Woman Received A Pet Tortoise For Her 10th Birthday And They’ve Been Together For 56 Years
Most of us know about the joys of having adorable pets. Whether it’s a lovely goofball of a kitten, a hyperactive doggie, or an ever-curious little parrot, all pet animals are a great source of bliss and entertainment. Though as fortunate as we are to have such wonderful companions by our side, it is the cruel rules of nature that do not allow us such delights for long. While a cat’s lifespan is around 13 years and dogs tend to survive for 10-13 years on average, there are adorable animals that only stay with us for a couple of years, like hamsters and rats. Luckily for one Milwaukee resident, her exotic pet is very likely to outlive her.
In 1962, Jeanna received a pet tortoise as a gift for her 10th birthday
Image credits: KARE 11
When Jeanna Smith was a child, she was really fond of turtles. That’s why it was no surprise when her father gave her a gopher tortoise as a birthday present when she was ten. While her parents expected their child to form a bond with the pet tortoise and teach her responsibility, it might’ve not been as obvious how lasting that bond would be.
Image credits: KARE 11
“I just really loved turtles,” Jeanna recalled. Before getting her own little tortoise buddy (whom she named George), she’d often find a painted turtle and keep it during the summer, only to release it back to wilderness in the fall.
Image credits: KARE 11
Image credits: KARE 11
Since the day when she received the live birthday gift in 1962, Jeanna formed an inseparable bond with George. He would always be by her side, no matter where she went. As a girl, she’d often keep the pet in a basket while taking her bike for a ride, or bring it with her on vacations to another side of the state.
Image credits: KARE 11
Jeanna wasn’t the only person to cherish George. Her friends were very fond of the little animal and would shower him with affection. Jeanna’s own family treated George like one of their own. He’d often get pampered and was fed strawberries and kiwi every Christmas morning. His owner went as far as making them matching Halloween costumes.
Image credits: KARE 11
Image credits: KARE 11
As Jeanna grew, the bond between these old friends only grew stronger, and she brought her little pet to the college campus once she enrolled. Despite the fact that her dorm rules didn’t allow any pets, that didn’t stop Jeanna from keeping George in her room. She explained that she managed to get away with it, probably because her dorm was all-girls and they all adored the tortoise.
Image credits: KARE 11
As time moved, Jeanna met her future husband, Kirby Smith, during her college years. Smith was a little surprised when he first met Jeanna’s pet, but soon realized that in order to be with her, he had to like George as well. It was a package deal.
Image credits: KARE 11
Her children grew up with a constant companion, an unusual pet that you cannot take for a walk or brush or call up on your lap. However, Jeanna says that he’s sweet in his own way.
Image credits: KARE 11
Jeanna Smith is now in her mid-sixties and George has been her closest friend for over 50 years. She’s been caring for him for most of her life, despite him running away a few times, only to be found in the neighbor’s yard. “Three times George has escaped his backyard, the most recent in 1988 when he burrowed under a fence” Jeanna explained. “A TV news crew showed up about the time George was discovered hiding beneath some foliage in a neighbor’s yard. He was quickly whisked back to his home,” she added.
Image credits: KARE 11
Gopher tortoise’s lifespan is usually from 40 to 60 years and that’s only in the wild. In captivity, this animal could survive for over 100 years. That’s why it’s very likely that George might outlive Jeanna and she’s aware of it. The woman intends to pass her little pet over to her daughter’s family. “When I go, then George will go and live with them. It’s in the will,” she concluded.
Image credits: KARE 11
Watch the video below to see George’s story
159Kviews
Share on Facebook
My friend has a tortoise that his gran purchased in 1921 and he took it when she passed away, making it 98, amazing.
I find it lovely and responsible. :) But yeah, kind of funny too.
Load More Replies...
This almost made me cry.. I had a pet turtle as a child, I loved him so. He was my best friend, and he loved to roam around in our garden, eating the greens and snoozing in the sunshine.. When my parents divorced, my mom and I moved to a small apartment, and my little friend couldn't go outside anymore. I felt so sad for him, so I wrote a letter to the zoo in my town, asking if they would take him in to give him a better life and maybe some turtle friends. I got a nice letter back. Now he lives in the zoo. He has a large enclosure and lots of friends. I visit him as often as possible. I still miss him, but I'm happy he's in a better place than I could give him.
That was so selfless and kind of you, it must have been hard! But at least you can still visit.
Load More Replies...
