What a lovely time to be sitting at my desk – the sun is shining in my window! How cool is that. My desk has been moved from the corner in the common room to under the window in the kitchen. It is brighter and is within the hub of activity. Not that I was far away but my back was to the table – an isolation for Dave. I often work on the laptop at the kitchen table. I can do more work and I can talk to Dave as well.  Strange but true.

Bruno the big guy is improving every day. He has started to play! Cashe the jack russell mix runs circles all around and under him. It is hilarious to watch the big guy try to play with the little speedball. In the porch on his bed next to the dragon, he uses one big foot to wrestle with her. Cashe is a healer pup!! She is helping him heal from his years of neglect and isolation.

Bruno sniffing around the yard

One eye is almost clear but the other is still oozing long strings. Long time neglect has left his tear ducts totally plugged. His left eye is still half covered with exudate. But he chugs along and finds his bed every time. If we leave the door opened, he can find his way back in by himself – a big improvement.

  Bruno’s eyes. The right one is healing well The left has a ways to go. But Dave cleans them and medicates them every day.

Well, the sun is still trying to shine but the wind is blowing clouds in as well. Yesterday – my blog decided to half disappear. So I left it until my patience was more in tune. Sherle advised me that it could be my browser. This is a new computer and I haven’t downloaded my usual browser – i really do prefer Firefox. So today I bit the bullet and downloaded it – one hour and 13 minutes later – I have it! Dial-up leaves plenty to be desired. It is so slow. I will see if that has solved my issues.

The newbies are doing very well. The medium male is a bouncy happy, follow you kind of guy. He is so cute! He needs a name please.

new guy

The medium little girl is a sweet people loving dog too. She slept on my bed last night. She is a suck! She also needs a good name.

female pound pup

The little black poodle mix is going to Vicky tonight. He is a bouncy, happy, people loving little guy. Vicky will name him and get him groomed. Thank you Chris and Vicky too.

The new shepherd is still as awesome as she can be but she is more playful as she adapts to inside living and security. Her name is Tasha and her neighbor phoned to find out where she was and what was going to happen to her. She told us her name and that she is great with children. She has a prospective home with TG alumni Jenna though they do want to meet her her first and she how she fits into their family. That is all doable.

Tasha

The Hazelton pup and the Kispiox male are also doing well. In fact the male has a prospective home picking him up from his neuter at the veterinarian on Friday. How cool is that!

Nameless Hazelton pup

kispiox stray now has a home

And an update from Lola Mcwonton Romeo!

Hi everyone.  Well it’s been a full week with Lola.  She is doing really well.  She’s actually starting to like me, or should I say she puts up with me.  LOL.  She will go for a walk on leash with my husband almost everyday, they will be gone for at least 1 hour, she is still scared of everything, so the walk isn’t enjoyable for her yet.  She sleeps every night in her crate, without any whining or barking.  I’m seriously thinking of taking her to obedience school so she can socialize with other people and dogs.  I’m sure everyday will be an improvement with her, she seems to adapt quite easily.  I will try to keep you informed on Lola’s going ons.    Joy Romeo

I missed a day, it is very hectic around here. Thank goodness for that xxlarge crate – thank you Kathy and Ron. Our big girl Shiva is in heat again – what a fiasco. Another week and half and we will be clear but holy moly the boys just don’t get that they are neutered! So Shiva is isolated in the crate. She is not a happy camper but peace is much more important for the caretakers. Relax big girl it will soon be over and then your operation will happen. And for you, an inside home where you can follow around your person and sleep by their bed.

Shiva

The new arrivals all came from pounds as well. The first newbie arrived while Dave was on his way to pick up the Burns Lake pound dogs. Susan from the Hazelton pound brought a 5 month old, happy, lab mix girl. What a sweet girl she is!! She has to be coaxed indoors but has good manners once she is – another lie close to your feet kind of dog. Someone will find a treasure when they adopt her!

