Turtle Gardens Animal Rescue

It is going to be another gorgeous day! The sun is shining. The sky is blue. The leaves are finally coming out on the trees. It is a wonderful day! It is -2. But it is supposed to get all the way up to +17 – hotter here cuz we have a micro climate from the hill. I see gardening in my day. And expect lots of lookee-loos – the weather is so nice people go for a drive and stop in to see the dogs. We have to look good. Dave and Stan will have their work cut out for them when they get home again next week. Lady is back to normal – she is playing again – with Harvey!! She will not play with Jack. She blames him for what happened. She will sleep with him but no more rough-housing. She is much closer to me – she will rarely leave my side. Time will help her heal and forget. Dogs have feelings and fears too. What happens in their daily lives does affect them profoundly. I am hoping she will wear a collar again. I haven’t tried. But for a while I think she will wear a harness. For now – Lady is naked.

And now the faces of Turtle Gardens;

Victor (cuz he was victorious over many adversities): He is doing so much better – our vets said he was in very rough shape – shot, hit by a vehicle, malnourished, full of internal parasites and a senior to boot. He is very very much a survivor and he so deserves a yuppie puppie home. He was neutered to help him calm down – mind you Jillie being in heat didn’t help. But now life is very very good. Victor is very good with all the dogs – males included – all are neutered now. He is calm, goes outside happily, lies in the sun and is slowly becoming a good dog. He is almost ready for adoption or transfer to a great rescue – bullie buddies. Bullie Buddies can find him the best home for him where he can be the ambassadog extraordinaire!

Jillian and Poncho enjoying the weak summer sun – 6.15 am yesterday.

Bailey pup who is learning much better manners – she was a terrier-ist puppy!! sleeping on Jack with Colby behind them – they are at my feet under the desk!

Squire one of my dogs – an 11 year old non -adoptable (he is very temperamentally challenged) and Lucy another non-adoptable – she is 17 years old enjoying the kuranda bed next to my desk. Thank you to everyone who has donated a bed – the dogs and me too love them. They are very comfortable, and very very easy to clean and they never smell – a big big bonus with this many dogs!!

My shabby demodex girl Birch (click here to read about demodex) who is in another flare up – she is growing up but her immune system is not (They cannot be treated conventionally – they are part border collie – “white feet – don’t treat; it could kill them). She and Willow are on immune boosters, supplements, vitamins, oils and special food. But she eats regular kibble too – it is there! She and Willow are lively, happy dogs who just don’t look perfect -yet. They will! And Winnie the pooh bear is with her. Dave is supposed to pick me up some big dog clippers – she needs a shave down!

Beautiful Betty Barker who isn’t barking so much anymore. Soon she will be plain Betty. She has an application in Vancouver!

Gabriel whom i suspect is having a name change to Fritzi (his new mom calls him Fritzi/Gabriel in her emails) grabbing the camera strap!! He is a monkey! He will be going home to Kay Bay after his neuter June 11th!

The trees are getting leaves tho they are still kinda bare!! Winnie and Sweetpea on the berm!

Harvey in a quiet moment – there aren’t many!

I will post more faces tomorrow.

I want to thank everyone who have been voting – your tremendous support is overwhelming and appreciated – we are #4 in Canada and #2 in BC – How cool is that!!
Remember to VOTE everyday!! Please Vote everyday – Shelter Challenge ($20,000 Grant!!) Turtle Gardens Spay Neuter Society – Vancouver BC We are now #4 in Canada and #2 in BC!! Please vote!!!!!

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

The sun was shining in a brilliant blue sky this morning when I got up at 6 am. It was cold tho -4!! I stayed up, made my coffee while I topped up food and water bins and swept the floors before mopping. I am enjoying my second cup of very good coffee while I remember last night.

