January 2024 - Done!

 We brought 2024 in like a whirl wind! Sir Henry, Lady Kaia & Kona and Miss Ruby started it off with energy to spare.  Our visitors energy seemed to last all month.

We had Karma and Chip & Maggie, Sage and Khione, Lilly, Squire Bailey, Suzy Q and Countess River. Energy on full and happiness galore. We had a few introductions and getting to know each other as well as a few divider days.

Miss Ruby showed her very best superb behaviour with new corgi buddy Karma.

After meal rest times went well. Everyone seems to be getting along and following rules. I was able to put my feet up several days. I think the new comers are fitting in well.

Our newest boy, Bear (who remains private) joined us for a couple of days and a meeting with Bailey. They hit it off like gangbusters! I wish I could show you their playtime. It was truly awesome! Two black beauties in full play mode. Bailey has yet another rough and tumble playmate. 

River - "Say Uncle!"

Countess River surprised me with her energy for the puppy Lilly. She held her own and eventually tuckered out the puppy. WTG Countess!

The lovely Khione has recovered from the summer heat and is into her full winter energy. Its so good to see her play again. Now the others can also enjoy her company.

Three amigos enjoying some sun on a dry day.

We had just enough snow to make it fun and it lasted just long enough. Poop patrol in the snow is a task and a half. So far the grounds are staying just below freezing and I've managed to keep the mud at bay. For now! I've placed old chunks of carpet over the frequently travelled areas. They seem to work. I know what an incredible ugly yard but hey, mud's much worse.  I hear the rain is on the way so I'll be revisiting that idea soon I'm sure.
I can't believe how fast Jan flew by. February has a full docket and March only has a few available days.  I am already considering taking some time off in April. I feel like I may need a doggy break!

Karma and River say good night to Jan. 2024

Yes, it's good night to January now. Tomorrow will see February.  I've pulled out my Valentine props and my sweeties are making me smile.

It's Lady's choice this year. The boys are already looking fine!

Watch for more in the next couple of weeks.
Stay safe and warm everyone.

Chip & Maggie Meet Karma and Bailey

These two little darlings have been visiting in preparation of an extended visit during the upcoming summer. They are always with their mom and dad. They have a wonderful safe, secure home life, with a happy familiar daily routine. They are brimming with confidence while at home with mom and dad. 

5 year old Chip &
1 1/2 year old Maggie

What more could two little rescues ask for. They might begin by asking not to be left at daycare.
Thus, my task is to create a safe, happy,  suitable environment for them to stay while mom and dad have to be out of town.
We started the process of acclimation with a M&G back in November 2023
The first few visits were with no others present. Separation anxiety is very real for these two.
We've started introducing them to other dogs slowly. Even though they are quite social when on walks etc with mom and dad. Daycare is different for them. 

They don't have the security of mom and dad here. It is important they feel comfortable with me and know I can be trusted to keep them safe.
Due to the busy daycare schedule their visits have been twice a month. 
Earlier this week they visited together with Bailey, Karma and Suzy Q 

As usual I introduced through the living-room gate. No one barked or whined or acted unruly. We sat quietly for a long time while Chip and Maggie wandered back and forth between kitchen and the living room gate. I'm certain the calm behaviours of Bailey, Suzy and Karma in the safe area made Chip and Maggie feel less stress.  Good Dogs!

Maggie - "But let them out yet okay lady?"
Have no fear Mags you're safe here.

We progressed slowly into the kitchen area, until Chip & Maggie seemed more comfortable with Bailey and Karma being closer to them. We shared sweet potatoes bits through the fence. Next we moved into the kitchen area and shared more. Yum!

Good display of calm behaviour Bailey!
Karma - "Cooookieees"

Back into the living room, I had Bailey and Karma head into crates while Chip and Maggie made their way into the X-pen for safety. Chip seemed relaxed with Suzy, who he previously had a wonderful playtime with. Maggie was still not comfortable even having Suzy behind a fence, but came closer to her this time.

Suzy Q - "Hey, I know you guys. Wanna play?"
Mags - "Not right now thanks"

 Karma was interested in meeting these two littles but very compliant when I asked him to stay in 'bed'.

Karma - "But I can come out soon right?
Yes dear very soon.
Karma - "Okay cuz I dont wanna miss cookies right?"

Before long Bailey and Karma were saying hello behind the x-pen. Chip and Maggie had found a safe place to stand and said hello

Chip was interested in meeting the new boy.
Karma really showed his best behaviour! I know his mom would be proud.

Chip says hello to Bailey while Maggie watched the other boy.

