Already Two Weeks Into September!

We had a great few days off and accomplished all we had to do. We had a few days of smokey skies but all in all the weather was great and the traffic conditions were fine. The smokey sky blocked out the heat rays and kept the days a few degrees cooler. Yes it was a bit worrisome because of the tragic fires burning. We did our best to trust our well trained wildfire teams and stayed in touch with broadcasts for updates. Fortunately we stayed safe and were not directly affected.

It's hard to know the sun has an intense burning heat, behind this smoke filled sky. 

My camera didn't pick it up, but trust me, the sun this day was a brilliant red!

 We travelled in daddy's Mini to Kamloops and then off to 100 Mile. 'She's' a great economist and 
you'd be surprised how much shopping I can pack into her!  
Daddy laughs each time were searching for a parking spot. There are just unlimited options due to her tiny space requirement. 

Always room for the small cars!

I'm glad daddy was the driver. 
I'd never be able to spot where I parked her!

Honestly! That's just a ONE Car space!

The night we arrived back home, Bailey greeted us and together we sat and watched the red moon until bedtime. I wished I had a better camera with me. The moon felt a bit unsettling for sure. 

 

The next morning the sun still tried to burn its way through the smoke filled sky. 
It would be a few days before it cleared away completely. 

To see with the naked eye, the sun was bright red.

Gradually it cleared to a thin layer of smoke and then our bright sun shone through once again. All just in time for the dogs to arrive. 

My gates swung open, and ‘they’ rushed in. It began with the adorable little spider monkey Lilly. She came to spend a day frolicking and entertaining Lord Bailey. 

Lilly, "On your mark, get set. . . "

What a great way to begin daycare after time off. I laughed till my sides hurt. Bailey loves his playmates, and they certainly return that affection to the fullest. Bailey has become such a frequent visitor. Sometimes his mom and dad require immediate daycare for him at the last minute. It doesn’t happen often but when it does, I’ve even texted for an unscheduled playmate for him even when no one is booked. I know he’ll love to see ‘anybody’ and it helps me when he has a playmate. Sometimes it’s a lot for me to keep up with his energy. His buddies tend to handle him perfectly. Yay Lilly’s mom and dad! Thanks for the drop in!  

Me - "Look! I bot a new toy."
Bailey - "It's for me, right?"
Lilly  "We'll see about that."

They played together for the full day., and then just a half hour before home time. 
Then they both crashed. It was a good fun day!  

No doubt dreaming of her next playday.

 Lilly went home and Bailey stayed to fully enjoy the rest of the week with Countess River, Miss Ruby, Cooper, and little Suzy Q. The weather was perfect. The sun was shining warm and bearable. The Countess and Lilly were the only ones who hopped in the pool for a quick cool dip. There was some morning zooms but by afternoon everyone simply found a cool spot to lay and relaxed. 

How long before Miss Ruby gets here?
Not until tomorrow guys.

Ok let's go out!

5 little monkeys ready for play

I have no idea why these 3 little monkeys look so serious.
Must be nap time

Nap time in the cool A/C

Our sky is back to normal

The moon has given up it's red glow finally 

I'm happy to have the dogs back visiting me. I'm working on getting the yard ready for the winter. I'm still mowing and watering. I'm removing any tired and dried out plants. The summer took their toll on them and they can no longer give s beautiful show. We'll try again next year. For now it's time to put things to bed and get ready for the much cooler temperatures. 

Henry will join us this week and we'll be looking forward to seeing Miss Ellie for a few days as well. 
I feel like, if I blink, I'll miss the last days of Summer, the time is going so very fast. 
I'll post a few more photos to Facebook. I'll have to do it in two batches. I took way too many, again!
I hope you enjoy them. Stay safe everyone.

9 Days of Free Time.

It’s not easy for me to take time off dog sitting. It means I turn away buddies when they need somewhere to stay if mom and dad have to be out of town on business. It means there will be no furries at arm’s reach to cuddle and smile with. My house and yard are quiet and still.

Back yard serenity. Mornings on my bench, my coffee, my quiet time.

I often arrange for a few days off but then accept a buddy in, because, after all, I’m home anyway. Well, this time I managed to ‘stay the course’ for an entire 9 days. Although I walked across the street and got a cuddle from the Princess Peaches and I visited Miss Suzy Q to get a cuddle there as well. There were no dogs who came through my gates the entire time. Although there was one furry who sauntered in to help me do my pruning. 

Wow amazing. This is who enters an open gate!

What did I do during my time off? 
Mostly anything my heart desired. I slept in. I sat through an entire Netflix film without disruption. I puttered in my yard and actually completed tasks without interruption. I swept pathways and cleaned the carport. I tidied all my recycling and brought it to the depot. All by myself, with no furries helping to sort the cardboard or sniff the plastic containers. I was able to fit it all in my car and take it all up to the depot in one trip. Who knew my car held so much! 

 

I sanded down old doors and recovered them. What a difference a bit of wallpaper can make. 
Washable vinyl, very cool! I have one more door in mind. 

