ÿþ<!-- saved from url=(0022)http://internet.e-mail --> <HTML> <HEAD> <TITLE>King's Page</TITLE> <META NAME="Keywords" CONTENT="Online Love, Meet and Fall In Love, Marry, Net Loves, Soulmates"> <META NAME="Description" CONTENT="Katog & Landie Soulmates meet/met online Fall in Love and Marry Living Happily Ever After"> <META NAME="Author" CONTENT="katog@katlan.ca"> <META NAME="ROBOTS" CONTENT="INDEX,FOLLOW"> <!-- META Tags generated by http://submitexpress.com/metatag.html --> <script language="javascript"> var begcolor='#540404'; //STARTING COLOR AS A HEX STRING var endcolor='#7b167c'; //ENDING COLOR AS A HEX STRING var steps=50; //TOTAL CHANGE STEPS FROM ONE COLOR TO THE OTHER var delay=50; // DELAY BETWEEN EACH COLOR CHANGE. 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After Adoption<br> February 15/09</A></FONT></CENTER><br><FONT FACE="MS COMIC SANS" SIZE="14">KING</FONT> <BR> <BR><FONT FACE="MS COMIC SANS" SIZE="5">Thank You For Your Loving Care <BR> <A HREF="http://www.turtlegardens.org/">Turtle Gardens Animal Rescue</A></CENTER></FONT> </TD> <TD ALIGN="RIGHT"border="0"width="350"><FONT VALIGN="TOP"FACE="ms comic sans" SIZE="4"> <A HREF="http://katlan.ca/Kingchpt1.html">Chapter One</A> <BR><A HREF="http://katlan.ca/Kingchpt2.html">Chapter Two</A> <BR><A HREF="http://katlan.ca/Kingchpt3.html">Chapter Three</A> <BR><A HREF="http://katlan.ca/Kingchpt4.html">Chapter Four</A> <BR><A HREF="http://katlan.ca/Kingchpt5.html">Chapter Five</A> <BR><FONT VALIGN="TOP"FACE="ms comic sans" SIZE="2"> <I>In Progress</I></FONT> <br><FONT VALIGN="TOP"FACE="ms comic sans" SIZE="4"> <A HREF="http://daylett.shawwebspace.ca/">King's Blog</A></FONT> <TD> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.uncaged.co.uk/pgbandr.js"> </script> <noscript> <a href="http://www.uncaged.co.uk/pg.htm">Boycott P&G</a> </noscript> <td align="right"width="75"border="0"> <!-- Facebook Badge START --><a href="http://en-gb.facebook.com/people/Kingsurvives-Ster/100000688125153" title="King Survives" target="_TOP" style="font-family: &quot;lucida grande&quot;,tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-variant: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; color: #3B5998; text-decoration: none;">King Survives 2008</a><br/><a href="http://en-gb.facebook.com/people/Kingsurvives-Ster/100000688125153" title="King Survives 2008" target="_TOP"><img src="http://badge.facebook.com/badge/100000688125153.465.1641227156.png" width="120" height="284" style="border: 0px;" /></a><br/><a href="http://en-gb.facebook.com/people/Kingsurvives-Ster/100000688125153" title="King Survives 2008" target="_TOP" style="font-family: &quot;lucida grande&quot;,tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-variant: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; color: #3B5998; text-decoration: strong;">Come visit me.</a><!-- Facebook Badge END --></td> </tr></TABLE> </TD> </tr></TABLE> <table width="950"border="0"> <TD align="center"valign="Top"><BR><BR> <FONT FACE="MS COMIC SANS" SIZE="4"><A HREF="http://www.katlan.ca/April30.pdf"TARGET="_TOP"> The Bella Coola Four</A> owe their rescue to Louis and Bonnie from Alberta. <BR><BR> They were able to see something in their eyes and listened to their plea for help. <BR><BR>THANK YOU!<BR><br>To see the photos of Lou & Bonnie visiting King in May 2010<br>Go To <A HREF="http://apps.katlan.ca/gallery/">King & Molly's Album</A> <br> <BR> Watch <A HREF="http://www.youtube.com/user/Katogster#p/u/4/YKUy1UMTbp0"TARGET="_TOP">Molly & King</A> on their first day together.Feb./09 <BR><BR> <IMG SRC="Vet Day.jpg" height="250"border="3"><BR><FONT FACE="MS COMIC SANS" SIZE="4">V.E.T. Day<BR> <BR><BR><IMG SRC="dishes.jpg"HEIGHT="250"BORDER="3"><BR><FONT FACE="MS COMIC SANS" SIZE="4">King & Molly help do dishes<BR><BR><IMG SRC="crashed.jpg"HEIGHT="250"BORDER="3"> <BR>Full Tummies = ZZzzz <CENTER> <TD border="0"valign="top"><center><FONT FACE="MS COMIC SANS" SIZE="5">King is home with us now.<BR><IMG SRC="Kingcrop.JPG" HEIGHT="250"alt="King's First Night In His New Home."Border="3"><BR> Welcome To Our Family King !</FONT> <BR> <BR><IMG SRC="waiting4dinner.jpg" height="250"border="3"><BR><FONT FACE="MS COMIC SANS" SIZE="4">Molly shows King where to wait for Dinner<BR><BR> <IMG SRC="mollymissedsome.jpg" height="250"border="3"><BR> <FONT FACE="MS COMIC SANS" SIZE="4">King gets what Molly misses<BR> <BR> <TABLE WIDTH="350"BORDER="5"bordercolor="maroon"> <tr><td WIDTH="350"ALIGN="CENTER"><BR> <FONT FACE="MS COMIC SANS" SIZE="4"> <BR> Click Here To See<BR><A HREF="http://www.katlan.ca/Molly.html"> Molly's Mat</A> <BR><IMG SRC="nextdog1.gif"BORDER="0"> <BR> Or<A HREF="#TOP"> HERE<BR> To See Katlan's Menu<BR> <img src=Kingbutton.jpg HEIGHT="50"BORDER="0"alt="Our Pages">CLICK HERE</A> <BR>To Go To Top Left <BR>Of This Page<BR> <BR><BR></FONT> </CENTER></TD></TR></TABLE> <BR><BR> </center> <center>HAPPY TAILS OF NEW BEGINNINGS FROM TURTLE GARDENS<BR><BR></center> <b> <a href="#Stories">Please CLICK HERE To, Walk To The Stories</a></b><BR> Today we re asking you for a special favour for Yvette and her blog. Yvette mentioned adding a new page for Successful Adoption Stories. Something she has wanted to do for quite some time. The stories will be posted here, for people to read at their leisure. A note will be added to the blog indicating when a New Story has been submitted. Yvette is trying to find time to write a story for Jillian. A couple of people have already submitted their stories. <BR> This is where you come in. We are hoping you will help us begin the page by submitting something about your own Successful Adoptions. <BR> We know you have so much love in your hearts for them and are hoping you will share with the other blog readers. <BR> Your story may explain how you came to find your current pet. It might give details about his/her events to date. There may be antics that you may like to share. It doesn't need to be an expert writers work. <BR> This page will merely be an ongoing record of Turtle Gardens Successful Adoptions. Will you help us maintain this page please?