Karma - "I fink dis girl likes me! You shud let me in there"

Calm  behaviour in a safe zone. Such good dogs!
Karma - "Ya, it must be cookie time right?"

When all were more relaxed in each others presence I individually led each one/pair outdoors. I kept one on lead while they said a closer hello and allowed more safe yard wanderings.
At first, I kept Suzy Q on lead even though Suzy and Chip had met and had a fun playtime in past. Chip was watching the other boys in the next fenced area. He had little interest in playing with Suzy this time. There was a more important task at hand.

Maggie gave a clear signal of not feeling comfortable and keeping Suzy on lead was my obligation.

Please dont let her come near me.

Chip and Maggie waiting for the next buddy to enter their area

He was naturally hesitant to let Karma or Bailey get to close. They all allowed a 'hello' greeting. Karma was very nonchalant, he did a polite hello and then let them just wander around him. It was Karma's turn to be on lead to prevent possible sudden movements that might frightened the little ones.

Karma and Chip say a polite hello

Bailey - "Do I get to play with them another time?"
Yes, buddy another time.

All the time spent displaying calm behaviours has a huge benefit for everyone.

Karma and Bailey saunter politely together. There was no need for rough and tumble play.

We spent a long time wandering the yard and switching dogs on lead and who roamed with who. We went indoors and out and maintained a safe distance to allow maximum comfort to all. Near the end of the visit Chip and Maggie played happily in the safety of the x-pen while the others rested close be. 

Karma - "I was good right? I shud get cookies. Right?"

 

They even slept through me taking the others out.

A day like today, of meeting others, can be just as tiring as a day full of zooms and vigorous playing. After 6 hours of daycare this day, Maggie and Chip fell asleep in their favourite spot. They sleep soundly for a full half hour.When they woke I had taken the others outdoors. I looked up at the window and there were their little faces watching the going on. It was time for home for them. So we said our 'see ya laters' and I texted mom and dad to pick them up.

"S'cuze me lady, But we think it's home time now"

Our goal for these two sweeties, is to continue these calm, positive visits with a variety of others. They are booked in a few days over the summer and the need for them to be more in control of their separation anxiety is very real.
I hope I can  help them. Until that day comes,  I am currently not booking others on the same days as their summer visit.
I'm looking forward to another peaceful day visit, near the end of Feb. See you then, 'Littles'.
Happy snuggles with mom and dad.

Welcome 10 year old Karma

Welcome to the newest member of our extended pack, 10 yr. old Karma. A lovely Pembrook Corgi who came for a Meet & Greet just before Christmas. He and his mom have recently moved to our little town all the way from Oregon USA! Wow big move, right?
Karma has a wonderful personality and seemed to feel right at home during his M&G.
He relaxed very quickly and has 100% recall. There was no need for a safety lead on this boy.
He surveyed the yard in its entirety, leaving no leaf unturned. Indoors he followed his nose and checked out everything thoroughly.

He found a few toys and then decided his spot to watch for things would be on top of the front porch steps. A perfect place to sit when it's time to watch for mom.

A squeaky stuffy. May be one of Karma's favourite toys?

Watching and listening in relaxed mode

We were able to fit Karma’s first four hour visit in, just a couple of days ago.
What a darling gentleman he is. He followed me around the house and I went through my check list of activities getting to know his personality.  Much like many dogs, the vacuum can be a bit scary for Karma. So I spent some time allowing him to see it's safe and he could trust me in it's presence. Within a short time I was able to turn the vacuum on with him near by.  I will probably not use it when he visits but you never know!

 Karma can use the stairs just fine but I’m making the decision to avoid them and focus on the ramp entrances for him. Being 10 years old puts him on my ‘joint risk’ radar. He’s currently on joint meds and his mom and I agree there’s no need for him to have to force his joints pulling his long body up the high steps. He took to the ramp perfectly once he was directed to it. Good boy Karma.

 The height of the step verses Karma's body length tell me it's a struggle that we can avoid.

The ramp is so much easier on him.

Karma has very good listening skills. I asked him to stay and closed the gate to the living-room. I went through my kitchen routines while he sat behind a gate. I saw no concern from Karma. He just watched me and seemed to be wondering why I wasn't playing with him but stayed like a very good boy.

"Why you not play wiv me Lady?"

Once Karma knew what I was asking of him, he allowed me to try a few husbandry tasks. He was a bit hesitant in the beginning. I spent a good amount of time sitting stroking him in the presence of the brushes and soon he was perfectly fine with allowing me to preform a full body check. His paws, ears, teeth, tail etc.

