DROMORE LEADER (UK) 16 September 08 Reward Offered For Missing Tortoise
A Dromore woman desperate to be reunited with her missing tortoise is offering a reward to anyone who can return her lost pet.
The tortoise was last seen at his owner's home in the Tonaghmore/Blackskull Road area at around 2pm on Sunday, 7th September.
Samson is 20ins long and 12ins wide. He is six years old and described as being two shades of brown in colour.
His devastated owner has had him since he was just the size of an egg.
Even though he is grown up, Samson loathes the cold and requires specialist care and equipment in order to stay warm and keep alive.
The woman thinks that either Samson has been taken deliberately, or has by now dug into the ground in a bid to seek heat and protection from the elements.
"I know I am clutching at straws but I have to do something," she said. "I have to do whatever I can but I know my chances of finding him are slim."
Samson's owner is appealing to anyone who has found her pet to keep him warm and contact her immediately – and not to let him anywhere where he might escape again.
"As far as food and water go it is not an issue as he will eat grass and dandelions, and because it has not stopped raining, he will have plenty of water. It's the temperature that's the problem. At home he has a heat mat and UV light indoors – he hates the cold. In the long-term he is going to need vitamins, but in the short-term he should be OK."
The woman added she was "absolutely, totally" prepared to pay a generous reward to anyone who could return her beloved pet.
Anyone who has seen Samson is urged to contact his owner on 075 1568 4134.
Reward Offered For Missing Tortoise