This made my day :) I have a turtle called Humphrey - he is missing a foot, it got eaten by another turtle when he was living with my cousin - and he is expected to live 40-50 years. He's about 4 right now so this just makes me think, I could very well still have him into my 30's and 40's (I'm 13 now)
I have a tortoise as well. They are very social and sweet and love to be pet under their chins and on their heads. Very sweet animalssssss owo
when my grand ma past a way, my mom adopt her tortoise more or less already 60years old, and when my mom past a way, my sister adopt the tortoise, few years ago, the tortoise past away, she was estimated at 150 years old
Very interesting story, good that George's future is planned for love and care !!!
I'm currently thinking of getting a turtle, but since I'm 51 now, he/she may very well outlive me. So I have to make sure my daughter (an old child) will take care of the animal when I'm gone. We (my daughter and I) are due for a long discussion on the matter...
Maybe not? If the bond is that strong he could die shortly after. Happens a lot with people.
So cool! At least she planned ahead for his cre when she's gone. Smart woman.
I used to own two box turtles who I absolutely loved. However, when I moved the US in the early 1990s, I wasn't allowed to bring them across the border, so I had to "rehome" them. I ended up giving them to my former boss, who is also a passionate animal-lover, and the last I heard, a couple of years ago, they are both alive and doing just great. Turtles are awesome...............
This story makes me sad. The Turtle will outlive the lady, and whoever gets ownership of the turtle may not look after it.
It seems like this woman's family loves the turtle too, so I'm sure he will get a good home.
Load More Replies...
'A rather nice story as we seldom hear about the turtles, I do know they live a very long life, therefore people must plan who will care for them when they are hear and we are no longer, a great post !!!
I'm a bit sceptical about this story because the tortoise should be huge. Are they sure it didn't die a few times and get replaced without her knowing?
The size depends on the species. I think maybe you've seen pictures of turtles from Galapagos. Not all kinds of turtles grow that big.
Load More Replies...
My friend has a tortoise that his gran purchased in 1921 and he took it when she passed away, making it 98, amazing.
I find it lovely and responsible. :) But yeah, kind of funny too.
Load More Replies... This almost made me cry.. I had a pet turtle as a child, I loved him so. He was my best friend, and he loved to roam around in our garden, eating the greens and snoozing in the sunshine.. When my parents divorced, my mom and I moved to a small apartment, and my little friend couldn't go outside anymore. I felt so sad for him, so I wrote a letter to the zoo in my town, asking if they would take him in to give him a better life and maybe some turtle friends. I got a nice letter back. Now he lives in the zoo. He has a large enclosure and lots of friends. I visit him as often as possible. I still miss him, but I'm happy he's in a better place than I could give him.
That was so selfless and kind of you, it must have been hard! But at least you can still visit.
Load More Replies... This made my day :) I have a turtle called Humphrey - he is missing a foot, it got eaten by another turtle when he was living with my cousin - and he is expected to live 40-50 years. He's about 4 right now so this just makes me think, I could very well still have him into my 30's and 40's (I'm 13 now)
I have a tortoise as well. They are very social and sweet and love to be pet under their chins and on their heads. Very sweet animalssssss owo
when my grand ma past a way, my mom adopt her tortoise more or less already 60years old, and when my mom past a way, my sister adopt the tortoise, few years ago, the tortoise past away, she was estimated at 150 years old
Very interesting story, good that George's future is planned for love and care !!!
I'm currently thinking of getting a turtle, but since I'm 51 now, he/she may very well outlive me. So I have to make sure my daughter (an old child) will take care of the animal when I'm gone. We (my daughter and I) are due for a long discussion on the matter...
Maybe not? If the bond is that strong he could die shortly after. Happens a lot with people.
So cool! At least she planned ahead for his cre when she's gone. Smart woman.
I used to own two box turtles who I absolutely loved. However, when I moved the US in the early 1990s, I wasn't allowed to bring them across the border, so I had to "rehome" them. I ended up giving them to my former boss, who is also a passionate animal-lover, and the last I heard, a couple of years ago, they are both alive and doing just great. Turtles are awesome...............
This story makes me sad. The Turtle will outlive the lady, and whoever gets ownership of the turtle may not look after it.
It seems like this woman's family loves the turtle too, so I'm sure he will get a good home.
Load More Replies... 'A rather nice story as we seldom hear about the turtles, I do know they live a very long life, therefore people must plan who will care for them when they are hear and we are no longer, a great post !!!
I'm a bit sceptical about this story because the tortoise should be huge. Are they sure it didn't die a few times and get replaced without her knowing?
The size depends on the species. I think maybe you've seen pictures of turtles from Galapagos. Not all kinds of turtles grow that big.
Load More Replies...
361
32