Welcome Young Oskar

Yesterday we had a visit from young Oskar.  He is a brother for our Sir Bentley and just as full of energy. We've been waiting for his neuter to be completed and now we happily welcome him into our extended pack.
Oskar is a energetic 7 month old Border Collie. I don't feel the need to go into explanation of his personality and disposition. He's a pure bred BC. Enough said!

He came through the gate with all the expected exuberance and followed his brother's lead to the toy bin and balls. Yep! You guessed it Oskar is also a 'ball-dog'. Yippee! It's been awhile since I had a couple of full on ball-dogs visiting. I must admit to missing it a lot!

Oskar- "So this is where you go to play eh bro?"
Bentley - "Yep, You're going to love it!"

His meeting with Lady May was along  the lines of what I expected. Puppy Oskar hasn't met many new dogs yet, so he was a bit apprehensive and showed it by doing some lip curling and barking. As always I introduce through the safety of a gate. Lady May is unable to stand much these days so her 'posture' is often disguised to new comers. She was eager to meet Oskar but showed him clearly she did not approve of his energy and barking at her. Her facial expressions and language were enough.
It didn't take long before Oskar lost interest in her and turned his attention over to a squeaky toy. A perfect opportunity to open the gate so Bentley could go in with Lady May. It allowed Oskar to see them being rewarded for good behaviours. Very soon we were out in the yard and playing ball!
I'm looking forward to the cooler temps that are inevitable and having hours of time for ball play!

Bentley teaches Oskar the ropes.
Bentley - "Just smile and sit quiet. We get treats for this"

Oskar - "Do we get treats for this too?"
Bentley - "No. Silly, we get a BALL!"

Oskar will bring his brother Bentley with him when he comes for his complimentary 4 hour visit next week.
Welcome to Royal K9 Korner Oskar.  We're happy to have  you!

August Was A Scary Time

We had a fabulous holiday and we were ready to reopen our daycare and begin with a fresh supply of energy. 
While we were away, we had a request by someone to stay at our home and look after things in our absence.
I was happy to have someone and their dog stay a few days. It meant our yard keepers, Miss Sadie, Miss Suzy Q and our Countess River's mom's would have a break from the hot weather watering task. They were amazing. I am so thankful to them!
Unfortunately for Royal K9 Korner, the new guest's sleep over left us with some uninvited guests.
You can not even begin to imagine my horror when I discovered the visiting dog had fleas!
OMG indeed!
Lady May was due for her usual treatment but was scratching before we could even get her into the vets.  She's since then back to her happy, healthy self and the dog that had visited was also treated and is okay.

The process of home and yard cleaning began. My supply of Vet-Kem Premise spay and Ovitrol Plus was running low. A new supply was ordered.
All toys were gathered and sorted for cleaning and re-sterilizing.  Indoor and outdoor mats, carpets and bedding was all vacuumed, rolled up, washed and dried. Harness's, leads and collars. Done!

We gathered them all up for you. Can we help wash them?

Hey! Where's all the toys?

Dishwasher safe ones all cleaned and ready to re placed

I found the rest of them. I'll help you re place them.

The fumigating, continual vacuuming, removal of all mats, vacuuming,  blankets, loose carpets, vacuuming corners, cracks, crevices, cushions, curtains, washing, drying and scrubbing and brushing and combing and spraying, and vacuuming again, purchasing and applying treatments. Toys have all been soaked and re washed in hot soapy water and are safe to play with again.
Communicating with our veterinarian and our customers were at the top of our list. We purchased additional house/yard premise spay and dog spray and made sure we stayed on top of any further outbreak.
We had a few customers who were able to make alternate daycare arrangements and we thank them for understanding we did not feel our home was safe enough for your buddy.
Thank you to our visitors who had to treat their sweeties before we could allow them in for their already scheduled visits. I know it was more than an inconvenience. Thank you for your support through my dilemma.
Thank you Kara from Cache Creek Veterinarian for driving into town to bring us our premise spray! Thank you Pets Drug Mart for providing us with a fresh supply of Vet-Kem products to protect our home and visitors.

Hey! Is that a new ball? Has it been cleaned?

Does this grass smell different to you?

Have you had your flea treatment?

Looks like we're all good here. Thanks for keeping us safe!

I'll just wait in the shade and make sure anyone wanting a toy has been flea treated

Ya ok. You do that Henry and I'll wait here in the shade.

Ah yes, sun-dried toys almost ready

Flea proofing a house is a big job. I think we're ok now.

The screaming hot temperatures have helped I'm sure. The grounds have been re-fumigated and are good again for 7 more months. We will stay on top of this situation and continue to provide a safe and caring environment for everyone.

As a result: we are tightening up our intake policy.  Newcomers will now be required to show proof of tick/flea treatment before being accepted in for daycare. I do not want to go through this again.

