We've Come To That Bridge

Photo Courtesy of Jean Ballard
Thank you Aunty Jean

Back in 2013 we made the happy decision to adopt Lady May. We knew she would eventually need some form of support for mobility.  We knew there was no correction therapy for Lady May's severely damaged left leg. Amputation was discussed. It was not an option we wanted to take.  She made good use of her little bent leg and used it to help hold her toys and chewys.  It enabled her to maintain her balance that she needs to run and zoom around the yard. There was no pain involved from it. She has managed exceptionally well for many years.  We knew there would be a time when we would need to reassess her mobility issue. We were prepared to cross that bridge when we came to it.
We have now approached that bridge. The years of constant hopping on her "good leg" have paid the toll. She now has acute osteoarthritis. We are managing her weight and pain.  She maintains good nutrition on a special mobility diet. We try to provide ample exercise, based specifically on her ability and need and she takes adequate meds for pain management. We ensure she receives her daily dosage of liquid glucosamine, a daily pain relief med, and a cartrophen injection every 3 weeks.

We now find it increasingly difficult for our little girl to get to where she really wants to go on her own.  We purchased a buggy to transport her around the yard on her painful days. She climbs into it willingly and we have trouble coaxing her to come out. She loves it.
The arthritis is requiring more time off her feet and more time laying down. Lady May is still full of vim and vigour with a strong desire to RUN!  Her little brain does not understand why she has to lay down, but her body reminds her.

So as we step forward onto the bridge, we are researching our best options for Lady May. At this point her running has ceased and we resort to playing catch with her instead of  allowing her to run after the ball. I have so many past videos of her happily zooming around after a ball. When I compare where she is today, it makes us sad for her. We want to give her that opportunity to run around the yard again. Exercise is such an important aspect of maintaining good physical health with arthritis.

Her damaged paw hangs lower and as she runs it scrapes the ground. We found that providing her with a t shirt helped to protect her chest and paw.  Of course in the hotter temperatures we nixed the t shirt and use a simple boot I fashioned for her to stop the end of her paw from being damaged. She was just so energetic and refused to stop running! She has given us years of laughs at her ability to ignore her disability. We want to give more opportunities back to Lady May. She is not ready to just lay down.

You can visit our Youtube page and view Lady May's past videos here.

Royal K9 Korner Videos - Lady May
The option we are looking at is a FrontEnd Wheelcart custom made for Lady May. We have made contact the makers of Eddies Wheels and we are proceeding with the application process.
Below is a photo of the cart we believe would best suit Lady May. We shall see.

https://eddieswheels.com/p/17/Front-Wheel-Carts

Puppy Lady May
Photo Courtesy of Lady May's
previous owner

Lady May was born Oct. 27th 2009 with 4 fully functioning legs.
Something happened.
'Lady" was surrendered at the age of 2.5 yrs. to
Turtle Gardens Rescue Society in Topley BC.
You can read how we came to adopt her on this blogpost.
March 3rd 2013
Her atrophied shoulder and her little paw have now hindered her ability to have fun and go like crazy! This little speed bunny has never shown any desire to slow down. Today she is forced to.



We hope you'll follow us through this journey and send all your positive support for our little girl.
Please "LIKE" us and follow our progress on our Facebook page Royal K9 Korner Day Care
Thank you.

Lady May on arrival day Feb 2013

Bentley Meets Mylu

When visitors arrive each day we have a pretty set routine for introductions. Even though everyone probably already knows each other. It seems to work best to reunite one on one, every new visit. It takes a bit of time, but, it allows me to gauge their behaviours and clearly see how interactions might go later. Perhaps someone is feeling particularly "off" for some reason.I'd like to know that in advance.
I've been thinking that all our visitors have already met at some point in time.
The other morning, I was preparing everyone for the arrival of our youngest boy, Bentley. As I was setting up the boundaries to allow for the one on one meetings, it occurred to me that Miss Mylu and young Bentley have never been here at the same time. Wow! Can that be right? Well if they have, I certainly have no record of it. nor is it in my "very good memory". (stop laughing)

Our darling Speed Bunny, lil Molly was visiting and decided to detain Bentley from his meeting with the wonderful Miss Mylu. They were off and zooming before Miss Mylu had any chance to form an opinion of young Bentley.

Bentley was just as excited to see his new found zooming buddy. He waltzed right past Mylu like she was a worn out toy and headed straight to lil Molly. Mylu would have to be content with the Royals for now.

We did finally get that meeting to happen once Bentley was more focused and calm. His initial reaction was to raise his tail high and go into full awareness. Mylu casually walked up with a lowered tail and only slowly raised it. She is the most relaxed dog I have these days. I knew there would be no worries as long as Bentley could contain himself and not jump on her back.

Bentley- "Yipes! Am I safe?"

He "said"  his one quick "hello" and then his tail dropped. His expressions showed he wasn't exactly sure of his safety with this BIG black dog. Mylu continued on with her very polite hello. Then, Im sure much to Bentley's relief, Mylu simply walked away. She was such a good girl with him.

With a bit of encouragement from me and the added security of the "two Mollys" Bentley decided it might be safe to lay close. Like a true border collie pup he stayed alert in case he needed to make a quick getaway.

Two Molly's oversee Bentley while he checks out the relaxing Mylu

Lil Molly is mostly tolerant of Mylu. Even so, we keep them well  monitored and sometimes separated. There have been issues between them  in the past and we want to make sure only positive interactions happen  to build a pawsitive history for them.

Several times he looked to lil Molly for added support.

Lil Molly soon walked off and left Bentley alone. Then as though Mylu tried to put Bentley's mind at ease. She picked up a toy and began to gently play with it. Bentley stayed put and offered no response at all.


