Welcome to Chip and Maggie & The New Black Husky

Daycare has been busy this month. Along with all our regular visitors, we've had the pleasure of welcoming 3 newcomers. They've been waiting for a M&G and there is one more scheduled for the new year.
One of our newcomers has asked to be kept private and that I not post any photos of him, so I’ll oblige. He is a lovely black, mixed breed, husky and a true 2 year old gentleman.
At our Meet & Greet we decided on a private visit on that same day, due to travel and my busy schedule. This boy was super happy that day. He’s an inquisitive fellow, who made sure to check all the areas throughout the house and yard. He opened his Welcome package here and was very eager to play with the plush squeaky toy inside.
He has the most beautiful happy face and a long, thick glossy black coat. He responded very well to my voice and hand gestures. I had no problem getting him to run and play with me, although, he quickly returned to his mom’s side. When it was time for mom to head out for a couple of hours, he was a bit reluctant to stay.
We watched mom leave and sat by the gate together for a short time. He slowly came with me when I finally asked him to join me away from the gate. We played together close to the gate so he could watch in case mom returned. Before long we were running and playing in the back yard and only periodically went back to the gate.
He was relaxed enough to come indoors within a very short time. After the usual few hours of becoming familiarized this boy was relaxed enough to find a cozy crate and settled in for a nap. I’ll be happy when he’s booked for a visit and will be welcoming him at the gate.
Welcome to our new black husky. You are lovely!

From black to white and large to small. Our next newcomers are a duo of the tiniest, cutest buttons we've had the pleasure to welcome in a long time.

Chip & Maggie sporting their new fancy bows.

Chip is a delightful little 5 year old Terrier X who's very social and loves to run and play.  His mom says some of his playful behaviours seem to have diminished a tad since his little sister was adopted.
We're hopeful he'll have an opportunity to regain some of his past social behaviours at daycare.  We'll be looking for a 'just right' playmate for Chip.

Chip - A real little gentleman.

Little Miss Maggie, 2.5 year old Chi/Terrier mix

Maggie is a real sweetie who has some pretty big anxiety issues. She is very nervous in new situations, barks at strangers and needs to have her brother close to her. We plan to 'go slow' with Maggie. We want her to feel comfort just being away from mom and dad. During her M&G Maggie was hesitant to leave her mom's side but did eventually saunter over to me to receive a tiny bit of treat. I sat on the floor with her and even had her paw in my hand. Awww, she's a darling little one and we are excited to try to help her overcome some of her anxious behaviours.
We have already scheduled a few days for some private daycare time and can't wait for them to visit.
Welcome little Chip and Maggie.

Lilly's Four Hour Visit

My plan was to follow pretty much the same routine I do for most every private four hour visit I give. Then I remembered, Lilly is still very much a puppy. Yep, that means I followed pretty much 1 year old Lilly's routine. I still went through all the items I wanted to. They were just out of order and kinda higgelty piggelty.

Lilly was a ball of fun this day. We went inside and out and upstairs and down. She dove into the toys and dragged most outdoors with her. Squeaky fluffy ones are her favourites. It's such a pleasure to allow a dog to play with stuffies with out the concern of them eating the stuffing. She simply does not tear them apart. She carries them around playfully and when she's had enough of it, she drops it and runs back for another.
Yep, that's right. Puppy!
 
Lilly ran from the top yard to the bottom with out missing a beat and only stopped when she heard/saw a movement in the maple tree. 

Lilly - "Hey! Wait a minute. What's that up there?"

Then she simply grabbed the closest toy and up to the top she ran again. Yes, I was close behind her. Did I get my exercise this day? Oh you bet!

Lilly drops off one toy and picks up the other to go again

Back and forth she ran. When I offered ball play with her she excitedly ran after the ball, picked it up and zoomed back to me. Dropped the ball, grabbed another stuffy and away she ran with it. Oh my goodness the energy! I laughed so much this day. There was just so much to see and so much to smell, her investigation lasted every minute we were outdoors.
When it came time to head indoors, Lilly was exceptional. She stopped, sat and waited patiently for me to open the door and say, "House." In she walked and headed straight to the toy bin.
I figured this might be a good time to pull out the vacuum and see how tolerant she was to it.

Lilly - "Dont mind me. Im just searchin'
for sompin fun to play wiv"

Yay!  Lilly could care less about the vacuum! Okay I may as well get a little bit done.