<BR><BR> We know there is, hundreds upon hundreds of, families out there that share a similar story with us. A story of searching for the perfect pet. A story of reading pet adoption sites, following rehab stories - - searching S.P.C.A.'s and every Rescue Site there is.<BR> Families are waiting, looking to find just the right pet. Finally, landing on Turtle Gardens blog to read of all the compassion and devoted care The Labatte family gives to its round ups, drop offs and surrendered pets. <BR><BR> If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to email me. I will be happy to help you if I can. <BR> <a href="mailto:kingsurvives2008@yahoo.ca?subject=Happy Tails">kingsurvives2008@yahoo.ca</a> <BR> It's been years now since my searching days ended. I speak to all those warm furry wannabe pets out there, still waiting for their special forever family. <BR> I say,  Stay, be patient. It may take a little bit of time but your family will find you. People aren't as good at sniffing you out. They have to use eyes and ears to find you. They're coming. There are so many Turtle Gardens Alumni we all wonder about.<BR><BR> We read many of them on the blog and now we can keep them all together in one place.<BR> Please <a href="mailto:kingsurvives2008@yahoo.ca">SUBMIT</a> your Happy Tails/Story of your pets New Beginning and we'll post it here to share with everyone. <a name="top"> </a><BR><BR> <center><b><a name="Stories">Happy Tails Of New Beginnings</b></a><BR> <table border="6" cellspacing="6" cellpadding="6" width="700" background="http://www.turtlegardens.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/h2otglogo-150x150.jpg"> <tr> <td colspan="3" align="center" bgcolor="#b9feb8"><b>Click A Name To Choose Another Tail </b></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" bgcolor="#b9feb8"> <a href="#jillian">Jillian's Story</a><br><img src="http://www.turtlegardens.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Jillianbutton.jpg" border="0" alt="" height="40" /></td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#b9feb8"> <a href="#King's">King's Story<br> <img title="King" src="http://www.turtlegardens.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/nyking.jpg" border="0" alt="King" height="40" /></a></td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#b9feb8"> <a href="#Teya">Teya & Gryphon's <BR>Story</a><BR> <a href="#Teya"><img src="http://www.turtlegardens.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/tgbutton.jpg" border="0" alt="Teya & Gryphon" height="35" /></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" bgcolor="#b9feb8"> <a href="#Tonsi">Tonsi & Muskwa's<br>Story <BR> <img src="http://www.turtlegardens.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/tmbutton.jpg" border="0" alt="Tonsi & Muskwa" height="35" /></a></td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#b9feb8"><a href="#Monty"><b>Monty's Story</b><BR> <br>"Teddy Bear"<BR> <img src="http://www.turtlegardens.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Montybutton.JPG" border="0" alt="Monty" height="45"/></a></td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#b9feb8"><b><a href="#Juno">Juno's Story</b><BR> <img src="http://www.turtlegardens.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Junobutton.JPG" border="0" alt="Juno" height="50" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td align="center" bgcolor="#b9feb8"> <a href="#Possum">Possum's Story<BR> <img src="http://www.turtlegardens.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Possumbutton.jpg" border="0" alt="Possum" height="50" /></a></td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#b9feb8"><a href="#Sidney">Sidney's Story<BR> <img src="http://www.turtlegardens.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Sidneycrop2.jpg" border="0" alt="Sidney" height="50" /></a></td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#b9feb8"><b> <a href="#Naut1">Bella's Story<BR> <img src="http://www.turtlegardens.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Bellabutton.png" border="0" alt="yours" height="50" /></a></td> </tr><tr><td align="center" bgcolor="#b9feb8"> <a href="#Carmie">Carmie's Story<BR> <img src="http://www.turtlegardens.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/TransCarmie.png" border="0" alt="Carmie" height="50" /></a></td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#b9feb8"><a href="#your">Your Story<BR> <img src="your.jpg" border="0" alt="yours" height="50" /></a></td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#b9feb8"><b> <a href="#Yours">Your Story<BR> <img src="Your.png" border="0" alt="yours" height="50" /></a></td> </table><BR><BR> <a href="#Stories">Choose Another Tail</a> <BR><BR> <img src="http://www.turtlegardens.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/redleash.gif" alt="End Of Story" /></center><BR><BR> <a name="jillian"></a><BR> <b>Jillian's Story</b><BR> A Big Dog in a Tiny Package!<BR> <img src="http://www.turtlegardens.