 

Who knew you can buy this stuff

  

 I even did housework that has been asking for attention. I am so good!
I spent quiet time relaxing doing some weeding and pruning and mowing my lawn. On the hot days I lazed in the pool and slept on my lounger. I sat in my gazebo and enjoyed the new addition. 

Thank you my son! I love the extended area. 

First item back is the cookie fridge. Of course. Daddy will close in the sides very soon.

I took time to enjoy my yard and flowers. I spent hours watching the wild life that surrounds. A heron as he perched high in the neighbours tree. Staying close in the safety of the branches  while the eagles circled over head. Smart heron! 
Every day I watched the ever growing herd of deer that now have their young ones. There are so many bucks, still wearing their beautiful velvet on their thick massive antlers. Nature is amazing. 

Daddy and I spent a few days away in a hotel, not cooking or cleaning but lots of shopping! Away from the house and yard, with nothing to do. Thank you daddy!

I guess I did quite a bit during my time off. I did everything slow and relaxed and on my own time. 
Did I miss my buddies? Well certainly to some degree. 

Yesterday they returned and I laughed again and buried my face in their fur. 
Welcome back monkeys!  Peaches and River and Cooper. 

Peaches - "Come on lady. Throw a ball!"

Hey! Who pooped in my yard? Oh, good grief, I’m back at it again.

July 2025 in Review

July started with the return visit from Miss Ellie. She had a few fun days with Sir Bailey and Cooper. The weather was tolerable and they enjoyed a good romp as well as a rest.

Happy to have a playmate again. Miss Ellie enjoyed her Bailey day!

Ellie showed Cooper she could be very respectful and gave him the space he needed.

During the first two weeks Ruby, Suzy Q, Miss Lilly, Nugget and Peaches joined in. The sun was turning up the heat and the dogs were quite content to just chill indoors.

Cool air on the tummy is good for the soul.

 Miss Lilly is an absolute water girl and the pool suits her better than the cool A/C.

Bailey - "Are you sure you want to stay outside?"
Lilly - "Yep Im cool."

 Until it was nap time. Then the coolness of the indoor suited her just fine.

Lilly - "Wake me when its home time please."

During Nugget's visit we had Sir Henry join us for a day. Her small size didn't stop her from enjoying her ball play time. The two big boys, Henry and Bailey romp around her and did a fantastic job of side stepping her. 

My plan for mid July was to take a few dog free days. I hoped for 10 straight days with no dogs. It didn't really happen, but I did get 6 off and on dog free, Yay! 
There were a couple of buddies who needed daycare and after all, I was at home.  Everyone had such happy faces it was easy to enjoy even though I didn't get those 10 days off. 

Nugget - "Can we please go outdoors now?!"

The last two weeks of July have been FULL to the brim and loaded with fun. The summer sun is at its peak and the new A/C furnace is proving to be an asset! 
Peaches' extended visit has coincided with River and Bailey as well as Nugget, Suzy and Cooper. It's given her a perfect opportunity to gain some confidence with them and perhaps set the ground work for a friendship in future. 

Though she had an opportunity to meet with Miss Ruby, I decided to keep a divider fence between them. Peaches seemed less secure in her presence. I only want positive experiences for her at the moment. River kept Peaches entertained while Ruby and Bailey enjoyed their romping in a separate play area.  

Peaches seems to be developing a keen liking for River. Is it that River is closer to her sister's age? Perhaps River exhibits similar behaviours to her sister Sadie? I dunno, but I like what I see developing between them. 

Waiting for lunch. 

Where River goes, Peaches follows. At nap time she seeks out where River is and stays very close. 

Peaches still looks across the road to her home but seems to understand there's noone home. It must be a very difficult for her, but she seems to be coping really well.  
There's always lots to do with her new temporary pack. Im so glad her visit coincided with them the way it has. 

Peaches - "Look mom! New friends"

Bailey , 'the wonder dawg' has given Peaches ample time to trust his large presence and she seems to feel more confident with him now. 

Bailey - "I promise, you can trust me."

Peaches still has one more week with us. I'm looking forward to watching her develop a friendship with Sir Bailey. Next week little Nugget will join them once again. 

July has been a blast and I remain thankful for all the happy faces of my visitors.  Moving into August Im also looking forward to trying for another 10 days off. 
Will I make it. Hmmmm Maybe??

June 30, 2025, Rainbow Bridge Has Knocked Again.

Rainbow Bridge has taken another one of our Extended Royal Pack. 

It was with great sorrow we said farewell to 9 year old Miss Sadie yesterday. Sadie has been the happiest, and wiggliest of all our visitors. She got along with everyone and was an absolute pleasure to be around. I will miss seeing her watching us from her porch across the street. Always a ‘Hello’ wiggle and wagging her tail. Always watching to see if my gate would open and she could zoom across the street into my yard. 
Sadie first visited at 2 years old in Oct. of 2019. She made friends easily and before long I named her my 'Shadow girl'. She was always RIGHT BY my side. Glued to every step I took.  How could I not fall in love with her. 
You can read Sadie's blog entries here- and watch her YouTube videos here. 

