Eight Dogs A Week - Just Right.

Miss Sadie was the first of eight visitors the first week after my time off.  She is so lovely.  I see Sadie every day from across the road. She is always happy to greet me and she always asks to come over to say hello. Sadie is now into the late stages of osteoarthritis. It was so nice to have her join me as I puttered around in the yard.We had ample time together for cuddling and chatting and just being close.

She followed me around and found a cozy place to lay while I worked close by. If there was a small bit of shade, it was her first choice. Other wise she found a cozy place on a blanket I had laid out for her earlier.

Sadie is only 8 yrs old but her pain is becoming difficult to manage. Her mom has frequent contact with her vet and has Sadie on a very good pain management schedule. We hope she feels better soon.

She really just wants to rest these days but is always happy to have a buddy to saunter the yard with. Fortunately for her, Sir Karma had booked his visit at the same time. Another buddy always brings a smile to Miss Sadie. One who is more her energy level is always a good day for her.

Sadie - "We don't have to run or zoom do we lady?"
Me - "No sweetie you can just take it easy today."
Karma - "But we can if we want to.Right?"

Karma is also feeling the aches and pans of arthritis these days. His happy disposition still shines through whenever he visits. Having a buddy like Sadie to hang out with was just fine by him.

Karma - "I feel good today. Maybe you should give me a cookie? Do you agree Sadie?" 

Once Sadie had returned home Karma was content to lay and wait for the next visitors.

He didn't have to wait long. The very next day Mr Chip and his sister Maggie arrived.This visit proved to be more positive than the previous one. Chip was more accepting of Karma this visit and even allowed him to approach Maggie.

Chip- "But you have to play nice with her okay? She's just a girl."
Karma - "Does she like cookies?"

Maggie - "Whad d'ya mean, I'm just a girl? I'll out run the likes of you two in a heartbeat!"

Chip offered a good game of chase and Karma readily accepted it.  I thought I had my camera on video mode, but. . .  well you can see... Of course... drat!  I only caught the tail end of the play as a photo instead. ...sigh...

Karma - "Hey! Wait up! My leggies don't go that fast!
Chip- "That's an old man excuse Sir Karma. Just admit it! I'm faster!"

Dogs 5 and 6 last week were my good pals Bailey and Ruby. These two haven't seen each other since the beginning of March. They were super ready for a playday. The weather was cooperating and after a short,  "Hello, how are ya!" in the house we spent pretty much the rest of the day outdoors.

Bailey - "We're done saying hello now Lady."
Ruby, "Ya, we are. Can we go out now PLEEASE?"

I spent most of the day working in the yard while these two ran from area to area. Always with a toy in tow or being tugged between them. They stopped only when I called, "Take a break" Then it was back at it for the next round. Bailey will have two more of his favourite tug buddies in May. He'll be super happy and pleasantly surprised when he sees who's returning for playdates. Stay tuned...

I thought it might be nice for them to have the pool to cool off in after a round of tug. Instead they used it as a drinking bowl. That's fine by me, what ever works. I just continued to get my yard work done.

By the time they went home I had almost completed the pool area and set out the gazebo dog bed ready for the next visitors. Kaia and her brother Kona.

No more leaves to rake and hedge to prune. I am SO HAPPY!

They took no time at all to find the shady spot in the gazebo.
Our late Duchess Sammy's trolley was converted into a day bed a few years ago. It's always a favourite spot to lay and not often left empty.

Kona - "It has a blue blankie so it's for me. Right Lady?"

Kaia - "Nice try blockhead. I had it first."

Sometimes a brother and sister have to take turns. It would seem Kaia always get first dibs. She's just older and wiser and knows what feels best.

Kaia - "That's right. Right now this pool feels best, so go find a ball Kona!"
Kona - "But I wanna drink"

Kaia and Kona are really a wonderful pair of siblings. They have a delightful bond. Even though Kona can be a bit of a pain of a brother. That's what brothers do. He's young and loves his sister. If only she would give him the toys first!   I love their visits and being the only dogs on site allows me to see their true personalities shine through.

Kona - "But you love me more. Right Lady?"

I love you both Kona. Now go to sleep. It'll be home time tomorrow.

I think I like only having 2 or 3 dogs at a time. It allows me to stay closer to them and I can still do my daily chores.  That may mean I am turning visitors away but I believe the quality of care can continue longer. Plus, maybe I will retain more energy? Who am I kidding? Well perhaps it's a new goal??

May is upon us and it's another full month.
We have plans to see young Miss Lilly again and also Miss Ellie has returned from her time away! We're excited to have both as well as Ruby again as day visitors for Bailey!
Also booked are Karma, Chip & Maggie and the little toughie Nugget will join us!
We have a new comer setting up for a Meet & Greet and we can't wait to meet her!
I hope you'll come back to see how we make out.

Back At It

We’ve had a great 2 weeks! We took ‘Cora’ out, saw family, took day trips and slept in.
Just 2 days after closing our gates, we loaded up 'Cora' and set off down the highway. 

Heading off to Mission via Hwy 12 heading towards Lytton

The day was cool but promised sunny skies later in the day. We didn't care we were off to visit friends and family come rain or shine.

Thank you for your hospitality. If only we lived closer, we could 'do coffee' every morning together.

We parked 'Cora' for a few days and enjoyed the company of our family and their furries.
Kitties- Mouse, Bebe and Teddy. Very different than we're used to back home but just as loving and cuddly for sure.
It was wonderful to visit with my sister and her family once again. It seems like ages ago. We relaxed and giggled and planted some flowers. We ate well and slept in every morning. What a great visit!

