Spice has returned – an hour after the TG Bus left! Our yard is fenced; with upright boards, five and half feet high - looks like Fort Topley but Spice was desperate and scaled it somewhere.  We are very rural, a hill or small mountain across our road, the river, railway tracks and field filled with beautiful black Angus behind us then Highway 16. We are a half mile from the hamlet of Topley on one side and a neighbour with pastures of horses on the other side. Basically there is little to interest a dog close by except maybe the horses but the neighbour also has a shepherd (Tia was adopted from TG 10 years ago) and a shepherd/English bulldog mix they got last year. They chase any unlucky intruders back where they came from. They are not dog friendly. So I knew Spice was nearby but hiding in the forested area. And she was. She did not want to leave. Her new family will be disappointed I am sure. Maybe they will look at Shelagh instead – she is going to foster in Vancouver with Diana. Shelagh would be an excellent family dog – she is gentle, eager to please and willing to learn. She walks on a loose leash, sits and downs. She has a very good recall as well. She has a gentle, soft mouth when taking treats and she doesn’t jump up – an ideal family dog. Maybe Spice wanted Shelagh to have a home. Are dogs that perceptive?

The TG Bus is almost there! Arrival before 11 am. Dave slept in the canyon, had breakfast in Hope and is on the freeway. Dave, Dixie, Stan and the kids are all waiting! Pictures of arrival and adoptions to follow! Stay tuned!

Dave and terry have arrived! Lucy is already gone to her new home - good thing Kate knew what Lucy looked like!! Dave thought she was Leesa!! Rudy is with his new mom Susan, Dollie is on her way to the airport - thank you Caroline!  Spice's family is coming to see Shelagh, Pixie is leaving in a couple of hours - and Shelagh (to her foster) if she is still there. Organized chaos is what it sounds like on the phone! Very happy people - oh and Ivan is more than his little mistress expected - smaller, softer, sweeter just much more precious!

 RUDY and TITUS (who going to Bullie Buddies!)

 Susan writes!

Rudy, whose new name is Jaxon, and Honey Bear are home.  Jaxon rode home in my lap,

fast asleep most of the way.  He is a strong young man with a great heart. 

I'm in love all over again! 

Stan (it is Stan who worked with Honeybear when she first came to TG) got some

great pictures of Honey Bear, and will post them on the

blog, soon.  It was wonderful to reunite those two, even tough Honey was

much more interested in Jaxon than she was in seeing Stan.

I am so pleased to have Jaxon as our second generation Turtle Gardens dog! 

Thank you, so much!!!

AND

Jaxon and Honey Bear are getting along like a house on fire.  PJ is a vocal

referee.  I don't think we could have found a better fit than our red boy.

Turtle Gardens is a doG-send!

Susan

Famileis meeting their newest members - check the TG Gallery - click on the picture that says we made it to Vancouver and see more happy dogs and people!! 

  Caroline and Mike front of the TG BUS!! They volunteered to to take litlle Dollie to the airport. But they also took Dollie to Petcetera where she chose a stuffie and a chew toy to accompany her on her short flight to Victoria with Pacific Coastal. Pacific Castal rocks!! They support recue dogs so please fly Pacific Coastal when you need to. Thank you Caroline and Mike - volunteers certainly help Turtle Gardens. Without our many volunteers who transport dogs to airports or foster homes, who foster dogs, who do all our homevisits to match pets and people we wouldn't be able to save as many as we do. Thank you Dave and Dixie for opening up your home so people have a place to pick up their new family members. And thank Stan and Kelsey for facilitating the process and documenting the Happy Endings.

  My grandaughter Kelsey - sorting out the paperwork for each dog!

  Leesa meets her family! 

  HoneyBear meets Rudy - love at first sight!

  Sugar meets Matt - her boy!

Hi Yvette,

I just wanted to let you know that Dollie arrived safe and sound.  My wife and daughter had gone to the airport to pick her up and the Pacific Coastal flight was right on time.  Mike and Caroline had put a stuffie and chew stick in the crate with her when they dropped her off at the airport.  Many thanks to them for their kindness.

