Turtle Gardens Animal Rescue

Dear family and friends,

It saddens us to let you all know that our sweet, little Dozer passed away suddenly yesterday. After his passing, we found out that he had been living with an undiagnosed tumor for quite some time. We would like to thank-you for welcoming Dozer into your lives and sharing in his memories. We are so happy that we were able to give him the joy that he deserved in his life and the joy that he gave to us is indescribable. Dozer was a special dog with a beautiful personality and gentle soul who brought happiness and smiles to everyone he came in contact with throughout his time with us. On behalf of Dozer, we would like to say thank-you to all of his furry friends he leaves behind who shared his toys, hikes and ‘hanging out’ dates.

Also a special thank-you to Turtle Gardens Animal Rescue Shelter for introducing us to Dozer and finding him his special home.

In honour of our great Dozer, Carl & I will be hiking Stump Lake on Friday April 10th at 11am. Let us know if you would like to join us.

XO

Carl & Mare

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

Well DadBlast it Yvette! As soon as one storm blows over Turtle Gardens another one comes along. I suppose the TG Bus has definitely put those Kms on. Hopefully the Van dr. can get it back revving along the highway again soon. I’ve finally been able to do some catching up on your updates the last couple of days. We are SO happy you are back up and at ‘em. I know it goes with out saying to TAKE IT EASY GIRL!! Delegate, Delegate, Delegate! Sit back and gain your health back.

These are fabulous “Special Needs” furries you so wonderfully described for us. What a batch you have! It pains me to know that some of these “S.N.” doggie’s will never find their personal own forever family. Yet it makes me dry a tear to know YOU and your SPECIAL Family will always be there for them.

Man Oh Man! Do we ever have a soft spot for your Molly! We took one look at her and said WOW she’s a definite almost double for our own Mollydawg. (Lord stop me before I apply again) I cant wait to hear about the forever homes that some of these gorgeous doggie’s will be going to. Its so good to see Gunnar on the adoption list now. He has definitely stole our hearts. There is a very special someone for him somewhere. They just haven’t seen him yet.

Our own Special Man? Oh he’s doing MARVELLOUS! He has come a long way in a very short time. We have only had our darling King for 5 weeks. He continues to amaze us and warm the cockles of our hearts. I absolutely adore his gentle manners and his soft brown eyes. I can’t remember when I’ve met such a faithful, mellow, leader. I love the way his HEAVY head nudges under my arm for a pat and a scratch. The way he pushes his way in and slips under the brush when its Molly’s turn. I just laugh and push him away. He simply sits and waits his turn even though I brushed him first. ha ha ha

We took a few days off and drove to Kelowna for a conference. Molly is an old hat at Motel visits. King settled in like he knows all about motels and quiet behaviour. We were so proud when we walked them through town and passers by stopped us to comment on our brave looking, broad shouldered King and our Sassy looking little Princess Molly. King fits his name like a glove and seems to know he rules over Molly. She sometimes still tries to sneak a bit of bullying in and the benevolent King allows it when he deems fit.

King has had his dental work done and now seems much happier. He lifts his ears more often and actually smiles more now. He crunches through cookies like there’s no tomorrow. His coat is becoming more more and more beautiful every day. His winter coat is all but shed and now we can see a few more battle scars on his sides and face. What a life he must have led in past. Never again old man never again! It’s a life of leisure for you now Sir.

This past weekend King met our “Grand dog” Seven. He is an energetic, well behaved and trained Border Terrier, the same age as Molly, 4 years old. Molly has always believed Seven is hers to boss around. King took no time at all telling Molly to leave Seven alone or she would be answering to him. He seemed to know Seven was a member of our extened pack but was very firm about how Molly should play with him. We have doggysat Seven since he and Molly were puppies and this was the first sleep over that I didnt have to be on top of Molly at all times to, “Knock it off! Play gentle! LEAVE SEVEN ALONE!” After only one day, Molly was playing more submissive and fair with Seven. Oh Thank you King. An even BIGGER THANK YOU TO You Yvette ! The Labatte family and their supporters and volunteers for all they do for all the animals who need an advocate!
Unfortunately we can not make it to your Gala Fundraiser on April 4th. ( However we do want to purchase some of your wonderful handbags, bandanas and t shirts. Please let us know how we can do that IF we can with out being present at the fundraiser??

