Back At It

We’ve had a great 2 weeks! We took ‘Cora’ out, saw family, took day trips and slept in.
Just 2 days after closing our gates, we loaded up 'Cora' and set off down the highway. 

Heading off to Mission via Hwy 12 heading towards Lytton

The day was cool but promised sunny skies later in the day. We didn't care we were off to visit friends and family come rain or shine.

Thank you for your hospitality. If only we lived closer, we could 'do coffee' every morning together.

We parked 'Cora' for a few days and enjoyed the company of our family and their furries.
Kitties- Mouse, Bebe and Teddy. Very different than we're used to back home but just as loving and cuddly for sure.
It was wonderful to visit with my sister and her family once again. It seems like ages ago. We relaxed and giggled and planted some flowers. We ate well and slept in every morning. What a great visit!

A new planter created as a memory of sisters visiting together 💗

I find it difficult to remember the gender of cats. For some reason they all seem female to me.
Go figure eh?
I know (I think) two of my loving sister's kitties are male (I think) and one is a girl.
I think Teddy's a boy, right sis?
I'm pretty sure Mouse is also male. Although he certainly seems female to me. So Bebe is the girl?
I hope. Or is it two girls and one boy? Hmmm I have to re ask again. Sorry sis.

Mouse - "I am NOT a girl"

Before long it was time to hit the road again and off to Hope we journeyed.

A Beautiful day with Beautiful friends at The Owl Street Cafe in Hope BC

We reunited with old friends and met a beautiful new buddy. Mr. Benji. What a darling boy!  He's a two year old border collie cross who has happily landed with our good friend Paula from Delta. 
It was great to visit again after so many years. Why does time keep moving along so fast?

Benji, you have landed in a perfect Happy Ever After home!

Benji enjoyed relaxation in 'Cora' while we enjoyed a luncheon together at our favourite restaurant
The Owl Cafe in Hope BC.

We dropped our table and made a perfect resting place for Benji

We could have gabbed for days but time keeps on ticking and we had to get back home soon. I can't wait for our next visit. Tell your mom Benji, Lillooet is waiting for your visit!
Once back home our yard-work continued.

Last year's hedge roots waiting to be removed

We worked to remove the old hedge roots and debris. What a job!  We reorganized the lawn furniture, did weeding, and planted grass seed.  Pruned trees and I even mowed the lawns. Our main goal is to get our yard and pool area back up to a clean summer fun area. There are still several things to do, but we’re on the road to completion now.

In between working I even went shopping! That's a big wow!  I saw people I haven't seen for ages. I had real people conversations! In real people language! No doggie talk!  We took a day for a road trip and enjoyed the beauty of Lillooet. Gorgeous days filled with a glorious sunny sky. I felt like a dog off lead and free to run. It's been great!

Duffy Lk road heading back home

The yard work is not going away any time soon. Oh man. Never ending, eh?  Next up is to clean out the carport and the gazebo, where everything has landed during the reorganizing process. For now things are a big mess!

What a mess!

So I’ve rediscovered, I’ll only take a break from the laborious task of yard work if I'm not home, or I  have dogs around.
Guess who came to visit while we were 'closed'? Yay to Karma and Bailey and Sadie and Peaches. Such a happy diversion from yardwork!
My yard gates were blocked off and certain areas are marked as unsafe areas. Karma and Bailey stayed overnight. They didn't seem to mind the blocked off areas.

Bailey - "Ermm, 'scuz me Lady, but why is this gate closed?

Bailey - "There must be some mistake. You don't mean me? Do you Lady?"

Well, maybe Bailey minded. Much to his dismay there was limited play areas and toys. After all, I am technically closed and its my relaxation time. Sorry buddies.

When I rest, everyone rests.

Sadie and Peaches also came across the street for a quick hello. Such sweeties. They often say hi to me when they’re on their porch and this time they actually were allowed to come in the yard to have a quick sniff around. I got my cuddles and loves and off they went on their walkies. They were a fantastic break from my back aches from weeding. I didnt have my camera on hand but they have plans to visit us again for a few days in July. It'll be a fun 3 days for sure.

Sadie & Peaches at home waiting for a visit across the street.

