What's Going On With Royal K9 Korner?

 

I’m in the midst of making some pretty serious decisions about Royal K9 Korner. Business here will never be what it was just a few years ago - "First Week of Nov. 2023"
 I've decided to renew my insurance policy and business license for one more year. 
I’ve known for a few years now that my full retirement days were approaching fast. I’ve slowly been downsizing my daycare for quite some time.

One of the steps was no longer taking in newcomers. That allowed me to schedule more playdates between my regulars, it reduced chores related to M&G plans, it eliminated having to create safe socialization for new comers and ultimately gave me easier days.

I’ve always been strict on safety measures for taking care of dogs that belong to someone else. 
When my own health became the issue, it seemed like it would be easier to make decisions about where RK9Korner is going. Wrong. It was not easy. I miss the dogs! My days are too long and too quiet. It provides too much time for anxiety to set in. I no longer have the strength or stability to run and zoom around my yard. 
This new development in my health has left me feeling less confident about keeping dogs safe. I believe I’m able to manage my days better now with the help of the meds. Although I still have a long way to go before I’m through this rough patch. I’m still waiting on tests and results and appointments that will hopefully bring some answers. Time will tell. 

The long and the short of it is, I still want dogs to visit me. They help to keep me grounded, make the days go faster and bring very much happiness. My concern is not knowing when/if another attack will sneak in and I’ll have to send the dogs home or to their contact person. I'd like to start with, only taking dogs a few hours during the day when their parents are home. I might decide to try to do some overnight stays with some of my buddies.

So, I’m going to slowly begin to bring ‘my’ regular dogs in for playdays again. Another big issue is that prebooking will undoubtedly not work any more. I’m not sure it will ever be possible again. 
For now, I'm thinking, accepting text messages to set up a day for a drop in play with a buddy on a day to day basis.  
I wonder how 'my' moms and dads feel about that idea? Please let me know your thoughts. 

What I do know for sure is that I have a whole business load, full of supplies and dog items I will no longer be needing. I will give our Lillooet community first dibs by posting locally. 

Nothing is new. All items are older and well used. Everything is certainly more than usable. Any dog in need would welcome them, I know! 
I’ve been making a list. I’ll also try to put together some photos and the prices I’m asking. The cost will be minimal for sure. I would love to see them go to those who need them. Ultimately, I want them gone. I’d like to reclaim some of my space. What isn't needed locally will simply go where it is needed out of town.

I know what will be going, and I’m sure I’ll think of something else as the days go along - 
I have many of most particular items and will need to do an actual count of all.
I've always purchased items in various sizes and styles so I could accommodate all my visitors. 
My remaining cookies however, are out of bounds. I'm reserving those for my visitors. They are mostly kept in the freezer so they stay fresh! 
If you are thinking of something or see something that catches your eye and don't want to wait for the specific details. ASK ME!  It's going to be very first come first serve. 
 
Items to clear out - Photos to be posted at a later date. 

Crates – Wire ex. large, large, medium and small. All collapsible and easily store away. 
              Also, one collapsible soft canvas. All have plastic tray bottoms and mats. Sizes to follow

Indoor doorway gates: some metal, some plastic, some wooden. 

Blankets & Large quilts as well as  medium – large fleece. Well used,  some quilts have bare or thin 
              patches. Dogs love digging on them and I allowed it. (Okay, encouraged) 
             Possibly tears and frays.    All perfectly good for dog use.
Pillows - Regular and Throw  - Cuz all dogs need a pillow. :) 

Bowls – Various sizes. Stainless, plastic, slow feeders

Mats – Various sizes. All foam is lined with plastic for moisture protection and easy to clean.   All covers are removable with velcro closures.

Toys – Many tattered, torn and well used. Most no longer squeak.
             Balls, tuff chew toys, tug ropes, cloth animal stuffies, most no longer contain stuffing.  Great for  
              ruff tug and tear games. 
Leads - numerous colours, lengths, durability 

Harnesses - various sturdiness, sizes and styles. 

Collars - variety

Winter coats - various

Hi Viz life jackets - 2

Boots – small, medium, large, winter and sock boots. 

Diapers - Opened bag fit for medium dog. I will check actual size.

Reusable/washable - Both - male belly band and female waterproof wraps with liners.

Water proof pad covers.

3 Interactive feeders – Photos included here -  

Toba Visits Bailey and Countess River Dec. 2025

The last week of Dec. Toba arrived for a sleep over with Bailey and Countess River. 

Sir Bailey flanked by his Lady's Miss Toby and The Countess River

The way Toba and Bailey play, means it's safer for our River to spend her time in the play area that has the bird feeder. Oh yes, I filled them. River was so happy and excited to zoom from yard to yard and bark at each tree filled with the birds. She did pause at the gates to watch Bailey and Toba play but soon headed back to her bred in interest of stalking. Such a happy funny girl.

Toba is a strong vibrant girl who enters daycare seeking Bailey and fully ready to playfully engage. Watching the two 2 ½ yr olds romp ‘n play together is both entertaining and interesting for me. 

Bailey flops in the snow and gives Toba an opportunity to play dominant dog

 These two have grown to know each other well since the Spring. Their manners can easily be seen in both their play and their rest times. Bailey has had countless play encounters with countless buddies. He seems to have learned to fully communicate with each one on their individual level and is a very good listener. Their zooms and playfulness range from full on rough ‘n tumble body contact to a lesser easy romp and strong stances each holding their ground. 
They happily takes turns and often give each other time to take a break.
 