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Jillian2.jpg" border="0" alt="Top Dog" height="100" /> <br><br> I really felt guilty adopting my sweet Jillian. She was my first adoptable adoption! The rest of my crew all have or had issues. But Jillian was only 4 months old when she arrived with her sister Jackie. <BR> Both were scared, not housebroken but were soon cuddly, follow you everywhere companions  Jill for me and Jack for Dave.<BR> I was very ill shortly after Jill s arrival and she never left my lap. She ate with me  encouraging me to eat. She loves and I do mean <b>LOVES </b> Werthers s soft toffee candies. Her little eyes will close and she will chew in ecstasy! She has a piece of every candy I eat  and lately they are few and far between. She has made me smile every day. <b>But Jillian has another gift.</b><BR> I woke up several times gasping for air with Jillian jumping on my chest and licking my face. She got me breathing again.<BR> I am sure - she is the reason I am still here.<BR> <b> We are a team  she is my little heart dog.</b><BR> She was with me when I carried the torch! She was with me while I went to medical appointments in Vancouver  we lived in Victoria for 52 days while my condition stabilized. She is with me right now as I write her story. Jillian is very special.<BR> <b>Jillie is a big dog in a tiny package!</b> She has a big attitude and I am so blessed that she came into Turtle Gardens and my life.<BR> Yvette<BR> <table border="0" width="550"> <tr> <td align="left"><img src="http://www.turtlegardens.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/me-an-dJillian-crop.jpg" alt="Yvette &amp; Jillian" height="150" /> <img src="http://www.turtlegardens.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/NewOrigTGLogo.jpg" alt="TGK9 Rescue" height="50" /><img src="http://www.turtlegardens.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Jillian.jpg" border="2" alt="Big Dog In A Tiny Package" height="150" /></td></tr></table><BR> <a href="#Stories">Choose Another Tail</a> <BR><BR> <img src="http://www.turtlegardens.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/redleash.gif" alt="End Of Story" /><BR><BR> <b><a name="King's">King's Story</a></b><BR> <b>The Most Wonderful Valentines Day Present EVER!</b> <BR> <img src="http://www.turtlegardens.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/NYKing.jpg" border="0" alt="HappyKing" height="100" /> Dave & Yvette: <BR> Mark and I always enjoy reading the "This Day Past Years" comments on your blog. Recently, King has been mentioned in them. <BR> One Year ago - - Actually back in <a href="http://www.turtlegardens.org/2009/01/15/neuter-day-at-turtle-gardens-7#comments">Jan. /09</a> only last year, that we were sitting on pins and needles waiting to hear who King's new lucky family was going to be. We had followed his story from meeting Lou &amp; Bonnie from Alberta, (we will always feel indebted to) to the  Bella Coola 4's arrival at Turtle Gardens, <a href="http://www.turtlegardens.org/2008/04">April 2008.</a> We waited for his rehab to be complete and his broken femur to mend. We remember secretly praying that King would not pass his "cat-ability" test. We read all the comments from people who had fallen in love with King. <BR> We had almost given up hope of having him in our family. We cried for him and hoped that who ever took him home with them would love him even half as much as we already did. <BR> His pictures were tacked to our fridge, his poem, and the blog of the day he was rescued. <BR> Some people said. "How can you love a dog you haven t even met? He looks mean. He's a pit bull and a pack leader and he'll be nothing but trouble. He's a res. dog, he wont get along with Molly." <BR> But we knew they hadn't looked into his sad, gentle, eyes. We could see the same thing Lou and Bonnie from Alberta had seen. The same thing you, Dave &amp; Yvette, saw in him. He needed a caring family; he needed someone he could follow around. He belonged in our family. <BR> Finally the day came when we got the email from Yvette. King would be coming home to us! We would drive out to Cache Creek to meet with Dave &amp; Bear and bring King HOME! February 15th 2009. The most wonderful Valentines Day present we could ever have imagined. <BR> One day I ll find the time to complete what I ve started to write about King in his story. <a href="http://www.katlan.ca/King.html">KING's Pad</a> For now we just continue to be thankful everyday for being able to find Molly s big brother. For being allowed, to be, the Forever Family to King.<BR> To everyone who rooted for King to find his family, we can tell you for sure, we know that he is a HAPPY boy. <BR> We can never say Thank you enough to Yvette and Dave who willingly opened their doors to the Bella Coola 4. <BR> For all the hard work and unending care they gave and continue to give to all their animals. They chose us for King and we can never thank them enough. <BR> King s favourite place to be - - His Mat (As Long As I'm Beside It)<BR> Yes, He has his very own big fluffy mat to match Molly's <BR> I look at him now, sleeping in a bed that doesn t even belong to him.<BR> Silly boy. He steals his cousin, (a border terrier) Seven s smaller bed. Seven just moves over and takes King s big bed. King curls up his massive body until he's small enough to fit in the little bed and snuggles down to sleep.<BR> I ask you now? <BR> Does this look like a mean dog, a troublemaker, and a res. dog that wont get along with others?? <BR> No way, he is our gentle 8 yr. old puppy who only ever wanted to be loved and cared for. <BR> He is HOME NOW FOREVER! <BR> Thank you so much Dave & Yvette<BR> (And Lou & Bonnie from Alberta)<BR> <table border="0" width="550"> <tr> <td align="center"><img src="http://www.turtlegardens.