Guess who else we went to visit? Two of my favourite border collies, Sir Bentley and his brother Oskar. Oh, how I’ve missed those two happy ball dogs! Thanks for the fun ball time boys. Thanks for letting me say hello and throw the ball for them mom. You sure made my heart glow.

Bentley - "Put your camera down lady. Throw the ball."
Oskar - "Ya hurry, do it now!"

An easy decision on what's more relaxing, playing with dogs or doing yard work.  Thank goodness.
I’m putting away my rakes and shovels and wheelbarrow. Well, not too far away.
I’m nowhere near finished the yard work.
Two weeks off and I’m ready for a break!

Royal K9 Korner is open for dog visitors again.
This weeks schedule reads, Karma, Chip & Maggie and Bailey & Ruby and Kaia and Kona.  Ellie is scheduled to return starting in May.
Get ready!  Here we go.

A Day Trip With Karma Before I Close for 2 Weeks

I had the pleasure of having sweet Karma for an overnight visit yesterday. He's one of the last of my visitors before my time off. That means I'm in the mode to get things organized for leaving.  Karma is one of the very easy going, easy to please and a completely reliable, responsible boy. He will find a spot to lay and stay in relaxed mode for a very long time. When he decides to move, he'll come check me out and find another spot close by me. I leave the doors open when he visits and he can come and go as he pleases. This day started out about the same for us.

Karma heads off to explore the yard as I do some much needed raking.

As I move from yard to yard Karma happily wanders and checks out the scents of dogs from the day before. I can watch what he's up to and then let him out of my sight for a while and know he'll be back by my side soon.  He's quite happy to be the only dog on site.
When he's done his grounds checking he'll find his way back indoors and rest on the porch in the sun.

Karma - "Thank goodness it's not time for a lawn mower yet. I need peace and quiet."

That is usually about the time I'm heading back indoors as well. I have unfinished chores to complete and bedding to organize. Karma always stops by to say hello to me as he's moving from indoors to out. If I miss him as he passes me, I only have to look out the door to see his happy face watching for me.

Karma - "Are you ready to come outside again Lady?"
Me - "Yes, Karma, I'm on my way now."

 This day was a recycling day so we loaded it up and headed up town. It's always nice when I can actually  take a break from my yard and venture out the yard and into the big wide world of 'town'.  I love having a dog companion with me. today was Karma's turn.

Karma waits patiently in the sun while I load up

Karma - "You won't reskycle me will you Lady?"
Me - "No dear, I promise you are non reskycklable"

 As it turns out I was no where near wanting to return home after the reskysklabeling was done. So Karma and I headed off on an unknown adventure.

"Where are we Lady?  Will my mom know how to find me?"
We'll return long before mom does sweetie.

When I let Karma out, he happily scurried in the absolute direction of the dock. His little face was smiling big time the entire time we stayed.

Look at me mommy, I'm going boating. (I think)
Am I Lady?"
Me - "No Karma, we're just walking along."

We headed off towards the park area and Karma seemed to know his way immediately. I'm quite certain Karma and his mom have visited Seton lake many times before.

"Do you 'fink I can go in the water Lady?"
Yes, Karma I 'fink' it's just fine if you want to.

So into the water he went. He took a lovely long drink and let his feet and tummy get good and wet before he came back out.  The sun was not shining this day and the wind was blowing. I was chilly with just my cardie on, so we didn't stay long. 

Me- "I don't think we should stay too long Karma. I'm not warm."
Karma - "You go back to the car. I'm not done yet."

We headed up to the look out and Karma had an opportunity to wander in the green grass and check out all the scents.
We met up with a couple of gals who instantly fell in love with Karma and politely asked if they could take his picture. Karma was in his glory and smiled a very big smile for them. They walked away giggling at his cuteness and I must say I did too. Karma is just that kinda guy.
He's just a cutie!

I'm cute guy, right Lady?

We made it back home just on time to prepare daddy's lunch and ate a good hearty meal ourselves.  The fresh air and different scenery can really boost an appetite. With a full tummy and a mind full of the lake sights, Karma fell fast asleep. I cleaned up after lunch and puttered in the warm house while he rested.

Karma crash!