Bailey appears to conserve his energy using his muscle strength to simply pivot or adjust his step until he really needs to exert more energy. Toba seems to fully engage using all her strength and stamina with each playful move. Once her stamina reaches it peak, she seems ready for a more relaxed form of play which soon heads into a calm laydown with a toy mode. Bailey who has been conserving energy is till ready to play and uses his best persuasion methods to entice her. He’s listening to her tell him to give her some space but, he seems to say, “Aww come on just a little bit more.” 

When Toba finally wins the relaxing time, Bailey quickly turns his attention to the next possible play partner. This time it was the eager and ready to give her all, Countess River. 

It was a great couple of days between Christmas and New Years Day. We looked forward to arrival of Suzy Q, Ruby, and Cooper who joined Bailey and River that afternoon. I'll post again soon.
Happy New Years Eve everyone 
Stay healthy and happy and bring in the New Year safely PLEASE.

This Day Two Years Ago

"Lady May's Memory Post" draft began as follows:
Who can believe how fast the days and years fly by. I'm crying when I search through Lady May's photos. I'm not ready to release her completely yet. I know the wound is less deep but it's not healed over completely yet my love. 
My heart still aches when I think of her playing with the others in the yard. How close the bond between her and King was. How The Princess softened towards her when they were the remaining Royals.

Each time I put a harness on a visitor, I still mentally put Lady May's harness on her. I can still feel her ever so soft fur. I feel myself gently setting her into her trolley or her wheelcart before playtime. 

I remember how her small body felt when I cuddled her. I see her wide happy eyes as she romped and frolicked. How she shook her funny head as she zoomed along after her ball. Those times make me smile. I remember how her health deteriorated over the years with arthritis, all caused my human interaction.  I still get angry and blame those responsible. I'm thankful she had such a happy life with us for the rest of her days ...
Lady May Memory Post "
https://kingsurvives.blogspot.com/2023/10/oct-24-2023-rainbow-bridge-calls-lady.html

I sat down to write that memory blog post last week. The day of Lady May’s passing was fast approaching. This morning, I tried to continue with it. I just cannot. I am still to tender, her precious memories still hurt. Even though so many of them make me smile and laugh. I’m crying and my head hurts.  Her passing was so very hard to take, she was the baby of our pack. She also marked the end of a very important era in our life. 
I can not think of her without the beautiful memories I have of her siblings, King, Princess Molly and Duchess Sammy. 

Lady May quickly bonded with King and they could often be seen laying close by each other. 

My computers two hard drives are full of photos and videos of our lives together.  I cry wishing there were photos of Duchess and Lady May together. Duchess’s passing  ( https://duchesssammy.blogspot.com/) opened the gate for Lady May’s arrival. Thus, they were never here at the same time. 

I have videos that I never posted due to their length. Today I posted them regardless of how long they are. They are now uploaded to watch without my having to search through the multitude of videos.
You can view them on YouTube Here - 
King To The Rescue - https://youtu.be/QjOgVCR16TY   

Three Happy Royals - https://youtu.be/Bft2oFBNuZ4

I also plan to share them to FB for anyone who is interested in smiling at them with me.

Today I remember our darling Lady May and all the joy she brought into our lives along with her siblings, The Original Royals ~ King, Princess Molly, & Duchess Sammy
Duchess passed- 2013
King passed - 2016
Princess Molly – 2020 
Lady May - 2023 

Mommy and daddy miss you SO much!!
Play forever over Rainbow Bridge our darlings.

 

5 Years Ago Today

 One summer 20 years ago, we visited an SPCA searching for a puppy. We had been looking around for quite some time. It was July 2nd 2005 when we first set eyes on our little darling Molly. I'll forever remember how warm her tiny 8 week old little body felt. Tightly curled up in my arms while daddy drove us all the way back home from Kamloops. 

Molly's first day home July 2nd 2005
8 weeks old

For the next 15 years, we laughed and loved and created the most wonderful memories with that little puppy. We will forever cherish all those wonderful days. She was always up to something and she could always win us over. Spoiled? Yes, no doubt. 

Look closer daddy. It's right there. Can you get it for me please?

Molly's favourite toys were things that could be shredded or ripped apart. Squeakies would suffice but she seemed to love the feel of tearing things. Old t shirts became one of her very favourite playthings. 
1 year olds - Molly and one of her first buddies, Abbey. Sept. 2006

What paper?

We love her with all our heart. Yes, we cried and felt our hearts break. She would be sad to think she was causing us pain. So today we will remember all the wonderful happy fun filled days she brought to us. She was so strong willed and sneaky, she earned many silly nicknames. Not the least of which was daddy's favourite ~ Ratbag. Oh Molly you kept us on our toes. We love you so much girl 💓

Always willing to help with kitchen chores.

She was always willing and more than a little bit proud to dress in fine clothing. Such a stylin' little girl!

I hope it rains today

We can go now. I'm ready.

Molly was the queen of catching frisbees back in her puppy days. Long before I had video and I wish I had some to share. Alas photos are all I had back then. 

I see it dad. I'll get it!

We hope you're having an absolutely fabulous time you little ratbag! Gather everyone over The Bridge today and zoom! 
Thank you for all the memories dear Mollydawg. 
We're thinking of you, as always. 
We miss you so very much!

June 2005 - Sept. 2020 Run free Princess

Molly's Passing

Fall Begins With Molly

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.