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/perfectfit.jpg" border="1" alt="A Perfect Fit" height="175"> <img src="http://www.turtlegardens.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/sevensbigmat.jpg" border="1" alt="Honest, He wanted the little mat" height="175"><br><center><img src="http://www.turtlegardens.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/together2.jpg" border="1" alt="I love my brother, BUT, do I have to share my mat with him" height="175" align="center" /></center></td> </tr></table><BR> <a href="#Stories">Choose Another Tail</a> <BR> <a name="Tonsi"></a><BR> <img src="http://www.turtlegardens.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/redleash.gif" alt="End Of Story" /> <BR> <BR> <b>Tonsi and Muskwa</b><BR> Submitted by Kim Hosie<BR> It was a couple of years ago, I was in the Vancouver airport waiting for my plane home to Nanaimo. I picked up the Province newspaper to thumb through and was enthralled in an article about Turtle Gardens. My heart was heavy reading that article as I wondered if we could help, knowing that we already had a golden retriever and never really thought about having another dog. I wrote down the web address of Turtle Gardens and thought I might take a look once I got home. <BR> Well ........... I was hooked !!!!!!! My husband and I really felt the need to help, and along came our first rescue dog. Muskwa !!! <BR> That was 2 years ago. He has turned out to be such a gem. We have since had to say good bye to our 3 1/2 year old golden and certainly enjoyed the one on one time with Muskwa , yet felt a bit empty at times. I called Yvette to enquire about a certain dog I saw on the website and she said there was alot of interest for that dog but had we seen Tonsi ????? She thought she would be a great fit for us. Well she was right..... we are now the proud owners of one fun lovin black 9 mos. old part golden, part something else ( she really looks like a flat coated retriever too )named Tonsi. Muskwa is still the king around here (aside from me that is) and was disappointed to have a pup in the house initially, but low and behold 2 weeks went by and they have become good friends. Tonsi pushes many boundaries but she is learning. Having never had anything to do with a rescue dog and not even knowing what it was all about, we are now strong advocates for Turtle Gardens and the wonderful work they do! Should we ever decide to share our lives with another dog there is no doubt it will be from Turtle Gardens. <BR> Thanks Yvette and Dave. <BR> Kim & John Hosie <BR><BR> <img src="http://www.turtlegardens.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Tonsi-and-Muskwa-2010.jpg" border="2" alt="Tonsi & Muskwa" height="250" align="center"><BR><BR> <a href="#Stories">Choose Another Tail</a> <BR><BR> <img src="http://www.turtlegardens.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/redleash.gif" alt="End Of Story" align="center" /> <BR><BR> <a name="Teya"></a><BR> <b>Teya & Gryphon</b><br> Submitted By Cynda <BR> My mind is a blank, I've written so much about Teya and Gryphon - especially the first 6 months after I got them.<BR> So I'll keep it short....<BR> A while ago, there was a commercial on T.V. a part of the slogan was "adopting a rescue dog can change your life." There is no doubt - since adopting siblings Teya and Gryphon has changed and enriched our lives forever. <BR> Two years ago, Stan and Dave brought down Momma Nala and four of her pups<img src="http://www.turtlegardens.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Nala-and-pups.jpg" border="2" alt="Momma Nala &amp; her pups" height="220" /><img src="http://www.turtlegardens.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/teyaGryphonpups.jpg" border="2" alt="Teya, Gryphon & sibling pups" height="230" /> <BR> I was crazy enough to adopt two! I remember those days of missing socks, shredded 'unmentionables', chewed through computer and telephone lines, stuffing pulled out from our sofa, teeth marks, little rips and tears suddenly adorned most of our shoes and sneakers, no table and chair legs (and piano!) were safe from two energetic teething puppies! Then I thought of Yvette - how does she have the patience to deal with 10, 15 or 20 puppies?<BR> What an amazing woman. Every time I'd get frustrated, I would think of Yvette. <BR> Each day brings different challenges and surprises. Right now as I'm typing this, Teya is watching the Olympics - the men's alpine downhill race. <BR> Thank you Yvette and Dave for all that you do! You are my heroes. <BR> <img src="http://www.turtlegardens.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Sunshine-Pups.jpg" border="2" alt="Sunshine Pups Gryphon &amp; Teya 2009" height="250" /><BR><BR> <a href="#Stories">Choose Another Tail</a><BR><BR> <img src="http://www.turtlegardens.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/redleash.gif" alt="" align="center" /> <BR><BR> <a name="Monty"></a><BR> <b>Monty's Story</b> <BR> Once upon a time and happily ever after! <br>Teddy Bear"<br> Submitted By Heather<BR> Our story is not exceptional. We were a dog family whose idol canine died a year ago, sending us into a state of grieving and doubtful hesitation about dog ownership ever again.<BR> The sorrow of Fudge s death has eased and we found there was a hole in the family where a dog needs to be.