Hazelton pound pup

Dave arrived shortly after with 3 pound dogs!! That makes 5 since the mill fire. We were averaging 1 or 2 a month. The exodus has begun. Our vets feel that 300 to 500 people will be leaving Burns Lake. Most will wait until school is out but those families without kids are leaving for jobs already. The tradesmen and truckers have found jobs pretty quickly with other mills. We feel that we will see about 100 or more dogs come in this year above and beyond the usual influx of strays. We have to be ready. We need more fundraising ideas. Already our vet bill is over $3,000!!! We started 2012 with a clean slate – all our bills were paid. Add more dogs and we may not be able to help them all. Who will decide who lives and who dies? Money keeps the wheel going round. 60% of our expenditures is travel/gas and Veterinary expenses. The rest is wages/hydro, maintenance/incidentals that keep us clean and stable. And this year – we will flood again. It is inevitable. We need to move across the road. That means clearing land that we own. And putting up a building for humans and dogs – we need to be safe and dry. There will be more on this as it develops. The flood damage last year left us vulnerable. This year we need to be prepared before Turtle Gardens is washed down the river.

The first dog Dave brought in was the biggest and she is a medium dog. She weighs 45 pounds and is 8 or so months old. She was in heat when spayed. She was groggy so was crated to sleep it off. Welcome little girl – you sure are a sweetie.

Female pound dog

The next one didn’t react well to coming out of the anaesethic – he was snapping at everything, especially Dave. Dave brought him in and the little guy leaned into my legs. I talked gently to him and rubbed his little face. He calmed down and has followed me ever since. He slept by my chair all evening. He is also about 8 months old and weighs 26 pounds. He reminds me of a Basenji – the wrinkled forehead the curled pig tail even the size but the wrong colour and they are rare at the best of times.

The bigger of the pound guys.

And the small guy – a poodle maltese also about 8 months old. He will go to Vicky thank doG. He weighs 15 pounds of very matted coat.

small pound dog

A few more updates: First Carma now known as Tegan

Tegan was very unsure.  Took half an hour to get out of the truck.  First hid behind the coat rack, then into the crate…in 3 hours she was sleeping at my feet.  There was some amusing barking at her reflection in the window. Well, this morning she’s really relaxed!   Next we’ll work on the cat, who’s not relaxed and temporarily absent (for some reason). She goes into her crate on her own when we’re not in the room.  Yahoo!  Weiners & peanut butter Kong, anyone? Loves the long grass.  A change from snow, no doubt.

She’s amazing!  I took her to my office today and she was very relaxed. Takes to women more easily than men. Not scared, just more cautious. She sits on command.  We’re working on her name and cat 101.  The cat has been patient so far.  And she’s great on the leash.
Sheila

shy Tegan

The next morning

And sweet Fala:
Good day Mama Yvette & Papa Dave,

Today is day two here in Victoria. The roadtrip and ferry ride made for a long day for this doggie but after a shampoo and a groom out I feel like myself once again.

My foster/adopt family picked me up and brought me to meet their 8 month old pup, Sukhi Dayo or Sukhi -Pants as he is often called. The neutral park meet-and-greet was strange at first.  I made my cutest play bows to no avail…He completely ignored me….We went home and after my bath I came downstairs determined to get that little man to engage with me.   You know what a little bossy boots I can be, and with much interaction he began biting my paws….then my soft lovely ears….my furry neck and then we really got into it with much lip biting and chomping about the face.  He is a lot heavier than myself but I am the queen of canine pugalism and managed to evade many attacks with ease…Ha!  This has been an ongoing dance since my arrival and I must say I do enjoy his attentions…although he has it in his mind that spinning around and humping me is supposed to be some sort of fun. I do wiggle out of it quite easily and return with a furry flurry of funky moves. I can tell by his eyes that he is impressed.

We have gone for some long neighbourhood walks and my foster mom says that I am brilliant on leash.  Sukhi pokes about with far too much sniffing going on for my taste..no wonder his is so slow.  The first night in bed was more like musical chairs…everyone had to find their place and it seems that I have won the jackpot. Sukhi curls up ‘husky style’ near their feet and I stretch out, belly up right between their feather pillows.  I know that I always slept under the covers with you Mama Yvette but whew!! my mom here in this new place is as hot as the dragon.  She is always throwing the covers off or her layers of clothing….so thus far I love, love, love snuggling between them…the feather bed and pillows are dreamy.

