Hello boy, I'm thinking of you

Hello boy.
It’s been 7 years since you crossed Rainbow Bridge. It seems like an eternity ago now. I thought I’d remind you today that you are still lovingly thought about each and every day!  Your presence is still very much here in our yard and garden. I still touch your face when I pass your photos. I smile now, rather than cry. My heart still turns warm, many times a day, because of you. I still love you with all my heart. I miss your big head and warm breath. My ‘minds eye’ places you with your Royal pack. 

The Originals - Squire Seven, Princess Mia, "The" Princess Mollydawg, Duchess Sammy, King

The darling Princess Mollydawg, Duchess Sammy, Squire Seven, Princess Mia and The Marchioness lil Molly. I believe you’re all together with so many others from our extended pack.
I believe you’re watching down over us.  I feel you in the wind.

King supervises puppy Marchioness lil Molly 2009

Do you remember your story ole man? …
“Somewhere between the years 2000 and 2002 a litter of puppies was born in Bella Coola BC.
We don’t know any of the circumstances or details surrounding that birth.
What we know for sure is that, 6/8 years later in April of 2008 a touring couple found a pack of 4 emaciated stray dogs wandering the forests of Bella Coola.  The pack was being lead by an adult male who seemed to be approx 6/8 yrs old. The couple, Lou & Bonny Baird, cared for and found refuge for this 4 pack in a remote location in the north. A woman named Yvette Labatte opened the already bursting doors of her sanctuary to accommodate them. Your small pack instantly grew 10 fold with the other dogs in rescue, it was immediate automatic socialization.  Before that couple drove off, they sadly said farewell to the pack they had named and “sorrowfully” carried on their travels.  King, Bella, Chinook and Spring had been aptly named for the salmon found in Bella Coola’s Fraser River, the area where the strays were found. 
We almost changed your name to Keeper. It sat well with me because I kept saying over and over to myself. "This dog is a Keeper. Who let this boy get away? He is such a Keeper. Still, somehow ‘King’ seemed to fit better with your regal aura.  In my heart you will always be ‘My Keeper King’.
 I love you boy.
Now before I can no longer hold back the tears, have a wonderful day boy, and chase that Royal Pack around in celebration of all the wonderful memories we made during your reign here on earth.
Remember those days? I do :D

King crossed over Rainbow bridge on April 8^th 2016
 https://kingsurvives.blogspot.com/2016/04/april-28-2002-april-8-2016.html

3 Original Royals building their Empire
Squire Seven, Princess Molly & King

King and Molly’s very first playday together.
Day one with King & Molly

A letter to King on his reBirthday
https://kingsurvives.blogspot.com/2011/04/post-from-my-mom-on-my-rebirthday.html

Kind Unselfish People
https://kingsurvives.blogspot.com/2018/04/

April 30th is Here Again
https://kingsurvives.blogspot.com/2020/04/

The original Intake post of "The Heros of rescue"
http://www.katlan.ca/April30.pdf

Well, That Turned Out Alot Different Than I Thought It Would!

 It was a beautiful day last Monday. We'd just returned from a relaxing over night trip into Kamloops for shopping and a wonderful day away with my loving hubby and best girl, Lady May.
I'd spent the weekend dog free and playing with my grandson in the yard and garden. My son and daughter visited and we had a yard fire and a wonderful weekend celebrating a birthday.
I woke feeling energized and ready to finish off the small corner garden we'd been working on repairing the day before. I was ready for the dogs to arrive back and was excited to show them the new area.

Thank you for helping me sort out this corner garden
Lucas, Logan and daddy! I love it.

It was a great way to start a fresh week. I put the last of my gardening tools away, took a picture of the new area, sent it to show my progress and sat in my armchair to put my feet up and enjoy a few nuts and a half tuna bun. According to the photo I took and sent, that was at 2:30 pm.  Monday afternoon.
By 6:30 am the next morning I was laying in the hospital emergency room with uncontrollable vomiting and diarrhea. What the heck happened??
I dunno but I knew I had 5 dogs scheduled to arrive that morning and I had to send a hasty text message to everyone to find alternate arrangements! That is not good business I know!  My HUGE heartfelt apologies to everyone affected by that. I know that's one reason I require an emergency contact person but I had no idea it would be caused by my own illness. I am so sorry to everyone!
Coco's mom and Sadie's mom, Maya & Lou's mom n dad, and Lupin's mom. Man oh man, thank you for having someone to jump in and take your sweetie(s) Special thank you to those people who where there for them at a moments notice. You Rock.
So what happened? I don't know. I spent a short time in emerg. with the doc who said there was nothing wrong with me. Even though I was becoming seriously dehydrated. So much so, that I was beginning to become confused and disoriented. He said my blood work was exquisite and my urine sample was clear.

