Turtle Gardens Animal Rescue

Hey Momma Yvette

My mom’s been teaching Princess MollyDawg to sew and they just finished sending out yet another BIG order of bandanas. I’m glad Jillian and SweetPea like the personalized ones I sent for them. That was MY Idea you know. Molly didnt think of it! Did all the doggys like the cookies my mom baked for them too?

Guess what, mom says the Bandanas are selling like Hotcakes! Yummy I love hot cakes! Oh drat my mom said Im not allowed to eat hotcakes any more. She says my doc says I have to watch my weight in this cold weather. If Im too heavy it might hurt my leg when The Princess and I play. I have to take these yucky pills every day now. Something called “Glue cozy mean” and “Cal zee um” or sommat like that. But its okay ‘cuz then she gives me a yummy dog vitamin to crunch the yuckie taste away.
I bin reading yer blog momma Yvette and I saw you say you had to use the treadmill. Well guess what? Im doing it with you!

Im hoping people will sponsor you lots. Then you can make some money to buy all the doggys at TG some stuff for Xmas! Food, meds etc! (cookies) [[wink wink]]
How COOL WOULD THAT BE?

Hey did you like the awsome water mugs I sent ya? Now you can drink while you exercise like me!

Oh Yea and mom said I should send you the link to the posters of the bandanas she and Mollys been sewing. So here ya go. There’s one for the Christmas fabric and one for the personalized ones. Hey, Im even in there. ( giggle, Im such a STAR! )
XOX
Double Doggy Hugs
The King

Please vote for TG! In the care2 challenge we are #81 with 178 votes. Yet over 400 unique visitors come here daily – Please vote – it is just once!! If TG wins any grants – I pledge to use every dollar for Low Cost Spay Neuter Program!!! We were just starting to make a difference! Please help us help the animals! The vote button is just below the red banner above!

And then We need more clicks!!!
The shelter challenge – We are # 1 in Canada which means we are in line for a $1000 grant. But we could aim higher –We are UP AGAIN!! !! to #27 in overall ranking. #1 gets $20,000, #2 gets $5000 and #3 gets $3000. We can do it!! Email schools and ask the kids to support Turtle Gardens Spay Neuter Society (our full legal name!!), email family and friends. The animals are counting on us! Click Here!

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

It was 3.30 am and all of the dogs were outside noisily playing in the falling snow!! They were having a blast! Scrooge got up and turned off the yard floodlights and chased them all back to bed! Get a grip guys – it is too early to play!!

The little male terrier is out of the open crate and letting me pet him! Good boy!

The weather is really fierce on the Coast and Island – it looks like another delay in the TG Bus Trip. Dave is very slow in recovering from the flu. That is another reason for the delay – will I get it too? This time of year is always a worry for weather, road conditions etc. It certainly makes rescue difficult in the North.

But the dogs sure love this weather!

Rain on the coast means raincoats are the fashion of the day! Beautiful Sid models her new rain wear! Sis is our wonderdog from Tsawassen.

And of course our reluctant models from Turtle Gardens wearing their personalized bandanas!

Pretty in pink!

A perfect fit!

And of course puppy models – Trista!

And Tansy!

Please vote for TG! In the care2 challenge we are #89 with 152 votes. Yet over 400 unique visitors come here daily – Please vote – it is just once!! If TG wins any grants – I pledge to use every dollar for Low Cost Spay Neuter Program!!! We were just starting to make a difference! Please help us help the animals! The vote button is just below the red banner above!

And then We need more clicks!!!
The shelter challenge – We are # 1 in Canada which means we are in line for a $1000 grant. But we could aim higher –We are UP AGAIN!! !! to #29 in overall ranking. #1 gets $20,000, #2 gets $5000 and #3 gets $3000. We can do it!! Email schools and ask the kids to support Turtle Gardens Spay Neuter Society (our full legal name!!), emails family and friends. The animals are counting on us!