<BR> While each one of us had a different idea of what the new family member should be (size, colour, breed, energy level) we were all in agreement that he/she should be a  rescue . Here began our quest and the journey that connected us with Turtle Gardens.<BR> "Teddy Bear was born 6-months ago, but we like to think his new life began on Sunday, February 21st when we took delivery in the parking lot of Horseshoe Bay Ferry terminal. Weighing less than 10 pounds, tousled and tired, hungry and harried, nervously excited (he and us!) we headed home. <BR> Fast forward 5 days, now we present ---  Monty ! <BR> What a difference a day at the doggie salon, a vitamin regime, fresh chicken for dinner and omelets at breakfast, together with a morning running programme and evening walks to the local long term care hospital have made in Monty s life. Trouble, the family cat, has appointed herself his personal stalker, ensuring he is never alone and occasionally has a purring bed mate.<BR> Adopting Monty was an uncomplicated consideration and I believe that you should not wait for extraordinary circumstances to do good; clearly there are enough opportunities to use ordinary situations<BR> Attached is picture of the darling Monty  a name chosen on behalf of his  full monty scratch-my-belly offering.<BR> Thank you, <BR> Heather, Ron, Adam, Rachelle, Trouble and Callebaut (the invisible cat) <BR> <img src="http://www.turtlegardens.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Monty.jpg" border="2" alt="Darling Monty" height="250" /> <BR> <a href="#Stories"> Choose Another Tail</a> <BR> <img src="http://www.turtlegardens.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/redleash.gif" alt="" align="center" /> <a name="Juno"></a><BR> <b> Juno's Story</b><br>Submitted By Aleda <br> Juno is a very handsome black & tan Shiba Inu that I was lucky enough to adopt on Nov. 22, 2008. I first saw Juno s picture on the Greater Toronto Shiba Rescue website as a courtesy post in the late Spring/early Summer of 2008. As the GT Shiba Rescue does not adopt their dogs outside of Ontario, I was extremely excited to see that Juno was a Vancouver post! I followed the link to Dhana Metta Animal Rescue, and saw on their page that he had been transferred up to Turtle Gardens  so on to Turtle Gardens site I promptly went. Alas, no Juno to be found  he had already been adopted out.<BR> I was very sad to have missed him, and started to feel that my search for a Shiba to adopt would be fruitless. Yvette s blogs were so interesting though, and the pictures of all the adoptable dogs so wonderful, that I kept checking the site regularly and staying up to date on what was happening at TG. I thought  who knows, TG had one Shiba, maybe they will get another one".<BR> Then one lucky Friday in November, having checked TG s site one more time before the end of my lunch break (there hadn t been an update that day when I first checked), I spotted the sentence that brought joy to my heart. One short sentence to change everything  Juno was back at TG! I immediately sent an email off to Yvette enquiring about Juno  then held my breath, checked my email frequently, and anxiously awaited a reply. Fortunately for me, Yvette was looking for a Shiba experienced home for Juno, where he could be the only pet and be loved for all of his little Shiba quirks. I worried all through my home check  would they like me, would they think I was a good enough home, what could I do to let them know how much I wanted Juno to share my life? All the standard questions I m sure!! I was ecstatic when I found out I had passed and, that as far as Yvette was concerned, Juno was mine. Then I just had to wait for him  Turtle Gardens was to be doing an adoption run in the next week or so. Unfortunately, that run was cancelled.<BR> It didn t take me long to determine that I did not want to wait  Juno was mine and I wanted him in my house before anyone could change their mind! No way was I going to take the chance on missing out on him. So, early on Saturday, November 22, my Mom and I piled into her van and began the 10 hour drive from Kamloops to Topley to get Juno. We arrived just after 3:30 pm, much to Yvette s delight (Juno had escaped TG three times that week, and they were getting tired of having to fetch him/have him returned from his former foster). In under 5 minutes, Juno was out of the yard and getting cuddles from me, then I handed his leash off to my Mom, signed the papers, and we jumped in the van for the journey back. We were probably one of the fastest adoptions Yvette has processed  no wasted time there (LOL)<BR> Like most of the great dogs from Turtle Gardens, Juno settled in very fast  he was asleep on my lap less than 20 minutes after being picked up, slept with me at the hotel that night, and charged to the front door when we got home as if to say  finally, we re home, let me in"<BR> He s a joy, a trial, incredibly cute, playful, happy, occasionally demanding, and loved completely! He s my best friend and I am so grateful to Turtle Gardens for allowing me to provide Juno s  furever home. <BR> Thank you Yvette and Dave, from Juno and I.<BR> <table border="0" width="350"><tr> <td align="left"><img src="http://www.turtlegardens.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Juno-at-TG.jpg" border="2" alt="Juno at TG" height="300" align="left" /></td> <td align="right"><img title="Juno 2010" src="http://www.turtlegardens.