An Arizona family needs help finding their lost tortoise

PHOENIX — Spike is your typical pet. He loves to eat and roam around his yard. His favorite foods are kale and strawberries. His owner, Jenna Whittenmore, said he's got “a personality.” 

Spike also has a reputation as an escape artist. When he manages to get out of his backyard in Ahwatukee, Whittenmore said she normally finds him within a few hours. However, this time, it's been two days and there's still no sign of him. 

By the way, Spike isn't a lost dog. He's a 75-pound lost tortoise.  

“Dude is like 75 pounds and eats so much,” Whittenmore said. “So, whoever figures that out will probably be like ‘Oh no, you can have him back.'” 

Spike the tortoise has come a long way since Whittenmore first got him more than 15 years ago in San Diego. Whittenmore said her husband got Spike for her for Christmas when he was much smaller. Whittenmore said her kids have had Spike around their entire lives. 

“We've had him ever since,” Whittenmore said. “… He's just been a staple in our family.” 

In Phoenix, Spike enjoys “mowing” his backyard and Whittenmore said he can go through at least one Costco-sized bin of leafy greens each day. 

“I haven't had to mow my yard in over a decade because he eats it,” Whittenmore said. “He basically manicures the yard for me, which is amazing.” 

Tortoises are very curious, Whittenmore said, and Spike is no exception. 

“If he can see out of the fenced yard, he will relentlessly like, dig at it, and scratch at it until he can get beyond that barrier,” Whittenmore said. “He wants to get where he can see out.” 

At her previous home, Spike would get out through a gate, pushing his way to the other side. Whittenmore said because the gate to their backyard in Ahwatukee opens inside, Spike must have wedged himself in the corner until he eventually made it to the other side. 

“He's relentless,” Whittenmore said. “If he wants to get somewhere, he's going. And he's fast!” 

If you see Spike in your neighborhood, you can contact Whittenmore by email. And be careful about trying to pick him up on your own — at 75 pounds, Whittenmore has in the past brought her truck to pick him up. 

“Easiest pet to take care of on the planet, I literally don't have to do anything,” Whittenmore said. “Well, besides when he gets out and I have to go look for him.” 

For more information on tortoises, you can contact Ec-lec-teri Tortoise & Reptile Rescue/Sanctuary or the Arizona Tortoise Rescue.

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