Turtle Gardens Animal Rescue

Coffee always tastes better when it is cold outside.

The little husky boy has a strange mark on his forehead. To me , it looks like the bird on top of many totems.  It gives him a very special mark. I wonder where his future will take him?

He is the biggest while behind him is the smallest!!

Since it was so cold Dave and I plugged all the drafts and I moved things around. I found a large bed for the pups, put a cover on it and it was soon filled wiht very happy puppies!!

Nala and her pups. Nala has a very good application. We are scheduling a home visit so she just may have her family after Christmas.

Room for everybody to stretch out in comfort.

Of course that leaves my bed empty so my old guys can relax in peace without those annoying puppies!

Aardvark and her sister Lucy were 16 years old this month on the 11th.

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

It really is winter now – it was -15 this morning and never did warm up past -8!! Tonight we are supposed to go down to -20. I guess it will be a 10 dog night!! The puppies can all climb up on my bed – and they have discovered under the duvet is very warm! All seven (Anna is the seventh!!) were curled up next to me under the covers – Sweetpea and Grizzly were not impressed. I was warm as toast – those furry heaters warm me as much as the warm up under the covers. Mind you these pups will need homes where their family understands they will need time to change that habit if it isn’t allowed. I hope it will be as they are going to be smallish dogs. Two of them remind me very much of cocker spaniels and their feet are webbed. Only the little husky looking boy appears to be a bigger dog. They sure are nice puppies – smart, active and full of fun. They are enjoying their world and they make me smile – a lot. Sure makes up for the messes they generate at mach 2 regularity. Why would anyone prefer a puppy to a well started adult is beyond my comprehension.  I will be very glad to see them adopted into their own families.

And now an update from earlier this summer!

Finally figured out how to send pictures, hehe.  Frayja is fully recovered from that scary sickness.

Frayja is really growing, she hasn’t gone bathroom in the house for a long time, which makes me happy!

She can rollover, shake a paw, lay down, sit, and, well were still working on staying and coming when she’s called.

She just lost the last her last tooth! Which explains the blood all over her chew duck‘s. I was hoping

I wasn’t just losing my marbles! Tons of woofs and tail wagsxxxxxxxFrayja-Jade & Marrisa.

Pretty girl!

And an update from little Hunter who was adopted last weekend!!

Hi Yvette,

I wanted to send you an email to let you know that Hunter is fitting
into our family wonderfully!  He is very sweet dog.  After Stan dropped
him off we headed to Petcetera for a new collar and a quick spa
treatment.  He seemed a little sad all afternoon, wouldn’t even take a
treat, just out of sorts.  We went for a walk in the afternoon with our
other dog Katie and that seemed to warm him up a bit.  He ate some
kibble by about 4pm.  As soon as I called our friends with the girl
Beagle, we had a dinner invite at their house ASAP.  They were very
excited to meet Hunter.  After being at their house for a couple hours I
headed out to pick up the take out dinner and apparently Hunter waited
at the door, whimpering.  As much as I thought that was sad, I was very
happy to see he had grown attached to me in such a short time.  Hunter
and Ginger (girl Beagle) played for a long while, but Hunter soon grew
very tired.  It had been a very long and exciting day for him.  We came
home and he climbed into our bed….as this is not a "well loved idea"
for my husband, we quickly found Hunter a laundry basket full of our
towels and he quickly settled in and slept very well all night.

On Sunday we were off to our daughters soccer game where he was adored
by all her friends.  We had plans that kept us from being with him
Sunday afternoon so he and Katie headed off to a "playdate" with Harley
and Cody (ChrissAnn and Jamie Hird’s 2 former Turtle Garden’s rescue’s).
They played and played and played ….another good night sleep for
Hunter in the Laundry basket (we are planning on getting him a wicker
basket soon!).

Yesterday morning was a bit of a test for Hunter.  I left him alone with
Katie while I took the kids to school.  No problems.  We then went for a
quick drive to pick up Ginger and had an hour at the fenced doggie park,
where the dogs met some playmates.  Hunter and a Border Collie got along
great.  He had an issue with a larger male Mastiff/Lab cross.  Hunter
ended up on a time out for getting a little too aggressive.  He bounced
back and ignored the dog from then on. He is a very quick learner.

He had a quiet afternoon outside with Katie and then a busy playful
evening with the kids.  The kids adore him and he is very well behaved
with them.  He has quickly learned which is his in our livingroom,
although last night he was pushing the bar trying to get on the couch
constantly.  That was my fault, as earlier in the day I invited him up
on the couch for pictures!!  But now each evening when the kids and I go
upstairs to get them ready for bed he gone to and stayed on his bed.
Can’t ask for much more than that!!  Thank you for sending Hunter to our
family!

Kelly

Here are some photos of the past few days….

  A tired Hunter is a good boy!!

Handsome Hunter!