I really don’t like it when either of my new parents leaves the room …I feel very stressed and whimper a lot. I  am just not sure if they will come back. Perhaps in time I will learn to feel less anxious when they are not around.  They are very impressed, though, that I go to the back door when I have to do my business.

We are heading off to Willows Beach for a walk/exercise hour. Sukhi gets to be off-leash here and runs around like a little clown but I hear that I will get to explore the place on an extra long training leash… there are whispers of yummy treats in their pockets. I’m on it.

whoof,
Fala

The weather is damp but mild again. I miss the sun in my face. The dogs are sleeping all around my feet – it is nap time at TG. Nova is all about playing. The big guy knows his name so he will stay Bruno. He goes out on his own and today barked at look-sees who read my blog about the BIG dog. He was outside when they drove by and they had to stop and gawk – he is a sight to see!! And a bark to match. When I called his name he came at a trot! How cool is that! He has very limited vision so we have to guide him up the ramp so he doesn’t fall off the edge. But he certainly feels better.

Bruno with Poncho and BJ Thomas

His eyes are less red though they are still shedding exudate. The puffiness has left his body and his urine is a normal color today. It is all systems working for our big guy. What a relief for Dave.

Our new arrivals sees one as a return. Lupa was spending the winter with friends of her family while they are in Mexico. It just wasn’t working out – not enough exercise in too small a space for this very active people dog. She looks to be in great shape. You may recall her family works in the forest industry and are very active outdoors in  spring, summer and fall but are gone during the winter. I am afraid Lupa needs an all weather active home. Welcome back Lupa – we will find you an active home.

Lupa

The next newbie is from the Telkwa Pound. What a beautiful girl inside and out. She is about 2 years old and is either a Belgian Shepherd or  a longhaired German Shepherd or – any guesses?

She walked very well on leash into the yard where she met a few dogs that were outside. She did a run of the perimeter and then noticed me at the door. She came up to me and into the house right into the common room and lay down at my feet when I sat down at the table. And that is where she has stayed. She follows me when I get up, moves to under the desk when I am at the computer. She lay beside my bed all night long. She is housebroken but prefers me to wait for her by the door. She was obviously in a home so why wasn’t she redeemed? How could anyone abandon such a beautifully loyal, devoted companion?

And now for updates:

First Lola formerly McWonton:

Hi everyone;  Day 3 with Lola.  She is coming around, she loves, loves, loves my husband Chris.  He is the only one she will let touch her.  She is slowly getting used to me. I’ve never had a dog that runs from me when I get near them, so its kind of hard on me, but I know it will take time, and I’m not giving up on her liking me too.  He has been working with taking her for a walk on her leash, only a few steps a day though, she will follow him in the backyard with her leash dangling, but once out of the yard she freezes.  She wags her tail at my husband, and when he sits on the rug she rolls all over him.  She kisses him and plays with him.  She’s definitely going to be his dog, which is good, because we got her for him.  He misses our other dog so much.  I will let you know how things are going.   Thanks,   Joy Romeo

Cricket and Cedar:

It’s been an adventure these past few days and we think these two are great. The mean streets of North Van are scary but they are certainly comfortable at home. They look uneasy in the first picture but today’s adventures wiped them out. You gotta love the picture with Cricket’s paw around her brother. Gloria

  Cricket and Cedar

  asleep in Gloria’s lap

  Cricket and Cedar asleep together

Dexter:

Dear Ma ,Pa and family at Turtle Gardens this is Dexter

Well, my first three nights at my new house have been nice.

I’ve been busy playing with my new toys, went to the spa ( Duncan Dogs) and had a warm bath. I really enjoy going for walks and love my new big doggy bed. I sleep right next to my new momma ,this way I can see her.