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Juno-Now.JPG" border="2" alt="Juno 2010" height="300" align="right" /></td> </tr> </table><BR><BR> <a href="#Stories">Choose Another Tail</a><BR><BR> <img src="http://www.turtlegardens.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/redleash.gif" alt="End Of Story" /><BR> <a name="Possum"></a> <BR> <b> Possum Has Flourished!</b> <BR> <br>Submitted By Katherine<br> June 2010<BR> Three years ago I made a decision to get a dog. After much contemplation I decided I didn t want to  buy one. I wasn t the designer dog type& I didn t need to have a  purebred & I wasn t going to  show it& or carry it around in a purse. .I just wanted a companion to play with, walk each day and love. I also knew that there were so many unwanted pups out there.<BR> Someone told me about Petfinder online and I started my search. It was hard to look through all the pictures and not want them all& how does one pick a buddy based on a photo? I found a small dog that fit my personality and lifestyle. The process began with emails and phone calls and applications. Unfortunately this particular rescue did not have anyone in the area of where I lived to do a home visit and they were unable to consider me as a viable adopter. I was heartbroken and figured it was hopeless. <BR> But then& .. there was another rescue& ..this one in Topley and there was this photo& this fuzzy little face& with dark soulful eyes......His name was Possum and I was instantly in love& ..This was who I had been looking for. I filled out my application and emailed Yvette  had my home visit and then anxiously awaited to see if I would be chosen. Two days later I had my answer& . yes, Possum is yours if you want him . ( I won t lie& I did a happy dance) <BR> Then the wait for him to arrive. Finally on May 27th, 2007 I met Stan and Dave in Nanaimo and there he was& .poor little guy had drooled and thrown up the entire trip. I tucked him into his kennel and took him home. He slept on my bed that night  he let me pet him and give him ear scratches. He was so shy and he had the eyes of an old dog  not a six month old puppy like he was. His hair was unruly and in his eyes. We went to the groomer the first week and had him bathed and clipped. He looked like a different dog all together !! The haircut seemed to give him a new found confidence that he didn t have before  he knew he was handsome.<BR> The separation anxiety in the beginning was more than I expected. I honestly didn t realize the psychological characteristics that some rescue dogs have. I felt so sad for him, so sad that someone had mistreated him and damaged his little brain so much that he was afraid and was so mistrusting of us (human beings). But with perseverance, advice from Yvette, Rescue Remedy and A LOT of love& Possum flourished, his eyes sparkled and he became a puppy again. Loving his toys and playing ball outside, walking on the leash and snuggling next to me. <BR> Possum has grown leaps and bounds from the first day I brought him home. He makes me laugh out loud everyday with some silly little quirk. He is definitely  my boy & he runs to me for reassurance when he is nervous or if he hurts himself ( he can be a bit clumsy at times). I am so proud of Poss& that he was able to overcome the majority of his fears& ..that he has learned to trust me and know that I love him so much. Possum has also allowed me to meet new friends, other people who have adopted either from TG or who are indirectly connected to them. <BR> But the most important thing Possum has brought to my life is that he has filled my heart with e& Unconditional Love. e&<BR> And& & if you look very closely at his pictures& .you will notice he has a heart shaped nose.<BR> e& Seems appropriate to me. e& <BR> Katherine<BR> "My goal in life is to be as good of a person my dog already thinks I am." <BR> Author Unknown <BR> <table border="0" width="350"><tr> <td align="left"><img src="http://www.turtlegardens.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Possum-before.JPG" border="1" alt="Possum Before" height="230" align="left" /></td> <td align="right"><img title="Possum" src="http://www.turtlegardens.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Possum-after.JPG" border="1" alt="Possum After" height="230" align="right" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="left">Possum Before</td> <td align="right">Possum After</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="left"><img src="http://www.turtlegardens.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/DSC00845.JPG" border="1" alt="Today Possum" height="220" align="left" /></td> <td align="right"><img title="Happy Little Possum" src="http://www.turtlegardens.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/DSC01299.JPG" border="1" alt="Happy Little Possum After" height="220" align="right" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="left">Today's Happy Little Possum</td> <td align="right">I Love My Furever Home!</td> </tr></table><BR><BR> <a href="#Stories">Choose Another Tail</a> <BR><BR> <img src="http://www.turtlegardens.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/redleash.gif" alt="End Of Story" /><BR> <a name="Sidney"></a><b> Sidney's Story.</b><BR> Submitted By Lori & Scott Bailey<BR> February 2011<BR> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZIz6cUKQyQ">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZIz6cUKQyQ</a><BR> Sidney came to us from TG in 2009.<BR> She had been outside in winter up north with a litter of puppies.<BR> It was VERY cold. Eventually Sid and the puppies made it to TG.