Turtle Gardens Animal Rescue

His name is Freeman. He is healing beautifully – no redness or swelling. He is grinning. He is such a happy fellow. He is also a very young fella – under a year probably 10 month or so – a teenager. We had a Freedom – she has been adopted – Phantom and Pharaoh were her siblings – they still need more time. So Freeman is very close to Freedom – he is free man!!

The other guy who went in to our vet yesterday has an old healed injury – Victor the chocolate pittie will always limp. He is built like an english bulldog – very bow legged!! He is such a nice ambassadog! What a treasure he will be. He is about 6 years old. So what you see is what you get – solid gold chocolate!

Neither one is an owner surrender/take in/rescue etc. I call them surrenders – cuz they came in to Turtle Gardens. We have no clue who owned these dogs. And we are thankful they came in here. We don’t judge/comment/get angry -we want the neighbour/brother/sister/elder to bring in the dog without fear of reprisals. It is all about the dogs. Otherwise the dog could be left to languish on the end of the chain til death frees him. Or a bullet. or worse. It has taken a long time to have people bring in skinny/injured/stray/unwanted dogs. Slowly we are changing perceptions. At least Freeman found sanctuary. It is all about the dogs.

Yesterday Dave picked up an unwanted supposedly small dog – she was moving and he was not welcome. I think he is a karelian bear dog station wagon mix. Another long and low guy – not fixed, never been vaccinated, probably never been wormed either. He was wearing a choker too (chokers are cheap!) Turtle Gardens welcomes another nameless guy! he forgot to ask what his name was!

Then today a pick up drove up with a border collie mix in the back. She is very well trained, very adoptable she says. Layah is great with kids and cats – they are her best friends. But she will no longer work the cattle. And she is leading the new trainee away. I made a mistake – I looked at the dog’s face. So I asked her what did she know – so she showed me. Layah can sit, heel, down, stay, come, shake, go around, get it. She really is well trained. She can fetch. But she wont work. She has no place on a working ranch. Can she come in? Layah is 6 years old. She has soft brown eyes. Turtle Gardens welcomes Layah – who wants to be a yuppie puppie!

A year ago 4 skinny dogs arrived at Turtle Gardens. Here is King’s update – on his Rebirth Day!!
Dearest Yvette and family:

Here it is a year since King was rescued by Lou & Bonnie from Alberta and brought into your secure family at Turtle Gardens. We know this is no way the Birthdate of King but we will always think of it as being his rebirth. He has still only been with our family now for 2 and a half months. We feel like he has ALWAYS been a part of us. He fits in so well. We are doing our best to keep him healthy and happy. He continues to amaze us with his gentle nature. Meeting new people, both furry and non, is second nature to him and he is always friendly. Of course I could go on and on about how wonderful he is….
I was really hoping I had someway of getting in touch with Lou & Bonnie to send them an update. Yvette do you have a contact number or address where I can reach them? We really want to share Kings happiness with them.

Once again Keep up the great work you are doing. You have touched so many families and completed so many more. Mark and I continue to read your blog with smiles and chuckles and at times tears and concerns.
Thank you for all you do

Del

And Beau the English Shepherd, has his birthday too!

Hi, Yvette! Today is Beau’s birthday! We know since you gave us his breeder’s paperwork when we picked him up. He would not be here to enjoy his 7th birthday if it wasn’t for you and Turtle Gardens. Attached is a photo of one thing, among many, that Beau does very well. Yes, he is actually sleeping in that position. He does it often. I think he’s relaxed here in his new permanent home. What do you think? Thanks for Beau!

–Kristi

And now because I have a Doctor’s appointment in Prince George tomorrow – here are pics of the puppies to keep you looking while I am away. See you Friday!

Pup on Mom

Puppies playing with toys – thank you Muchelle – of Pets N Us!




Gloria – aren’t they just the cutest little ones – almost a match eh?

Noah and his friends – Willow, Birch and Melody with her head on his flank!

Please Vote everyday – Shelter Challenge ($20,000 Grant!!) Turtle Gardens Spay Neuter Society – Vancouver BC We are still today #14 in Canada and # 4 in BC!! Please vote!!!!!

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

Sometimes rescue hurts the soul. When we have to say no – I worry that dogs will suffer. And we do have to say no sometimes. Usually it is because of money. We don’t have the extra money to transport needed dogs to other rescues to make room for the less adoptable dogs. The “easy” dogs can go right away ( they are easily rehabbed for adoption so their stay here is short) – the friendly, young, no dog issues, – the adoptable family companion. The shy/timid/spooky, food aggressive, older, not “quite right” dog that needs a bit more of rehab, stay at Turtle Gardens. Each trip costs $350 – just for gas and ferry fees. And maybe coffee and power drinks. Each trip is 12 hours to the ferry, an hour in the line up then another hour or less to the rescue. But it saves dogs’ lives. This year has seen 5 of these trips where dogs are saved at our expense – no adoption fees to help recover any costs. But again I say – it saved dogs lives.