She fills a very special place in my heart, and we feel blessed to have been allowed to share her love. Over the last few years Sadie has given us a few very scary days. There were many days when her mommy feared Sadie would not have the strength to pull through. Sadie was a strong girl and always seemed to say, “I'm not ready to leave you just yet mommy.” This day was different. Sadie had reached her final vet visit. Her x-rays showed ever deteriorating severe hip damage from her previous fracture, and possible cancer. There would be no coming back from this one. Sadie’s mom made the very difficult decision to let Sadie cross Rainbow Bridge with dignity. The most loving gift she could give her girl. We support her decision and share her heartache.

Marchioness lil Molly and Sadie will reunite over Rainbow Bridge.

Run free and pain free now dear girl. You are already so sorrowfully missed. Your memory stone has been placed. You now sit in our Rainbow Bridge garden. Say hello to your brother Rookie for us and all the Royal Pack who have crossed before you. You were the best Golden Lab I’ve ever known. 
Rest in Peace Dear Sadie.
Dog gone it! I'm going to really miss you!

Two of Our Buddies Moved!

In daycare it's common for dogs to come and go from time to time. Mom's and dad's move out of town or no longer require day care. It's more than a little bit sad to see them move on.
It doesn't take newcomers long to find a cozy corner in my heart. A warm special place in my memory where they will forever stay. Two special spots of my heart are occupied with big smiles, giggles and oh, so fond memories. 6 year old Cocker Spaniel, Poppy and 11 year old Corgi, Karma, hold 2 of those places. Nether one was here for a lengthy stay but it didn't take them long to melt into my heart and memory.

Last visit together March 2025

Poppy was a visitor since May 2024, and she sure melted her way into our hearts.
She moved away with her mom this year in early March. Her last few visits were to give her mom some time to pack things up. I love that I was able to have a few extra wonderful days of squishies and cuddles with her before she moved. She happily zoomed through the gate oblivious to it being the last of her visits with us. She is such a happy little girl. In all her visits over her 10 month stay, I never saw an unhappy face. She loved all the other dogs. she really didn't care if they were around if a sprinkler was going. She would spend hours on end having water fun if I let her. If the hose wasn't on she would drag it around in hopes that it would suddenly start.

When poppy has had enough play she suddenly does a stop and flop. Whether she's outdoors or in. She reminds me of one of those soft overstuffed floppy plush toys. You pick her up and she flops over into your arms full of love. She plays on the floor and will suddenly just flop! All four legs sprawled out and tail wiggling. She looks like one of those old fashioned dust mops just laying on the floor. 

She gives me belly laughs each time she does it. Such a funny silly girl.

 Poppy loved her time with us and in the beginning she would make a big fuss if mom came to pick her up before she was ready to leave. If she didn't run and try to hide from mom she'd flatten her body and make it difficult for mom to put her harness on. She soon learned she could come back to visit another time and began to love to see her mom arrive again. Who says dogs don't have a personality? Miss Poppy was definitely a personality plus kinda girl!
Aw drat! Did you have to move away!

Miss Poppy's perfect Cocker Spaniel stance.

A bin full of toys, Poppy will always seek out the squeaky one.

Poppy - We're waiting for the Bailey dog to arrive."
Ruby - "Ya, we picked out all his favourite toys."

Poppy went through a bit of a rough patch and was a bit out of sorts until mom had time to move her favourite love seat back into the new  house! She's feeling much better and immediately claimed it as her own. Way to go Miss Poppy! Settled!

It's about time you brought my sofa indoors mom.

I will certainly miss your happy little face and lapping tongue. Have a wonderful time in your new home Poppy. Come back to visit us soon!

The second buddy to head on to new adventures is our best ever herding buddy Karma!
11 year old Karma had been a regular weekly overnight visitor since Dec. 2023. He always came with a big smile and eagerness to play. He learned very quickly to watch my hands and if I happened to have even one in a pocket he was zooming towards me. He quickly became our Master Cookie monster who definitely kept me laughing.  

Karma and The Cookie Monsters.
Left to right Nugget, River, Cooper & Suzy Q

Karma loved all the playmates he met. Big or small it really didn't matter. If they could run, he could chase!  He has impeccable herding skills and showed the others on every visit.

 

Waiting for a buddy to arrive

When his friends arrived Karma always knew to head to the gazebo area for cookie time. It was a routine that he leaned quickly and if no one was visiting he would wait for me to follow our routine just the same. 

Karma - "Hope you brought the whole bag lady!"

That face! (((sigh))

Karma's long Corgi body earned him his nickname as the Love Loaf  Each night he stayed, I would send a picture to his mom saying goodnight. When he was all snuggled in, his mommy called him, her love loaf and it stuck with me. That's exactly what he is.  One lovely loaf of love! I'll sure miss our before sleepies snuggles Karma. 

The Love Loaf

Karma has always been an on the go kinda guy. He and mom love to hike and roam and explore together. Where they have moved has all those wonderful areas for them. Mom says they've been to a dog park as well. It  has a lake in it! Karma is beyond happy and can get as muddy as he wants.

Have wonderful new adventures buddy and take care of your mommy.
I'll try to send cookies often!

Karma on a hike in his new home town.