Was I always a puppy freak (sorry Kelsey it just fits here - her email handle!!)? Actually no. Because I was asthmatic as a youngster – I had a bird as a pet growing up. Then when I was 16 I had a serious accident that left me with lifelong reminders of that evening. Two minutes to closing time on the last day of my vacation I dove in a swimming pool and fractured my neck. I was supposed to die but of course I didn’t then I was paralyzed for a month but I recovered. Now I know why.

When I got home after 3 months in hospital I was given my first dog from my older sister – a terrier/beagle mix and I was allowed to keep her – I had almost died – crass but I really wanted her. Cindy was my introduction to the dog world and the beginning of a lifelong love affair with the animals.

She went with me when I married Dave in ’69; stayed with me when I had both my children, when we moved our family from Ontario to British Columbia in ’74 she was part of our family so she came too. Four days on a train with two kids less than 2 years of age, 2 dogs and a cat made for a long very long trip but our family was complete. Cindy passed away when she was 16 years old – in my arms where she belonged.

It wasn’t until 1988 when I became Granisle’s animal control officer that destiny/karma/cause and effect whatever you want to call it, was fulfilled. Turtle Gardens has made a difference in my life and for animals in the north. Over 4000 animal lives have been changed not counting the human lives that have been made better because an animal has enriched their lives. One moment in time can change everything we believe in. And be a different season in life’s journey.

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