Dollie is cuter than we expected.  She is definitely shy but doing better than we thought she would after such a traumatic adventure.  She even came outside with me in the back yard and had a good run around.  That is until our neighbour's dog started barking.  That seemed to frightened her a bit and she ran back to her favourite spot on our couch (with the stuffie from Caroline).  That is where she is now, sound asleep.

I've attached a few photos of her arrival.  One with my daughter, Caity, one with my wife, Rose, and one meeting our cat, Mama.  We still have to introduce her to our other cat, Mork, but I'm sure that will go fine.  He is a little afraid of dogs as he had a scare this past summer.  Dollie is so quiet though I'm sure they'll get along fine.

Thanks again to Mike and Caroline and to every one at Turtle Gardens.

Ian

 And Lucy:

Dear Yvette:

Lucy is more than I expected she is a bubbly happy little girl, and we are getting along famously, you're right it was pretty chaotic(although organized !)  for your hubby, as we all seemed to descend on Dave and Dixie's at the same time., dogs and people everywhere, talking to each other, taking pictures, getting forms signed, it was a glorious day, a little on the rainy side, in Surrey, but you really didn't notice it  

I was greeted by the biggest kisses, and jumps you've ever seen, she was so excited, and everyone was just astounded by her actions.  Dave said he could see that Lucy was bonding with me already, so between all the excitement of the trip, getting out of her crate, meeting everyone. , it was Lucy's turn to shine, and me with her., we didn't stay overly long, as the driving crew looked like they needed a well deserved rest., so we packed it up, pictures were taken, I loaded Lucy into the crate I brought for her, and off we went, got lost if you can believe that, but we backtracked and made it home in one piece… she is the most patient little girl, not one complaint the whole way, so I talked and talked, so she could get used to my voice.

we've played, drank, eaten and have pee'd. we broke out all the new toys, so between balls, squeeky's and Bobo from petsmart, treats that are meant to be hidden behind the couch, for later, or in case someone else finds them and eats them, so she's not taking any chances.

right now we're having a quite time, she likes the old rocker in the computer room, actually its her room, where her crate is set up, we've sniffed every room in the place, tried the couch and the bed, but she prefers to keep me in sight, she's not scared, just wants to know where I am,  I have sliding glass mirror doors in my bedroom and she thinks there is another little dog there, its really cute, …. hmmm no wonder she was hiding her treats !

Just wanted to let you know, its going great, and will keep you posted, she's exactly what I wanted, and I hope for her that I am as well, so between the playing, the flying tail, the running, and all the kisses I could ever want….

Lucy is home !

talk to you soon,

Kate

And now Leesa: 

Hi Yvette, all is going very well for Leesa and the rest of us. Shebba (our

other dog) is a little jealous but over all she is doing good. We have decided

to stick with her name as we feel it suites her well. I will leave you with a

couple pixs.

 Home at Last!

Sean.

©Turtle Gardens Animal Rescue Society. Have your pet spayed or neutered today.

Today is a happy day - a new begining day, a big adventure day for 10 dogs. they are going to their new families. So it is also a big day for the humans too; well for one today is the big day - the rest is tomorrow! Eight dogs have been bathed already - two more to go!  - Titus and Spice. Everyone was very good in their bath!! Little Ivan did get me soaked but he was quiet for his towelling and brushing! Shelagh is going to our foster - Diana in Vancouver. Diana is a dog-walker so Shelagh will have loads of exposure - people will see how well-behaved she is instead of a reverse black dog! It is well known that black dogs are the hardest to adopt. But the same is true of white dogs! Even small cuddly ones like Max and Ivan - they did not have the interest that most small dogs generate. And Max's home fell through at the last hour! Ivan will be meeting his little mistress in Prince George then travelling on to Tumbler Ridge. My cuddly little bed partner will be cuddling in another bed tonight - good luck softy little one! Titus is going to Bullie Buddies where he has the best chance ever of a perfect match. Dollie will fly Pacific Coastal to Victoria - thank you so much for supporting rescue dogs! Pacific Coastal is the only way to fly!! Thank you Caroline for picking up Dollie and taking her to the airport. Thank you Val for picking up the crate and taking to Bev at Bandstra Transport - they will return our crate to Houston - gratis - please support the businesses that support rescue and especially Turtle Gardens! Your dollars supporting them help us! 

