Hello Audra
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Dogs and torts don't mix ! Dogs think torts are great chew toys . You have your hands full .
Hello and Welcome. Read all the care sheets of the different species you are interested in and go from there.
Hello, Audra, and a very warm welcome to Tortoise Forum.
It's excellent you're doing your research here with the very latest in information and an array of experienced keepers.
Read http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/beginner-mistakes.45180/
for some basics and then look at the species.
Anything is possible if you have the space, money and get the set up right, but Greeks (mine), Russians and Hermann's are examples of good starter torts which don't get too big and are comparatively easy to care for.