I’ve meet some new friends, neighbors and visited the Vets. Everyone thinks I am soooooo cute. Everyone that is but the big kitty cat that lives here.

She ‘s got attitude!! So, I try to stay away from her right now. It will take time before we are Friends.

Thinking  of  you guys. Don’t worry about me… I am  loved.  Dex

Dear Yvette and Dave at TURTLE GARDENS.

Thank you so much. I had tears when I finally meet our little Dexter.

He is so sweet, gentle and loves his cuddles.

Thanks for helping me and understanding what pup would fit our family.

We love him very much.

Thank you for everything.

All the best to you and your family at Turtle Gardens.

Nadine and family

Dex

Dex all wet

Dex in the bath

Going for a walk

Clark:

Clark is already fitting in wonderfully! He’s such a loving little guy. He and my little Sadie are already the best of friends. I have attached 3 pictures for you – his car ride home, playing with Sadie, and all tuckered out after a long day for a little dog. I will keep you and Yvette posted on his progress! I know he misses you quite a bit – as I am sure you miss him too. I can promise he is in good hands! Take care and talk soon,

Helen

More tomorrow with more newbies too!

Dave and Brian arrived home late Tuesday night. Why so long? Well, my old computer died in January and I so needed the information from my hard drive. This one has back ups galore so that won’t happen again. The hard drive was too  old so it was looking pretty bleak until Calvin to the rescue. He knew what to do and once Dave bought him the right tools he did the job effectively. My old files are on the laptop which can be moved to the desktop which I use daily. Laptops are too fragile for daily use in this environment. But oh so useful when you need information on the go. Like I said – both have back ups and the same information is transfered to each one. No more losses and panics. Gotta go with the flow – more technology in this day and age. That took an extra day. But well worth the extra chores for me. But let me tell you - I am very glad that Dave is home to take over!!

The new arrivals are settling in very well. Nova is already on petfinder. She is a boxer/border collie with the border collie drive and temperament not to mention that boxers can be very active as well. This would not be my choice of breeding – two hyper breeds in one package. She play play plays all day long. By 4 pm she is inside and splayed out at Dave’s feet – he is her hero. She is clean and does have good manners indoors. She sleeps on the bed with Dave ‘s crew – she is a border collie after all. They only accept other pit bulls or border collies into their gang maybe the odd terrior-ist. But they welcome border collies and mixes with a lot of bc in them with open paws. Welcome Nova.

Nova

The other defininetly needed rescue. He has unrelieved entropion, severely infected eyes, a twisted front foot and was so stiff in the  back he could not get up without help. It took Dave and Brian doing the firemean lift to get his front end into the van then the same procedure for the back end. He must weigh 180 pounds of very sore dog. They settled him unto a large dog bed and drove away. Their next stop was in Bridal Falls to meet Kathy and Ron for their donation of a kuranda bed and xxlarge crate and coffee too.  They even loaded it into the van while the guys unloaded Nova and reaaranged the big guy in the front. Thank you so very much kathy and Ron who have TG alumni Bryn formerly Mindy.

The big guy worried Dave so much that they stopped at a drug store in 100 mile for eye wash. He found BNP in the van and they cleaned his eyes which were crusted shut. He removed a teaspoon and more of exudate from his eyes. They managed to get him out of the van so he could do his business. He could barely walk and it was an ordeal getting him back in. Dave was very upset when he called me. This dog was in such bad shape, he wasn’t sure he would be alive when he got home. They got a micro heater and covered him with a wool blanket when they stopped to fix my computer. The big guy slept – warm and dry and safe. He drank a bit of water but would not eat. He slept.

Dave was worried when he got home that he would not be able to get the big guy inside. He slid him out onto the ground and helped him up. He managed to walk the long walk to the house. Thank doG we have a ramp instead of steps (that was put in when I broke my ankle and we left it) he was set up near the dragon on blankets. I dosed him with metacam and gave him a bit of water. He still would not eat.