Since my vacuuming was now done I decided to head back downstairs to finish the laundry. Another great opportunity to practise stair safety.  It only took one time for Lilly to learn to slowly walk behind me.  I had her sit at the top step and wait for me to start down. Then I simply said, "This way" and pointed to the step I was on. She was sitting so perfectly still I just had to take a photo.
Well done little girl. I'm sure your mommy and daddy are very proud of  you. 

Lilly - "Is it safe for me to come down now?"

Once downstairs she headed into the bedroom and checked out Lady May's now empty crate.
The bedding has now all been laundered. Lilly gave a few little sniffs and did a turn around and flopped down to rest.

She stayed long enough for me to put a load of laundry on and then decided it was time to ask for outdoors. Of course little girl, you are being very patient.

Lilly - "I protecting  your shoes for you"

When we came back in, it was time for me to putter in the kitchen and a great time to see if Lilly minded being behind a gate. I'm guessing she was tired enough that it didn't bother her at all. She simply layed down and rested.  Lilly is a very contented little girl.

Lilly's mom has told me she can be a bit of a pest to other dogs who may not want to play. Of course. She's a puppy and still learning social behaviour. She undoubtedly believes everyone feels the same way she does. Playtime 24/7   I wanted her to experience being in an x-pen in the living room without feeling like she was put on time out. I'm pretty certain there will be a time for her to be separated from others to give them a break. So we played in it for awhile together. Then when she got into a cozy position I left the crate and she promptly fell asleep. Great timing. I needed a rest as well.

Sleep well little Little Lilly.
She slept for about 45 minutes.

Just before home time, Lilly sat with me in the craft room and watched me as I did my sewing. Not a peep out of her. No toys, just chillin' on the futon.

Are you sure I've searched the entire house for stuff?

Lilly did a wonderful job of searching for things to entertain her. You sure were a good little girl Lilly.
I can't wait for you to come and meet the others in our extended pack
You are truly Welcome any time 💖

Lista's Four Hour Visit

The lovely 1.5 year old Lista visited a few days ago. The day was mild but the ground was a soggy leafy mess. I limited our outdoor time and increased some indoor practise. First we headed indoors to practise going up and downstairs and waiting patiently while the door to outside was opened. Lista was very well behaved on all these. Her dad tells me the staircase at home is wide and allows Lista to walk beside them rather than behind. Our stairs here are narrow and steep.  I provided several opportunities for Lista to understand what I required of her.  After a few attempts she 'got it'. She needed to stay behind me. Next time she visits I'm sure only a brief review will be necessary. With several other dogs present the stairs can be a hazard for both me and them if bolting down or up is allowed. Following the simple rule of staying behind and walking slowly downstairs keeps everyone safe.
Way to go Lista! You got it! 

The private 4 hours we spend together is such a great opportunity for me to get to know how dogs react/respond to various daily happenings in an unfamiliar surrounding.  During future daycare many of the same things will happen but with distractions of other dogs. Knowing in advance how dogs may respond/react to events prepares me in advance to prevent unwanted safety issues. 

Some of the areas we review include my use of words that may be unfamiliar. I call dog daybeds mats  and bed mats, beds. The slight difference can be confusing if they haven't heard those terms before hand.  When I need them to be on a mat is very different than when I need them to be going to sleep in bed. Being on a mat may be due to a need for less commotion in the room, perhaps its nap-time, or its treat time or I need to tend to someone and I need everyone safe and away while they wait for my attention again.

Lista watched my signals closely and chose the mat I pointed to after just my 2nd direction.

During the day I often require the dogs to be in the safety of an area while I'm not physically present. It means the gates will be closed and I need to know they are comfortable when I leave the room. Every room in my house has a gate. I believe it's necessary for eating time to allow privacy and comfort. It can also allow for quiet time from other rowdier youngsters if need be. Some of the gates can be noisy and I want them to hear them open and close to prevent being startled in future. I believe it helps their comfort level when they hear them again on a later visit.

Lista waiting patiently for my return

She listened as I spoke to her from the kitchen, but made no attempts to jump the gate. Instead, she watched me the entire 10 minutes I puttered in the kitchen and did not lay down. She received a yummy carrot and sweet potatoe treat for such quiet behaviour. I'm sure this behaviour will be quite different with a house full of rowdies.

Lista - "Hey, Lady? when do the cookies come?"