We are pretty full right now. Some of the dogs that came in this weekend have been waiting a while. The dogs we take in are very often in deperate need. Some need medical care – like Gunnar who lost his leg when hit by a car. One of our recent surrenders showed signs that he was a chained up dog. Today he visited our veterinarian. The pictures tell his story. WARNING: THE PICTURES ARE GRAPHIC!

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

Dave and Stan finally made it home with the new to us TG Bus. This one is a 4 wheel drive so she is slated for the winter vet runs. Often Dave will get up to blowing snow, or freezing rain or just [lain miserable weather. And at 7 am it is still dark too. The 4 wheel drive will ensure safety first and comfort as well – what a beauty she is! Thank you Linda who donated the van in memory of her dear husband Don. Don was an avid animal lover and often sat in the solarium with his little fur kids in his lap. The van is animal friendly, animal tested and definitely animal tried and true. Thank you.

They also came home with a canine passenger – Noah came back to TG. Noah is one of the 10 destructive (they ate my leather couch) busy bulldog puppies who so looked like boxers. He wasn’t progressing well in foster – he has stayed extremely timid, peed and pooped in his crate, didn’t seem to learn well. He really liked other dogs and only seemed to relax in the company of another dog. So Stan and Dave picked him up for rehab at TG where expectations are low, lots of doggie company and where he can be free to him! Turtle Gardens welcomes Noah.
The joys of playing!

Tag with Birch and Azul!

And a visitor arrived to find a companion. They had filled out the application, perused the list, sent references and were ready to view. They looked. They saw and they walked Dapper Dan! Dapper Dan walked beautifully. He wagged his plume of a tail. He played. He jogged. He was a keeper! He left sporting a silver dapper collar and fancy orange leash! He looked tres cool! Be good Dapper Dan – you were a very good boy!

And an update from our star Gemma Joy! She has found a a perfect spot to land it – her servants adore her! Way to go Gemma Joy.

Hi Auntie Yvette!

I just wanted to let you know that life in “the south” is pretty terrific, and soon I’ll have all of my humans totally trained. They have some quirks, like telling me I need to gain weight, but not too much weight (What’s that about? It’s not nice to mess with a little dog’s head), and laughing at me when I have to spend twenty minutes peeing on a dozen spots in the backyard so that all the other dogs will respect my greatness. My Mama Deb is a little insecure, and she needs to be cuddled a lot. It’s okay, though, she’s the Queen of Treats, and as Head Cuddler, I get mine, if you know what I mean.

My mamas decided that our backyard was a swamp, an inferior place for me to do all the things a little diva like me might need to do. They got hog fuel, a lot of hog fuel, and started to fill in the swamp. Now my mamas have decided to cover the entire backyard, the whole quarter acre, with hog fuel, so I don’t have to get my little paws wet or muddy. Now my house is the only one one the street with a fenced dog park behind it.

My Mama Deb knows that my brothers, sister and I can’t get proper exercise in a 1/4 acre area, so we go to the dikes and Golden Ears Park to run and have fun.I wasn’t crazy about getting into the truck in the beginning, but now that I know Mama will always take me back home, I’m feeling better about it.

Mama keeps saying that I am so sweet and so smart and so good, and that she hopes I’ll be her baby girl for a long, long time.

I have to go. Mama Chris bought us Timbits, and if I’m not keeping track, that big doofus Newfoundland Dog, Kiefer, might get one more than me.

Thank you for getting me out of the place I try not to think about anymore and here with my family. We all love each other a lot.

My mama is sending some photos of me. The first one is me having bacon with the girls. Then there are pictures of me at the park. Mama has too many photos to send all at once, so there will be another e-mail.

Love,

Gemma Joy

And an easy way to remember to vote :
HI Yvette,

Just a note…You can sign up for the daily reminder to click to give to the Animal Rescue site which I did. Once I have clicked to do that I can just scroll down and vote for Turtle Gardens. It is a great way to make sure I vote every day.
Might be helpful to make a running note of the ability to do this this on your blog so others can find out about it too.

Thank you for all you do for the critters…so wish I could help more.
Cher Stevens

Please Vote everyday – Shelter Challenge ($20,000 Grant!!) Turtle Gardens Spay Neuter Society – Vancouver BC We are now #15 in Canada and still # 4 in BC!! Please vote!!!!!

