Morning has broken and it is another cold day -20 overnight!  Thank goodness for good coffee. We received many gift packages this Christmas with my favorite brand of coffee and treats for my guys. Thank you so very much. Christmas hampers give us treats we normally wouldn’t enjoy - again we thank you. Life at the zoo is very good.  One of our packages held fuzzy pink piggy toys for puppies and of course the puppies were all around me watching me open the  gift - there might be treats for them in it - others have!! They grabbed toys and ran around playing with them - tug, chase and squeaks. Then I read the note inside. Wendi mentioned that the little teddy bear has money inside his back where the replaceable squeakers go. Now it was a scramble to find the puppy with the teddy bear!! All the puppies were found but no teddy bear. Then I heard a squeak squeak and looked over to the corner under the chair and there was Sweetpea playing with the teddy bear - she loves to squeak toys and doesn’t chew them. Luckily for us the teddy gave up his treasure of cash and Sweetpea was given back her new favorite toy. Thank you Wendi!!

It is now Duggie’s in-house rotation.  He certainly has calmed down after his neuter. His health has improved tremendously with the worming as well. What a nice dog he is. He is very dog social and enjoys playing with Crayola!! Today on his walk with Dave Duggie was trying to play with the puppies - they were so small and quick that they would dart under his legs and he would spin trying to keep up. Dave and I laughed until we cried. Of course I didn’t have my camera handy! These pups average 7 to 8 pounds - the smallest is just over 5 pounds while the male is almost 9 pounds. They are now 11 weeks old and will be getting their second vaccinations and going to their new families. Although small dogs they are dogs and run and play in the snow. They are not frou frou types but solid well rounded puppies.

And now pictures of some of the dogs. This time of year we don’t see any sunlight as the hill in front of us block the sun until January 10th or so. so it looks colder and drearier than it really is.

Chunky Munky aka Nicky is such a serious little guy. He is slowly losing weight and is feeling so much better! He follows Dave everywhere he goes so he would prefer a home with someone who putters around a garden or workshop. He is always where the action is.

Good natured Duggie - he is a non roamer so can be loose during his in house rotation. What an incredibly nice dog! The TG Bus is plugged in for cold weather!

Little Nala - with Margo. Nala is slowing gaining her new colours - she was malnourished white!! She will be a lovely golden girl with sharp white markings. She has learned that inside comforts are great especially beds!!

I thought Tiguak looked a tad crowed - notice the dogs behind her in the small crate with the soft cushion!! 18 year old Sophie thought she would sneak in a nap in Tiguak’s spot! Tiguak too is slowing changing colours. She too will be a soft gold.

And finally Dave the pied piper on his daily walk around the property. Crayola, Duggie, Spirit and a corner of Chunky Munky!

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