Lista watched me take the vacuum out while she played with toys. Even when I turned it on, she just continued to play. Oh goodie I can vacuum during her visits!

Lista oblivious to the vacuum

Lista's favourite toy is definitely a ball.  She also loves squeakys and if it happens to be a ball that squeaks that's even better. We played outdoors for a very long time Lista loves to run and jump and will drop balls at my feet if I am not actively playing with her.
She watches me constantly for direction or cues on where to go next. It's very obvious her mom and dad have spent a great deal of time and patience on her training. I can't wait to see how Lista enjoys the company of a playmate.

I want all Lista's visits to be positive so I have made a note to self ~ Until I can be certain toy sharing  is well established, I'll be making a couple of toys disappear before a playday. One of the favourites is the little green soccer ball and I already know its also a favourite of a few others. Not everyone is willing to share that ball. It'll be set aside for a while.

It doesn't squeak but many dogs love this little green soccer ball

About 2.5 hours into our visit, Lista found a quiet spot beside the toy bin and closed her tired eyes.  She slept undisturbed for a half hour. I'm sure she would have slept longer but I needed to get my laundry and when I opened the gate behind her, she woke. "Is it play time yet?"

Shhh I'm sleeping

She waited patiently while I put my laundry in and kept a ball ready to head back outdoors again. We played ball together until dad came for her. When she returned home, mom said Lista was happy and tired. Oh good! I cant wait for her next visit.

Lista - "Are you ready to be thrown ball? I'm going to find you."

Thank you for your previsit Miss Lista. You showed me how smart and well behaved you can be.
Lista's next visit will be on the same day one of her good friends will be here. Sage and Lista often spend time together at home. I just know there's bound to be endless energy and zoomies happening that day. I better get my rest!

Welcome Lovely Lilly

Just 1 year old and cute as a button. Lilly is a mix breed lab possibly crossed with shepherd. Her happy puppy disposition certainly made me laugh during her Meet & Greet. Lilly's mom has been on our waiting list for quite some time. Thank you for being so patient. We are delighted to welcome this little bundle of energy. Lilly already has several friends around the neighbourhood as well as her siblings. She was one of the pups that came up for adoption at LAAS (Lillooet Animal Advocates Society) earlier this year.
I'll add that link soon. (when I finally find it)
During her M&G Lilly romped and played and sniffed every corner of the property. 

She even found where the neighbourhood kitties did their business under 'Cora'! Oh Man!
Sorry Lilly's mom! 
Lilly found all the toys scattered around the yard and then found the basket full of stuffies on the porch. She never hesitated a moment to empty it and find just the right one to run and play with. Her favourites seem to be stuffies and if they have a squeaker? Well that's even better.

Capturing a photo was not an easy feat. She's a zoomer!

Lilly's manners are well on the road to being spot on. I believe she'll learn our house rules quickly and will fit into our Royal extended pack easily.
It's quite clear that mom and dad have already spent a great deal of time on her training. When mom speaks, Lilly listens and responds accordingly. Most of the time, after all she IS A PUPPY! 

Lilly sporting her new bow, watching mom and listening for words she knows.

We all know my definition for puppy. Right? (Puppy = OMG!) Yes, she's going to require 100% of my attention. Yes, she's going to do things she hasn't learned not to do. Yes, I'm going to be tired when she goes home. Am I up to it? Ya, I am.
She'll be among a few other youngsters, around her age, coming into Royal K9 lately for daycare. She'll make lots of friends. She'll be brushing up on her communication skills with the new friends. Being a puppy means she wants to play and some of our mature visitors will be teaching her the doggy sign for, "I've had enough." and "it's not playtime".  I expect to be bringing my x-pen out a few times. Quiet time for puppies is a more difficult task to learn.  She'll have a few pretty good communicators to learn from.
Lilly already has a few days booked to stay with us. We can't wait for her to meet everyone.

Lilly - "to heck wiv quiet time. Let's just play!"

Welcome little Lilly. You are lovely and we are so happy you joined us.

First Week of November Has Arrived

Looking over the last few weeks, there has been quite a few visitors I never posted about. My days were fun filled but I kept a watchful eye on our Lady May (RIP baby girl)
The sunshine was holding on, but the cold was creeping in more each day. Suzy Q and Miss Ruby were planning to join us on Lady May's last truck ride. That changed when the weather turned snowy and they didn't need daycare that day. We are so grateful to their visits on Lady May's last day.

