Our puppies may be small but they sure can eat! All told we have 20 pups - still or again or however we count them. All under the age of 5 months they are: Extro from Serene’s litter -  14 weeks, Teeny Teena from Bonnie Lassie - 12 weeks, 6 smalls pups from Heather - 7 weeks , Boots’ pups, 8 of them -  7 weeks, Cap - 5 months, Kingston also 5 months last but not least Tara and Mooshka - 5 months old.  25 bags of 18 kg puppy food lasts them 18 days. Not to mention what the big guys eat . Needless to say we go through a lot of dog food. We have been fortunate in filling the van each time we go down on an adoption trip.But the last trip was short of kibble.And we are running critically short of food. So Dave went  to buy some. Houston only had one bag of chicken and rice puppy food - I prefer a premium brand for pups and only two bags of no name for the adults.  Now he needs to go to another town further away to try and find food. If they have more than 4 bags of food - the gas to pick it up and time used to go and get is frustrating and uneconomical.. We need a pallet at a time!

Then I noticed free dog food available at the North Van Animal Welfare Shelter when I checked my favorite forum. So I quickly contacted Stan to call and see if we could get some. I have no idea of distances in Vancouver. Poor Stan will have to go miles to pick it up;  which he will because Mom asked. He will round up enough for a pallet and take it to Bandstra to ship it up here. Even if we have to pay the shipping it will be well worth it both for the quality of food and the amount of food. It will save time and money to have it in bulk. We are too rural to constantly look for dogfood. Thank you North Vancouver Animal Welfare Shelter, Langley Animal Protection , Bandstra and Stan for co-ordinating our dog food search and delivery. I don’t like having less than 5 bags - I stress worrying about food. My babies are growing like weeds. Have a look!!
THE FACES OF TURTLE GARDENS::
Angel and tiny little Kingston
Angel and Heather’s pup
Cap and pups

Chuck and a Boots pup

Extro - Serene’s pup - is he ever growing!!!

Heather nursing pups - she or Boots will nurse all the pups once or so a day!

A magpie begging for dog food - they were born here so are quite tame. this one is right by my feet!

Mooshka

Orphan Annie!

littlest heather pup in front, Mooshka’s nose!

Beautiful, gentle Tara.

And big eared little Teeny Teena!!

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

I was really hoping that the rain falling when I woke up would cool off the house. Not a chance - it is still too hot indoors - too many hot bodies panting and warming everything up. I have two fans running full time, the  front door is opened (I keep spraying with Off outdoors to keep mosquitoes at bearable levels) for cross draft and to let the little guys in and out during the day. Windows are open and still it is not comfortable. Marka bring lots of bug spray when you are camping - the mosquitoes, black flies and sand flies are at all time highs!! The dogs are inside more than they are outside - they don’t like the bugs either!!

We have a discussion going on the "Big Shoots" in the comments. I like discussions and controversy. So I will tell you as much as I know.  Warning letters are sent to the communities a week before the scheduled shoots so they can keep the wanted dogs inside that day. But if the problem dogs are are missed then they are "taken care of" without warning. To prevent "shoots" a rescue - any rescue -  has to take every dog immediately without question and without funding. There are 17 First Nation Communities in my area alone as well as 11 towns/Villages,blinks (if you blink you miss it) and only TG to take in dogs though Kitimat Humane Society will help as much as they can from Hazelton/Kispiox area. With all the rescues in the Lower Mainland and Island - there are still "shoots" there too. The First Nation  Community near Victoria has passed a by-law allowing designated ""culling shoots". This was just last week. With all the resources available why are there so many problem dogs without help there?

The far north has fewer resources yet they have free spay/neuter available with special programs. The same problem dogs are on every  community. Education and social change are the key to success. Dogs are still viewed as property and not family members. Puppies keep the children busy for the summer and are discarded when school starts. TG has rescued 250 to 300 dogs every year  since 1989. The flow hasn’t slowed down - how do we stop the flow? How can we convince people that dogs are valued family members not property like a stereo or car to be discarded when they get old or no longer the cute and cuddly puppy. And not only on First Nation Reserves - on farms in towns everywhere there are people, old fashioned thinking is still prevalent. I receive two or three calls every week for "good outside dog - good with children" "Oh no they can’t come in the house - we have a new house; or big dogs are too dirty, or we have a small lap dog in the house but we want a big dog for outside to watch the kids while they are playing. Needless to say TG doesn’t have any suitable dogs for them. All my dogs are destined to be "family companions".  And I tell people that. They may not like my policy but there are lots of "free to a good home" dogs out there. As long as people won’t take responsibility for the life in their hands there will be a need for rescues like Turtle Gardens. Change is needed but HOW?

The Faces of Turtle Gardens:
Old Marty  and smallest pups- a feral dog from a Houston collector who died in 2004 leaving 13 little dogs - all were adopted except Marty now 16 years old who is quite happy here - his name had been - Hey You!
Little Raven who is still very timid - he is slowly coming around - his 2 brothers Coon and Possum and sister Brie have been adopted.