I will continue to update today's blog as the dogs start their adventure.  Even I need a coffee break!

Dave and Terry left at 4,30  minus one passenger - Spice decided she was not leaving and is hiding. she always come up to me for ear scratchies not today - she heard th eother dogs were having baths so she hid. when we were loading up the van - she was nowhere to eb seen. I took Sugar for a walk to the river, all around the yard hoping Spice would come out for her buddy - but no go! Finally Dave left - Sugar too but no Spice. Hopefully she will come in at bedtime - but she never said goodbye to Sugar

Pixie is travelling in a soft sider, with extra very soft blankies. She is wearing a harness and is leashed to her crate - one side and half the top is open so she can see out. Her sweater is with her in case she gets cold. She has so much character!! Good luck little Pixie I will miss you!.

©Turtle Gardens Animal Rescue Society. Have your pet spayed or neutered today.

Tomorrow is a big day for 11 dogs! Although today is hectic for me and they will all have a bath tonight! All the paperwork is in order, the last homecheck is today! The flight for Dollie is scheduled but we still need someone to get her to the airport!! It will all come together - it always does. The van is ready. Dave will be going with our nephew Terry. The meeting place for Ivan and hopefully Max - his is the last homecheck!! is set up in Prince George. Titus is going to Bullie Buddies so he will have the best chance for a good home. Sam is awesome! Shelagh is goinf to our Vancover Foster home. Dianna is a dog-walker and Shelagh will be seen by a lot of people. She is the reverse of the hard to adopt black dog - she is white. And not one enquiry in her 4 months here. So Diana will give her more exposure and people will see what a wonderful family dog she is - her personality is soft, gentle and eaher to please. Sugar is going to a repeat adopter - Pippin looks just like her! Spice also has a family in Abbotsford - she and Spice will have playdays. Spice will be with a quiet family who need a gentle companion - Spice certainly is! Leesa's family have been waiting for awhile for her arrival. As has Susan for Rudy - my funny little guy will love Susan, PJ and Honeybear. Little Lucy will meet Kate and Roxanne will finally cuddle sweet, feisty little Pixie who sleeps all cuddled to my chin! I will miss her - she has character!! All these guys know each other and will travel together to their new families - a whole lot less stress! I still have crates to ready, and final emails to send. It should be a lot quieter with so many in their new homes! Until the new arrivals.

©Turtle Gardens Animal Rescue Society. Have your pet spayed or neutered today.

©Turtle Gardens Animal Rescue Society. Have your pet spayed or neutered today.

©Turtle Gardens Animal Rescue Society. Have your pet spayed or neutered today.

©Turtle Gardens Animal Rescue Society. Have your pet spayed or neutered today.

“I think you would like Shadow.”

When the owner of the Turtle Gardens Animal Shelter, the only no-kill shelter in the B.C. Northwest, suggested Shadow as an adoptee she couldn't have known what a good match she was making. I still don't know if the one-year old, black and tan Collie/German Shepherd cross was named for his colour or personality, but the name fits. Since the day he came home with me, a first time dog owner, he has been my constant companion while cycling, hiking, riding or driving horses, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing — he's there, always aware of where I am and what I'm doing.

The first time we went to the newly formed Canines North dog club people said “He's shy.” And I was feeling proud of him  because he was so bold, letting strangers reach out and pet him without breaking his down-stay.

It was obvious Shadow had been abused. For months after I got him a hand  extended over his head or any quick movement in his direction would send him  cringing across the room. A loud voice  still makes him worry. He is anxious to please, but can only tolerate two or three attempts at anything new before becoming flustered. But he's come such a long way and is still breaking new ground -  last week he was playing tag with the 12 year old neighbour boy, ducking and dodging across the lawn, feather-duster tail held high, eyes shining. Not an unusual sight for most dogs, but it was the first time Shadow has played confidently with someone he doesn't know well.

