I met Sam’s new family last night as they drove in from Calgary and had to turn in to see Sam before going to their motel! Linda was worried about just dropping in but she was so excited about meeting Sam that she told Vince (her husband) “Turn turn!” as they approached Topley. My instructions were clear and they found TG easily. It is daylight until nearly midnight so visitors are common in the evenings. I don’t do dark so summer hours are extended as winter hours are very short.

Linda and Vince met me - I was actually out of the fence when they arrived - looking for harnesses with seatbelt attachment in the storage area at the closed kennel. Dave went and got Sam and we all congregated on the grass to meet and greet. Sam sat while he was introduced and was a gentleman. He has come a long way since his arrival in February as an unsocialized, fearful guy. He has learned to play with other dogs - squeaky toys are his favorite! First he learned to be a dog then slowly became a companion too. Sam was ready for his own home with chow experienced people. Enter Linda and Vice who found him on petfinder after figuring out how to forego the 200 mile limit!! That was well over a month ago. We corresponded by email, talked on the phone, checked references and shared pictures. They have adopted 3 rescue chows in their doglife. Their last one is a Katerina survivor rescued by their veterinarian in Canmore! When told Sam was theirs if they wanted him - they drove all the way here from Calgary. How cool is that!

After meeting Sam we arranged to pick up time at 8 am. Sam needed a bath and brushing! Dave gave Sam a lift into the tub and we scrubbed and scrubbed this incredible well behaved boy! He stood then sat in the water while we cleaned and rinsed him. Then it was brushing until he was dry! Two hours later except for his tail we were both too tired to continue.

This morning I put a collar on him, a harness so he could be secure in the back and gave him a squeaky toy or his journey (Thank you Cynda and Tom - he loves his toy!) Paperwork was signed, a last hug and Sam left for his yuppie puppie home!

Giving Sam his toy!

Juno wants to go too! Juno failed his sleepover which is why foster to adopt is a useful tool to match homes to dogs.

Goodbye Sam - be good! We will miss you!

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