Silas caught mid stride - such a happy face!!

Bryan having a quiet moment!

And a cute puppy face - Heather’s only light coloured pup!

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

It is a little cooler today. But  I noticed a red lightning strike on my weather button on my task bar - it is flashing - "Severe thunderstorm watch" Good Grief - I better write the blog so I can shut down the "puter if it starts!! It is 24 degrees right now- a few clouds and a tad cooler. Yesterday was way too hot - 35 is too hot for me and most of th edogs. They didn’t make noise until the sun started setting behind the tree tops and  that was after 9 pm!!! It is still dusk at 10.30. Gotta love the north country!! Then they started playing, barking and having fun. I am sure my neighbours were not impressed.

Linnet aka Meeka was adopted and transported on our May 29th TG Run.

Well a quick update on Meeca - she is wonderful!!  She is great walking on the leash and is very smart.  Still a puppy although we haven’t lost anymore shoes.  She loves to play with her toys in the yard and races around like crazy, she is very entertaining!!!  She is wonderful with all kids and adults alike.  She came to us at about 53 pounds and is about 60 now.  She is up to date on her shots and has done very well at the vet.

I am wondering when Dave brought the dogs down - are they sedated? and are they in crates??

I ask because she gets car sick - we are working on it and our last outing was pretty good - just curious to know.  Thanks,  Sharon

A picture is attached

Hi Yvette,
I was wondering if you could pass along these photos to Elaine, who
posted a comment on your website about Lassie and her pup (our baby)
Alfred/Sunny.  I think both of you would get a kick out of these
photos of Sunny.  He is lucky to be alive thanks to Lassie’s bravery
and Turtlegardens!  He’s the best little buddy we could ever ask for.
Thanks!

Handsome Sunny A!

Ah thank you Yvette, oh my God he is lovely, he has brought tears to my eyes, he looks so much like Lassie but lighter.  I would love to send on pics of Lassie to Gillian. Do you think it would be okay to send them directly, I see her email or should I send them through you? I asked her to send them to Gillian but to me as well so I could post them for you!

Hi Yvette, here are some photos. I did include one of Tochty, our rescued JRT, I know he’s not from TG and you don’t have to include this one but of course they are our family :o)  You decide, thanks so much. I agree - so all are shown!!

Lassie and Will - both TG Alumni!

Tochty is a rescue too! and Lassie’s family.

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

It was already hot when I got up early this morning! Water bowls were already empty and food dishes not much better. The dogs are eating during the night when it is cooler. First job of the day was fill up those dishes. Then clean up the deposits and finally make the coffee. I sat down to contemplate my day when Dave go up - he could smell the coffee brewing. Now both of us are trying to how best do what has to be done in this bloody heat! I get quite cranky in the  heat - I don’t do heat well at all. I think there is something wrong with my internal thermostat - one I am hot I stay hot. Not pleasant.

Dave figuring out our day!!

I love that camera!! Yesterday I counted how many times I filled the water dishes. Each one hold one gallon of water and there are 5 of them. The inside dishes were filled - 26 times and the outside ones were filled 10 times. That is 36 gallons of water - hand carried and filled from 9 am to 9 pm. I also filled the inside ones before I went to bed and the kitchen one in the middle of the night as I went by it.  Those dogs sure can drink! I realize this is nonsense trivia but that is how I spend my days - catering to the needs of these furry fiends.

Today is already too hot to do much. The dogs are all stretched out in front of the fans. Or in the shade trying to find a breeze outside. It sure is quiet . Not a peep anywhere. It is too hot to expend energy. They have a good idea. Let’s just laze around until it cools off.

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

I sent 8 of my babies down to Langley Animal Protection Society who operate a shelter in Langley but also a satellite program at the Abbostford Prison for Women. A few people have been asking me to explain what i meant about the "prison program". So I emailed Marka and asked her. This is her reply - by the way Marka is an adopter from TG too as well as a hardworking supporter for LAPS and TG.

I know that the Fraser Valley Institution (in Abbotsford), for women, is committed to providing positive training & low stress housing for problem dogs from the LAPS shelter, this improves their chance of finding permanent, loving homes in the community.

I think puppies are new to them, don’t quote me, but a good idea , as you know many people surrender their new dogs within a year when they haven’t bothered to train them, thinking they have nothing to do for upkeep.

The facility has 12 runs, brand new kennels (believe me these are really nice, I have been there, I would stay all night there) - situated on   10 acres (FVI correctional centre for federally sentenced women. )

The runs are clean, large and fully heated with cozy beds.  6 runs are dedicated to special needs dogs from the LAPS shelter, with the remaining 6 for family pet daycare & boarding.

LAPS dogs receive 3-6 weeks of intensive obedience training & behavioral modification.  They socialize with people & dogs –Possible with free play with other dogs in the fenced areas, & also home like settings, practicing house training & house manner skills.

Each LAPS dog is assigned a female trainer who provides one on one interaction through play, training sessions 7 exercise.

The women gain self worth, learn responsibility & life skills, & receive valuable employment training.