Friends who have experience with dogs tell me I've been lucky, that many abused dogs never become really confident and trustworthy. Ignorance probably played a large part in my decision to choose him, it seemed reasonable that time and care would erase his past. Because he is living in a one=person household and was so timid I was advised to make sure he was exposed to lots of other people, consequently he learned to walk on a leash on the main street of town and stay by waiting outside stores  (an advantage of living in a small town).

He's a gentle dog. Most people, including myself, call him a “she” when they first meet him. He has  a strong streak of what can only be called a mothering instinct. Hens, chicks and kittens are followed around with great curiosity and a neighbours foal is fascinating. At first  children, especially toddlers, scared him. My 9 year old neice became very good at saying “Shadow needs a rest,” when, after playing for a few minutes, he would slink under the table with ears and tail down. But now a friends 2 year old doesn't bother him when she waves her hands around and takes her toys out of his mouth. This  makes him useless as a watchdog, he's never been heard to bark at a person, the only indication someone is at the door is his  ears going up.

Canines North came along at a good time for us.  After  18 months together we are both ready for more socializing and new challenges. Agility should  provide opportunities for both and his mixed breeding is not a problem if we ever want to compete.

There are people who say “Don't get a dog from a shelter, you're only taking on somebody else's problems,” but the $20 I handed over that cold November day was the best money I ever spent.

I love Shadow.

A week after Shadow  died I found the above article.

He lived  with me for another 12 years, yet there is not a lot of importance to add to it. As in any partnership there were good times and bad, happiness and sadness.

Agility became my passion and Shadow,  my patient, deliberate dog, came along with me, earning his VATChC  (Veteran Agility Trial Champion of Canada ) title in the Agility Association of Canada and competing in the first National Championship  in Calgary in 2001. A wonderful travel companion, reliable and sensible, we waded in the ocean around Victoria, explored the beaches and forests of the Queen Charlotte Islands, the prairies of Alberta and Saskatchewan.

He  became the “policeman” of Canines North, keeping order  among the other dogs, breaking up both boisterous play and signs of aggression. As new dogs entered the household he quietly maintained the status quo.  Sometimes people were nervous of this big black and tan dog with the measured gaze and deliberate movements, never cuddly, he tolerated handling by anyone but solicted attention from only a favoured few.

In 2002, at 10 years old, he was diagnosed with cancer, an aggressive malignant skin melanoma. The lump was removed from his gum but the prognosis was poor: 8 weeks to live without treatment, 7 to 8 months with chemotherapy and radiation, which would have meant travelling 1200 kms to a city clinic.

Expecting him to die, we went on a last road trip, a long anticipated 6 week journey from Smithers, B.C. to Boulder, Colorado. Together we wandered the back roads of Alberta and Montana, hiked in the Rockies and crossed the Continental Divide. Vegetables were added to his diet in organic, health-conscious Boulder. He came home in good health.

Shadow died as he lived: quietly, at home, with only myself and the other animals. Until two days before his death he followed me on our daily walks, the other dogs in front, Shadow and Riot, one of the cats, bringing up the rear. Stiff with arthritis in his hips and hard of hearing he continued to do what he did best, maintain a watchful eye over me and keep order in the household.

A wonderful first dog, I'll never know if he was named for his colour or his personality, but Shadow described him perfectly.

Thank you Yvette and Dave for keeping him safe at Turtle Gardens until we found each other.

Lorna

©Turtle Gardens Animal Rescue Society. Have your pet spayed or neutered today.

They said you were incorrigible – couldn’t be trained. Silly people didn’t know that Chesapeake Bay Retrievers need to bond to behave. And living in a barn was no life for a dog like you. So you came into my life and unto my bed. You were just a year old with a litter of springer spaniel mix pups by your side. You knew what I wanted before I asked you. You were smart, very well behaved and totally devoted. You were welcome everywhere because you were so well trained. You were a perfect companion and your passing ripped a huge hole in my heart. I know you are swimming in rapids, retrieving to your heart’s content and waiting ‘til we meet again.

©Turtle Gardens Animal Rescue Society. Have your pet spayed or neutered today.