also need to tell her that she is not giving her tortoise what it needs to live. Tell her the basics it needs. If she can't take the advice, well then let her also know animal neglect and abuse is against the law. If she's that kind of person, she's not going to be a great loss. Do what is needed to help save an animal that can't help itself!
 

Tidgy's Dad

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I've had the same on several occasions and had to dissuade people from getting a tortoise after they visit and see how happy, healthy, energetic and 'friendly' my Tidgy is. Other times people have got tortoises because of me and i must keep checking on them, giving advice and even products to help the tortoises have a good life. On at least three occasions people have got tortoises and they have died as the owners wouldn't listen or allow me to help.
I feel a bit guilty whatever happens. :(
Do the best you can and hopefully they will listen.
If not, it really isn't your fault, you cannot isolate yourself and your tortoise in case someone sees it.
People decide to get a tortoise because of seeing them on this very forum and some of them end up dead. (the torts not the people).
We can't all go into hiding.
Spreading the word means more good tortoise keepers and less poorly cared for tortoises.:)
Good luck!
 
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I've had the same on several occasions and had to dissuade people from getting a tortoise after they visit and see how happy, healthy, energetic and 'friendly' my Tidgy is. Other times people have got tortoises because of me and i must keep checking on them, giving advice and even products to help the tortoises have a good life. On at least three occasions people have got tortoises and they have died as the owners wouldn't listen or allow me to help.
I feel a bit guilty whatever happens. :(
Do the best you can and hopefully they will listen.
If not, it really isn't your fault, you cannot isolate yourself and your tortoise in case someone sees it.
People decide to get a tortoise because of seeing them on this very forum and some of them end up dead. (the torts not the people).
We can't all go into hiding.
Spreading the word means more good tortoise keepers and less poorly cared for tortoises.:)
Good luck!
I appreciate the response! I must understand that this is how the world works... and that the reason I personally wanted to get a tortoise was because of a movie I had seen, and that urged me. But I took all the right measures, and I continue to care for Moby to the best of my ability, and I always will. I love my tortoise, and he is my shelled child. Thank you again! :)
 

Gillian M

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Hi. I'd suggest your friend joining the forum.:) Here, there's a lot to learn and your friend can get the help she needs.;)
 

Tidgy's Dad

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I passed on a link to the forum and told her how much it's helped me, hopefully she finds it helpful to and decides to look at it! Thank you for the response! :)
If she doesn't, beat her with a stick until she does. ;)
(Melissa's friend, if you do see this, i was only kidding and thanks for looking, welcome to Tortoise Forum!:))
 

Speedy-1

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Don't feel bad Melissa , the fact that you are trying to help her shows that you are a responsible person ! Tortoises just make up a small percentage of sometimes poorly cared for pets in our country ! Animal shelters are over run with unwanted dogs and cats , and yet they are being sold every day ! People often buy things even pets , because they see them and can afford them without any thought at all to giving the animal a decent quality of life . You have done what you can , the problem has been there a long time and sadly wont change anytime soon !
 
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Don't feel bad Melissa , the fact that you are trying to help her shows that you are a responsible person ! Tortoises just make up a small percentage of sometimes poorly cared for pets in our country ! Animal shelters are over run with unwanted dogs and cats , and yet they are being sold every day ! People often buy things even pets , because they see them and can afford them without any thought at all to giving the animal a decent quality of life . You have done what you can , the problem has been there a long time and sadly wont change anytime soon !
Thank you for the words of encouragement! You are very right, I must go on and show the world the proper care I give my lil tort and only hope that I can help someone while doing that.
 

DandR

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Whenever family, friends or visitors express even the slightest bit of interest, I ask them to help me soak and feed them. If, they're still around after watching the torts poop, rinsing them off and emptying the water, then they've passed half the test. If they get all creeped out, I ask them if they can come back to help me again....just to make sure they're thoroughly turned off.
 

Tidgy's Dad

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Whenever family, friends or visitors express even the slightest bit of interest, I ask them to help me soak and feed them. If, they're still around after watching the torts poop, rinsing them off and emptying the water, then they've passed half the test. If they get all creeped out, I ask them if they can come back to help me again....just to make sure they're thoroughly turned off.
Hmmmm.
But my Tidgy is one of those rare torts who almost never poops or pees in her bath and looks faintly embarrassed if she does.
She just looks cute, which is no help at all.
Silly tort;)
 
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Whenever family, friends or visitors express even the slightest bit of interest, I ask them to help me soak and feed them. If, they're still around after watching the torts poop, rinsing them off and emptying the water, then they've passed half the test. If they get all creeped out, I ask them if they can come back to help me again....just to make sure they're thoroughly turned off.
That's great advice, thank you so much! I will always remember this, as I often get visitors who just overly love my tort and it makes them want one.
 

Gillian M

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Whenever family, friends or visitors express even the slightest bit of interest, I ask them to help me soak and feed them. If, they're still around after watching the torts poop, rinsing them off and emptying the water, then they've passed half the test. If they get all creeped out, I ask them if they can come back to help me again....just to make sure they're thoroughly turned off.
That makes sense.
 
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