<BR> We were looking for a dog and were very intrigued by the TG website. I liked their home like atmosphere. I liked that there were no kennels.<BR> I liked that the dogs live with a family in a house with other dogs. I called Yvette and she spoke to me on the phone for over half an hour figuring out which dog would be a match for us. When she asked which dog I liked on the site, I said "Duchess". Yvette thought Duchess would be a great fit with our family.<BR> We applied for Sid and passed the home adoption. It was a calculated leap of faith.<BR> Dave and Stan brought her down to us on the famous TG bus run.<BR> We met them at Splashdown Water Slides for the hand over.<BR> Sidney arrived home <a href="http://www.turtlegardens.org/2009/05/27/new-arrivals-and-cool-updates">May 24, 2009.</a> We didn't quite know what to expect. Initially she looked quite serious and slightly aloof. Well - it was a long ride to a new world! <BR> Once we got to know her, we soon realized she is the kindest gentlest sweetest mellowest dog EVER. She didn't know much about being in a house (with stairs). She didn't know sit, stay, come, play dead or roll over!!<BR> It didn't take long for her to settle into our routine. She came pre socialized and pre house trained. She loves everyone and every dog and cat.<BR> On her first Christmas with us, we decided to have her DNA tested. We were pretty sure she is part pit bull but wanted to know exactly what breed she was. <br> The tests came back: <br> Level 2 - (70%) Pit bull<br> Level 3 - (20%) Rottweiler and Boston Terrier <br> Level 4 - (10%) Greyhound.<br> We had a great chuckle over that. All we knew was that we loved her just the same.<br> By winter of 2010, we noticed Sid having trouble with her mobility. She didn't like to go up and down the stairs and she would stop moving in the middle of our walks. We didn't know what was up. We took her to the vet and after a few x rays and a blood panel, it was discovered that she had a torn ACL. This puzzled us because ACL injuries are typical in active athletic quick moving dogs and Sid is parked in the living room by the fire place most of the day. Maybe her inactivity was due to a sore ACL all along!!! <BR> WOW. She had been suffering and we didn't know it. The solution was a TPLO. She underwent the TPLO surgery November 3, 2010.<BR> The initial recovery was tough but after about a month, we had a new dog. Since her surgery, she does an energetic happy dance when we come home and she chases a ball!! It's quite incredible to see the transformation!<BR> We feel so lucky to have this dog! TG has given us an immeasurable gift of love. I would adopt again from TG in an instant. We can't thank Yvette, Dave and Stan enough. The job they do is outstanding!<BR> Thanks so much for all you do.<BR> We appreciate it with all our hearts.<BR> Lori and the Bailey family.<BR> <center> <table border="0" width="350"><tr> <td align="left"><img src="http://www.turtlegardens.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/SidneyTG.jpg" border="2" alt="Sidney at TG" height="220" align="left" /></td> <td align="right"><img src="http://www.turtlegardens.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Sidney.jpg" border="2" alt="Sidney at home" height="220" align="right" /></td></tr> <tr> <td align="left"> Sidney (aka Duchess) at Turtle Gardens</td><td align="center">Sidney in her Furever Home</td> </tr> </table></center><BR><BR> <center><a href="#Stories">Choose Another Tail</a><BR> <img src="http://www.turtlegardens.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/redleash.gif" alt="End Of Story" /></center><BR> <BR> <a name="Naut1"></a><b> Bella's Story.</b><BR> (formerly named Sandy by Yvette)<BR> A Nautical Pup<BR> Submitted By Cindy Derrick<BR> The story of Bella, <BR> It was the first time I was on my own and growing up in a home of pets, I was really missing a dog. So my ex and I talked about it and decided a dog would fit into the picture J I had started searching BCSPCA and Petfinders and randomly came across Turtle Gardens. I emailed Yvette about the litter that was found under the boat, it was an interesting litter cause no two dogs were the same! I had made a list of the dogs from the litter I would like to adopt and Bella was my third choice, the other two had found families already. I didn t know exactly what Bella would look like as there was only one group picture of the dogs. I just knew she would have tiny little legs. <BR> I was SOOOO excited! I had taken some time off work to make sure I was home to train her and play with her. She came to me a month later then expected but I didn t worry. She was such a good girl from the start! We only had a couple accidents during potty training which says a lot since we lived on a 3rd floor of an apartment building! I remember our first night with her, she was not happy! We locked her in a mesh crate for the night and she would not hear of this, she scratched the zipper open. So I tried to place her in the bathroom and she scratched at the door and howled. Being in an apartment, we were afraid of noise complaints. So being a good mommy, I slept on the bathroom floor with her. Not the most comfortable sleep I ve had. <BR> She has been my best little friend. At only 3yrs old, I cant wait to see what our future holds. Currently she is residing with my parents. I had moved into their suite when times were tough and she loves being there. She loves spending time with their dog and the busy lifestyle of the household and the amount of attention to receives. It is tough for me at times since I have moved out, but I know she is happiest with them and she comes for sleepovers every few weeks or so. <BR> Thank you Turtle Gardens for giving me such a fantastic little girl!