Pets are said to make our lives brighter and better, and for one set of north-east twins their reptile companion has been bringing joy to them for the past 50 years.
Timmy the tortoise was bought by sisters Angela Russell-Taylor and Jacqueline Hall half a century ago from a Fraserburgh pet shop.
The pair had pestered their mum for weeks about wanting a pet of their own, and with dogs and cats ruled out by their parents, the role came down to a tiny tortoise who now lives in Mrs Russell-Taylor’s garden.
And last night, the 56-year-old said she had definitely got her money’s worth after taking home Timmy, who now enjoys warm afternoons with her Scottish fold and British short haired cats.
Mrs Russell-Taylor said her mum had bought the turtle for about 37p in today’s money.
She said: “When we were about seven we told our mum we wanted a pet, but she said we weren’t getting a cat or a dog – or any creepy crawly.
“So we went to the pet shop and the only thing we could buy was a tortoise, so that’s why we have him today. He cost us seven shillings and six-pence.
“It’s not much for a pet, so I definitely got my money’s worth.”
Tim, however, might be a Tabitha.
Mrs Russell-Taylor admits that they cannot be sure of his exact sex.
“We haven’t done the research,” she said.
“He’s only been to the vet properly once when we thought he was dying 10 years ago. But these days he plays in the garden with my two cats. They like socialising and hanging out together.
“He used to stay at my mum’s, but when she died I had to take him in because I was the only one with an enclosed garden. My sister stays next door and can still come and see him.”
And while the twins have no plans to purchase another tortoise in the immediate future, they both recommend one to anyone with aspirations of owning a pet of their own.
“They’re good pets for anyone with allergies. I’d definitely recommend one,” Mrs Russell-Taylor said.