King has started the first 2 chapters on his “Story” please drop by or bookmark it and read it at your leisure (( HAH what leisure I know! ))
http://www.katlan.ca/King.html

Serious Thankful Hugs
Del & Mark
Molly & The King

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

Stan called last night from 100 Mile House – the van was overheating. There was a noisy knock in the engine. He and Dad troubleshooted all available scenarios. He added more antifreeze, looked for leaks, check the oil – the list went on and on. He started driving home slowly and carefully monitoring all the gauges. He arrived home at 7.30 this morning – I was in the yard spreading dog food – Sure was glad to see him home safe and sound. But the TG Bus may need repairs – major or …. we won’t know until she goes in to the vehicle hospital for diagnostics tomorrow. The TG Bus has over 400,000 kilometers on it – more than half that mileage in barely a year of doggie transports!! Oh lord why now???

And now the final faces of TG – the special needs dogs.

Turtle Gardens isn’t only a rehab/rescue/foster group home. We are also a sanctuary for special needs dogs who may never be ready for family life. They are health challenged or behaviour challenged or temperamentally challenged. They are demodex pups who need lengthy and expensive treatment to clear the mites and boost their immune systems. If they are like Willow and Birch – it is twice as long a process – the conventional methods would kill them – they are border collie mixed with sharpei – and collie are severely sensitive to ivomec. The rule of thumb is “white feet – don’t treat”. and both have white feet with Birch also being black and white. They are doing quite well. Willow has had entropion surgery already on her eyes – our vet felt she would be blinded if we waited any longer. Their coats are patchy but filling in – their white feet is pink but not hot – and boy do they have lots of energy!! They are on lots of supplements – salmon oil, immune boosters, vitamin B and advantage multi monthly. They have extra premium no grain foods. They will be spayed as soon as they clear up and I expect them to regress again afterwards. Once recovered from that bout – they should be ready for adoption. They are a very nice pair of happy good natured pups!

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then there is the salukis – they have separation anxiety which manifests itself in destructive behaviour. 3Penny is well trained, obedient, friendly but cannot be left alone. She will need a steel, fully enclosed outside pen when left. She may be a good candidate for anti-anxiety drugs and behaviour modification. Finding a dedicated person to take on such a dog – is daunting. She is an awesome companion but ………

3Penny

Phantom and Pharaoh were locked up in a room for over a year – isolated from all stimuli – they are not very socialized but would do well as a pair with a very patient person or couple. They are good with cats, sort of ok with other dogs, and not destructive. But they don’t present well when people visit. They still need more, patience and consistency. I am hoping that someday they will find a home of their own.

Phantom on neuter day.

Pharaoh

Trip is Isaiah’s mother – she had one pup born two days after rescue. She was a skinny, scared young girl – she was loose but still in lousy condition – She was livetrapped – twice – she tripped the trap hence her name. Stan spent a lot of time with her – she loves the vehicle, she is clean and well mannered, good with cats but oh man is she destructive when left alone – she is the worst of the group – and they are all related!! She is also an escape artist – she can jump an 8 foot fence, jump up onto the atco roof. She can slither thru a tiny hole a chihuahua could barely fit. She is also a hard, hard to place sweetheart of a dog.
Trip – going for a ride.