Lady and Jack were wrestling in the common room while I watched TV. This breed likes to grab each other by the neck ruff while they wrestle. They are the same size – 23 and 24 pounds and siblings. But when I heard kiyiiyying I looked over at them to see Jack had his jaw caught in Lady’s collar and she was strangling. Thank doG we never leave the dogs alone! I rushed over as did all the dogs (and they did NOT want to help – the high pitched noise threw some into prey drive). By now a minute had passed as I struggled to hold them down so I could see the problem. Jack was bleeding. Lady ’s eyes were bulging. I couldn’t find the collar. Then lower down I felt the web and slid my fingers down to the latch – she was wearing a quick release collar. She was soon free. Jack too. Jack had a cut tongue but Lady…. her eyes were blood red. It was less than 3 minutes but any longer and we would have lost little Lady. The quick release collar saved her but it was supposed to break in this type of situation. Which is why they wear them. I will have to rethink keeping collars on the dogs. It gives us something to hold onto when we need to work with (ie trim a matt or take one for a walk) an individual dog or when they decide to be bullies. But this was scary. Mind you it is the first time I have encountered this type of accident in all my years of living with dogs.

Lady is fine this morning after her ordeal. She slept in my lap all night. She ate this morning. Her neck is swollen a bit and her eyes are still red. But she is fine. She isn’t wearing any collar. And she isn’t playing with her brother either!

This morning with 3Penny.

This morning outside – tomorrow’s blog will showcase the faces of TG!

And now more updates from TG Alumi! I really really love the updates – you make my days so much brighter – thank you.

Hello Everyone,

It is Allie Pup (remember me? I starred in the slide show that Kelsey put together). I’ve been thinking about you a lot lately. I’ve been with my family for a year now. Hard to believe. My family was just talking about what a year it has been. When I adopted my family we were living on Vancouver Island. A short time later Dad had to leave us for a couple of months, something about a new job in Alberta. Then one day Mom packed us all up (me, my beagle brother Charlie, the two girls and Dumas the cat) and we all got in the station wagon and drove and drove and drove. I was still just a pup then but Mom said I needed to be good and please don’t eat too much of the car! I mostly listened.

Wow you wouldn’t believe the place we moved to. There was snow!!!! I love it, love it, love it.

I do have to tell you that it hasn’t been easy training my family. The girls no problem. It is mom and dad that I worry about. Mom is home with me during the day and when they would all go somewhere and leave me at home I would do some rearranging. One time I had the great idea of shaking the cocoa all over the floor kind of as a room freshener. The living room had not smelt that good in a long time. I also rearranged the photo albums, the couches, basically helping out where I could. And then one day dad came home with a great big box. Of course I was very curious. Inside was a huge play fort for me! Dad was so cool, he set it up right in the middle of the living room, this thing is huge. So now when they leave I just go into my fort. I feel bad that I can help out around the house when they are gone but honestly it takes a lot of stress off my shoulders. Now I just take a huge nap, chew on my bones and watch the Dog Whisperer. I really can’t complain too much.

At night I sleep under the girls bed. It makes me feel better knowing they are safe. I love those girls! They even let me dress up for Halloween. I finally got be the Dalmatian. Anyways, it is about time for my walk. Mom and I go out for a walk every morning by ourselves and then at night we all go out for a play in the field. I can’t complain. Oh mom wants to write a quick note to you before our walk. I guess I will just lay down at her feet and be patient.
Much love,
Allie Pup

Hi Yvette,

Oh my goodness I totally forgot how much work puppies are!!!! Allie just turned a year and we are still trying to use the excuse she is just a puppy. Every night Tim and I laugh about how a puppy is more work than a baby!!!! We love Allie so much and she is becoming an awesome girl. We are really working on obedience and are having lots of training sessions. By nature she is a dominant girl. We’ve had a few battles but she is doing great. Now that the weather isn’t minus 30 we are able to get her out for lots of exercise. She never minded the cold but boy this Vancouver island girl has certainly had to adjust.

