One of my worst failings is paperwork. But TG is growing and with growing pains comes more paperwork. I am ok with the daily work of listing new arrivals, the pound guys where they come from etc. Occasionally I calculate where the dogs come from using these lists- the graphs are interesting. But my new best friend has to be paperwork - the kind that are used for reports and financial statements and my particular nemesis- tax receipts.  Last week I found the donations program that I had downloaded and started filling in donators. Each time a donation arrives - in the mail or from paypal - I add to the list. Today I started at the top of the list and wrote receipts and a thank you note to each one, addressed the envelopes, put a stamp on it and marked the donees as "receipt sent"  It took me all afternoon!!  Being a stubborn Taurus I wanted it done NOW. And it is, so I can relax. Now that the program is set up it should be relatively easy to keep up. My mantra has to be "Paperwork is my new best friend". My son is sending me "Quicken" to set up the books - I may never be away from this desk!!

Taco the newest indoor sheriff dog is doing very well. She is housebroken. She is very quiet. She has no recall whatsoever!!! In fact none of them do. They were just never loose. But if they ever get outside the fence it is a "chase me cause I can really run" game. Stanley has this game today with Stan the human version. He ran down the road across the bridge then did a u-turn down to the edge……..and fell in the river! For some reason the river is as high as spring - the water is near the banks and really traveling. So Stanley Dog fell in and couldn’t swim - he sank like a stone. Stanley my son rushed to the edge, leaned over holding the bridge and grabbed his collar as Stanley Dog gasped upwards frantic for air. He was soon back on dry land and leashed for the return to fenced areas. A subdued, wet dog may have learned his lesson - dogs can’t walk on water.

Stan finished the wall under the sewer pipe and what a neat job!!  Now if we can find Dan and the back hoe, we can finish the digging and final footing. Snow  is in the forecast. And i really want to get back into our warm and comfortable space. The yard looks great. The woodshed is empty of junk and ready for wood. The last of the materials is ready for use and the chimney has been located - local prices are as good as big city prices. Our new selkirk will be up and ready for the stove underneath it.

Nala’s pups are doing great - their eyes are open and they are so darn cute!! Holly’s little girl is walking around - she is nearing 4 weeks of age while Tripp’s little boy’s eyes are open now too. He is a "porker" so round and fat. All the dogs are gaining weight and soon they will be leaving for families one at a time!!

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