Yes, We Had Puppies. No, We Don’t Do Puppies!

What was I thinking??  Bending my rules?
Well, before I accepted them, I sent an email to my Veterinarian about my spay/neuter protocol, puppy vaccinations and general health policy.
I walked into accepting 2 little bundles of fluff with eyes wide open and a mind of, “These parents are longtime regular customers, and friends, they are stuck, they need immediate puppy daycare. Even though we had previous conversations saying,"DO NOT adopt a puppy! There are a thousand older adoptable dogs needing your love and home. I wont take your puppy until they are at least 6 months old and spay/neutered! DO NOT adopt a puppy!"
2 months later - (((sigh)))  "Okay, I can do this! BUT just this once!"

I did a walk through of my house and yard in a search for safety issues. Would it be physically safe to have a puppy in my yard and through out my house.
The answer was dependant on my ability to have my eyes peeled on a puppy, at . all . times.
That’s every second of every minute, of every hour the puppy was in my care.

I have harnesses and leads that get attached to my hip and puppy would to be on that lead at all times.
Could I do that? Sure, I do it with all newbies anyway. right?

In total they spent 3 separate days with me. That’s 3 days I will always remember.
Two of the cutest, fluffiest, cuddliest, wiggle worm, little munchkins you could ever set eyes on.

Little munchkin, black Bailey and the wee little blonde beauty, Peaches.

Bailey is a solid muscular little guy. He’s a small-scale mixed breed, Mastiff/Lab/Border Collie/Pyrenees  and new darling little handful to the family of our departed Marchioness lil Molly. 
A  bundle of puppy muscle and gumption.

Sweet Peaches is on the other end of the size chart. She is a darling little Cocker Spaniel and a petite new sister for the Matron Miss Sadie.
What Peaches lacks in size, she makes up for in the cutest attitude. An inquisitive, feisty little bundle of energy.

I was actually even thinking of revamping my policy to allow admittance to underage dogs if their health conditions were ‘just right' and the moms and/or dads were well known to me. They would have to have a successful past history of daycare from Royal K9 Korner and know the expectations.

I brought out the X-pen and lined the area with waterproof pads

My gates were in place, all the unsafe toys and items were put away. No cords, no slippers, nothing to tempt a chewer or a bored puppy.  I added a few choice chew toys and a bowl of water.
This would be a snap right?

Bailey at a moment before sleep. Still wearing his harness.

We had a couple of visitors during Bailey's drop in day. Suzy Q was here as well as Master Frankie.  We had a scheduled M&G with young Ruby that day. They were over the top happy to see little Bailey and gave him a real run for his money. Well, maybe not Suzy Q but she was tolerant. I know for sure as Bailey grows he'll have a couple of perfect playmates.

Bailey - "Hey? Wanna play?"
Suzy Q - "No, and Go away."

Soon after this photo, Miss Ruby and Bailey fell into play mode and did zoomies like they were old time buddies. Of course my camera was put away. I had to stay focused and ready to intervene.

Bailey - "Oh look! A new girl. I bet she'll play with me"
Lady May - "You should take the new kid for a run Ruby. Go play in the next yard."

Bailey's dad stayed with him on the day Frankie was visiting. During their play, Frankie made a sudden move to catch the ball and stepped on little Bailey's paw. Bailey sent out a yelp! That had made him feel less safe around the big boy. I'm sure his shyness can be overcome on later visits. Frankie was not phased and carried on normal play at a safer distance. Daddy was there to provide comfort for Bailey and all was good.

Frankie, "Oops sorry little puppy. I didn't see you there."
Bailey, "I'm ok, but I think I'll stay close to dad now."

Fortunately for me, Miss Sadie came along with her baby sister to help me during Peaches' days. What an amazing big sister she is! Even though there were moments, I'm sure, she really wanted to send her sister back home.  She was incredibly caring and patient with the little rough and tumble girl. She spent the first few hours latched to her and only moved when (I believe) she felt her baby sister was safe within my care.

Sound asleep in no time flat.

Lady May was tolerant, but not at all pleased by having the puppies around and after a few hours of the two visits, she made a bee line to the nearest spare bedroom to hide in.   She was not impressed and I owe her big time!  

Peaches - "Hi Lady May, wanna play?"
Lady May -  "I think your sister is calling you"

Bailey - "When do you want to play?"
Lady May - "When are you going home?"

I laughed so MUCH and must have walked/ran a million miles during the time they were here. On the go with my eyes peeled on a puppy at . all . times.
That was every second of every minute, of every hour the puppy was in my care.
I was so happy when they went home.

I brushed Lady May and gave her sweet cuddles.  I was exhausted and shaking my head, but smiling.
I finally had my time back to clean my house, get my dishes done, vacuum, do laundry... etc. etc.
I've posted a few unedited photos of the time we spent together.
I hope you can view them and enjoy them.

Bailey - Oct. 3rd & 5th https://photos.app.goo.gl/DbNJsANchzHFPLGHA

Peaches - Oct 1st & 2nd https://photos.app.goo.gl/in1yFxf62HwD5YCbA

So, why do I NOT accept puppies? 
Ohhh yaaa, now I remember.
I don’t have the energy for them and I’m sticking to my guns.
Ya, ya, I know but they're so cute.

No puppies allowed.

Welcome Master Frankie

Look at this handsome fellow! 

We're welcoming this 6 year old St. BernieDoodle into our extended pack twice a week until mid-December. His mom is in town for her job and Frankie needs to be able to run and play while she works.
Frankie has been superglued to his mom’s side since April and we’re reintroducing him to her absence slowly. He's been to other daycare many times, so he pretty much knows the ropes.
He’s super well socialized and behaved.

During his M&G he totally ignored Lady May as she went into her barking spree of, “Let me out , let me meet the new boy now!”
Ignoring that kind of barking from others is a wonderful behavior. One that we reward, and Frankie was certainly due praise for his.
It was Lady May we had to wait for before we could open that gate. Silly girl.  
Frankie did his walk-through investigation of the house and yard calmly and took in all the scents and sights throughout.
He made a couple of toy choices and decided squeaky soft toys were his favourites. He definitely likes balls but it was the squeakies for this day.

I know it’s difficult to see mom drive away. He’s still learning she’ll be back by days end. He seemed able to accept that after his second day visit. Frankie is booked in on Tuesdays and Thursdays, if you want your buddy to have a playdate with him those are your best choices. He's only had an opportunity to meet little Suzy Q so far. He seems to respond very well to her. He even sought her out when he went outdoors before her. The two of them will sit and monitor the gate together if I let them. Both are watching for their moms. 

Suzy Q - " Our moms will come back. We just have to be patient and wait for them."
Frankie - "Are you Sure?"

That’s allowed for a short time, but lengthy sentry duty is not permitted here. We want a mindset that is preoccupied with other doggy things to bring play and rest to the day. It will happen very soon now.
Frankie's beginning to feel more comfortable indoors and choosing to follow me around instead of staying on sentry duty watching for his mom to return. I’ve been able to distract him more now and he’s even initiating play. Such a very good boy.

I can't wait to see this boy zooming with a buddy

Excellent behaviour meant, no harness and no lead. Frankie has wonderful recall!

Next week we have young Ruby and another newcomer coming in. More about that to follow.
Welcome Master Frankie. You’re definitely a darling doodle!