Later that afternoon I was back outdoors and doing yard work with  renewed energy. Karma was still in relaxed mode and waited for his mom on the heated mat. I just know, he'll have a wonderful adventure story to tell her all about. I wonder if she'll understand him. I'll help him by submitting this post.
It's been an awesome day Buddy Karma. Thank you for joining me.
See you after my break.

I'm 4 days away from taking 2 weeks off from daycare. I have a few more bookings for this week.
Then beginning Monday, Royal K9 Korner will be closed for 2 whole weeks. 
Keep your paws crossed for warm sunshine. Stay Safe everyone.
See you in 2 weeks!

Photo from 2013 archives -
His Majesty King, Princess Mollydawg and Her Royal Highness Lady May,
ready to help with Spring clean up detail. Best Royal Helpers Ever.

Welcome 4 Year Old Cooper

Already a month has gone by since this little darling came for his Meet & Greet. Yesterday we finally welcomed him in for his first 4 hour visit.  What a sweet little guy.

I'm told Cooper is not a newbie to daycare and generally loves to play with other dogs, large and small. I cant wait to begin introducing him to some of our regulars.
 Cooper does not normally like to be with out his mom and dad, and is super protective of his dad.  It was no surprise to me that he stood by the gate as dad left and whimpered for his return.We sat together for a little while as dad drove away.

"Awww, I know little buddy. I promise he'll come back soon. Let's head into the back yard where you can smell all the other dogs who visited before you."

Although he was hesitant, Cooper followed me and soon was caught up in all the wonderful smells. He found all the places to use as a vantage point to watch for his dad.

I could see Cooper's content side even though he was missing mom & dad. Once he realized we were going for a 'walk' he tagged along happily and checked out all the signs and scents of the 'others'.
He never missed an opportunity to check out the gate where ever we were.  His recall, although hesitant, was reliable enough that I took off the long safety lead and his  harness within an hour. 
It was definitely a good thing because the sun was sharing it's heat with us that day.

Cooper - "Hey Lady? do you think my dad will know I'm way up here?"

He had fully settled in to just 'being here' with in that hour and I was able to get a start on some of my yard work while Cooper rested in the shade.  He came over to find out what I was up to a couple of times but he still wanted to watch the gate. He didn't want any goodies I had to offer but that was just fine, my goal was to allow him to be relaxed.

It was time to check out things indoors and I wanted to go through my routines to learn more about Coopers likes and dislikes. Cooper had already used the basement ramp during his M&G so I knew he'd be fine with that.  He willingly followed me down the ramp and indoors.

Cooper - "I been here before Lady. I know this one."

As I went through the daily routines of noises and movements of doing laundry, cleaning, sorting bedding, moving crates and thrashing about Cooper simply found a 'just right spot to sit and watch me.

Cooper - "I would go to sleep if you would be a bit
quieter Lady. Is this going to take long?"

One more big nosier thing to go through dear Cooper. Follow me. We headed upstairs and out came the vacuum. Again Cooper showed little interest but he'd  rather sit on the porch and peer out at the gate. Of course.

Cooper - "Really Lady, I'm not much into house work so,
I'll head out doors if you don't mind."

Great idea Cooper I'll join you. So join him I did. We sat in the sun for a nice long time. It was a perfect opportunity to try out some husbandry with Cooper. A very compliant little guy who allowed every touch I preformed. An especially pleasant part of this time seemed to be tummy rubs. Oh how he loves those. No kidding! Right?

Even though Cooper's eyes were often on the gate, I believe he's had an ample opportunity to become familiar with our yard, house and all my activities during the day.  Although he watched for dad he really didn't make a fuss and try to 'escape'.   He's ready to visit and meet some other buddies. I believe I can keep him safe and comfortable and best of all, he can learn to have FUN here.

Cooper - "... but my dad will come back right?"

Yes, you bet Cooper, THAT I can promise you. Mom and Dad will be back for you.
Welcome to our daycare yard, Cooper. We hope you visit us again soon.