Anyways thank you so much for all you do and for our Allie pup. Can’t imagine our lives without her.
Sarah, Tim and the girls

Hi Yvette,

Just wanted to touch base with you. Every day when I check the blog, I also go to the “this day last year” page. And today- there she is- the new arrival Nonie from Burns Lake pound. You describe her as “just a little thing”, and a “cutie patootie”.

She is still both! A little darker, a little bigger (about 22
pounds), but the same cute face and inquisitive expression.
Sometimes when she stands and looks up at me it is exactly like that
first photo.

Without a doubt, she is the most agreeable dog I have ever known.
Just wants to love and be loved, and do the right thing. At the same
time, she is full of spunk and “p and v”.

I am so lucky!

Barb

Hi Yvette
We took Duchess to the beach today.
She was running around like a puppy. It was so nice to see!
My camera battery died so I didn’t get a photo. Next time.
Lori

I want to thank everyone who have been voting – your tremendous support is overwhelming and appreciated – we are #4 in Canada and #2 in BC – How cool is that!!
Remember to VOTE everyday!! Please Vote everyday - Shelter Challenge ($20,000 Grant!!) Turtle Gardens Spay Neuter Society – Vancouver BC We are now #4 in Canada and #2 in BC!! Please vote!!!!!

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

Kelsey had her graduation ceremonies last night! Many of you have met my grand daughter on fundraisers, many of your dog adoptions, and dog events. She has my doggie skills and has always been my right hand. She has graduated from high school – yes I really do feel ancient – where did the time go? Stan her father and Dave her grandfather were in Victoria for the big event – we did a TG Bus Run! I was there in spirit – her corsage is from Grandma! My favorite flower so she will know I am thinking of her! Congratulations Kelsey – we are so proud of you!!

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

Hello Yvette,

It was great to talk to you again and connect.

I have attached some pictures of Morice now. I have pictures of him when we first got him but they are not digital, so I can not easily send them through. {I have his adoption picture!!}

Morice was flow down in 2003 and we picked up a frightened and scared dog………..but you could never tell that now. He has become my shadow and pretty much never leaves my side ( as I write this he is beside me on the floor). Morice has become a huge part of our family.

We had a little boy in 2004 and my concern was to make sure that Morice did not become jealous of our little one, so he was always around me and Anthony. People who say that they need to get rid of their dog because of their children, really need to step back and look at what they are doing to ensure that the dog they have brought into their homes is part of the family. It takes time, patience and work… I think people tend to forget this.

We did have some concerns because of our attempt to ensure that everyone was safe, it turned out to be that Morice became very protective of Anthony and still is to a certain extent. We use to go for walks, Anthony in the stroller and Morice by my side, If anyone got to close to the stroller, as some people do when they want to see the baby, Morice would let out his warning that they were a tad bit to close. After it happened the first time, I would just warn people and they would leave us alone, Morice would be fine.

We usually have a cake on Morice’s made up Birthday in May (picture attached). Anthony believes that all Birthdays need to have hats, Morice loves the attention and I do not think he would have it any other way.

Glad to hear that you are doing well and keeping up the great work.

Carmen

PS we would like to get another dog, but of course it would need to be a very young dog – puppy, and female. We have become enamored with the Husky’s, so would be looking for that mix.
I leave this with you. I know that one will come our way when it is the right time.

And Dani of the multi colored coat!

Hello Yvette!

Thanks for the email. I will send to everyone I know that loves their pets.

Dani the dog with the multi coloured coat is doing great. We have had her for a # of years now. She still has a few minor issues but overall she is one of the funniest/smartest dogs I have ever had. She loves our family and is a big part of it.

Thanks, for all you do for the underprivileged animals!

Don

want to thank everyone who have been voting – your tremendous support is overwhelming and appreciated – we are #4 in Canada and #2 in BC – How cool is that!!
Remember to VOTE everyday!! Please Vote everyday – Shelter Challenge ($20,000 Grant!!) Turtle Gardens Spay Neuter Society – Vancouver BC We are now #4 in Canada and #2 in BC!! Please vote!!!!!