Yesterday he got up on his own and went outside. He drank a lot more water and ate some bread and chicken stew. Dave cleaned his eyes and this time removed a long string of green exudate from the tear ducts. Dave got his bed from the van – he was looking for it!! He actually turned around twice and lay down on it. His sigh of contentment said it all.  He had another dose of metacam in the evening. Today… he wagged his tail! He went outside and was walking quite well. The warmth, soft bed and metacam has done wonders for the big guy. He drank really well. He ate more of my chicken stew. There is hope for him. He will go into the vet office as soon as we can get him an appointment – possibly as soon as tomorrow afternoon – tomorrow is pound pick up day – the exodus has begun. But that is another story.

The big guy’s eyes

big guy crooked front foot

The big guy looking pretty good after 4 days of warmth and comfort and 2 days of pain medication. He will be assessed by our veterinarians so we can fully care for his needs. Welcome big guy!

I want everyone to be mentioned from the dog run  ….so here it goes
Our crew on Sunday was:
 Gloria and Rob who always end up becoming our gate keepers for the dogs….they end up in the stalls with the dogs every time and miss all the action outside….sorry but you’re both just so good at it.  They cleaned out the stalls once all the dogs were done and then they left with two foster pups.

 Denise – I’m so happy she is on board now!  She is taking over my foster coordinating duties, and with an even bigger group of fosters now it is no small task.  She arranged all the food, crates, supplies for each foster.  She arranged the rides to Victoria and Nanaimo and has signed up the new fosters who came on board this trip.   The list of things she is doing for TG goes on and on.   After a long few days of getting ready for all the dogs she then stepped up and ran the Victoria dogs over when their ride fell through.   Once she got home she stepped into foster mode as she took on Seely as a foster too!

Linda D. and her friends who helped her bring out the many bags of donated blankets, food, etc. Linda also rode shotgun with Denise on the last minute trip to Victoria.

Shannon is becoming a TG regular with her training expertise.  She came out and helped by giving new adopters information on putting their best foot forward with their new dogs.

Lory and Paul came out to see what the dog runs were all about, gave us a helping hand and then ended up driving two dogs into Vancouver for us.   Thanks guys!
Donna and crew came out just to pick up 5 dogs and drive them to Nanaimo.   Apparently she commented to Denise that it was fun!

 Julia and crew came out to lend a hand and pick up 2 foster pups.  They are also fostering Scotty.  What a great way to introduce yourself to TG with 3 foster dogs!

Jacqueline came out to adopt her second TG dog.  She adopted Manny last year and has now added Faith to her pack.  She also took McWonton to the airport for her flight to Cranbrook.

Danielle drove out to the dog run to send up dog food and other great supplies.

A special shout out to Ashley and Brendon who were going to foster Alaska Ben.  They answered the cry for help for a two week foster while the adoptive family was displaced during renovations.  Alaska Ben’s family came out and met him and couldn’t not take him.   One of their family members is making a special trip out of town with him just so he has a place to stay…they couldn’t leave him after meeting him after all.   Sorry Ashley and Brendon…but you do get brownie points just the same.

There were even volunteers on the Island side:
Lisa B. (yes, another one of me) – picked up the dogs from Donna, she drove 4 to Bev and is also fostering a pup

Emily and Meshum are both fostering dogs but they picked up 6 from Denise and Linda in Victoria and then facilitated the adoptions.  Our team of foster moms steps up for more than just fostering over and over.

The whole crew had an exhausting day….and then I spoke with Yvette and checked in with Dave on his ride home too and I’m quickly reminded that for all our volunteer group did, it was still just a small fraction of what those Labattes do daily!!

The first chore of this morning beside letting the dogs out was start a roaring fire in the dragon. It was quite mild last evening +5 so I decided in my much aligned wisdom to not worry about feeding the dragon during the night. I even woke up , felt a bit chilly on my nose but pulled up my covers and went blissfully back to sleep. I should have realized that all my small dogs were UNDER the covers! It was a tad ”chilly willy” when the dogs got me up at 7.37 am. The temperature on the round disk outside the door said “-10″!! Oops that was a wrong decision. The dogs complained and grumbled all the while I fed the starving dragon.  But it was soon roaring, heat was dissipating nicely into the common room and small dogs started to emerge from under covers to go outside. All is well at Turtle Gardens.

