A kind-hearted six-year-old girl has given her pet tortoise to a Norfolk care home in a shell-fless act.
Daisy Dunsmuir, six, and her family from Magdalen, near King's Lynn, decided to donate her pet tortoise, Petal, to the High Haven care home in Downham Market after residents appealed for one.
Daisy, her brother Leon and her mum Rebecca Dunsmuir gave the two-year-old female tortoise to the care home on Thursday, July 25. The family got their first tortoise three years ago and now have three- Barbara, Thomas and Clover.
Mrs Dunsmuir said: "After reading the story online we just felt it was the right thing to do, we like helping people.
"To do something that will help contribute to people's well being is good and they're lovely pets to have."
Speaking about the residents, Mrs Dunsmuir said: "They're not valued and everyone has a story to tell. It just felt so natural to give Petal to them.
"Daisy will want to visit and make sure she's settled."
The six-year-old who attends Magdalen Village school, agreed giving Petal away was a good idea, she said: "It will make people happy."
The care home appealed to members of the public to help them get a tortoise on Tuesday, July 16 and were overwhelmed when the Dunsmuirs got back to them the next day.
Allison Bullard, activities co-ordinator at the care home, said: "The residents could not believe it when we told them, so many will benefit from her."
Speaking to the family, Miss Bullard who became emotional, said: "You've given them everything."
Surprised by the news that Petal will be staying at the care home, resident Joyce Marshall said: "I can see her when I want?
"I like animals, I used to have a tortoise called Toby, I've been calling this one Toby as well. They're nice to pet."
Residents are turtely in love with the new pet, who has made her home in the corner of the dining room.
Miss Bullard said: "She's been made quite a fuss of. They've made it a bit of a routine of coming down in the morning and checking on her, they ask her how she is doing and then go have their breakfast.
"She even manages to come sit in some of our groups and classes, she's really become a big part of the home."
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