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

The sun was shining, the sky was so blue and it was so bloody cold -3 is just too darn cold!! Then the clouds came rolling in, the wind came blowing in and the sun disappeared. All before 10 am. The weather network says that we will have -2 or so for the whole week. Good for the flooding but not so good for the gardens.

Char was here by 10 am with the two pound pups. Holy cow we have another Shaggy Dude but in cream!! Maybe a bit bigger tho more Bobby size – 31 pounds. He has the same happy social butterfly personality too. I think he looks like a Harvey? What do you think. Turtle Gardens welcomes out shaggy little dude.

The other little fellow has been loose for 4 years. He sort of had a home at one time. His name was Puppy. He had been hit by a car and broke his left hind ankle. It healed crookedly but he uses it very well. He is not good with cats – they were food for him. He is shy with humans but very gentle, he enjoys ears scrunches and soft strokes on his face but will not solicit pats yet. He weighs 24 pounds – just a nice little guy. He reminds me of Curtis. He needs a new name to represent his new life beginning. Turtle Gardens welcomes our little guy.

And now an update from one of the Moricetown River pups – Ranger was adopted locally. He has a great life. Yesterday he and Roz moved cattle into the summer pasture first herding them thru the gate and then he watched the gate so the cattle couldn’t turn back. How cool is that for a lab mix!! He sleeps indoors beside the bed too. He has a job and a good life too.What a good match. They brought fresh bones from the butcher for the dogs and some fresh meat from their recent butchering for us too. How very nice of you – Dave, Stan and I appreciate it very very much.

And an update and pictures from Duchess:
Duchess – the incredible wonderful superdog!‏
Hi Yvette Stan and Dave

Just a quick note from the Baileys.
We are so happy with Duchess. What a great girl.
She is so calm and relaxed. She loves everyone – kids, dogs, adults.
We took her to the vet yesterday for a quick hello. She stood very
still except for a lot of tail wagging and licks while they checked her over. She got her nails trimmed, ears cleaned, flea prevention medicine and itchy skin checked. She thrilled everyone at the vet office.

She LOVES the car .. so much that she sometimes doesn’t want to get out! She sleeps quietly all through the night with Scott (pictured). We were worried about the bath but she stood there stoically and enjoyed all the attention.

She is a little tentative on the stairs but getting better everyday.
We couldn’t be happier and are completely in love. Thanks so much!

Lori and the Baileys

And Shaggy Dude send his update and pictures about not being shaggy anymore and getting a new name too!!

Hi Yvette,

Shaggy Dude here. I’m having so much fun. I’ve been to the beach and I loved it; chasing birds, running into the water and putting my head in it to see what’s in there. We go on lots of walks. My new dad and I play lots of fetch on the big field behind my house and he gives me lots of treats, especially when I sit. I got a haircut yesterday, the haircut lady tried to put me in a kennel while I waited my turn (even though my mommy warned her that I’d never been in one,) I screamed my lungs out because I knew my new mommy could hear me from outside and want to come rescue me. The hair cut lady was nice and let me out of that kennel pretty quick and I was on my best behavior during my hair cut so that she wouldn’t put me back in! Funny thing, they started calling me Webster after the hair cut, I guess I’m not very shaggy anymore, they cut my hair really short to get rid of all those nasty matts, I feel kind of naked but much better. Today I met my new vet, she liked me so much she said she wanted to take me home with her, but my mommy wouldn’t let her. I got a squirrel squeeky toy yesterday, it’s tail looks kind of like mine does now, it’s my favorite, I run up and down the hall with it. I follow my mommy and daddy everywhere they go, they’re not getting away on me. We cuddle lots. My mom keeps chasing me around with the camera, but I’m too quick for her, but she’s sending a few that she snuck.

