Couple Dress Their Pet Tortoise In Matching Outfits For Photos, Many People Call Them Out For Animal Cruelty
There are quite a few animal superstars on the Internet. Many dogs and cats have humongous fan bases who enjoy their adventures on Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube. But one member of the animal kingdom rarely gets to enjoy the rays of the viral sunshine. The tortoise.
However, this can change soon. Kasey Kuchinski, 33, and Daniel Rodriguez, 33, from Sonoma, California, are coordinating their outfit ideas with their exotic pet, Ethel, a 20lb Sulcata tortoise. The trio regularly dress up and pose for photos together for their Instagram account, and their following has been growing steadily. As of this article, it’s standing at 38.6K people.
Not everyone, however, appreciates Kasey and Daniel’s idea of putting their pet tortoise in matching outfits. Some people are saying it’s ‘wrong’ and ‘exploiting’ the tortoise.
Image credits: etheltheglamourtort/Caters
Bored Panda spoke to Ethel’s owner Kasey about these claims and she immediately put the issue to rest. “It’s really no different than putting a jacket on a dog or any other pet animals, or shoes on a baby. No, it is certainly not necessary but dang, is it funny and cute!” she said. “Ethel doesn’t mind it at all.”
Kasey reassured everyone that if the tortoise showed any discomfort, the couple would abandon those pet clothes immediately. “We only have her in the outfit for the photos so all in all, about 10 minutes every two weeks! If you look through our feed, you’ll see she’s naked 99% of the time.”
Image credits: etheltheglamourtort/Caters
So let’s leave offended people aside. Kasey said she’s always liked the idea of having a giant tortoise as a pet. “I can probably pin the idea down to reading the ‘Reptile Room’ from Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events.”
Now, she finally has one and Ethel means everything to her. “You really couldn’t know just how much this adorable animal can capture your heart until you’ve spent a lot of time with one! Ethel is a particularly great example of her species, I think so. She’s easy to love!”
Image credits: etheltheglamourtort/Caters
Kasey and Daniel both work full-time so they come up with ideas for the outfits throughout the week when they’re free. “I usually have about 3-4 ideas stored up and I just wait for the right moment for each one. So next week, the idea is a picnic. That’s all I’ve got so far. Now, before next Friday, I’ve got to decide on a color concept… I’m thinking gingham, probably blue? Then hopefully, I’ll find something for Daniel and me to wear (this is always the hardest part).”
Image credits: etheltheglamourtort/Caters
“Once I find at least two matching items, I’ll get a third for Ethel, either the same shirt as Daniel or the same thing as me. Then, basically I alter that garment to fit Ethel, sometimes it works better than others, sometimes if necessary I’ll just start with matching fabric for Ethel and my her DIY clothes!”
Image credits: etheltheglamourtort/Caters
The photoshoots happen pretty quickly. The couple uses a yummy treat to get Ethel to face towards the phone they’re taking the pics with. “It just sits inside a roll of duct tape on the ground, then I use a remote clicker (that you can totally see in a lot of the photos, I’m not very stealthy!). We have about 5 minutes before Ethel loses interest in the whole deal and wants to go explore!”
Afterward, they might take a quick stroll at the park or the beach while walking the tortoise in matching outfits. “It’s hilarious and so ridiculous!”
Image credits: etheltheglamourtort/Caters
Image credits: etheltheglamourtort/Caters
Image credits: etheltheglamourtort/Caters
Image credits: etheltheglamourtort/Caters
Image credits: etheltheglamourtort/Caters
Image credits: etheltheglamourtort/Caters
Image credits: etheltheglamourtort/Caters
Image credits: etheltheglamourtort/Caters
Image credits: etheltheglamourtort/Caters
Some people loved the cute outfits
Others thought dressing up the tortoise was wrong
i guess the tortoise is not wearing the outfits 24/7 but for a couple of minutes to take a photo.. so all the arguments, that it doesn't get enough heat/too much heat etc. are invalid, imo.
Absolutely! Just posted a similar comment. Reptiles can feel the love too! Great to know.
Load More Replies...I'm slightly amused at people being offended at people being offended at dressing up tortoises.
Load More Replies...That tortoise has a better life than many humans! I'd trade lives right this second. And exploiting it? If that's the case, then every animal that has ever had its picture taken, for any reason, was also being 'exploited.' People are so dumb. They always have to find SOMETHING to hctib about!
