Sage Investigates Royal K9 Korner Day Care

Little Miss Sage has officially joined our extended Royal Family. What a breath of super charged fresh air she is! She spent a full day with us, getting to know the yard, boundaries, our rules and getting reacquainted with Lady May.

She's already experienced some wonderful new adventures with her mom and it's very clear that her 10 months have been packed full of learning!

We welcome little Miss Sage!

Hi, remember me? My name is Sage. I think I love you.

True to her breed, this little border collie is inquisitive, alert, agile and focused! She already has her recall down pat and I was able to take her long safety lead off early in the day. I left a halter on for most of the day as a precaution. Although she listens and responds very well, she is a 10 month old puppy and I may  need to physically control her in an instant.  I don’t like grabbing collars. If I need to do it quickly, the halter allows me a safer grasp without any force on her neck.

Wonderful recall little girl! We're ready to head outdoors soon. There will be many more distractions for you there. I wonder if you'll be able to hear me then?

Sage spent almost an hour indoors going through the toys. So many to choose from. She tried almost every one though she really hasn't chose a favourite type yet.
Our toys are separated into five different bins. One in the house, one on the porch, two yard bins and one pool bin.

The House Bin consists of mostly tuff chewies and squeakies.

The Porch Bin consists of stuffies and tug toys.

The Outdoor bins consist of balls, old stuffies, tug toys and tuff chewies.

 One of the toys she dug out of the outdoor bin was one of Hazel's favourites. Hazel and Sage are  walking buddies, so it didnt surprise me she'd find that one.

Finding the tattered, tuff chewer, squeaky ball toy that her buddy Hazel loves.

Sage investigated every corner of the yard. She spent more time checking out the spots her buddy Hazel had frequented.

Hey! I saw a bird in here. Can I go get it?
Sorry sweetie that's off limits.

I smell alot of doggys here but where are they??

Hey? Who lives in here? Can I?

Hey Lady May? Wanna play chase?

Come on! See if you can catch me!

By the afternoon, the sun was warming and it was time to fill up the pool for her. Sage was a little hesitant at first. Before long, she was being a border collie water baby! Mom told me she hasn't had an opportunity to be in a pool yet so its no wonder she took her time with it. She sure loves it now!

Taking time to figure out how to get the toys.

Once she had it figured out, there was no stopping her! It was pool time all day long!

The pool held her attention perfectly, until I turned on my sprinkler! Yep, you guessed it. What a great way to entertain a puppy.

YAY! More water!

By the time it was lunch time she had worked up a good appetite and eagerly ate.  Lady May showed her how we wait before eating. Sage has very good manners and politely waited until her lunch was served.

Sage: "I hope she wont forget to give me lots. I'm STARVED!"

After lunch we had the normal rest period before heading back to play. Sage was a very good girl even though she really didnt want to be indoors resting. She complied.

My food has digested. I think we can go back outside now.

Then it was straight back to the pool for some toy sorting.

By 3 pm Sage was actually beginning to tire so we headed indoors for nap time. She slept like a darling for about 40 minutes and then was back up and ready to zoom again.

Im not really tired though lady Im just resting my eyes.

Sage was full of excitement and stories to tell her mom when it was hometime. She stole my heart when she gave me kisses before she left. What a sweetie she is.
A couple of days later, Sage met with Miss Khione, her buddy Hazel and little Suzy Q. As you would expect she ran circles around them. I'll be creating an album for Sage on Facebook and will add those photos.
Watch for them!

This is my new friend Khione. Im faster than her.

Sage - "I think I should be in the pool not sitting here!

Hazel and Khione at play

Some dogs seem to match up quickly and perfectly. That's how it is with Hazel and young Khione. They are developing a wonderful friendship. When Hazel arrives, Khione is 'Super Psyched' to greet her. If you think you can minimize her excitement by keeping them separate until she calms, fergit it! That might seem like a way to do it but honestly, it feels mean. Hazel is a pretty sturdy girl and handles young Khione's exuberance very well. In less than a minute they're off and running in a cooperative chase me, catch me, body slam me game. It goes on and on in varying degrees through out the day.

They take time out to eat their lunch and then to relax while their food digests. Easy paced playtime is allowed but napping is encouraged.

The sleepies are setting in

Naptime is very important to a good friendship

Then they're back at it until its home time.

Come on Khione, Let's go RUN!

The last one to be picked up waits by the gate. I know it's for mom. I often wonder if it's in hopes the friend will reappear. Don't worry sweetie a friend will be here tomorrow for you to play with.

Where's all my friends?

Seriously, if you've ever seen a dog that has a face for expression, Hazel is the one! 

Honestly sweetie, I promise a friend will be here for you tomorrow!
Hazel - "But, what if they forget?"

Sir Bentley and His Girls

 Middle of May and I'm reminiscing the month. The dogs have been in and out and back and forth with always someone visiting. We had the pleasure of entertaining Sir Bentley for a few days.
He's had an opportunity to meet and play with several of our Ladys. Bentley has become a very happy and easy to please young man. He's still growing in confidence and true to his Border Collie genes, is watching every movement around him anticipating what's next.
Bentley had me giggling at him and saying "aww" several times over the days he was with us. When dogs visit for overnight periods we get to see more of their true character. It's not always just zoom and play. We get to see the gentle sleepy loving side of them. Bentley is very cuddly and loves to snuggle into your neck and give hugs. He just sighs and cozies in. I know right, "awww"
While he was with us the young Khione came for a playday.

Sir Bentley - "So, you're the new girl here eh? Well, do you like to zoom?"

Another great energy match! My days are so much easier when the visitors all get along so well.  I'm able to get my housework done while they play indoors or yardwork done while they romp and zoom outdoors. 

The ole circle and conquer routine

May has turned out to be a busy month and Im loving it! Looking at my June calendar, it's going to be much the same.

Bentley and Hazel sparing

Im so thankful to everyone who entrusts me with the care of their most prized family members.  Your fur buddies really make me days much happier.

Along with being able to dig in the garden and have furbuddies digging along side me.  Lady May is so much happier with others around her. We've had a couple of no body days. We've had Lady May for a few outings. I'll post about her adventures soon.
She doesn't have the strength or ability to run and play much but she makes a great attempt at playing ball. Our visitors keep her smiling.

Lady May quite satisfied to just BE in the center of the activity

We have our pool filled and freshened daily now and the dogs are loving it.

We're looking forward to having our newest visitor little Sage join us next week. We can't wait to see how well she fits in.
I'll do my best to post some photos!