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

The phone ringing drove me out of my warm cocoon and so my day began. The call was from a lady in Fraser Lake. She had a stray dog come into her yard and he wouldn’t leave. She had phoned around and discovered there was only one place that took in stray dogs. Her veterinarian told her if we might take the dog but that we had taken a pack of dogs recently and might not have room. She said it was a young “small” dog. That he was very nice and got along well with her dogs, her cat. That he had nowhere else to go. Sad stories always get to me. So I gave her directions to TG and got up to start my day. Coffee was soon perking perfuming the air with his delicious promise of a great cuppa! The dogs were rotated outside, puppies fed and water hauled in. The water has frozen in the cabin – it was -17 last night and never went above -10 yesterday! Winter has arrived.

I went out to the main gate and met them. I soon had my handy dandy “noose” leash on him – thank you again Cheryl, I always have one in my pocket!!. After a few minutes of talking she returned to her car for the two hour drive back home in falling snow – again. The little guy and I walked to the dog yard gate, then trough the gate – no problems – although he is intact he is young enough not to have “THAT” odor!! The dogs like him – he has excellent doggie skills. Soon we were at the door to the cabin and inside where he found a quiet spot under the kitchen table. Safe and sound at last!

 

He is about 7 or 8 months old, a border collie mix? he is white with black patches, tan hocks and red and black speckles on his ears and coat. He has almost all the colors of a box of crayons – maybe he should be named Crayola?? Or perhaps Daniel – who has a coat of many colors?

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

There is only one more pot of Starbucks coffee left to enjoy. But luckily for me – a new flavour came with Stan from Susan – Bailey’s mom – organically grown coffee from Saltspring Island!!  I can’t wait to try it tomorrow morning. Thank you so very much for the wonderful gift of enjoyment – Cynda’s family and Susan. I so appreciate it. I really enjoy my coffee – thank you!!

I also found Tucker’s family blog most enjoyable. Today they are looking back at Tucker’s beginning at Turtle Gardens way back on February 28th. It is here inmanroad.blogspot.com/2007/11/looking-back.html

And I like following Penny’s blog with Boxer rescue. Penny is one of the Sheriff dogs who went to rescue soon after arrival here. Her blog is here: rescueaboxer.blogspot.com/2007/11/penny-has-come-back.html

I enjoy following my guys in their daily lives. If other ones of my adopters have blogs please let me know and I will link to them and read them too!!

And an update from Bailey:
Hi everyone,

I’m delighted to report that Bailey is officially in residence! She was driven from Topley, BC (near Smithers and Terrace) to Surrey last Saturday, arriving in the wee hours. Stan called at 8:30 to say they’d arrived…a day earlier than expected!

I’d arranged with him and my "other mother", Mrs K, to have Bailey delivered to her home in Burnaby. After a great flurry of activity to get ready, check out of the hotel and over to Mrs K’s, Bailey and Stan arrived. She walked right up to me as if she knew. I’d sent my scent to Yvette at Turtle Gardens Animal Rescue a couple of weeks earlier. Also, scents for Sunshine and Tuxedo. I know it’s sounds a bit crazy but honestly, I do believe it’s made a difference. Especially with the cats.

The learning curve for a dog rescued from a reserve is really fascinating. They’ve never gone to the biff in front of a human; they’ve never eaten kibble and when introduced to it, several GI irritations can follow; they tend to "mouth" your arm ‘cuz so often they’ve been chained and it’s the only thing they can do, etc, etc, etc. I was SO pleased that Stan shared all this info as it’s been SO helpful in how to approach Bailey.

Mom always used to say, "start out as you mean to continue, dear". So that’s been the guideline for Bailey. The biff was the first hurdle…she had to learn to "do it" ON leash, in front of me, from the start. She did…and she continues to do so. Step One accomplished. She’s now asking to go out and meaning it. Step Two. Success on that front, too. And today she is doing both requirements on her walk!! Step Three.

Food has been interesting. We tend to feed our dogs premium kibble, with a high protein factor. Native dogs’ systems cannot tolerate it as it’s too rich and scratches their innards, causing bleeding. I’ve switched to a canned food, mixed it with some of Zack’s premium canned food, added cooked rice AND am crushing a few kibble to get her used to it. At first, before I started crushing this baby-finger-nail-sized kibble, she quite ceremoniously spit each one out. Such a mess I’ve never seen. It was a hoot. All my other dogs have inhaled their food within a few seconds. Not Bailey…she goes back a few times. Guess she’s relishing every morsel ^_^

The two most wonderful features…she knows how to play with toys. My house has dog AND cat toys strewn from one end to another. She goes from toy to toy…flipping them in the air, bringing them to me to throw. Generally, having fun like a kid in a candy shop. This has truly suprised me as I didn’t think she’d know how to play.

That ability to play also extends to other dogs. I’ve actually never had a dog that knew how to play with other dogs. Bailey is wonderful to watch in action. She’s got all the moves down pat to entice others. At the moment, I’m not letting her off leash, so her play is somewhat curtailed. That’s not stopping her though.

