Penny and Chuck Carle said the elderly reptile, named Butch, may have been snatched by tortoise-nappers and returned after he became lethargic with the onset of winter, the San Francisco Chronicle reported Tuesday.

"Christmas came early around here," said Penny Carle. "I didn't believe it. It's so good to have him home again."

The Carles said Butch, who was first obtained by Chuck Carle's late mother in 1943, appears healthy, happy and ready to begin his winter hibernation.

The couple said their three dogs -- Amigo, Dakota and Barney -- were equally happy to have Butch back and gave him a thorough tongue-kissing before he went down for his nap.