I really felt every day of my age today when I tried to stand up! Two cups of coffee and 2 aspirins and I am mobile - slow but upright. It was a very big day yesterday and my arthritis is protesting.

Bev and Kelly were here bright and early to pick up the chosen ones for this trip. Stan was able to guide the choices as he KNOWS the dogs already! He can touch each and every one and tell us which ones are ok for us to work with. He can see who gets along well with who so he could assist Kelly with compatible dogs for the trip. The final decision is a female black and cream/tan and it looks like her pup - a shepherd looking, shy but very workable pup of 8 months or so. The pup now named Tracker spent the night with Kelly and Bev at the Whispering Pines Motel here in Topley. He was very good - clan and well behaved. He is a very intelligent, willing pup. Kelly is pleased with him. She really wanted to take Stanley but there is some concern about his weight - and stamina for such a long trip. He will go later once his health improves. He is willing and so affectionate.  I know it was hard for Kelly to leave him. thank you so much Kelly for everything and it was wonderful to finally meet you. Bev - I wish our visit was longer- hopefully you will come up flyfishing in our country!! Dave knows some fabulous lakes -our very own secret lake with big, big, trout! You made me laugh and I really really had a great time.

Tracker - a new German Shepherd Rescue!

Kelly and Bev with Tracker and his mom.

Tracker’s feet are cleaned and he is ready to go!

Drying mom’s feet - her first step to "yuppie puppie - ville" Can you say road trip?

And an update from our wonder- dog - Mairin!

mairin on sheep this weekend – NICE

Mairin working sheep!

And from my former foot warmer - Orphie!

Dear Yvette,

I do not know if you received my 2 previous messages so I will give you a full update on our dear little Orphie.” Just last evening Anne and Rick (my daughter and son-in law) asked: "Does it seem like it is just four weeks (tomorrow) that I have had Orphie with me?"
""No, it seems like she has been here forever." She is such a wonderful part of the family.

When she goes to their home for a visit or a sleepover all four of them are reluctant to let me take her home.

She is fully trained in every aspect. She understands all requests. (Sometimes has a Corgi attitude. OH Well, if you insist
I’ll do it your way, but you know I would rather do it my way.

When she is with me she is very mellow and a little old ladies dog. When she is with my family of younger people, she is very busy, lively and animated.

Even though there is food availabe at all times she only eats once a day, and a specific amount. If there is a cup and a half in the dish she only eats about a cup. At first she would not drink the town tap water. I had to giver her "Gala Bay Springs" which she prefers but will drink tap water if needs be.
Her outdoor routine is very predictable in regard to time and place. Very easy to have her in the right place at the right time. To the point of being comical.

If I approach the patio door with a jacket on,"Oh great it is my time to go out." On the other hand if I go to the back door of the apartment, she no longer even leaves her quilt to say "Goodbye." "OK, she is going on her own. I’ll just go back to sleep." She is always at the patio door with tail wagging frantically as I drive up.

I will be moving to Seniors Housing mid November. There will no longer be an issue of having a pet.( although in this building thankfully the landlords have looked the other way). We will have more privacy and better walking routes.

Anne said last eve:"She is the best dog of any we have ever had in the family." The little girls 7 and 10 are also devoted to her.

Anne said,"Mom, I have not seen you so contentend and relaxed for a long time. I am sleeping better. How comforting to feel that soft LUMP on top of the covers.

It took only a couple of gentle shoves to know she had to be on the lower half of the bed.

She loves her bath and especially the brushing. Shedding is almost over and her coat is beautiful, shiny black with the glow of sable shining through.

We all thank you so very much for choosing us for her loving family.

Sincerely,

Joan

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