The  long and short of it is that the doc suggested I go back home and rest. Drink fluids and small amounts of food. No other treatment was required he said.
Fortunately, I was in the capable hands of my husband and my daughter. They both acted immediately to provide adequate food and beverage intake to rebuild my depleted resources.  Home made soup, apple juice, REST, rest rest.
Within 24  hours I had come full circle with only bit of almost normal vertigo for me.

Don't ask what happened. I do not know still. Some have suggested a spur of the moment 24 hour flu bug just hit!  Maybe but I'm back on track again and bringing in the dogs.
Again a huge thank you to the people who stepped up to help take care of the dogs I had to turn away. Thank you to the parents of those darlings for their understanding of the sudden and unpreventable cancellations.

Lupin surveys the new garden area and wonders where all her pals are?

This week we have a visit from River and Lupin, Ruby and Coco. We have new squeaky toys for you all. Great fun in store for sure. Lupin spent some time helping me sort through the old ones and she even separated all the good squeakers. Thank you little Lupin. We're ready!

Okay lady these ones still squeak!

Kona and Kaia’s Easter Week Visit

Kaia and younger brother Kona spent 6 fun days with us. It was Easter weekend and we had the happy boy Coco and bouncy boy Bailey visit as well. This was a first time meeting new dogs from our extended pack for Kaia and Kona.
We had a day of being together before the others arrived. A perfect time to reconnect and a reminder of our house & yard layout and rules. Kaia was comfortable being alone with me right off and stayed close by me while we walked in and out of the house and around the yard. I had filled up the little pool for them and it turned out to be a really big hit with Kaia. She never missed a beat. She walked right into the fresh, still cold, water and layed right down. What a darling! 

Kona was less comfortable being without his mom and dad at first. He stayed close to Kaia  who followed me around, which meant he was somewhat close to me. However, if Kaia was any distance  from me, Kona was more reluctant to follow me regardless of the toy I had or treats I offered.
At rest times, if Kaia was laying under the table on the cool floor, Kona found a cozy place closer to Lady May. He seems to like being with others and likes a mat.  He needed space to really get to know me. That’s okay buddy we had days to get acquainted, there was no rush.

Kona - " Thank you for not pushing me to snuggle you.
I'll just stay close to Lady May for now please."

It wasn't long before I was rewarded with Kona's affections and he snuggled in close to me and asked to come up on my lap. It turns out he's a real big snuggle bug and full of cuddles and kisses.

Kona - " Umm, excuse me Mrs. Can I cozy up here please?"

Awww, you sure can buddy as soon as your sister moves over a bit. Kaia is a bit sneakier about getting into a cozy spot. She will ask, and if turned down she waits for an opportune time to slip right up on the warm sofa. If I leave for a glass of water, she's right there keeping my spot warm when I return. What a cuddle big she is. 

Kaia - "What? I'm just keeping it warm for you.
And besides there's enough room for us to share."

Kaia and Kona play really well together and Kaia is quick to let Kona know when she’s had enough puppy play. They are two great companions and loved to share a soccer ball. They had a great time playing keep away, rolling, tussling, playing tug and zooming around together. I laughed watching them play while they released their energy.  Even when it was home time these two never quit enjoying each other's company. Two very happy siblings. Kaia and Kona - Wait for home time.
I was able to capture some restful moments of the two of them. They are such beautiful dogs it wasn't hard.
I've posted a few action videos on YouTube. I hope you get a chance to check some out. 
Royal K9 Korner Videos

Kona and Kaia resting in the warm sun.

It was easy to see when it was time to have Kona choose another toy of his own and to give Kaia a break. Maybe he would play with another buddy instead. . .
Both Coco and Bailey show appropriate introduction behaviours and use great social skills. So I wasn't concerned about introducing either of them.
However, neither Kaia nor Kona wanted anything to do with Coco even though he displayed a calm posture with no intimidating behaviours. 
Coco's days were spent playing with me and separated with fences. He's a pretty chilled guy and didn't seem the least bit concerned about it.  By the last day of his visit, we were able to walk calmly passed Kaia and Kona and even be in the same room together as long as there was a divider between them.
Ok buddies,  if that makes you feel more comfortable then so be it. I can do that.

Coco - "But I only wanna say 'hello'"

I know buddy but maybe another time. I'm sure on future visits these two will become great buddies with you. Besides, next week you have a bevy of girls to keep occupied, so rest up boy!

Kaia - "He looks like an out of place sheep.
I think I better herd him away."

Coco - "Honest, if you give me a chance, you'll like me."
Kona - "No thanks. I don't like sheep, and I'm not going to play with you."

Bailey and Kona on the other hand, went straight into play mode but Kaia chose to stay clear. 

Kaia - " I really don't want to play right now. Keep them away please"

That was quite alright. It gave Kona the zooming go crazy  kind of play he wanted and allowed Kaia to find a quiet place and lay contentedly on her own. 'Cora' made a perfect hiding place for Kaia while Kona and Bailey  had other uses for 'her'.

Kaia stays safe under 'Cora' from any commotion.