Ruby and Suzy say farewell to Lady May

Kaia and Kona were also here that day so Ruby had an opportunity to meet them. Ruby was ready to play and have fun but Kona was more into just chillin' and Kaia is never really much of a social butterfly.  Their family has had a horrendous summer with all the fires in their neighbourhood. We're so happy they're safe and able to return for a visit.
I could see a definite difference in the overall mannerisms of both siblings.  They were content to play by themselves. Other visitors and few toys were of interest to them. They just seemed to want to relax.  By the time it was home-time their true personalities were beginning to shine through again.  Kona even decided to play with Bailey once again.  Unfortunately their visit was shortened by a few hours due to Lady Mays vet appointment. Thank you mom and dad for your thoughtful consideration. 💜

Ruby meets Kona and asks, "Why wont he play?"
Another time dear girl.

Even though the last of the branches were still on the ground, Kona and Kaia did manage to do a bit of zooming around together.
You can view  Kona and his sister Kaia playing  on YouTube HERE.
Before they returned again,  I was able to get all the branches raked and cleaned up. The sticks and twigs are gone, the grounds are finally looking like a yard instead of a construction zone now.
Next will be all the mud! Oh man!

Thank you mom and dad for picking us up early.

Some other faces that watched October roll away and November creep in, were Bailey and another best buddy, Sir Henry.  There is boundless energy when these two visit. The best I can do is to steer clear and have a pocket full of kibble ready to call 'break time' now and again.

Tug with Bailey and Henry

Ruby has been coming a few days a week while her mom and dad were working. Meeting new friends has been fun for her. Some may take a bit longer to feel completely comfortable with. In time I know they'll all be best buddies.

Bailey and Miss Ruby take advantage of the new fenced yard. Yes, I was still raking

Sage had briefly met Ruby over the summer. At that time, neither one was ready to actually be in the same area yet. They stayed with a fence between them.  This time both seemed more ready to say hello. Although, I kept my eyes peeled and stayed in the same room or play area at all times with them.  They're not quite ready to be best friends yet.

Ruby and Sage actually got along not too bad.
Sage - "You stay over there though ok?"
Ruby, "Just don't keep sniffing me, ok?"

A favourite toy was actually shared by Sage and Ruby. Wow, progress!

Sir Cash's wonderful 4 day visit coincided with other visitors. It was so good to see him again. With Lady May's passing, Cash is now our senior monarch at approximately 12 years of age. 

Spending quality nap time is one of Cash's favourite pass times now.

When others spend time playing outdoors, Cash wanders and watches. Once in awhile he attempts to catch a ball or jog around the yard. He mostly just comes out for a bit of fresh air and to monitor the play. The others respect his seniority and play a safe distance from him.

Sir Cash keeps a watchful eye on the girls

Sir Cash reviews yard rules to the youngsters
Kona - "I hope you're listening to all the rules Sage?"
Kaia - "Rules, schmooles."

 The Seniors rule is always enforced. If not by me, then by the senior affected.

Sage playing respectfully quiet while senior Cash sleeps nearby.

I know I need to renew my authority around house and yard rules. I seem to have bent a few that are not on the safety list. With Lady May passing I feel it's time to reestablish that pack leader role and practise exercising more leadership again.

Kona - "I thought, 'No dogs on furniture', was a rule?"
Kaia- "It is! For YOU!"

 

So much of my time was spent tending to Lady May's needs, I let some rules go, due to lack of time and energy to enforce them. Look out visitors, I'm back watching you again.
Enforce day care rules - No dogs on furniture. Right Kona?
Okay, yes, of course there are exceptions. Like "The Waiting Chair"  I'll make it clear to all our new comers as well. I promise.

Kona and Kaia Wait for mom and dad

Ruby, waiting for visitors

My waiting list is now closed and the November calendar is full. We have 4 Meet 'n Greets scheduled. I can't wait to meet the newcomers and look forward to introductions and fun winter days ahead.
I'm also revisiting my writing goal, as usual,  to try to keep the postings updated more often. I have to admit my frustrations on all the technology updates. My browser and program's settings seem to have a mind of their own these days. Things that used to take an hour or so to write now seems to take me a couple of days. Reboot, refresh, renew, agh!
Ever onward, ~ struggles make one stronger right?