I think it’s safe to say that most people consider men who spend thousands of dollars on Real Doll “girlfriends,” equal parts mock-worthy and creepy. (Though not as creepy as the guys who buy disembodied latex porn-star crotches–link seriously NSFW!) And generally, I agree. Or at least I used to. Until I read about this sad little unloved turtle who found companionship with a plastic replica of a real reptile.A resident of the Tortoise Garden sanctuary in the UK, Timmy had been bullied and ignored by the other animals for years, when the sanctuary’s owner, Joy Bloor, came up with the idea of providing the outcast with a cast-plastic girlfriend. According to the Guardian, “The sprightly 60-year-old fetches her food (and does not seem to mind that she does not eat it) and nuzzles his head against hers. He will not go to bed unless she is put into his hut before him.” Bloor says, “He nuzzles and kisses her, moves her around and pushes lettuce towards her. He plays with her every day. If I want him to go into his hut at night time I have to put Tanya in there first, otherwise he won’t go.” Aww! So why is Timmy the Tortoise’s behavior considered cute while the the Toms, Dicks, and Harrys, who purchase these Real Dolls give us the creeps? While yes, the image of Timmy cuddling his rubber paramour is loads sweeter than that of a socially awkward, middle-aged gent rubbing one out inside a plastic vagina, the end result is the same: Whether you’re warm or cold-blooded, sometimes a person just needs company. And while I’ve never gotten it on with a blow-up doll, I certainly have a deep affection for my vibrator. So thank you, Timmy the Tortoise, for opening at least one woman’s eyes and mind. People who live in PVC plastic houses…well, you know.