This is just another form of crying 'racism' for things that aren't really racist. When people do that, it minimizes the very real instances of racism that happen every day. This is not animal cruelty. If you'd like examples of actual animal cruelty look at dog fighting or the fur industry, puppy mills or farrowing crates, animals dying of thrist on their way to be slaughtered or injured horses forced onto overcrowded trailers on their way to Mexico to also be slaughtered. There is enough cruelty in the world. TOO much cruelty. We don't need to invent any.
We had a tough, mean tom cat who adored my sister. She was a kindergartener at the time. She wrapped the cat in aluminum foil for space kitty, then toilet paper for mummy kitty. During the Christmas season he got a big red bow around his neck. He could have removed any of these things easily, instead he paraded my sister 's handiwork for all to see. He loved the Christmas bow and showed it off proudly to any visitor. He loved my sister and happily played along. As a strong tom cat he chose to participate. Don't judge the relationship between pets and their owners. My sister did not torture our cat. If only they knew how much our pets can love us
This is adorable! They're not harming that baby at all! People need to get a grip!
It’s supposed to be a fun bonding activity for the couple. Dressing Ethel in a cute costume for 10 minutes every 2 weeks....how did it get to this? Is it the temperature regulation? Doesn’t seem like the clothes are restricting her movements. It’s annoying to read about the numerous ways people are offended, but I’m glad it’s pointed out so that we can actually learn what the problem is or the lack of it and shut it down.
Is it being done specifically to cause fear or pain? Is the animal in physical danger or badly injured by the activity? No? Then it isn't abuse, and your "opinion" + $2.50 will get you a bag of chips. Stupid people gonna stupid. The clothes aren't preventing "thermoregulation" because reptiles are ectothermic; their body temperature is controlled by the heat or cold around them. The clothing isn't trapping a significant amount of heat, nor is it blocking UVA/UVB rays, and the tortoise won't cool down unless in the shade or given water etc. Because this is a reptile, not a mammal such as a dog, ya great numpties.
Apparently “it’s not f normal....” but being a b***h on the internet is. See what I did there?
Some people seem to be addicted to being offended. These self-centred narcissists become increasingly reactionary and all have their own personal agendas and lines drawn in the sand. All is fine unless their particular line gets crossed. Which, of course, in the mind of the self-centred narcissist, is the only line that matters.
They are just pissed they aren't loved as this tortoise.
Load More Replies...Ethel is a lovely tortoise. I don't think that dressing her up in matching costumes constitutes animal abuse. She doesn't seem to mind at all, and in some photos, seems to be smiling and is quite content. I wish that people would stop getting offended by everything. These people must be absolute joys at parties.
Damn that tortoise is living his best life. He looks happy and healthy.
It shows you can love many creature. Dote on them, spoil them. It’s healthy.
So they take in a pet and treat it like literal family as if it's their child and people are annoyed? So essentially they are annoyed that the tortoise is loved too much? Am I understanding this correctly? *Face palm*
Did the people complaining even read the article?! Clearly states Ethel is a she, that the outfits are on for a few moments every couple of weeks. So, most of the criticisms/arguments are invalid. Is it so difficult to just let other people, and Ethel, live their lives?
It’s a tortoise, it doesn’t care that it has a shirt on. It doesn’t wear clothing 24/7 so all the heat and UVA/B arguments make no sense
My cat LOVES being in a sweater! and so did my dog! They aren't very close but I bet this tortoise is probably happy. Not like they're wearing them all day.
My dog NEEDS a sweater, because he starved as a puppy (his previous owner didn't want him) and he has very little hair and is always cold. I can't tell you how many times I've had arguments with idiots about clothes. At first, I explained. Now I just tell them to go away and just mind their own f*** business.
Load More Replies...I don't see what people are so upset about. I think it's cute and the tortoise doesn't seem bothered in the slightest. Like someone else here said, people just like to be upset about something no matter what it is.
Bored panda used to be art and creativity but now it's "Look at all the was people are pissed off"
Oh come on everyone, this is a sweet couple that take wonderful care of their great pet and there's nothing at all wrong with anything they're doing.
This is spectacularly awesome. These people care so much for their tortoise!