Ok, now I'm ready for September. (I think)

Whispering Spruce Campsite

We did nothing! I totally mean it. Nothing! We slept in, we read our books, we went for very short, slow strolls and we played cards. The weather was hot and we stayed indoors to appreciate 'Cora's' AC turned to high. We had full service and enjoyed hot showers and plenty of water for washing up.
The drive was as relaxing as the holiday itself. We took our time and made a few short stops along the way. I almost forgot how beautiful Rogers Pass is. What a gorgeous scenic province we live in.

Rogers Pass early morning

Oh ya, I also forgot about the cool Snow Tunnels. I always loved these!

Just one of several along Hwy 1
https://www.tranbc.ca/2011/11/30/avalanche-safety-shedding-light-on-the-snow-shed/

We reached our campsite just after 6 pm. Signed in and sorted things out at our site.
Ironically it was site # 21. It corresponded to our 21st wedding anniversary.
To steal a famous lady's phrase, "How cool is that?"

We were able to have a campfire in the evening. I'm pretty sure it helped to reduce the mosquitos. We had a few bite us but not uncontrollable. There is no standing water around and I wager that helped too. Daddy and Lady May went on a hunt for firewood, the caretakers sold it in bundles. I know most people are familiar with that. We are not. Normal camping for us is a chainsaw and a search. When daddy told the man he had an axe the man gave him a double amount if he would split it himself. Daddy was happy to oblige.

Lady May has new sockies to protect her feet.
Her muscles are not strong these days and a bit more traction helped.

The smile tells you daddy was happy to do some log splitting

We normally camp in more secluded spots by a creek or fast-moving water. We usually have limited resources and rely on whatever means possible to enjoy Mother Nature at her finest. This trip we were among those who much rather have the additional comforts of modern technology, hot and cold running water, AC and a usable microwave. We loved it.

I sat at my picnic table connected to my laptop enjoying a coffee made with my Keurig and a slice of toast from my small electric toaster. Ahh the finer things of life.

Lady May had many friends available for her to meet if she chose. Almost all the campers here have their fur buddies with them. It makes my heart happy to see so many who truly care for their furry family member as much as we love ours.
One of our neighbours was a couple associated with Best Friends Organization out of Arizona. We had a lovely chat and she fell in love with Lady May and her story. Safe travels Linda. Drop by whenever you're in Lillooet. We'd welcome you.

There’s a large dog park area for throwing balls or romping around. We’ve offered Lady May an opportunity to meet a few friends but she turned away. Maybe another time. She was on holiday from meeting new dogs too.

Very short walking distances are her ability now. She just doesn’t have the muscle capacity anymore. We'll be adding her back wheels to her chair soon. We're not sure they'll help but they were purchased when we ordered her chair, so we have them. We mostly carried her around and she smiled every time. 

"Daddy, come back and get me if there's something interesting okay?"

 Crossing the road for a potty break took all she could handle on her own. Her harness is a life safer these days. The handle allows me to lift her body so she can walk easier.
She still tries to do things on her own most times though. Her mind is sound, its the body that's beginning to fail. We are here sweetie you just relax.

"That's a long way back mommy. Stay here with me okay?"
You betcha darling. Im here.

Laying in the shade or cozying indoors were all she really wanted to do. Im in total agreement.

"Turn on the AC mom Im almost ready for it."

I read my books whenever I felt the urge. Daddy and I slept in most mornings. I napped for as long as I wanted in the afternoon and went to bed early every night. I read two novels, gazed at the scenery every day and 'let daddy skunk me' in crib at night.

What a wonderful anniversary present. Thank you daddy!

Wifi at the picnic table. What a bonus!

Meanwhile back home things were running smoothly.
I heard regularly from Miss Sadie, Countess River and little Suzy Q.Your moms are amazing!

It's screaming hot here, so my mom said I have to wait
in the shade for her to finish the watering

Apparently Countess River couldn't understand why we weren't home and continued to run from door to door looking to find us. Awww It's okay sweetie you can visit us now that we're home.

Thank you so much to Kathi, Melissa and Fiona, who took turns taking care of our yard and gardens. They were all flourishing when we returned. It's obvious how much care you took even in the mid 40°C temps.
THANK YOU!!

In this heat, they would have been toast in one day with out your care. THANK YOU!

When we returned home for the August 1st holiday and were surprised with a visit from our son and grandson. It was so nice to see them!  We loaded up the boat and off to the lake we went.

5 year old Lucas waits with Lady May for his life jacket.

Lucas and his daddy HotDoggin'

The water was calm and perfect for the better part of the day. This was a first time for Lucas. Such an excited little boy! Maybe next time gramma will go.

August is still promising to be hot. We have a few visitors scheduled and I can't wait for daycare to begin again. I've missed my furry pals and I look forward with renewed energy!
First up is Sadie and Cash.
Also Sir Bentley will join us next week. Yahooo. We've sure missed you buddy
See you soon.
It's great to be back!