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.