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

Having old dogs means having death as a frequent visitor. Dave and I have a few senior dogs – Squire is 11, Miss Sasha is 18, Gopher is 16, Marty is 17, Redman is 16, Aardvark is 17, Colby is 15, JohnB (a sherriff dog) is 15, Patches is 13, Mia is 12, Penny was 13 year old. Penny was our first downs syndrome dog. She was built chunky with a big belly and a very big happy grin. She never learned but was such a good natured goof that it didn’t matter. Penny had a stroke a couple of days ago. I hoped that it was geriatric vestibular disease but nope – she had another stroke this morning and passed away before I could get Dave mobile to take her to the clinic. She was not who I expected to pass away. Come to think of it Lucy was a surprise too – she was healthy, had no arthritis and poof she is gone. Now Penny is gone too. Who is going to check out the path for the apple dumpling gang? Penny always checked out the tough patches – the little dogs always sent Penny ahead to scope the lay of the land before following her. They knew Penny could be relied on to “check it out” good or bad – Penny would happily go down the path. Many a time Dave had to pull her out of bogs/mud holes/snags when the terrierists told her to go first. Send Penny – was their motto – they never got their feet wet! I hope you find clear paths Penny and enjoy long hikes with your buddies who crossed the bridge ahead of you. Go softly into that good night girl – you were loved.

And the revolving door opens for another lost soul looking for her new family. Gidget is a 3 year old maltese/poodle – a 12 pound white curly lap dog whose beloved owner had a stroke. He will be going into care so Gidget has been welcomed into Turtle Gardens. It is a bit of shock to her but she is adjusting surprisingly well. She likes to be high so is sitting on my desk or chair near the window. She is a sweet girl and will be a delightful companion.

I want to thank everyone who have been voting – We are up again – your tremendous support is overwhelming and appreciated – we are #3 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 #3 in Canada and #2 in BC!! Please vote!!!!!

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

The pups did really well with their neuters – BUT they sure hated being locked up!! I got a phone call at noon to please come and pick them up – they wanted to go home! As soon as Dave stoppled the TG Bus and opened the door a stream of pups rushed out down the driveway up the steps and into the door! – Good puppies! They ran to the water dish, had a good long drink then a bite to eat and a nap clustered around my feet at my desk. So…. new puppy parents please be forewarned – theses are very people social puppies, always underfoot and full of mischief. On the plus side they are housebroken – or at least know where the doggie door is to go outside – no more messes indoors. They are also 19 pounds – so gained a pound in a week. Our vets thought they were very nice pups, healthy but they sure don’t like confinement. I wish all puppies were as as much fun as these guys!!

One little pup went home early this morning – the fluffy black and tan with the red collar – not Buca!! His family was so excited to bring them home they couldn’t wait – Christmas in July! He was happy to go home too. Good luck little one and be good!

Updates – first Riika aka Generic our striking karelian bear dog mix!!

Hi Yvette and all the wonderful TG folks!

We just thought you’d like to hear about our wonderful Riika (Generic, Genny)…now that it is almost four months since we adopted her.

Look at her! She is beautiful, isn’t she? And what a delight she has been. Yes, naughty sometimes…but so full of energy and life that we cannot always keep up with her! Everywhere we go people just stop and admire her. She is the most popular girl at doggie day care (where she goes to burn off energy sometimes).

She goes to doggie obedience classes, and will be taking some agility lessons soon.

We are so sorry we cannot come to the reunion because we have a wedding to attend. But maybe you can show her picture around to folks and tell them that we are so, so happy to have her and so glad Turtle Gardens found her for us.

We talk about you all often – and think of you every time we snuggle and love our darling little Ri-Ri. Write back if you have time, we would love to know how you are doing.

Melanie and Jim Ito

And a TG Alumni would like our advice:
Dear Yvette,

We recently went on a small 5 day vacation and left Beckett with a doggy
daycare that he usually goes to a couple times a month. He has never had
any sort of seperation anxiety before -unless left for more than 5 hours,
which we never do.

The first two days back he was alright, but for the past week or so he’s
had rather bad seperation anxiety (or that’s what I think it is). He
freaks out when he thinks we’re leaving the house. We’ve tried to
desenstize him to the things that usually happen when we leave, but since
we both leave at the same time (I’m only gone for three hours), its always
the same.

We’ve tried extra long walks (he gets at least 2 1/2 hours a day and for
the last while its been close to 4). He gets to play with other dogs at
least once every second day at the offleash beach. He’s eating less and
less, trembling, panting really loudly. He hasn’t destroyed anything,
doesn’t bark (that we know of), but I was wondering if you had any ideas
that could maybe help us out. We’ve scheduled an appointment for Saturday
with the vet, who met him for a few minutes and thought it was seperation
anxiety.