Once fully trained & socialized, the LAPS dogs are put up for adoption.  To reduce the dog’s stress & ensure a good match, the adopting families will receive 3 private training sessions w/ their new dog before the adoption process can be completed.

the FVI also boards, and does daycare, this helps offset their costs, I have visited the facility with both Riley and Bear, because Bear has special needs I can’t go anywhere without him or without a person or babysitter , if I ever have to leave town without my dogs this is the only place that I would feel secure to leave him, as he needs a secure wolf enclosure and a place where he doesn’t hurt himself trying to find me, but I have never resorted to this , but it is good to know in an emergency.

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

Hayley and Dakota would love a picture of Silas!
Hayley and Dakota donated their birthday money to Silas!!

In Honour of SunnyA 3rd birthday present for "Sunny" (formerly called Alfred) who was rescued by Turtle Gardens and adopted by us in September 2004. He’s the best little pal we could ever ask for. Happy birthday Sunny!
Gillian & Rob L

Alfred was one of "Lassie’s" pups! She was found on the side of the road with a cracked pelvis. Below her in a culvert were 7 pups - this is one of them. Thank you so very much!

"The ANIMALS" from Canadahelps

Yvette:
This is to sponsor the scared girl and I’m really thinking she looks like a "Heidi" girl to me ! She is an absolute doll, and someone will be lucky enough to enjoy all the happiness this little one has to give.
Kate and sponsor sis Lucy

Beautiful, little Heidi thanks you!

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

There is always something to do at TG and repairs are always ongoing. With this many dogs some are bound to be fence jumpers, diggers and some just check each and every board to see if one is loose,  Then it is an exodus of loose dogs - a river of canine bodies flowing out the hole in a ragged stream. Then it is a round of of escapees who rarely go far and repairs again. We are very rural here, there is no activities for mile to more - once out there is little to see or hear. But the grass is always greener on the other side - even for dogs. Until they get there and it smells the same. Their friends are on the other side so they wait at the gate to get back in. Until the next break-out! And like a herd of sheep they all follow the leader to ….nowhere.

So Dave went out and hammered in new posts to straighten the fence and tighten the gate. We really need a new fence. This one was made from the scrap pile at the mill (Dave is very enterprising - that’s how we keep going with little or no money!!). The posts were used that were at the dump. It has held the dogs in for two years but it is now needing repairs almost daily. Time for fundraising to build a skookum fence that the dogs cannot escape from. We will be having another Giant Fleamarket - location to be announced - time 1st or 2nd week of August!! We will be looking for gently used items; pick up points will be Surrey, False Creek, and locally - Burns Lake, Houston, Hazelton and Smithers. I do mean GIANT FLEAMARKET!!! Volunteers would be gladly appreciated.

Dave’s oldest dog - Sasha - 16 years old watching him.

And now our newest arrival. And this one really makes me mad! I am seeing red and if I knew who it was that did this to her - I would hog tie and do the same to him or them!! Someone thought it would be funny to burn this small dog with cigarettes. Her sides are pockmarked with round blisters where a cigarette was held to her side. It branded the skin is dozens of spots. She will carry the scars for life. what kind of idiot could do that to a helpless animal?

Turtle Gardens offers sanctuary to our little white girl. She sure could use a sponsor -  a very special name! She is teenager pup with a forgiving heart - she is very friendly and cuddly. She has no reason to be.

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

Hi Yvette
 I see several others have sent in updates, so I thought I’d do
likewise.

Chaska continues to do well. The first time we left her alone she was
definitely NOT happy and let us know loudly, but now she knows we will
come back and doesn’t fuss much. We’re working on "Come;" she does that
very well, as long as she knows I have a treat in my hand and there is
nothing more interesting going on…. We need some more work there!

She is now quite confident of herself all over the house and the
backyard, running up and down the stairs inside and the terraces
outside, so we ventured out on a couple short walks in the neighborhood.
She wasn’t so sure about things the first time on the street, but by the
second she wanted to go farther(as long as we stayed away from the
neighbors barking terriers).  The Fourth of July fireworks didn’t bother
her at all - I think she just figured they were just another one of
those weird city noises.

The main issue we are having is that EVERYTHING goes in her mouth.  The
rugs and blankets in her crates, my shoes, pine cones, leaves and twigs
- you name it, she chews it!  So she has lots of toys and we’re teaching
her what is OK to chew on and what is not.  Meanwhile we stay vigilant
and try to keep temptations removed from her space.

I tell my friends about Chaska’s little sister, Teeny Teena, hoping to
find someone interested in adopting her.  One possibility so far; maybe
something will come of it, maybe not. I sent them one of the picture you
sent me a month or so ago, of both Chaska and Teeny Teena.

Thanks again for the great puppy!

Rondi

And dear Chewbaca now know as Rain: He has bonded extra hard and is trying way too hard to be everything he wants to be. He needs an obedience class to learn boundaries and to learn that Sandi is in charge not him! Lorna can explain this much better than I - she has visited a special trainer Monique who lives very close to Sandi.

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