You will not likely find anyone here who feels that spending the next 50+ years with a pet tort is a bad thing. However it is a big commitment. I have 5 Russians currently and love them, they are a great tort. Whenever i place one of my babies in new homes I always make sure that the new family is aware of the fact that this tort can live a healthy 50-70 years. But is just not realistic to expect someone to know what the next 50-70 years will hold for them. I ask them to make a commitment to taking the best care of the tort, and if that means it is not them that can provide that, then I ask that the tort come home to me. I never want my torts in a rescue situation. They ALWAYS have a home. Even if it means that after many years the tort comes back to me it is fine.