Bailey came for a visit 2 days in a row. On the second morning Kona was sitting and waiting patiently for him to arrive. The fun started again right where they left off.
Two puppies, a 9 mon. old and a 10 mon. old with boundless energy. Kona had the speed and Bailey has the endurance. If only they could share some of their energy with me! 

Two hours straight before either showed any let up in energy!

The next morning Kona had to wait until 10:00 am again before I was ready for Bailey to arrive.  He sat like a poor lonely boy watching out the gate for his new buddy.

Kona - "Is it time yet Lady? Im lonely."

Then the fun started all over again. I really hope these two have another opportunity to play together again soon. They sure are a great match.

I missed you buddy. So glad you came back again.

9 month old Bailey and his new buddy 10 month old Kona

The next day Kona was happy to play with his sister again. Kaia had a renewed energy after a couple days break from her energetic brother and their soccer fun began again.

During their 6 day visit these two slept like little darlings all night and only woke after Lady May asked to get up. They are definitely welcome to visit any time at all. I look forward to their cuddles and play times. Each night they chose the same sleeping mat and cuddled with their mom and dad's t-shirts.
So adorable.

Sweet dreams darlings. See you in the morning

Thank you for visiting sweeties. We hope to see you again soon.

Social Days Bring Great Learning

We’ve had a few different personalities here this week. All great teachers for young Squire Bailey.
Fun times with Countess River, Matron Sadie and Sir Henry. A nice small diverse pack.
I have to admit I was kept on my toes. Young Squire Bailey really is a social butterfly. He loves each and every one of these buddies. He’s growing fast and still learning his size. His impulse control is improving with help. Especially from Countess River and Matron Sadie.

Countess River and Matron Sadie stay calm and quiet.
Even a peep could send Squire Bailey into zoomies mode

Both these gals have different ‘teaching styles’. Both make great use of their calming signals. Sadie has a larger frame and can withstand a bit of rough play. When she’s not up to anymore of Bailey's shenanigans, she calms with a solid stance, stand or sit firmly in place. She uses a round puppy like face. Her facial expressions are exact enough to show Bailey she needs him calm and to curb his playful advances. Bailey is learning to watch her language and seems to listen very well. A lick of his lips, a turned head and he simply heads off in the opposite direction in search of a better choice for play.  Good boy Bailey.

Bailey - "Alright already, I get it. You don't want to play."

Even though Countess River is a high energy girl, she is a much slighter girl. She uses her paws and mouth to calm him and then speed when she wants to keep away from Bailey.  She knows the house and yard very well and can also easily find a small space to slip under or ways to outmanoeuvre him.When there is an unwanted interaction, her shrill yelp stops him in his tracks.  She sees him coming and sends messages long before anything escalates.  River wants to play with Bailey but, he must play easier with her. She's often turns away from him. She is aging a bit now and has more delicate body than his. So far, a perfect get away from him is the pool. Bailey hasn't yet decided if he wants to be a pool boy or not.  I'm sure it wont be long before he understands the fun involved with water.  The warm weather is starting.For now its a great way to show Bailey to stay calm.

 

 

 

 

 

River - "Come on in Bailey. If you dare"

Bailey knows to watch and listen to the other dogs.  So much so that when a viable playmate arrives on scene he's approach is very calm. His manners really shine through during initial introductions.  It also doesn't take long for him to understand when someone, like Sir Henry says, "Hey! Let's play" then off they go and there's just no stopping them. All. Day. Long!

Get ready. One. Two. Three. PULL!

In side or out, they rough and tumble and zoom and tug. I end up having to separate them with a divider fence in order to force rest time after meals. They are as funny as Ruby and Bailey are together. They completely ignore any others like River, who might ask to play along. 

Boys only playtime

I have to step in and remind her River, she's not really a viable playmate with them together. The way these two welter weights crash into each other would no doubt squash her.

Countess River -" Hey! I wanna play too!"
Bailey - "No girls allowed"

Countess River - "Fine, I really wanted to snooze with my friend Sadie anyway."

Sadie and River spent a few days together before the boys arrived. It gave them a chance to get reacquainted again.  It always warms my heart to see dogs being so comfortable together.
While I raked and tidied the yard. The girls found spots to lay and relax. Of course, outdoors it was the same spot I was trying to rake.

We're helpers! You're done raking here now.

Sadie seems to love laying in even the smallest strip of shade.

On their last day of visiting the girls were choosing to sleep as close to one another as they could get. There was still lots of bedding space for them to spread out but instead they snuggled in together.
I don't know what the 'experts' would call this or how they'd analyze this behaviour. I just know it made my heart sing and put a big smile on my face.

Good night all. See you in the morning

Young Bailey needs to be in a closed crate to give the others a more peaceful sleep.
It's still too difficult for him to resist play even during the night. I have no doubt that will change very soon for him. He's a quick and happy learner.He will be joining us for the month of May. That's a whole lot of learning days ahead of him.

Thank you to my great extended pack for being such awesome teachers!