We’re definitely willing to try to sort this thing out, but I thought
you’d be a great wealth of information.

Also: right when I get home he’s fine and as he usually is -sleepy,
cuddly, very quiet. After a week and some its kind of messing up my
schedule as well, and I know he’s unhappy, and he’s starting to annoy us
as well.

Not quite sure what do to. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,
Emily
You can definitely put it up. Any help/ideas would be appreciated.
Best,
Emily + Beckett

I want to thank everyone who have been voting – We are up again – your tremendous support is overwhelming and appreciated – we are #3 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 #3 in Canada and #2 in BC!! Please vote!!!!!

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

Yesterday was a tough day for me – no computer!! It was a very stormy day – thunder/lightning/hail the size of peas/wind/cloudbursts – one after another so the computer was shut off! The house is a beacon with its metal roof in a clearing of grass. It’s the highest point around! It seems calmer today.

It is neuter day for the puppies! They are all spoken for! 4 locally and one down south. Mind you I am confused about which pup is going where!! The two fluffies are so similar and the two families came on the same day. I am not good at recognizing people. Dogs yes – I remember them forever but people – well to me they all look alike! One of them is named Buca! I think it is the black and tan – I sure hope so as Michelle showed her kids their new pup – grey face! The first pup chosen was the all black one – not that is unusual! Then the two fluffies while the two blondes were last. Just goes to show that the big black dog is adoptable!!

It was so easy to load the pups – they follow me like a Pied Piper! All five will eb done together so they can heal together. At 3 months old they should be “up and at ‘em” by 4 pm. And eating and drinking and raring to go by evening. Two will go Wednesday, one on Friday, one on the 30th after vacation and the super friendly sleep on me blonde on will go on our next transport – around the 25th. So how cool is that!

I am so pleased with this litter. They were all friendly, outgoing, full of normal mischief and so very personable. They were vet checked and vaccinated – were a bit off afterwards but not sick, will be neutered today, have all been chosen – all within three weeks – if only all the dogs were so easy not to mention they are all going outside to potty – now that is a bonus!! There have been no messes for 4 days. Now how cool is that!

Faces of TG!
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And an update from beautiful, gentle Chewie!
Hi Yvette,

Chewie has settled in quite well. She had a yeast infection in her ears,
which we’ve treated, and she went to the groomer today! She looks like a
princess after a very thorough brush and comb!

Chewie followed me around all the time for the first few days, but over the
holiday David was home for almost a week and she’s now Daddy’s Little Girl.
I was the one giving her the ear medicine, so maybe that had something to do
with it… We’ve switched to a mix of canned and dry Natural Balance, and
she’s eating a lot better. She likes the liver flavor best. Her kuranda
bed arrived last week and she seems to really enjoy it. With the nice
weather we are able to keep the backdoor open so she can go out to the
backyard and porch whenever she wants. She loves to sit on the porch and
watch out for squirrels and raccoons in our trees!

She and Edison are getting along really well. He is so gentle with her, and
she’s now going up to him and nudging for pets. It’s really lovely to see
them spend time together!

Everyone comments on how lovely she is (even before the grooming) and on how
smart and well behaved she is. We feel so lucky to have such a wonderful
girl! Thank you so much!

Best,
Chewie’s family
Lisa, David, and Edison
PS:
Hi Yvette,

This morning Edison was playing his harmonica and Chewie started to “sing”
along. It was wonderful and hilarious.

Lisa
<

And finally Fritzi!!

Hi Yvette,

Slowly getting into the groove. Am glad to read that I’m not the only one with an adorable dog who has high separation anxiety. For one day, a few days ago, I did ask myself if I’ll be able to stick with this dog and his anxiety, have the patience to deal with it, and hope to reduce it. But then we found a groove. I realized that he picks up on my anxiety and uncertainty and so I decided Fritzi will just have to get used to my lifestyle and my ways, while getting plenty of beach bumming, salt air, salt water, sand digging, bird chasing and crazy running. (Picture attached)

I did have to leave for a short time and left him in the crate on Monday. He howled and whined, but couldn’t hurt himself or anything else, and, lo and behold, he survived. When his deputy-mommy looks after him for a bit when I have to leave, he settles down now. Looks for me periodically, but doesn’t go nuts anymore. She is the only one so far, that he approaches with a wagging tail and without fear. So, bit by bit, progress has been made.