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

I was up early this morning -was it the promise of a very good cuppa coffee waiting for me? It was a very very good cup of coffee. And not one deposit for me to pick up – what good dogs!! It didn’t take very long to wipe down the floor – and I was soon enjoying my coffee at the computer. There I found Shannon’s email about Momma Dog – she doesn’t have a name yet! So I went out to take her picture for comparison and what a gorgeous day it has turned out to be!! the sun is shining, there is a slight breeze, it is +11!!!! The yard is dry too. So here is Shannon’s email with pictures of Truman then Momma Dog.

Hi Yvette,

I have to admit it’s been a few weeks since I read the blog. But when I did I was stunned to see what appears to be a dog that looks EXACTLY like Truman and his mom, Nell.

The momma with the border collie pups – did she come from the same area? I’ll attach a picture of Truman – if you compare it with the photo of mom laying with her pups – same face, same shiny coat, he even has the same patch of white on his chest (although not visible in the laying down pic.)

Incredible. He’s always complimented on his striking good looks – often mistaken for a girl because he’s so ‘pretty’. I so wish we had a house big enough for two! Someone else will be lucky to get her!

Take care!

Shannon & Truman

and here is Momma Dog who came in from Moricetown which is just past Smithers.

The new guys are a very nice bunch of dogs. They are dog social, friendly and quiet. I like the name Victor for the chocolate pittie with the very big grin – he is very happy to be here!

The lassie collie is a sweet gentle soul who likes to stand with her head on my knee. What a nice companion for a very lucky person!

And this is Bowie, Lady and Sweetpea!

And a new kuranda bed arrived – how cool is that!! Thank you Tara from Vancouver! the dogs are going to really enjoy another comfy bed! This one is slated for the new room – the flooring goes in next week!

And last for today – Curly who I think will be called Curtis instead – he isn’t very curly!!

Please Vote everyday – Shelter Challenge ($20,000 Grant!!) Turtle Gardens Spay Neuter Society – Vancouver BC We are still today #16 in Canada and # 4 in BC!! Please vote!!!!!

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

Sometimes rescue sucks! So many dogs in need and so little resources available – in money, time, people, space and ability. Another cull coming up – where will this bunch go? We don’t have the room. We are over full with dogs and the 8 (the mom and skinny pups and the four older pups from Momma dog) are waiting in the wings – dogs will die if they cannot find a safe haven. We really need an Adoption Center in the lower mainland – one that is opened daily – for our ready to adopt dogs. To ship the dogs to a safe haven at our expense is just not feasible – to save the 22 from the other “shoot” was $900 – two trips to the Island and back. They were saved. They have been adopted, they were all really really nice family companions too. They are ALL nice dogs – they just need a chance to show their “stuff”. But they need a safe place – time is running out.

I have been busy using my new “toys” from Michelle of Pets N Us of Twawassen who donated a lot of dog supplies ( at the Gala) – collars, leashes, toys and a brand new small set of dog clippers!! I scooped up Poolio while Dave is away and got to work. They were quiet, and Poolio was not afraid. They were sharp, and they did a very good job – just wish I did better too. But she is comfortable and her new coat will grow in evenly. Thank you so much Michelle – we really really appreciate the gift.

Thank you as well to Cynda who sent a donation and a package of Werthers for Jillian and me! We certainly enjoy our sweets.

And a very big thank you to Cheryl and Dave who noticed that Dave had drunk all of the good coffee – he deserved it though. She sent a huge bag of French Roast – it is delicious – thank you thank you. It will be a pleasure waiting for the first cuppa!!

The two Burns Lake Pound dogs arrived this morning. The little guy is a “holy terrierist” says Char. He needed his neuter that’s for sure. He also needs a grooming! I am not sure my little clippers will be able to groom him!! He is a good size and really looks like the Shaggy dog just smaller and black. He is good natured and has good doggie skills. Turtle Gardens welcomes another nameless fellow.

The second dog is a sweetheart! She is a small – medium sized white husky mix with one Blue eye!! She is pretty, so very gentle – just a really really nice companion. Char says she was in heat when she picked her up – she was spayed two days ago to ensure no puppies for this little girl. Turtle Gardens welcomes another nameless beauty.

This afternoon is cloudy. The snow is slowly melting away – it is still -10 at night. I see a faint hint of green in the lawn in the next yard. Could spring be far away?

