This blog is dedicated to our beloved Royal pack.
Our leader, King, Our Precious Princess Molly. Our Darling Duchess Sammy and Our Sweetest Lady May.
Four sets of paws reunited over Rainbow Bridge.
They will Rule Forever more, in eternal peace and good health.
So sadly missed and so lovingly remembered.
So much time has passed and yet it seems like only yesterday. My heart will always remember the kind, unselfish deed that was done on that day. Lou and Bonny Baird. It is because of their caring, love and desire to act instead of just walk away that we were given one of our most treasured gifts.
This gentle man and his loving wife set out on a trip. They drove all the way from Alberta. They were stopping and enjoying B.C.'s beautiful campsites. They pulled into one to enjoy lunch while in Bella Coola. That's where the four scraggly, emaciated scruffs sauntered out of the bushes. They had not long to live, and would not have, with out the intervention that followed.
April 29 2008 Left to right: Bella, Chinook, King and Spring
The couple went through great lengths to find a rescue group that would take these four and provide the care they needed to save them. They were told countless times,"I'm sorry we're full and can not take them in." Their search grew wider and wider until they finally found one that was 13 hours away from them. They packed up and drove the four sickly dogs out to receive the proper attention they deserved. Turtle Gardens Rescue Society from Topley BC is no longer operating. The CEO at that time, Yvette Labatte, went above and beyond to open her already bursting at the seams doors to bring them in and provide the medical attention and FOOD that all four needed. They stayed with her until each one found a Happy Ever After family.
Safe at Turtle Gardens Rescue Society
To this day, no one knows how those four dogs ended up lost or abandoned in that forest in Bella Coola. What we do know is that without Lou and Bonnie Baird detouring their vacation, and Yvette's willingness to accept those dogs, they would surely not have survived another week.
King on his first day HOME with us. Feb 2009
Those dogs came to be known by many people as the Bella Coola Four. Lou and Bonny had named them after the salmon that frequent the Bella Coola area. Spring, Chinook, Bella, and King.
Lou and Bonny visit King at home 2009
Yvette and King at Reunion 2010
All four were eventually adopted and lived healthy happy lives. We were fortunate enough to have been chosen to be the adoptive family to King. He lived with us for 8 yrs. until he was approx. 14 yrs old. He stayed healthy and happy for a very long time.
He passed away in our loving arms on April 8th 2016.
Today I remember and know, King still looks down over all of us and gives a howl of appreciation for all that was given to him and his pack on this day 10 years ago! Thank you Lou and Bonny! Thank you Yvette Labatte
The lovely Miss Mylu is a 3 1/2 year old retriever mix who has had some trauma. She took off from her mom and dad and was hit by a car. Fortunately for Mylu she has wonderful, caring parents who rushed her off to the vet for the best ever treatment. As a result of her injuries she is now left with severe damage to her right hind leg. It doesn't seem to stop the little darling from having a wonderful playtime with us and we welcome her with open paws.
She's been for a couple of short visits just checking things out and getting to know Princess MollyDawg and Lady May. Miss Mylu will soon be spending a few more days within our fold. We can't wait for an overnight stay!
Mylu -" What's to do around here?"
On the very first visit with her mom and dad, Mylu spent a great deal of time with her nose glued to the bottom of my water cooler. Her mom and dad and I were busy filling out paperwork and discussing all Mylu's needs. We watched and just giggled as she pawed and tried desperately to get at whatever was under that water cooler. Her togue just didn't seem to be long enough. When Mylu went home I moved the water cooler and low and behold guess what was under it? Oh my little girl, you certainly have a good nose! It was a tiny grain of cooked rice! I guess I'll be cleaning my floors a bit more often when Mylu comes to visit. Even The Princess missed that one!
I bet you can't see what Mylu smelled?
You mean you found a bit of rice Mylu? Wow you're good!
Mylu was the youngest in her litter and is a very loving little girl. Her main goal is to play and give kisses. Well, we certainly can't complain about that can we? Well some of us do. Lady May will beg to disagree for sure. She can only take so many kisses. As a matter of fact NO kisses would suit her just fine. Mylu is learning that a curled lip means back off. She's not pushed that envelope to far, and hasn't had to answer to anything more from Lady May.
Why can't I just kiss everyone, everyday, all day long?
Lady May and Mylu just relaxing in the sunshine. Note the distance lol
I'm told that Mylu has been having a wee bit of trouble with her bladder some days. Although she had no 'dribbles' at all while she was here. How do we know? Well, we fitted her with a fashionable pair of underpants. (okay so it was a doggy diaper) She didn't seem to mind that one bit and even continued to play with her chosen toys. We put it on after her outdoors play time and left it on while she slept. When she woke about an hour and a half later, there were no signs of dribbles and she went to do her full business outside. What a good girl Mylu! Today was a good day.