Nugget Returns and an Overnight Trial For Chip & Maggie

 Chip & Maggie have been making great strides in their comfort level while away from mom & dad. We've been easing them into longer visits in preparation for a 5 day stay with us in July.  With each visit they've been meeting a new visitor and this time it was the 7 yr olds,  River and Nugget. If you don't know or remember Nugget you can read about her here  Nugget 
Suzy Q, who they've met before also visited.  I knew Chip and Suzy were comfortable with each other and hoped Maggie would be less anxious with her this visit. I kept Maggie on a long lead to begin with. I wanted to eliminate the possibility of her bolting. The idea is for her to gain confidence and a sudden bolt could undo the progress she's made thus far.

Maggie is more relaxed  with Suzy this time and allows her greeting.

The reintroduction with both Suzy and with River was quite uneventful and I was hopeful meeting Nugget would go as smoothly.

Hello, Im Maggie.
Oh, hi, I'm River

Chip is a very social guy and I've only seen his happy, fun personality.  Meeting River went as I expected and I was looking forward to Nugget arriving. 

Chip and River say a polite hello

Chip was ready to begin a fun day, if River was willing. She was for sure. The four of them, Suzy, River, Chip and Maggie seemed quite comfortable with each other and could safely stay together.  

My plan was to go slow, with quiet, easy one on one introductions to Nugget with each. It's been quite some time since Nugget visited but I remembered her fun loving energetic personality and had her favourite balls ready for her.  Meeting Suzy was quite uneventful.

Hello Im Suzy. Have we met?

Meeting River was all about ball play. Yep, saw that one coming.

Nugget - "Hey, Wait up!"

We went indoors to meet Chip and Maggie. Chip clearly did not want the new girl anywhere near his sister and made no bones about saying so.  They still had lots of time to get familiar with each other so I let the visit unfold with no pressure either way. Nugget didn't seem to care and simply ignored Chip.

Chip - "Can you keep this new girl away from my sister please?"

Outdoors, Nugget, Suzy and River seemed to hit it off.  I wanted to prevent zoomies from kicking in before Nugget had a chance to get re accustomed to our yard, so I initially had Suzy and Maggie back on long leads. They each said polite hellos and Nugget found a ball again. She already had her day outlined. Easy peasy.

Maggie was unsure but accepted Nugget's presence.

Nugget will run and play ball for hours on end and that's exactly what happened.  She ran and played while Mags and her brother did zoomies in another area. River roamed the yard watching for birds, Suzy rested and watched all the goings on. They were all happy. Not necessarily socializing but content to just be.  I don't believe in putting dogs in a situation they're not ready for. Being together can look different for different dogs.  They can visit through fences and become accustomed to each other with out feeling the need to defend. The longer they had to check things out and feel content the easier the rest of the visit would go.

Chip - "You just stay with me, Maggie and I'll take care of you."

I spent a watchful 24 hours with the four munchkins. I feel quite confident Maggie and Chip will do just fine when July comes along. They'll be back again for more visits and meetings before then. I think Chip will be back to his more comfortable self when they meet Nugget again. She was nonthreatening and I'm certain he'll remember that. I wonder if having just one more newcomer this visit was more than he was ready for. He's a really good big brother and he means to keep his sister safe.  He'll learn that's part of my job and he can relax and just have fun.

In the meantime, River and Nugget seem to have a great report. Everyone played in and out and rested comfortably during the day.

By the time bedtime came around they were tired.

Heading to bed was an easy time for all. Chip and Maggie found the large crate, snuggled down together and were fast asleep in no time at all. Nugget chose the medium size crate. She gave a few minutes of soft whimpers, which tugged at my heart strings, but she soon followed suit into dreamland.
As usual River was asleep before anyone cozied under her pink blankie. I hope everyone dreamt of fun happy times. I'm looking forward to seeing them all again soon.
Chip and Maggie will go home in the morning and Bailey will arrive for a playday with Nugget! 
Stay tuned!

Good night sweethearts. I love you all

Surprise Toys Day

River and I had just one day alone last week. She helped me get ready for the next group of visitors. She kind'a helped herself to the tiny toys as I sorted them to make sure all were still safe to play with. She gave them her seal of approval by sneaking one off to snuggle with.

Ahhh yes! The tiny squeakie duckie my favourite!