Stuart arrived at 2 pm with the Gitanmaxx dogs. The first one is a female. She is a youngish adult – her coat is very matted with big matts so at least two years old. She will be a very pretty collie once she is cleaned up. Her temperament is soft! She reminds me of a farm collie – gentle, sweet with “knowing” eyes. Turtle Gardens welcomes a nameless “Lassie”.
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The next one had been very sick with a bacterial infection when Stuart picked him up. He wasn’t sure he would survive – but he did. He looks fierce but he likes to grin – a typical pittie attribute! He is very good natured. He is an older intact (not for long) male. Turtle Gardens welcomes our nameless chocolate fellow.

The last was a surprise – he is a good natured geman shepherd mix who has signs of being a chained up dog. He is gentle, with very good doggie social skills – he is a young male possibly still a teenager. Turtle Gardens welcomes another nameless guy.

And of course Freddy went back with Stuart. I hope they fixed the fence so Freddy stays home and safe. Good luck Freddy – you were a very good dog.

And an update with promised pictures of Jemma!

Yvette,

I’m sending you the pictures (I hope).

I dropped Jemma off at Canada West this morning for her ultrasound. They’re to call this afternoon to have me pick her up.

She’s off the Percocet now, still on antibiotics. She is having regular bowel movements and is mostly back to her old self. Still voids frequently but less often than earlier in the week and the puddles are bigger, so I think that’s probably a good sign.

I’ve been so focused on her healing process that it wasn’t until last night that I suddenly noticed that she doesn’t smell like urine anymore. No leaking and dry in the back end. That’s major!

I have kept the cone on her when I can’t keep an eye on her. I think I can probably dispense with it now but will confirm with the surgeon. Her incision is clean, dry and healing beautifully. He did an excellent job!

I will call later this evening and let you know the results of the ultrasound.

I think we might be in the home stretch!!!

Sandra

P.S. Wendy took the picture outside of Canada West. Bit far away but Jemma was uncomfortable because of her incision, so we had to do it fast. No time to look for the zoom or anything. I took the picture of Wendy when I we got back home. This was Jemma’s first pee experience outside on the grass with her newly redesigned ureters!

Please Vote everyday – Shelter Challenge ($20,000 Grant!!) Turtle Gardens Spay Neuter Society – Vancouver BC We are still today #16 in Canada and # 4 in BC!! Please vote!!!!!

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

The sun is shining brightly this morning but holy cow -10!!!!!!! It is a tad chilly this beautiful morning. The dogs are exuberantly playing outside – the dry clean crisp air is stimulating them into noisy play at 6am! Gotta love happy dogs enjoying life.

I was talking to Wendy about my own pack of dogs. Sweetpea, Jillian, Squire and Grizzly Adams are my core group of fur kids. Aardvark, Lucy, Colby, Shaney, Redman, and Marty are my senior non adoptable fur kids with Shammy being a possible. And then of course the salukis are sanctuary furries. I mentioned that Sweetpea’s nickname is “house hippo” cuz she really does look like a dachsie on steroids. Wendy asked if I call her that in her hearing – yes I do I said. Doesn’t she look like a the house hippo from the commercial to you?

Sara, Stan and I are looking into the possibility of having a TG Reunion in Victoria – in May or June. If enough TG Alumni RSVP – I would come down for the event. What do you think? Maybe even Sweetpea and or her sidekick Jillian!! Her eis Sara’a take on th eevent:::
Hi Yvette and Stan,

I like the idea of a reunion too. That way many TG folks have the chance to attend and see how fun TG families are. From this event we can promote the TG reunion – it gives us more time to build it up and to get ready for it.

I have started to look around for a location to host the Island TG Reunion. I see now why Citizen Canine has their event in April… May through October, dogs are not permitted to stay in picnic areas or beaches, and they must be on leash at all times in most locations.

BUT, I am waiting to hear back from the Metchosin Community House (http://metchosincommunityhouse.com/) to see if we can rent their location for the Island TG Reunion for possibly June 13th. They have just gone through a remodel and need to talk amongst themselves about new usage policies before committing to dozens of dogs on their newly seeded lawn. We’d have to bring our own BBQ (no big deal), and they have a Food Safe Certified kitchen, two indoor washrooms, and a lovely new porch. We could arrange some dog/person activities in the adjoining field and encourage fundraising through a small entry fee, sale of drinks and foods, sale of TG items, 50/50 draw etc.. With food, activities, schmoozing, and sales… there are a lot of volunteer positions to fill.

Keep you posted. Share your thoughts!

Sara

RSVP at turtlegardens at gmail.com – Lots of TG Alumni on the Island – do you want to have a Reunion??? Share your thoughts and ideas. Please!

Please Vote everyday – Shelter Challenge ($20,000 Grant!!) Turtle Gardens Spay Neuter Society – Vancouver BC We are #16 in Canada and # 4 in BC!! Please vote!!!!!

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