Isaiah is seriously mentally challenged. He cannot learn. I have been heard to say he is as dumb as a post. There are days when he cannot even remember his name. He forgets to be housebroken. He is a counter opportunist extraordinaire! He is affectionate, elegant, very loving – he loves to walk beside me with my hand on his neck – yes he is that tall! I can see him walking along the sea wall – an elegant saluki with a fancy coat. But there aren’t any homes with such low expectations for their companions – beauty without brains is also very hard to place!!

Isaiah

JohnB is the senior of the sherriff dogs. He is reserved/shy with strangers. He only likes Bear (whom he really adores) and Stan. He is very very destructive when they leave him. He can go through most fences. He loves to go for rides, walks, follow his special people, he is not particularly dog social. He isn’t a good candidate for any senior facilities – he is too destructive when alone. He does ok here – we have learned to manage his stress when his special people leave him – he has to tethered for that night. He will then settle down and wait until next time. He must be the inheritor of separation anxiety!

And then there is the health challenged. Maggie was a rescue from a puppy mill – she is 6 years old. She was severely matted – so I shaved her down and found two huge mammary tumours. She was spayed right away and found to have an infected uterus and her tumours were removed and sent to the lab for analysis. Maggie had a fast growing cancer. Although we removed all of the tumours – they will grow back – her prognosis is poor – maybe a year. I so wanted her to have her very own loving home but who will adopt a dying girl.

And then there is Shammy – she was supposed to be 4 or 5 years old – maybe 10 years ago she was!! Shammy is a senior – a very old dog. She lives on a shelf under the TV. She has her own pillow and soft fleece. She has her own servant – Bear caters to her when she visits. Shammy is shameless in her demands too. She has trained Bear well – to give her special food every time. But she is very cute so we indulge her.

Shammy in a sweater after her haircut!

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

The sun is shining – what a beautiful day!! The remaining dogs are a well matched group. They play well together, even Azul who was so food aggressive when she arrived has done a complete turn around. She is now eating side by side with the others. She knows now that the food is always there – she can’t eat it all! She ate 8 kilograms the first night!! She also knows the water is everflowing. And that the door opens both ways – she can come in and go out and come in again. What a treat! She is going in ad out frequently right now but that will calm too. All part of learning a new life with new parameters. She is learning to be a family pet. How cool is that!!

Wendy tells me that we have some new and very cool items added to the list – spa coupons for dogs and people, some really cool baskets. There is something for everyone – pet people, and non pet people alike. It is a FUNdraiser Gala – I am so looking forward to meeting all of you and listening to the Band, eating very good food – enjoying really really good company. Just a few tickets left so please email Wendy and come support Turtle Gardens. The totes are coming along very well – some have customized pockets with cute dog faces, some have drawstrings, all are handmade with care – by TG family and friends – and by male designers too – Stan and Cal!! How cool cool is that!!!!

TG GALA DINNER AND SILENT AUCTION
SATURDAY APRIL 4TH, 6:00 pm
TSWASSEN GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB

TICKETS: tgauction@gmail.com

So now more faces of Turtle Gardens:

Tuya getting a hug from Bear!

Bella Noelle and Harley lying on a straw bed in the sun.

Regal Isaiah with little Maggie.

My Sweetpea

Azul

The scruffy terrier has been named Bobby by Bear – and he likes it! The gold lab pup is Nugget as he is “pure gold” The older girl is Shadow, Azul is the blue eyed husky girl, Cody is the hound/rottie but I still don’t have a name for the golden/lab mix that looks like Buster and earlier Bear who all look just like him!!

Little senior Shammy

And last a real cutiepatootie – Spot:

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

It was very very quiet last night after 10 more dogs went with Stan. Siggy Sue went for a road trip to visit her Mom who is moving on the 1st!! Siggy Sue will be going home again when we go down for the Gala. There are only 30 tickets left. All funds will help save dogs – lots and lots of dogs are in need. Our rescue network is working hard to prevent dogs dying but rescue needs money. Help us help them and have a great time – the live band plays some Elvis, good rock music for dancing and some disco for dancing. There are 5 pasta dishes to choose from including full vegan. The silent auction – wow – what a lot of neat items to bid on. Come out and fun and support a worthy cause.