River always seems to find the little duck or chicken leg first in all the tiny toys. Sneaking one is inevitable and I always allow her to when we're alone. She loves the tiny toys and is gentle with them when no one else is around.

River - "This is not a chicken leg or duckie. It's a tiny cow and I'm claiming it!"

When the toys and the living room are done we head done to the bedroom. Theirs always bedding, mats and covers to be washed.  It's boring for River, so she decides to head out the door to rest in the sun. She lays on the heated mat watching the trees for birds.

River - "Why you staring at me? Is your work done lady?"

Dare I say, the snow is melting fast. 
More birds will soon be here

I get the laundry started and sort out the bedding for this weeks little visitors. Karma, Chip, Maggie and Nugget would all be overnighters. They all need warm, clean,  private, and cozy spots. I have no idea if they'll be buddies or not.  So in came the accommodations.
River came in to see if I was doing my chores right and gave it her seal of approval by checking out her fresh bedding. We are set! Bring on the littles.

Are you paying your helpers in cookies?

Later that morning we had surprise objects suddenly appear in the yard. River was the first to spot them and made off with one quicker than I could see what it was. “Some sneaky person” had thrown a few brand-new toys into our yard. He left one little squeaky squirrel hanging on the gate post to watch me. Oh good grief I laughed. There was only one person who has done this before.  A neighbour friend of Bailey's dad gets new toys often and has way to many, so she passes some on to Bailey. Who in turn passes them along to us!  Thank you, Mr. Bailey’s dad. You are a hoot!
The dogs are going to love them!

River - "I think it must be my belated birthday present! They just dropped from the sky"

Mr. Sneaky left his squeaky squirrel friend calling card

River loves to bury her toys and she zipped back and forth throughout the morning trying to find just the right hiding place for these new treasures.

If you watch her as she's found a spot, she zooms away and finds another hiding spot. She will carry a toy all day until she finally feels she's found the perfect place that no one has seen. Then she returns to take the next new toy and repeat her task. What a funny little girl.

 

She never found the right place for the big yellow chip bag toy. It is just to large and the ground is still to frozen. Ah well. another time. Besides its not really one of her favourites. It's just new.

River was still sneaking toys away even when Karma and Suzy arrived. They're not really interested and let her sneak away with a toy in her mouth. The new toys wont get a proper initiation until another visitor who loves toys arrives. Then it'll be a FUN day of race and tug and play for sure.

River, Suzy and Karma enjoying the last of the snow oblivious to the new toys.

The thrill of the new toys wears off quickly and before long Karma notices the balls and his day begins. Balls seem to be his toy of choice.  I gather as many balls as I see around and up the sloped backyard we go.  It's perfect for playing ball. I keep a plastic bin in the shed filled with balls where I initially sit and throw them. For some dogs including these two, I sometimes have to retrieve them myself. Once all the balls are thrown, I head to the lattice solar frame and gather the ones I just threw.

River - "Hurry up Lady. Why you not throw another ball?"
Karma - "Maybe she checking for cookies?"

Throwing them up hill makes more sense of course, so they can roll back to me.  That's where I usually stand for the rest of playtime.

Running back and forth and up and down the hill is quite a work out for 11 year old Karma. In just a short time he's had enough and it's rest time. 
Karma, River and Suzy Q are part of my 100% recall buddies. When I call, "house-time," they are THERE! We head indoors and they easily find a comfortable spot to lay down. It's going to be a quiet day.

Karma and River take turns sleeping on the lounge. They often share it.

This time Karma gets the lounge and River finds a different place to rest.

Ahh rest time. My favourite

 Not everyone goes to sleep right away. It takes Suzy Q longer. She has a little toss 'n tumble play with a toy before she snoozes. That doesn't seem to bother River too much. She just likes the company.

The rest of the afternoon the toys are forgotten and it's mainly a relaxing day until bedtime. The toys will wait for another day. Another couple of visitors will have their fun with them.
I'll be sorting through all the 'big toys' soon and many won't be making the cut.
New toys are on the horizon!
I think Karma doesn't care as long as I keep my hands in my pocket. I wonder what he dreams of?
Toys, or . . .

Karma dreams - " I wonder if my mom will be home tomorrow?"