The smell of coffee brewing finally lured me out of my cocoon of warmth this morning! It was downright chilly again. Sweetpea and Grizzly were still under the covers and they didn’t get up with me - lucky dogs.  The cold trek to the washroom soon had me wide awake and bright eyed. Today the backfilling will be done! Then it is the inside work. Another week or two but it is bearable knowing the renos are almost done!!

Today was visitors day and I was in and out all day! Cheryl,Tracy and their two children surprised me - my boys went to school with her so I knew her right away - she looks just like her mother! They were looking for a medium small type dog to take camping, and other outdoor activities with their kids.  I showed them Nala’s puppies and they were a hit! Cuteness overload here. The soft, fluffy yellow girl with the star on her forehead will be going home after Christmas. They will be 5 weeks old tomorrow so another 4 weeks puts them right at Christmas week.Too hectic a time for a brand new puppy. They will have two vet checks/vaccinations and will have learned excellent doggie social skills. They will learn how to be dogs with the skills to learn how to be good family pets. It is a very important time in their lives they need to be with their mom and siblings.  There is fewer behavioral problems with dogs that have that most important relationship with their family.  We see more problems with dogs that were sold/adopted/given away too early. This little one will have the best chance we can give them to be a great family pet.

Then Andrew and his family arrived in two trucks - the entire extended family came to pick their family’s companion. They had an idea of the personality they were looking for. Shep came to mind when I discussed choices with them. I put a leash on him - Thank you Cheryl - those are very handy leashes you sent me - they fit in my pocket so I always have one handy - and he walked quietly out the gate and to the driveway. He sat when they came near. He quietly shook a paw. Then he went for a walk while I discussed the wannabe sled dogs with a friend of the family. Her family is considering adopting  one of the saluki types for skijorring, hiking or just hanging around. She and her family didn’t know that we had so many ready for homes already - only 9 (two are nursing moms) are left to speuter and they are scheduled for next week! The two moms will be done after Christmas when the babies are weaned.

Andrew and family were back and very happy with Shep! Shep has a home! Thank you Char for doing such a good job with him - he can retrieve, sit, walk well on a leash. A very good choice for an active family. Shep jumped into the back seat of the truck and away he went - sitting proudly looking out the window - he was going home!
Shep standing proud.

The last of the backfilling was done today! It is looking much better in the yard - like a yard again!! The house is already warmer inside - it had been very drafty before!
Finishing the front.

Dez and Mya watching Dan at the backhoe.

Leveling the berm around the house.

The finished berm on the dog yard side - higher than before - and smooth. Now to seed it in the spring. Oh the possibilities.

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