Thanks for taking such good care of me,
Shaggy Dude, oh, I mean Webster!

I want to thank everyone who have been voting – your tremendous support is overwhelming and appreciated – we are #4 in Canada and #2 in BC – How cool is that!!
Remember to VOTE everyday!! Please Vote everyday - Shelter Challenge ($20,000 Grant!!) Turtle Gardens Spay Neuter Society – Vancouver BC We are now #4 in Canada and #2 in BC!! Please vote!!!!!

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

I wonder why the dogs have to wake up barking at 6 am!! It was pouring rain this morning so they all trooped back in pretty quickly tho so I snatched another half hour of zzzzzs!!

Little Sumi sends another update – all is well at last!!

Hi there,

Just to let you know, Sumi seems to be settling in and has used the litter ever since I changed it. She is freely running around the house and playing like a true kitten when we are home, and cuddling up at night. I also brought her to the vet here and had her nails clipped and to just start a file and care timeline. So all is good. Will update in a few months but wanted to let you know all is great.

Have a wonderful night and week,

Caroline

And Layah send her update too – she is slowly acclimatising!
Hi Yvette;

Good news to report as of this morning when we went for our walk Layah had a pea and a dump on leash.

I have been keeping the door open to the outside to encourage her to use the backyard.

When we returned from our walk I gave her an all natural liver treat.

When we go for a walk I indicate that us ladies need to stretch our legs and it seems to be working.

Dianne Ham

And an update anniversary!! From my favorite Possum!! He really does look like Shaggy Dude!!!

Dear Nana Yvette,

Wednesday, May 27th marks the 2 year anniversary of when I came to live with my new Mum on Vancouver Island. I just wanted you to know that I am very happy here and that she takes very good care of me. She loves me a lot !!

I have a sister….who is …. OK I guess (shes a cat) Her name is Misha and I LOVE to chase her. She pretends she doesnt like me but I think she really does because when Mum is making our dinners….she purrs and rubs up against me. I just ignore her then cuz there is much better things happening. Mum buys me grain-free dog food because my tummy got upset a lot before but since we switched there has been no problems (and I think its delicious !)

I am almost due to get my hair cut for the summer – I love it when it gets all cut off – it feels soooo good. (I am only about 1/2 as big though after ).

My favourite thing to do is to go to the park. There is one that is not very far from our house and it is almost always empty so I can run around and chase the ball. When Mum says “want to go to the park” I bark and bark and run around excitedly until we head out the door. She NEVER says it unless we are actually going because I don’t let up!! Sometimes we take Mum’s niece with us. She is 6 years old and I LOVE her. She and I play and play. She likes to throw the ball for me and I like to make her chase me for it. At the park there is this twirly thing and when she gets on it I bark like crazy and try to jump on. (Mum said I could send you a little video to see what I mean)

I have a LOT of toys and I love every single one of them, especially soft ones. The best game is to pull each one out of the basket and place them all over the living room so that people have to step around them. It’s great fun.

Anyways its almost time for us to go and have a play outside, its very sunny here today.

I hope you are doing good and Poppa Dave and Uncle Stan – tell them I said hi.

I am attaching some pictures (and that video I told you about) so you can see how grown up I am.

Love Possum xoxox

And dogs at play!
Jillian, Bailey and Gabriel

Lady and Gabriel

Gunnar and 3Penny

Freeman and 3Penny

It doesn’t look like she is going home – Winnie is such a nice dog – I finally found out her name!!

I want to thank everyone who have been voting – your tremendous support is overwhelming and appreciated – we are #5 in Canada and #2 in BC – How cool is that!!
Remember to VOTE everyday!! Please Vote everyday - Shelter Challenge ($20,000 Grant!!) Turtle Gardens Spay Neuter Society – Vancouver BC We are now #5 in Canada and #2 in BC!! Please vote!!!!!

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