While I was checking on the dragon I received a visit from a supporter of TG who rounds up dog food/broken bags from the Burns Lake grocery stores and brings them out to TG. He works for the highways crew. I forgot his name but thank you so very very much! I apologize for not going out but I wasn’t dressed yet!! Dave calls my very flamboyant night attire “a Lakes district maintenance robe” because it is so bright it could be used as a stop sign for them!! The dogs did cooperate and I was able to shout through the window. Now I do have to get dressed and bring the food in before the ravens get into it!

Then it was coffee started, starving marvin puppies fed their warm rehydrated raw food and chores begun. With my second cuppa down the hatch I started to the fun part of my day – reading emails and updates are finally coming in!!

Jacqueline with Faith and Felicity at the barn

tired after a long walk

Amazingly, there is still room on the couch for me too

And: Yvette,
What a pleasure to meet Lisa B, Dave and all of the other TG volunteers this morning when we picked up Wee Willie !  He is adorable and has made himself at home already. He is all tuckered out tonight and has been imitating a long furry speedbump in the middle of the kitchen floor for the last hour ! Thank you so much for all that you and your crew do for the dogs and the lucky families who adopt them !

And little McWonton know known as Lola:

Hey Yvette;  As you know from our phone call, McWonton/ Lola has arrived to her new forever home.  It took her about 20 minutes to come out of the crate, but we just let her come out on her own.  She let my husband touch her and carry her.  He took her out into the backyard on leash to do her business.  She bolted when she got out so I’m glad Chris left the leash on her. She has eaten some of her food that we bought for her. She is still very shy, but it won’t take long for her to come around, I will work dilligently with her.  She is very cute and adorable.  Thankyou soooooo much to everyone who was involved with getting Lola to us.  I’ll let you know in a couple of days how she is coming along.  Thanks again.  Chris and Joy Romeo

And a foster update Mcchowmein:

Pic attached Obviously made herself at home! Loves Beckett, Lemon not
so much, but Lemon needs to get over herself anyway.

Great girl you sent me! She is definitely special.

Hope you get a bunch of happy updates tomorrow!!!

Best,
Emily

chowmein and Beckett

Jill was there to see which puppy would suit her family. As I suspected it was Casey! She is the next cuddliest to Clio and Carma! Cricket and Cedar went to Gloria. Julia has Chika and Carlin while Chesney is in Nanaimo. Alaskaben did not go to foster – once his family met him they could not relinquish him, renos or not – he went home with them. They will stay at their cabin instead of near home. So how cool is that!

The only hitch was the Victoria run but Denise and Linda D stepped into the breach and crammed Brojack, Fala, Dex, Carma and McChowmein into Denise’s small car and away they went. Dave was turned back to Chiliwack by 11.30. How cool is that!

He met Rob and Tania in Chilliwack and picked up Nova who looks like a smaller Sid says Dave and Bruno a 7 year old mastiff is who is twice as big as Molson with jowls. He must be 150 pounds!! Bruno needs some TLC and exercise while Nova just needs to be a dog – she has been kenneled for 6 months. She will enjoy romps with Sid – Dave says that she is playful just like Sid and like Sid Dave likes her a lot!

Then it was a quick stop in Bridal Falls to meet with Kathy for a donation of an xxlarge crate and a kuranda bed. Thank you Brynn and Liam.

They were in Cache Creek by 5 pm having supper in their motel when he called me. They will take the dogs for a walk then “veg” the evening away. Tomorrow will see them home again in Topley.

I certainly miss Dave. He does a heck of a lot of work around here! It is a lot of work feeding the dragon and caring for the dogs. It leaves very little time for anything else!! Four hands make shorter work of the chores. We both appreciate each other after one of us is gone on a trip. Even with 29 dogs less it takes time, effort and lots of coffee to get the job done well.

  Shiva

 Tarot

 

BJ Thomas

 

 Cubby and Mcdimsum

 

  Kip