‘Happy Endings” by Turtle Gardens Animal Rehabilitation Society - Apr23/03

It is so quiet that I can hear the clock ticking. Because I can, I stop what I am doing and listen to the quiet ticking. Soon I hear a pup slurping water and turn to look at the pretty chocolate coloured girl drinking at the water pail. She doesn’t realize how close to death she had been on Friday. She was on the table scheduled for euthanasia by the pound. She sat expectantly, a young, healthy baby supposed to die because she was unwanted. Pound dogs die every day; young, healthy, adoptable prospective family pets. But not this one. She was rescued by Turtle Gardens, vaccinated by Burns Lake Veterinary Clinic (thank you for caring so much), dewormed and has an adoption pending in Saltspring Island. We are full to capacity with wonderful family dogs. Expenses are high for the vaccinations wormer, food - an 18 kg bag and a half every day as well as puppy food, cat food and cat litter, as well as wood pellets to keep the wood stove warm for the furry freeloaders. Of course the biggest expense is the spaying and neutering of all the eligible animals - cats and dogs. Donations are needed desperately to help save as many unwanted, adoptable family pets as we can.

There was five tiny puppies in the box left under their mailbox in Hazelton. Their eyes were barely open. They were bottle fed by their daughter during the night and brought in to Turtle Gardens.   Ten pairs of cloudy blue eyes looked up at me from black, foxy faces. These would be smaller dogs. Bottle fed with puppy milk replacer they have thrived. They can now lap softened puppy food mixed with their milk. Messy but a lot less work than bottle feeding every three hours. They are fed six times a day. Every time they wake up they eat. They need cuddles and loving to help them become social, little companions and that part is so easy because they are so cute. All puppies and kittens are cute. But they grow up into dogs and cats. How they grow up depends on how they are raised. Like children they need, boundaries set and discipline tempered with lots of love. Positive reinforcement works best. Lorna and I have written a Beginner’s Guide to Clicker Training. The booklet sells for $15 and includes the clicker. ALL the proceeds are used by Turtle Gardens for spays and neuters. We are also planning a Giant Yard Sale June 20^th and 21^st in the Steelhead Park in Houston. Donations and volunteers to help in setting up or picking up donations would be greatly appreciated. One hour to help needy animals in your community. Please help Turtle Gardens help adoptable pets.

 Hey Mom I hope you like my choice. I hope your flight was smooth talk to ya soon don’t worry we will hold the fort for you. Son #1 

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