<BR> I have attached 3 photos of Bella.<BR> The first one is of one of her adventures with her dog walker. She goes out once a week for a few hours and plays with other dogs and gets nice and muddy as you can see!<BR> The second one is what she does best, KISSES! And they are big sloppy ones! As we can see, Auntie Katie does not like them hahaha!<BR> The third one is when she was just a puppy. As you can tell, she hasn t changed a lot but then again, she s only 3 yrs old! <BR> The fourth one is titled "Bella is hungry for some cougar!"<BR> <img src="http://www.turtlegardens.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/PuppyBella.bmp"height="200"alt="Puppy Bella"> <img src="http://www.turtlegardens.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Muddybella.BMP"height="200"alt="Happy Muddy Bella"> <BR> <img src="http://www.turtlegardens.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/AuntKatieBellakisses.bmp"height="200"alt="Kisses"> <img src="http://www.turtlegardens.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Bellaface.jpg"height="200"alt="Bella Ready For Cougar"><BR> <center><a href="#Stories">Choose Another Tail</a><BR> <img src="http://www.turtlegardens.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/redleash.gif" alt="End Of Story" /></center><BR><BR> <a name="Carmie"></a><BR> <b>Carmie's Story</b><BR> An Amazing Cat story!<BR> <table><tr><td align="left"valign="middle"> Her mom Caroline writes: "Carmie IS an amazing cat!<br>This is the only pic I have of her where she's "standing still" as she's always on the move or at least when I have a camera.<br> Carmie has no eyes, she was born without them. I have learned from her that when you don't tell an animal they have a disability then they don't know. she is the exact same as my seeing cats, only she has no eyes. <td align="center"valign="top"><img src="http://www.turtlegardens.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Carmie.jpg"height="250"alt="Carmie the cat with no eyes"></td></tr></table> We started off by fostering Carmie and her brother Yoji (we named them). Yoji has one eye. We fell like bricks for the two of them and we simply promised them that they would be part of our family and would never have to be scared again. Their start in life was not great, they were abandoned and found under a church in Burnaby. The rescue that accepted them, <a href="http://smallanimalrescue.org/">(SARS)</a> was looking for a foster home and we stepped up. Best thing we ever did! Thankfully they allowed us to adopt them both as we could no longer imagine our lives without them!<BR> Carmie loves to play, she is a wiz at flying up and down the cat trees, she loves crinkly toys and has a weakness for any food that smells good that is on our plates. She long ago convinced me that she gets her own little china plate when we have supper. Carmie loves to have her ears rubbed and every night she has her daddy time, he gets to rub her ears as he's the only person who can rub them just right,lol. <BR> I always get such a kick out of the fact that carmie will hear a fly or moth way before our other cats so and once she knows they are in the house, she will "zone" in on them and that seals the fly's fate! She can catch a fly or moth faster than any cat I've ever known! <BR> Each morning when I brush my hair, Carmie hops up on the counter and announces that she needs to be dolled up too. She loves being brushed and will push everyone out of the way to get more brushing! that includes our Newfie/Great Pyr cross, she pushes him out of the way too. Not only that, she cleans his head on a regular basis.<BR> Carmie always makes me laugh, she's always up for a good conversation (she's very vocal when she wants something) and reading a book or knitting has become a free for all with her helping me out. I do need a lot of help with "absorbing" the book or knocking off stitches,lol.<BR> Most of all, she loves her luxuries such as her crinkle balls, her basket that is in a sunny beam most of the day, her daily beautifying routine and snuggling at night between her dad and me. <BR> She knows the house inside out, runs through the house and never bumps into anything unless I accidentally move something. Then it only takes her bumping into it once before she has adjusted and now has the new map in her brain. Amazing to watch. <BR> the day I bought a new cat tree, she was exploring it very fast and before too long she was racing up and down it. She LOVES cat trees. At first she'll go down bum first but as soon as she is comfortable ( it never takes her long) she'll jump down the way the other cats do.<BR> At first I thought she needed toys that made noise, but she quickly corrected me. Her needs are no different, her disability is all in our heads, she has no problems with it. <BR> Anyway, I hope we garner a prize for Turtle Gardens in this contest. It's a nice contest with a great way for a shelter to be rewarded!<BR> Take Care,<BR> Caroline" <BR> Carmie was entered in the "Bissell Pet Contest" and if she had won her proceeds were to be given to Turtle Gardens Animal Rescue. Thank you for your wonderful offer Caroline & Carmie<BR><BR> <center><a href="#Stories">Choose Another Tail</a><BR> <BR> <img src="http://www.turtlegardens.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/redleash.gif" alt="End Of Story" /></center><BR> </font> </BODY></HTML>