He is a sweetheart. He is a puppy and acts like one. Keeping a bit of a Fritzi diary on my blog. Possum’s mom has left a comment on the blog and we might meet up one of these days at the beach.

Until next time.

Marianne and Fritzi

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

There is a reason why I say I don’t like puppies. In my 20 years of Turtle Gardens I have seen 1 in every 5 litters of mommies that is heavily pregnant upon arrival has genetic or infection issues that affect the viability of the litters. The puppies fade and die. Sometimes one or two sometimes all of them. Usually the pups grow for a week or 10 days then just when I think all is good – they fade and die. There is little that seem to help – not antibiotics, electrolytes by mouth or subcutaneous, pain medication, diarrhea meds for cramping, probiotics – nothing will keep alive any pups who start the keening – 5 hours later, they are dead. They are still plump and soft. They look ok. But just an empty shell – the life force is gone. Gressie grieved. I left her last one with her for a day just so she would know they were all gone. When she finally went outside he was removed and buried with the others. Gressie follows me, sits on my lap when I sit down and lays her head on my knee while I am at my desk. She is going to be a wonderful companion for a lucky person.

Just so you know – Yeta and her two Holstein colored pups are fine so far. They are now 17 days old – 4 days younger than the others. I am not going to jinx them by taking their pictures. When they are eating on their own – I will post their cute little fluffy faces. And heal the empty space in my heart.

Maggie was spayed on Friday. I knew there was something wrong with her skin – she has so many marks from minor scuffles and even from feet! Several of my teenagers like to play with their feet – they hit the other dogs with their front feet. Poor Maggie has tears on her flanks from Birch’s feet!!! If she runs into the post by the fence – she has a split in her skin. So I phoned the clinic the day before her appointment to mention my concern. Maggie has a genetic disorder called – Cutaneous Asthenia. She also has narrowed nostrils – she snores!! Very very loudly – it could be rectified with surgery – something to think about. She has mild entropion in one eye. She has a yeast infection in her ears – they are very small, curled, thickened so will be a continual problem. She also needs her face wrinkles cleaned daily and between her toes – all sharpei predispositions. She will need a very special home and she needs a quieter home than here – or perhaps a t-shirt to protect her skin. Mind you it is very hot lately – so she may not want to wear clothing. She is lying in front of the big fan – thank you Cynda for the fans – the dogs and humans vie for places in the path of that cooling breeze. Our vets found her very nice to work with – she likes people. They also said she was a “tough” dog – she was up after surgery in minutes!! And ready to go! So – what to do about Maggie?

An update from Little Jack!

hi guys!!
Jack is doing great,hes a very happy spoiled but well behaved little guy that we just have a blast with.Jack loves running on the beach every day with his best pooch friend zephyer, he also loves swimming at the lake.he has a little separation anxiety but every day grows more confident that we are not going to leave him somewhere,hes so cute we just love him so much and he is very happy to be with us and loves us back.I will send some photos soon .thank you very much for everything,love kane jen and jack.

A wonderful fundraiser Idea!
Hi Yvette,

I always check the “This Day Last Year” link on the blog, and today’s
gave me a fundraising thought. June 10, 2008 includes the info that
it was spay day for Nonie. It occurred to me that if each of us
lucky TG dog “pack leaders” were to save up over the year, we could
do an annual “thanks for the speuter” donation, and set in motion a
sort of speuter chain from each of our dogs to the next ones needing
it. It could help with the vet bills, or support the spay/neuter
program, or whatever.

When you think that all our dogs come to us already speutered, it is
an expense that none of us bear ourselves- and if we had to do it
here in the city, it would be quite a lot more than $50.

Another possibility is a reverse birthday gift, where we send a
donation in honour of our furry darling’s “rebirth” with us.

I realize that this is only fundraising within ourselves, but it’s a
thought. If you like it, please put it on the blog. Caili agrees
with me, by the way.

Barb

I want to thank everyone who have been voting – We are up again – your tremendous support is overwhelming and appreciated – we are #3 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 #3 in Canada and #2 in BC!! Please vote!!!!!

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