As we got our first snowfall of the season yesterday, she has had a blast. I think she must have part jack rabbit in her the way she leaps straight into the air and pounces. If I hadn’t had my cleats on, I’d have been swept down the street at full speed. Yvette, I think she’s learned some tricks from those 45 sled dogs you’ve rescued and are in process of rehabilitating. (http://www.turtlegardens.org if anyone wants to follow this story. It’s truly amazing.)

Thursday Bailey will be going to the groomer for the first time. Today when I was blowing dry my hair, I used it on her to break her in. She thought it was the neatest toy! Think she’ll be okay, don’t you?

Yesterday I stopped at the veterinarian’s office to introduce her, without having anything done. Her previous experience was being spayed and losing all her puppies. So the staff made a real fuss of her, feeding her liver treats. Her weight is 38 pounds, so she is actually just a tad bigger than Zack was.

Her coat is looking better with some daily brushing. She quite enjoys this now, so we can work at it for awhile. Also with the vet visit this Friday, am poking in her ears, checking her teeth, manipulating her feet. She enjoys it all. SUCH a nice treat for me. Can hardly believe how gentle she is. The two-year-old puppy streak is also intact….she’s full of p & v, then crashes soundly for a sleep.

I’d say she’s feeling truly at home, happy and secure. To Yvette, and everyone at Turtle Gardens, you’ve sent me the most wonderful dog. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

love to all,

Susan and Bailey

PS Our next big lesson….kitties! She’s doing very well and has been nose to nose with Tuxedo, my braver kitty. Sunshine is still "hiding’ on top of the upright deep freeze in the computer room. Am making a huge fuss of her so she doesn’t go into long-term hiding like she did with Zack. So far, so good. She’s been on my lap as I write some of this epistle…Bailey is sound asleep in the laundry room (cooler there, so I think she likes it)

And an update from Jaxon who stayed with us for awhile during the spring and summer and Honeybear – adopted two years ago:

Hi Yvette -

At long last, we are – all of us – settled in a real home. I’ve attached a couple of pictures for your enjoyment.

Jaxon is still a bratty redhead, but he’s learning that the cats will win, every time. He’s a loving little soul who simply needs a year or two to learn that wrestling with a cat is not the most effective route to friendship. *wink* You can see, though, that he has moments of sweet calm.

The other picture, of course, is of my pride and joy, Honey Bear. This is something I never thought I’d see: Honey Bear playing, off-leash. She is a constant marvel and we all love her.

I check the TG blog nearly every day. I am pleased to see that renovations are progressing well and I hope to see you all, cozy and warm, soon!!

Susan

Honeybear playing free!

Redheaded Jaxon at home!

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

The weather outside was frightful – snow coming down in huge flakes!! Stan and Kelsey made it home here at 5.30 am. Thank doG they made it safe! It is still snowing a sticky snow that covers the branches in fairy tale splendor. Not so the roads! They are treacherous! Today is a stay at home day. At least until the snowplow clears the roads.

Yesterday we had a visit from a lady who told us that we were her last resort for her little dog. Myra’s problem – she is not housebroken. She will be 2 years old on February 5^th, has had a litter of pups and is a bit shy. My mistake was looking into her little face. Turtle Gardens welcomes Myra.

A big yawn at the camera!!
Myra is a chihuahua/pomeranian mix  – under 10 pounds of love!!

And here is an update on my little Fragglerock now renamed Tucker the Trucker buddy!

And little Bailey who “knew” her mom right away! She ran to her and jumped up to say “hello – where have you been?”  She has totally turned from a “lost little soul” to a happy go-lucky fun loving companion. What a perfect match!

Our beautiful Daisy is fitting in really well. She loves to play and her walks are really special to her.
Rocky is accepting but hesitant. Daisy just goes with the flow.We are really enjoying her. thank-you with love Jo-Ann Ralston.I will keep you posted.

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

The puppies are growing well and I have decided to name a couple of them. Mackenna is the saluki/husky mom with a single girl pup who looks just like her. So I named her Anna – Mackenna and BabyAnna!!

Baby Anna – sturdy, strong, cuddly little girl!

Then I noticed that the black puppy has white toes on all her feet just like little ballet shoes. Welcome Margo after Margo Fonteyn.
Just the toes are white spots!

See the little white toes on her back foot? She is still looking for her own family.

This is Cynda’s family puppy!
They know how to get up on the rollaway cot!

And I am thinking of Belinda for this little girl – she is quite a talker!!

Here is Belinda with Poncho – one of the saluki mixes!! They still need families of  their own too.

And the last unspoken for pup is the mini-malamute who will look very much like Robbie!
He is well over twice the size of his sisters.

This is Auntie Sophie – our coyote mix who has "mothered" every litter that arrives here!! She will be 18 years old in December. Sweetpea still sleeps with her once in awhile. She was one of Sophie’s special ones too. Little Belinda is cuddled next to her Auntie Sophie. Sophie will call them to her and plays with them, cleans them and babysits them so the mothers can take time away from their litters. With motherless pups – she will stay with them and care for them until they are adopted.

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