I am a tortoise lover for over 25 years I have a tortoise haven and I know these couple that own Ethel love her and are very proud parents. I think its great shes family thats how I see it. I have my big Tango 33 years old and I love him dearly. Ethel by the way looks a very HappyHealthy Tortoise. Congratulation to the couple, you guys are doing an amazing job with Ethel.
oh calm down people. i'm quite sure the tortoise is in not pain. my real concern it who have they willed her to because she WILL out live them.
Ethel is smiling in every photo! Ever since I learned that their beaky faces could smile, I look to see if theyre happy, and Ethel is greatly enjoying herself. Reptiles can feel the love !
That tortoise is loved and very well cared for. The outfits are cute and fun...and I would bet a lot that she is only dressed long enough to take a cut picture. If she is anything like my old tortoise she loves eating red hibiscus flowers.
"It just seems disrespectful, besides he's much better looking naked." I could say the same thing about anything. I could say that about your painted house.
She's a lovely tortoise and seems pretty clearly to be living the Life of Riley. Just a question, is it correct that she weighs only 20lb? I've lifted turtles out of the road and they seem much heavier relative to size.
Well, it Is little bit ill. But I personally don't see any diference between doing such things to a dog or to a tortoise
The people offended by dressing a tortoise for a photo shoot are probably the same f*****g idiots who dropped one into the water in (I think?) Florida a few years ago. Turtles swim. Tortoises are land animals. F**k wits.
Are some people that shallow, narrow minded ones? Even if the animal was properly cared and healthy and you just freakingly put a dress on it for a couple of minutes they we're gone mad about it immediately? Is putting dress to animals for a couple of minutes hurts or induce any damage to their health? This people needs to chill out a bit.
Obviously, by seeing all these comments here on Boredpanda... You can tell that the population here is/are completely sane
Better than some c**p owners chaining animals to fences. As long as it's recieving love, and being treated properly, it should be fine.
To me the most offensive part is how really, really lame the post is.
i guess the tortoise is not wearing the outfits 24/7 but for a couple of minutes to take a photo.. so all the arguments, that it doesn't get enough heat/too much heat etc. are invalid, imo.
Absolutely! Just posted a similar comment. Reptiles can feel the love too! Great to know.
Load More Replies...I'm slightly amused at people being offended at people being offended at dressing up tortoises.
Load More Replies...That tortoise has a better life than many humans! I'd trade lives right this second. And exploiting it? If that's the case, then every animal that has ever had its picture taken, for any reason, was also being 'exploited.' People are so dumb. They always have to find SOMETHING to hctib about!
This is just another form of crying 'racism' for things that aren't really racist. When people do that, it minimizes the very real instances of racism that happen every day. This is not animal cruelty. If you'd like examples of actual animal cruelty look at dog fighting or the fur industry, puppy mills or farrowing crates, animals dying of thrist on their way to be slaughtered or injured horses forced onto overcrowded trailers on their way to Mexico to also be slaughtered. There is enough cruelty in the world. TOO much cruelty. We don't need to invent any.
We had a tough, mean tom cat who adored my sister. She was a kindergartener at the time. She wrapped the cat in aluminum foil for space kitty, then toilet paper for mummy kitty. During the Christmas season he got a big red bow around his neck. He could have removed any of these things easily, instead he paraded my sister 's handiwork for all to see. He loved the Christmas bow and showed it off proudly to any visitor. He loved my sister and happily played along. As a strong tom cat he chose to participate. Don't judge the relationship between pets and their owners. My sister did not torture our cat. If only they knew how much our pets can love us
This is adorable! They're not harming that baby at all! People need to get a grip!
It’s supposed to be a fun bonding activity for the couple. Dressing Ethel in a cute costume for 10 minutes every 2 weeks....how did it get to this? Is it the temperature regulation? Doesn’t seem like the clothes are restricting her movements. It’s annoying to read about the numerous ways people are offended, but I’m glad it’s pointed out so that we can actually learn what the problem is or the lack of it and shut it down.
Is it being done specifically to cause fear or pain? Is the animal in physical danger or badly injured by the activity? No? Then it isn't abuse, and your "opinion" + $2.50 will get you a bag of chips. Stupid people gonna stupid. The clothes aren't preventing "thermoregulation" because reptiles are ectothermic; their body temperature is controlled by the heat or cold around them. The clothing isn't trapping a significant amount of heat, nor is it blocking UVA/UVB rays, and the tortoise won't cool down unless in the shade or given water etc. Because this is a reptile, not a mammal such as a dog, ya great numpties.