TG GALA DINNER AND SILENT AUCTION
SATURDAY APRIL 4TH, 6:00 pm
TSWASSEN GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB

TICKETS: tgauction@gmail.com

We have another kuranda bed donated!! It is from Margaret who wrote :Happy Home Coming.

This comes from a friend of Pirate who has become a cherished member of a loving Prince Rupert family. Thank you for a special placement.

Pirate was adopted at Christmas 3 years ago – a beautiful golden retriever mix pup – who would “steal your heart” hence his name Pirate. Thank you so very much for the gift of a bed – there is always a dog on Sunny’s beds!

Gunnar sleeping on Sunny’s kuranda bed. Thank you Sunny!

And now the face of TG:

Cody: rottie/hound mix, black and tan, 2 years old, 82 pounds. Cody is an awesome dog – he is excellent with kids, good with cats, and is very dog social – yet he was just neutered!! Cody shows his houndish ways in his pointing ability – he goes into a pointing stance often!! He has a normal dog voice and is very quiet and well behaved indoors. What a wonderful family companion.

Generic (Genny) karelian bear dog mix.

Merry-chris: akita/husky mix, gray mix brindle, has a a blue eye, 10 months, female. Merry-chris is a very good natured, gentle companion though she enjoys a good romp with the other youngsters. She is housebroken, has very good indoor manners and is quiet outdoors too.

AZUL: siberian husky mix, black/tan/cream, blue eyes, 10 months, female. Azul is a long time stray so needs to learn indoor life. She is food aggressive – she has had to fight for everything she could get. She has already learned that the food dish is always full – she can now play with the other dogs and stop for a bite without growling. Rehab is making a difference already! Azul is a bit reserved at first treats help as does gentle petting. Azul will be a wonderful companion with patience, gentle training and lots of consistency.

Shadow; shepherd mix, black, 4 years, female. Raven is a long time stray with such a gentle nature. Her tattered coat covers a skeletal body. She has had a very hard life yet she is very forgiving. What a sweet soul she is. She asks only for a pat on her head and food nearby. She likes to lie close to you and follows you while you do chores. Shadow will be an awesome companion for a senior who enjoys walks, puttering in a garden with a gentle companion.

Nala: sharpei, yellow, female, 2 years. Nala is a victim of economic hardship. She is excellent with kids, cats and is submissive with other dogs. She is gentle with people and such a quiet well behaved girl. She is fully housebroken, has excellent indoor manners. She is an awesome family companion.

SAM – black lab mix pup,- he has a home on Saturna Island!!

Molly; border collie/aussie mix, tri colour, female, 2 years, 30 pounds. Molly is a victim of tough economic times. She is a small little girl with a medium drive – she likes to play with balls, retrieve and plays with quieter dogs. She is good with kids, cats and is reserved people. She is gentle though she is hand shy. Molly is housebroken with exemplary indoor manners. What a wonderful companion.

Hercules has a home on Texada.

More pictures tomorrow!!