I can still play with my toys!
We learned that Mylu likes to be noticed at all times and had to have a few moments of ignoring her.
I know, that sure sounds rude eh? She's a very clever girl and caught on very quickly. Being a bit too demanding just doesn't work here. No, that's just not fun!
Why is no one noticing me?!
Molly had her fill of turning away and walking away and giving her "The Stare" She finally just retreated to her bed and stayed there for a nice long time. Lady May made sure her back was to her so she'd get the idea. Sweet Mylu stayed very close by, just in case they changed their minds.
Finally she decided it would be better to just find a toy and come outside with me. She lots of time running and frolicking all over the yard. What a cutie.
She stumbled a couple of times while she romped about, but her hip didn't seem to hinder her fun.
We're excited to have Mylu come back to visit again. We know it won't be long before the Royals are romping with her.
See you in a couple weeks sweetie.
We have a wonderful variety of dogs that visit us at Royal K9 Korner. Everything from colour to size, characteristics in behaviour and the ever present age and health. We have black ones and brown ones, white ones and grey ones, big ones and small ones, wide ones and thin ones. Oh my! Some like to be alone, some love to be in your face and some just wander about.
There are so many in our assortment of K9's that our rainbow is ever changing.
There are moments when a name escapes me and I admit to referring to them by colour or coat condition. Sometimes it's deliberate. They may be in a spot that is safe and comfy cozy and I don't want to disturb them. I know that if I refer to them in conversation by name, they're going to jump up and see what's going on. "Why was my name called? Is there cookies involved??" Oh great now I have to explain! "I only wanted to say what a good girl/boy you are my sweetie. Go back to your rest in the sunshine" Many times I just say, "the big fluffy guy" or the "little white curly one" or "Miss Sneaky Butt" or "Mr. Hi! How are ya?"
In all the diversity, size for sure really doesn't matter here. Whether you're teeny weeny or great big, the rules are still the same. Most importantly, be polite to everyone and share. Or at least be kind-fully mindful of the others. I don't really care what the body looks like, I'm more concerned with how the brain processes the surroundings and what messages it sends to have the body respond. Playing fair and safe is so important and will certainly make a visit nicer and they will be welcomed back.
Same age and energy level Miss Mia and Lil Molly 2012
One of the characteristics not always noticeable is the variety of ages. We currently have ages ranging from 11 months old to 16 years old. When we have both ends of that scale visiting together or within a few days of each other, age is very noticeable.
We had the privilege of keeping Master Rookie, (The Old Man) company for a day when his mom had to be out of town. The very next day we had Miss Yeti visit us. Let me tell you, age was noticeable!
Our senior 16 year old Master Rookie ambling around the yard.
Getting a picture of Master Rookie is only a matter of walking up, pointing the camera and clicking. He's methodical in his movements and always a happy boy. When he's done his walk about the yard a few times, he simply finds the best comfy spot and there he waits until his mommy comes for him. I can clean the house or groom a dog or fold my laundry. There is never a distraction unless I create it. He loves to have his neck ruffled and back end scrunched and scratched. Oh the smiles I get.
What a good boy Rookie
The very next day in comes one of our youngsters for a day visit. A marked difference! Look closely at this little ones eyes, and body language. She's a very obedient girl. Smart as a whip and just as fast. There is no moss growing under this ones paws. You will see she's only laying still because I asked her to. Notice she's in a closed area where her choices are limited. Plus, she knows I have a kibble to offer. Kibble makes such great (whisper.... cookies")
Almost 2 year old Miss Yeti (Bday: May 1st 2018)
Getting a photo of Miss Yeti is quite the opposite. She doesn't often lay still when she's here. There is JUST SO MUCH to see and smell and do! I was able to snap this one as she took a bit of a break from her busy, busy run around the yard. She zips, she zooms she spins and dashes in between everything possible.
We love it when a youngster gives Princess MollyDawg a challenging moment to exercise like she did in years past. Go Yeti Go! When she's had her romp and satisfied her energy we can head back into the house for a bit of nap-time. Oh and then I can sneak any photos I may have missed. Yep, you guessed it. I just had to get a photo of Yeti in her finest bunny ears.
Somehow "Old Man Rookie" was left out of the event. I have no idea how that happened?? I'm going to get him another time. Get ready Master Rookie. Im coming for you.
Oh DRAT! I thought I missed the Easter photo shoot. MOM Take Me HOME!