Was Mylu showing him the toys belonged to her? Or was she really displaying calmness for his benefit? I dunno, but she certainly stayed calm for him. While Bentley didn't offer to engage he also never walked away.  These two are scheduled to return on the same days again soon. We look forward to a time when they will romp and play together.
I maintain, the effectiveness of one on one meetings for the greatest chance of future successful relationships.
All dogs differ and they certainly have friends they like best and ones they would rather avoid. Don't we all?

Lil Molly - The Great Teacher

Our age range here at Royal K9 Korner is presently from 1 yr to 14 years with a pretty even number of each.  Seniors are always present and the youngers have to abide by their rules or go play somewhere else. Fortunately we are set up with a lot of different areas for that to happen. 
Sometimes it takes awhile for the youngens to gain control over themselves around the seniors.  There isn't always someone with the same rank or energy level. When that happens I am the "shoe in" who will satisfy that need for a burn off of energy.  We spend alot of time playing together until it's obvious the young one is ready to visit the seniors.  There is no teacher greater than the dogs themselves. I try to make sure all dogs get the social interactions that is so important to their learning.
Even though our 10 yr old lil Molly, isnt a youngen, she still fits into the high energy category. Most times she plays along side the 2 yr olds with enthusiasm. 
Then every once in awhile along comes someone who is still learning just basic manners. 
Oh sweet Bentley boy. Our 1 year old border collie X. So full of energy who really wants to be top dog.

Bentley trying so hard to contain his enthusiasm while Lil Molly
shows as much patience with him as she can possibly muster.

"You will always be top dog to your mommy and daddy boy. Here at Royal K9 Korner you have to slip into the groove. We promise to make your visit enjoyable and full of fun things to do. You'll go home tired, happy and full."
Provided you can control yourself long enough to be let outdoors in "The Big Yard" with the others. Until we know everyone is safe and wont be antagonized by you little man, we have to stay indoors in a more controlled environment.

Lil Molly providing a clear signal for Bentley.
"Back away from me"
Princess MollyDawg has just provided that same signal
which was clearly heard by Bentley.

Our seniors are very good at displaying clear signals. There are lots of lessons given in case you haven't learned to recognize them yet. Refusing to listen to them will, without a doubt, ultimately result in a reprimand from your senior. There are always seniors watching!

I am always there as well, to monitor/supervise all interactions all day. I see behaviours that can easily be handled by the dogs themselves. When the youngens are finding it hard to settle in or just don't want to stop pestering, I have to step in and use my big dog voice.  Guaranteed, that will result in a timeout and we start back at square one.

I love when those lessons have been understood and I can allow full access to the yard. It is so rewarding to everyone to see them run and play with everyone else in the pack. Young and old together. I just love it. Simple playful interactions where the youngens accept the seniors authority and just have FUN!

Rest time after a full blown ball playtime.
Check out those tongues!!

Are you coming in. The waters lovely!

Bentley enjoying a cool down time in the pool

Even though Bentley was only here for an overnight stay, I think he learned some great social skills. Working the brain is just as important as physical exercise. A full day of intense "who's the boss" play really leads to a wonderful night sleep.  Hope to see you again soon Bentley. I know Lil Molly will be waiting!

Lady May encourages Bentley to stay in his bed during the night.

Thank you Lady May  and Thank you Lil Molly for your wonderful safe play teaching methods. You do all the work for me!

I know! Im the best dog ever!!

Lil Molly and River

We've been enjoying the last few weeks with a wonderful visit from our Nan! She flew all the way from Devon, England! We only get to see her once a year! I know! How sad is that?!  Our Nan loves doggies and so our visitors continued to arrive at Royal K9 Korner.

This month we had live entertainment from Lil Molly and River! They really kept us laughing and Nan was the biggest hit of all. There was continual vying for her attention and both made sure they settled right at her feet each and every time she sat down.

River "She's my Nan!"
Lil Molly, "She was MINE First!"

Finally I have Nan all to myself.

Before these two went in to meet Nan, we made sure they remembered each other and would be settled. Our Nan walks with a cane and we wanted to make sure we kept her safe.
River's mum told us she's had a few insecurity moments with a dog near her home. We're happy to report, she showed no anxiety and was very polite with her senior, Lil Molly. She even waited her turn to take a drink or chose a toy.

You can have a drink first lil Molly

 It wasn't long before River just couldn't contain herself.  She zealously invited lil Molly to play. She tried her hardest to tempt her. Even up until it was almost bedtime. River continued to shower kisses and affection to Lil Molly. By the time the morning came and they were back outdoors, it was run and chase and frolic and just go crazy in general! 

River was so excited to have an energetic playmate. After some time, she temporarily forgot her manners and was doing some "in your face behaviours"  Lil Molly allowed it for as long as she could. Then she used her powers of seniority to "encourage" River into being calm. I watched at a safe distance, ready to jump in, if need be. I know lil Molly's behaviours well and knew she would use only enough force to teach a well needed lesson. Good girl sweetie.

 It only took one time and River was back into her relaxed self. Initiating play in a calmer manner.  Their visit was all fun and games and loads of lovin'! 

Wow! A new Pool!

Hey? Who wants to play?

Tuckered out

When the sunny temps rose the girls played indoors

When the rains came they went back outside again. Silly girls. Oh what fun they had. River will be heading back home in 2 more days. I'm pretty certain she'll be ready for her mom and dad. I bet she'll dream of her time spent with her new best friend, Little Molly.

Sleeping is such a waste of fun time.

Come back and visit us soon sweetie. You're always welcome here.