Turtle Gardens busy days again
I am really starting to hate the telephone - the harbinger of dogs in need. There is only so much room here. And the options are so limited in the great white north - ok so it is green now but it is white in its uncaring attitudes. I realize that there is mega unemployment and that families have to move to where the jobs are but aren’t pets part of the family too? I know I received the phone call last month for a shepherd lab mix- his owner was moving but TG was waaayy full. So I said "No room, sorry" Yesterday I got a call from Babine Pet hospital - they had this young (under a year so really a puppy) "shepherd/lab mix" male dog for euthanasia from the Houston Pound. Did I have any room? It just didn’t feel right to kill a young dog cuz there wasn’t a shelter in the Bulkley Valley. Thank doG we had just adopted 9 dogs to their new families so we did have room - now. I could hear the despair in Cheryl’s voice and her relief when I said he can come in. Dave had just left the clinic so I told his tentative route and she called around to find him. I think a cell phone would be a much needed tool! Turtle Gardens welcomes our handsome surprisingly well behaved new arrival:
He reminds me a lot of Amelia - he has the same "soft" temperament and eagerness to please. He needs a name - a good name to reflect what a good boy he is.
You will notice that a lot of the new dogs drag a leash for the first few days - some longer depending on how they react to the other dogs and how well they come to us. It prevents drama and is easy to grab if there is any problems especially with the shy guys. It is amazing that we have 5 intact young males here now and they get along so well. They are young and that makes a big difference it seems. Plus all the females are spayed. And that is a major factor in keeping peace.
Then today Dave went to Burns Lake to pick up my awaited parcel from Katherine and Possum. Thank you so very much for the treasures inside. It was Christmas in May!! There were collars and leashes, treats for a ll the dogs, denta bones (and they really really liked them), toys with squeakers in them - Sam and Sweetpea and Iasaac were soon busy squeaking and squeaking their new toys!! The pups and now we have 3 were playing tug. And there was a beautiful angel with fiberoptic wings and a crystal face for me!! And the cutest turtle lamp - wow! I do collect turtles and angels - my two favorite pretty’s - I love to see them in my windows to look at when stressful days need calming. Thank you so much Katherine and Possum for sharing your First Anniversary together with TG!!
Dave also picked up the "terrier" mix nearby and took him to our Vet clinic for a check up. And the "border collie" mix that needed to be gone quickly too from Burns Lake. Well the terrier mix isn’t really a terrier. We aren’t sure what he is but he is a male so that was right. And he is about 5 months old. He could be related to the newest Burns Lake pound pup - Nonie but he is twice her weight already. So TG welcomes another nameless and breed??? pup:
He weighs 24 pounds at 5 months so will be a medium size. He is very active. Very friendly, and basically your normal, happy, good natured busy pup who needs a name and a breed guess???
And the border collie? Diamond - at least he has a name!! is not a border collie but a Karelian Bear Dog! He was muzzled all day for barking and tied up. He was at the mercy of taunts. Well he is having a blast here! He is running from yard to yard playing with the other young dogs - he is a neutered 3 year old so he is still a young active dog. He was also vet checked today and he is in good condition with a lovely coat!! Diamond is sleeping next to me while i am at the computer - he is a lovely dog too. TG welcomes Diamond!
Diamond doing his "Happy dance" with his big grin. He likes the freedom to run here!
We are gearing up for the expected rush when the kids finish school. There is at least 8 families moving from the high school that Kelsey goes to in Houston. People are leaving for jobs. Pets will be left behind. and TG can’t take them all. It will be very sad days ahead. I am thinking fo getting an answering machine so I can screen calls - this is going to be very difficult days ahead. I have to say "No" a lot knowing that animals will suffer. Sometimes rescue hurts the soul!
©Turtle Gardens Animal Rescue Society. Have your pet spayed or neutered today.
Handsome Babine Pet Hospital SURVIVOR!!!! A name? Lucky or Tender or Patience or Handsome or Grateful. I don’t know really, but he is VERY beautiful–just look at those eyes, that face, that long body, that healthy coat with very interesting markings. IF I didn’t have a one-year-old Golden Lab, I’d put my name in the adoption pot. However, I am a one-dog only person and must remember that. When I read the first part of your writing, my eyes filled with tears. Then when I saw the dog, I truly wanted to cry for happiness that you said, “Yes,” and he could come to TG. I hope there aren’t many dogs that will be homeless in the coming weeks if, as you say, families must move and will leave their dogs behind. That’s tooooooo sad. That will be heartbreaking. Stay strong.
Comment by Sandra — May 29, 2008 @ 8:41 pm
the new guy looks like a Duke
Comment by Lynn — May 30, 2008 @ 5:23 am
How about Prince for the very good boy. Not original but always a good name for such a handsome nice boy..
For the youngster I thought of Taco…he reminds me of some of the dogs I’ve seen so often in Mexico and his colouring is like a Taco shell…
Comment by cheryl — May 30, 2008 @ 6:33 am
What a pair of cute dogs. The first one looks like an Edgar to me. That name always reminds me of a shy, yet very good natured boy. Tucker’s my only suggestion for the second. Best of Wishes, Emily
Comment by Emily — May 30, 2008 @ 9:07 am
What lovely dogs…..and what a lucky day for the lab/shepherd boy that TG was able to find room for him. He’s beautiful, with a face like that, wouldn’t think it would take too long before he finds his family. The other little guy is equally as cute, so is Diamond - what a happy face - what joy for him to be able to run around and play!
How about William, or Arnie or Farley - the suggestion of Edgar is also kind of cute - he could be Eddie for short. The little guy looks like a “Terry” to me (Terry the terrier - even though he may not be a terrier!).
Loved the photos of Spring and Marley the other day - also 2 very handsome boys!
Yvette, I wondered if you received a package with a red leash/collar and some soaps and chocolate earlier this month? If not, I will see if it can be traced (it just got sent regular Canada post, so not sure if it goes directly to you or to ??!
Comment by jana — May 30, 2008 @ 11:55 am