Apparently “it’s not f normal....” but being a b***h on the internet is. See what I did there?
Some people seem to be addicted to being offended. These self-centred narcissists become increasingly reactionary and all have their own personal agendas and lines drawn in the sand. All is fine unless their particular line gets crossed. Which, of course, in the mind of the self-centred narcissist, is the only line that matters.
They are just pissed they aren't loved as this tortoise.
Load More Replies...Ethel is a lovely tortoise. I don't think that dressing her up in matching costumes constitutes animal abuse. She doesn't seem to mind at all, and in some photos, seems to be smiling and is quite content. I wish that people would stop getting offended by everything. These people must be absolute joys at parties.
Damn that tortoise is living his best life. He looks happy and healthy.
It shows you can love many creature. Dote on them, spoil them. It’s healthy.
So they take in a pet and treat it like literal family as if it's their child and people are annoyed? So essentially they are annoyed that the tortoise is loved too much? Am I understanding this correctly? *Face palm*
Did the people complaining even read the article?! Clearly states Ethel is a she, that the outfits are on for a few moments every couple of weeks. So, most of the criticisms/arguments are invalid. Is it so difficult to just let other people, and Ethel, live their lives?
It’s a tortoise, it doesn’t care that it has a shirt on. It doesn’t wear clothing 24/7 so all the heat and UVA/B arguments make no sense
My cat LOVES being in a sweater! and so did my dog! They aren't very close but I bet this tortoise is probably happy. Not like they're wearing them all day.
My dog NEEDS a sweater, because he starved as a puppy (his previous owner didn't want him) and he has very little hair and is always cold. I can't tell you how many times I've had arguments with idiots about clothes. At first, I explained. Now I just tell them to go away and just mind their own f*** business.
Load More Replies...I don't see what people are so upset about. I think it's cute and the tortoise doesn't seem bothered in the slightest. Like someone else here said, people just like to be upset about something no matter what it is.
Bored panda used to be art and creativity but now it's "Look at all the was people are pissed off"
Oh come on everyone, this is a sweet couple that take wonderful care of their great pet and there's nothing at all wrong with anything they're doing.
This is spectacularly awesome. These people care so much for their tortoise!
I am a tortoise lover for over 25 years I have a tortoise haven and I know these couple that own Ethel love her and are very proud parents. I think its great shes family thats how I see it. I have my big Tango 33 years old and I love him dearly. Ethel by the way looks a very HappyHealthy Tortoise. Congratulation to the couple, you guys are doing an amazing job with Ethel.
oh calm down people. i'm quite sure the tortoise is in not pain. my real concern it who have they willed her to because she WILL out live them.
Ethel is smiling in every photo! Ever since I learned that their beaky faces could smile, I look to see if theyre happy, and Ethel is greatly enjoying herself. Reptiles can feel the love !
That tortoise is loved and very well cared for. The outfits are cute and fun...and I would bet a lot that she is only dressed long enough to take a cut picture. If she is anything like my old tortoise she loves eating red hibiscus flowers.
"It just seems disrespectful, besides he's much better looking naked." I could say the same thing about anything. I could say that about your painted house.
She's a lovely tortoise and seems pretty clearly to be living the Life of Riley. Just a question, is it correct that she weighs only 20lb? I've lifted turtles out of the road and they seem much heavier relative to size.
Well, it Is little bit ill. But I personally don't see any diference between doing such things to a dog or to a tortoise
The people offended by dressing a tortoise for a photo shoot are probably the same f*****g idiots who dropped one into the water in (I think?) Florida a few years ago. Turtles swim. Tortoises are land animals. F**k wits.
Are some people that shallow, narrow minded ones? Even if the animal was properly cared and healthy and you just freakingly put a dress on it for a couple of minutes they we're gone mad about it immediately? Is putting dress to animals for a couple of minutes hurts or induce any damage to their health? This people needs to chill out a bit.
Obviously, by seeing all these comments here on Boredpanda... You can tell that the population here is/are completely sane
Better than some c**p owners chaining animals to fences. As long as it's recieving love, and being treated properly, it should be fine.
To me the most offensive part is how really, really lame the post is.
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