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

Rescue comes in many forms – even at Turtle Gardens. During my illness Dave brought in a larger than normal number of dogs. All in dire need, in very cold weather with no where else to go. Their only other option was a bullet. Yes it is “cull the marauding packs time” in northern communities. What we call “The Big Shoot” Education is just beginning in these isolated First Nation Communities. Spay Neuter is relatively unheard of and just not thought of. The children are learning about responsibility – to themselves, their community, other people, their environment and their pets. They will in turn teach their parents and grandparents. But it takes time. These dogs don’t have the luxury of time. They need help now. Some we can’t help – they are the killers of smaller dogs. They are the leaders of the packs. Dogs pack up for many reasons – finding food, companionship and procreation. Puppies grow up and are tossed aside – they got too big; they eat too much ( a whole bag a food each week!!), the kids won’t take care of them anymore – they are too busy, the pups are no longer cute little stuffed toys – many many reasons for sending the dogs outside to fen for themselves. They roam looking for friendship and companionship. Some find people and with begging cute ways manage to be fed. Some gravitate to other dogs for companionship. Then the dynamics change – a female comes into season. Only the strong will breed and fighting is horrific. When a pack killed a small dog in a schoolyard – the hue and cry began. We were notified of the scheduled date – or rather Linda was. Volunteers were sent to round up young friendly dogs. Even animal control called us when they picked up adoptable dogs – usually young females. Dogs started coming in – really really nice young friendly dogs. We have taken in 17 so far. We sent 8 to our rescue network on Tuesday. We will send 9 more tonight. Stan drove the others and returned right away – he slept 4 hours!! He has installed an in floor sink/garbarator and water in the common room – pictures later!! He will leave tonight with a TG Bus load of saved from the “shoot” dogs. It isn’t our normal way of rescuing dogs but this time, it is too many too soon. To save as many as we can we need to take a loss – we pay the transport to pick them up and to drive them down to their chance at a good life. Each trip costs $360 there and back home again. The ferry alone is $80 each way!! We feed them and care for them while we have them – we need to assess their temperaments – those that need rehab will stay here. There are no adoption fees to help with their costs. But we need to do something. The means and the funds will be there – it is the moral and right thing to do.

So – these dogs need names. Whether they stay here or go to rescue – they need their own identity. So here they are with a description for each one.

This handsome lab/golden** boy is about a year old. What an awesome companion he will be. He is gentle, friendly and a follow you kind of guy with people. Although not neutered yet he is very dog social – everybody is his friend. What a treasure this nameless boy will be for a lucky family – he is a “shoot” dog.

yellow lab mix 7 month old male**. He has a bad rash on his belly and side and eet from being frozen! He is on antibiotics, prednisone, cream. He is neutered and vaccinated/vet checked. This nameless boy is from the Burns Lake Pound.

This obnoxious little terrier teenager is neutered/vaccinated/vet checked. His hormones are raging – his neuter hasn’t kicked in yet. He needs a name and he will be leaving tonight for his best chance of a yuppie puppie home.

This gorgeous young male is gentle, very hand shy but a quiet, well behaved medium fellow possibly a soft coated wheaton terrier??/***. He is from the “shoot” what a waste of a companion to have missed his chance.

Her life has barely begun – she is probably 10 weeks old – a lovely natured rottie female puppy. She is friendly, dog social, housebroken – what a bonus!! She will be going to foster tonight – puppies tho wonderful need a home quickly! She is a “shoot” dog.

This is a “we can’t afford to feed him and when we offered food – was our child is allergic” so he was neutered/vaccinated/vetted yesterday before arrival. What a nice dog***. He is 2 years old, well behaved, clean and quiet. He is used to kids/cats and is very dog social – what an awesome companion!

This is another SusieQ sibling! What a sweet girl she is. She is dog social, friendly with people just a really really nice companion. She is also a “shoot” dog.

This is a rare dog for the “shoot” – she is an older female**! She is about 3 or 4 years old has had many puppies. Her daughter and granddaughter will be coming in on Saturday. The rest of the litter froze. She will be staying at TG – she is just too skinny. And she needs to learn about inside living, manners etc. She is a sweet girl. She is gentle, quiet and unassuming – she tries to hide or become very small in corners. She will gain confidence in time and will be an awesome companion soon.

This blue eyed beauty is food aggressive – she hasn’t learned yet that the food in unlimited here. She is fine with supervision – we just spread th efood around so she can eat in peace. She is a tad shy but oh what a nice dog she is. Quiet and well behaved with excellent doggie social skills. She will be an awesome companion once she settles in. She is a “shoot” dog.

And last but not least my grandson Calvin with Spot, my Jillian rubbing her head on him and Dave’s Jackie!!

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