Karma - "Try not to linger on my back end to much okay Lady?"

Finding a 'just right' place to rest was not an issue for Karma. He tried each of the mats and crates before making his decision.

Karma - "Does anyone use this one Lady? Can it be mine?"

By the end of our four hour visit, Karma had crashed in comfort.

Shhh sleep well gentle man. Mom will be here soon.

I believe Karma is ready to meet other buddies now and we’re looking forward to many fun days together.
Welcome to our pack Karma. You are a darling!

Karma - "Can I stay a little longer please mom?"

A New Year ~ January 2024

We had Henry over the holidays and saw day visitors Sage, Bailey and Ruby. Kaia and Kona also joined us for the first 3 days of the New Year.  Our yard is wet and soggy, and on some days muddy and messy. The dogs didn't seem to care and there is still enough frost in the ground to eliminate most of the mud. Their paws were wet but easily cleaned. That was a blessing.
I received so many wonderful thoughtful gifts this year. I feel truly blessed to have so many friends.
I appreciate all that I received. The gifts of all sorts, the chocolates, homemade cookies, a Welcome sign, a mug, a gift certificate, a memorial ornament, and liqueur. I felt the outpouring of gratitude from all my daycare moms and dads this year.
Thank you to everyone for all your thoughtfulness. You made my heart feel so warm and appreciated.
Little Sage and her mom stopped by for a lovely visit with some delicious homemade cookies! Yum!
Thank you!

Sage - "You mean Santa Paws left this present for me at your house? Wow Fanks Santa Paws!
Do I haf''ta share?"
Mom- 'It would be nice if you did"

The New Year came in very calm. We had nine people in our home overnight, yet the house seemed different.
My step Granddaughter is the Lil'wat Nation Jr. Princess and joined us while her and her friend danced at the New Years Pow Wow at the Rec. centre this year. We are so proud of her. Only 12 years old and pouring her heart into something she feels so passionate about. Congratulations on the presentation of your Eagle Feathers this year sweetie!  We love you very much!

Brooke received her feathers after dancing the healing dance.
A gentleman presented them to her because he was so touched
by her dancing and sending healing spirits to his ailing son.

4 on the living-room floor, 2 in one bedroom, 2 in another and
1 in the last bedroom. Yes a houseful.
Henry - "Umm, 's'cuse me but I fink u dropped a crumb here"

The people went home and the dogs came back. There was never a time during the holidays that I was physically alone. It was a full few days, I enjoyed every minute of it.
Yet there was something not quite right.

From people to dogs in one easy step.
Separation fence up to promote relaxation after lunch.

 Henry and Bailey had an opportunity to see each other before the New Year. These two have really become so  close. They hold toys and run together like they're in a three legged race. Such a happy couple of buddies.

Bailey - "Let's zoom the yard Henry. We wont see each other until next year now!"
Henry - "Okay I'll lead!"

Ruby, Kaia and Kona are still not the best of friends, so keeping them separated was necessary when they visited together. I love my x-pens and they get used often.

Ruby - "Can you hear me?"
Kaia- "Yes, I hear you clearly. Do you hear me?"
Kona- "Hey? Henry? Wanna play?"
Henry - "Keep it down please. I'm trying to rest here."

As long as there is a fence between them, the girls were fine. I feel so fortunate to have a yard that allows me to keep everyone safe and happy.

Keep your distance and we'll be just fine.

Everyone had a playmate and the first week of 2024 were a few fun-filled days. I spent the days going in and out of gates supervising each playing pair. There were no incidents and the days went by quickly. Still something in my heart felt alone.

Ruby and Henry get ready to GO!

Henry takes the lead with Kona in chase

I've been putting off writing this post because I've felt uneasy yet I knew I needed to write about the holiday happenings. What my heart really wanted was to release and write about our beloved Lady May.
We are struggling to heal from her passing. I need to find some time, take that time and write so my heart heals easier. That is one of my New Years resolutions.
I will be taking some time this year, each month to do more self reflection and allow myself to process more.  Grief is a hard issue to resolve and our grief  has recently been set aside.
I truly felt a need to let the holidays be happy days and make time afterwards to allow myself some private reflection.
There is peace in my heart and I want to allow it to shine through again. Restful quiet days happen very seldom and I'm choosing to create more of them this year.
I hope everyone has an opportunity to do the same.
I wish you all Good Will, Peace and Happiness in the coming year.
Thank you for all your much needed support this year.

Ruby reflects

Sir Henry and Lucas relax

Kaia and Kona rest

Happy New Year.
2024 is upon us.

Rest In Peace Lady May