SAN BERNARDINO — A San Bernardino man is reaching out to the public for help in the search for his missing pet tortoise, Dolly, who has been gone for nearly a week. Cactus Bash, Dolly's owner, is desperate to find his beloved three-year-old Sulcata tortoise, who he describes as a member of his family.

Dolly vanished last Thursday after she slipped through a gate that had come loose on Bash's property. According to Bash, Dolly was enjoying her usual roam in the yard when she found a way to push open the bottom of the gate and wander off. “My gate came loose recently, and she was able to push the bottom of it further and I didn’t know,” Bash explained. “She was waiting for me to feed her and she just decided to walk out. I got out there and she was gone. I couldn’t find her, nothing.”

Bash has taken to social media and posted flyers throughout the community in hopes that someone has seen his missing reptile. This is the first time Dolly has been on her own, a fact that deeply worries her owner. The thought of her being lost and scared has been a constant source of anxiety for Bash.

"She’s like my kid. She’s going to live to be 130. She’s only 3 right now, so she’s a baby,” Bash said, his voice filled with emotion. "Just imagine how scared that she is, you know? My poor baby, I really hope she’s OK. I hope that she’s safe."

Sulcata tortoises, native to the Sahara Desert, are known for their impressive size and long lifespan. Although Dolly is only three years old, she is already a substantial size, described by Bash as being larger than a football and about the size of a medium cat. Her size and distinctive shell make her a unique and noticeable pet.

The emotional bond between Bash and Dolly is clear. He considers her a cherished companion, and her disappearance has left a significant void in his life. The search continues with Bash holding onto hope that his community will rally together to help bring Dolly home. Anyone with information on Dolly’s whereabouts is urged to contact Bash or keep an eye out for a tortoise of her description.

Bash's plea underscores the deep connection many people have with their pets, regardless of their species. The community's response to his flyers and social media posts has been a testament to the compassion and willingness of neighbors to help one another in times of need. The search for Dolly is not just about finding a lost animal; it's about reuniting a family.

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