A new planter created as a memory of sisters visiting together 💗

I find it difficult to remember the gender of cats. For some reason they all seem female to me.
Go figure eh?
I know (I think) two of my loving sister's kitties are male (I think) and one is a girl.
I think Teddy's a boy, right sis?
I'm pretty sure Mouse is also male. Although he certainly seems female to me. So Bebe is the girl?
I hope. Or is it two girls and one boy? Hmmm I have to re ask again. Sorry sis.

Mouse - "I am NOT a girl"

Before long it was time to hit the road again and off to Hope we journeyed.

A Beautiful day with Beautiful friends at The Owl Street Cafe in Hope BC

We reunited with old friends and met a beautiful new buddy. Mr. Benji. What a darling boy!  He's a two year old border collie cross who has happily landed with our good friend Paula from Delta. 
It was great to visit again after so many years. Why does time keep moving along so fast?

Benji, you have landed in a perfect Happy Ever After home!

Benji enjoyed relaxation in 'Cora' while we enjoyed a luncheon together at our favourite restaurant
The Owl Cafe in Hope BC.

We dropped our table and made a perfect resting place for Benji

We could have gabbed for days but time keeps on ticking and we had to get back home soon. I can't wait for our next visit. Tell your mom Benji, Lillooet is waiting for your visit!
Once back home our yard-work continued.

Last year's hedge roots waiting to be removed

We worked to remove the old hedge roots and debris. What a job!  We reorganized the lawn furniture, did weeding, and planted grass seed.  Pruned trees and I even mowed the lawns. Our main goal is to get our yard and pool area back up to a clean summer fun area. There are still several things to do, but we’re on the road to completion now.

In between working I even went shopping! That's a big wow!  I saw people I haven't seen for ages. I had real people conversations! In real people language! No doggie talk!  We took a day for a road trip and enjoyed the beauty of Lillooet. Gorgeous days filled with a glorious sunny sky. I felt like a dog off lead and free to run. It's been great!

Duffy Lk road heading back home

The yard work is not going away any time soon. Oh man. Never ending, eh?  Next up is to clean out the carport and the gazebo, where everything has landed during the reorganizing process. For now things are a big mess!

What a mess!

So I’ve rediscovered, I’ll only take a break from the laborious task of yard work if I'm not home, or I  have dogs around.
Guess who came to visit while we were 'closed'? Yay to Karma and Bailey and Sadie and Peaches. Such a happy diversion from yardwork!
My yard gates were blocked off and certain areas are marked as unsafe areas. Karma and Bailey stayed overnight. They didn't seem to mind the blocked off areas.

Bailey - "Ermm, 'scuz me Lady, but why is this gate closed?

Bailey - "There must be some mistake. You don't mean me? Do you Lady?"

Well, maybe Bailey minded. Much to his dismay there was limited play areas and toys. After all, I am technically closed and its my relaxation time. Sorry buddies.

When I rest, everyone rests.

Sadie and Peaches also came across the street for a quick hello. Such sweeties. They often say hi to me when they’re on their porch and this time they actually were allowed to come in the yard to have a quick sniff around. I got my cuddles and loves and off they went on their walkies. They were a fantastic break from my back aches from weeding. I didnt have my camera on hand but they have plans to visit us again for a few days in July. It'll be a fun 3 days for sure.

Sadie & Peaches at home waiting for a visit across the street.

Guess who else we went to visit? Two of my favourite border collies, Sir Bentley and his brother Oskar. Oh, how I’ve missed those two happy ball dogs! Thanks for the fun ball time boys. Thanks for letting me say hello and throw the ball for them mom. You sure made my heart glow.

Bentley - "Put your camera down lady. Throw the ball."
Oskar - "Ya hurry, do it now!"

An easy decision on what's more relaxing, playing with dogs or doing yard work.  Thank goodness.
I’m putting away my rakes and shovels and wheelbarrow. Well, not too far away.
I’m nowhere near finished the yard work.
Two weeks off and I’m ready for a break!

Royal K9 Korner is open for dog visitors again.
This weeks schedule reads, Karma, Chip & Maggie and Bailey & Ruby and Kaia and Kona.  Ellie is scheduled to return starting in May.
Get ready!  Here we go.

A Day Trip With Karma Before I Close for 2 Weeks

I had the pleasure of having sweet Karma for an overnight visit yesterday. He's one of the last of my visitors before my time off. That means I'm in the mode to get things organized for leaving.  Karma is one of the very easy going, easy to please and a completely reliable, responsible boy. He will find a spot to lay and stay in relaxed mode for a very long time. When he decides to move, he'll come check me out and find another spot close by me. I leave the doors open when he visits and he can come and go as he pleases. This day started out about the same for us.

Karma heads off to explore the yard as I do some much needed raking.

As I move from yard to yard Karma happily wanders and checks out the scents of dogs from the day before. I can watch what he's up to and then let him out of my sight for a while and know he'll be back by my side soon.  He's quite happy to be the only dog on site.
When he's done his grounds checking he'll find his way back indoors and rest on the porch in the sun.

Karma - "Thank goodness it's not time for a lawn mower yet. I need peace and quiet."

That is usually about the time I'm heading back indoors as well. I have unfinished chores to complete and bedding to organize. Karma always stops by to say hello to me as he's moving from indoors to out. If I miss him as he passes me, I only have to look out the door to see his happy face watching for me.

Karma - "Are you ready to come outside again Lady?"
Me - "Yes, Karma, I'm on my way now."

 This day was a recycling day so we loaded it up and headed up town. It's always nice when I can actually  take a break from my yard and venture out the yard and into the big wide world of 'town'.  I love having a dog companion with me. today was Karma's turn.

Karma waits patiently in the sun while I load up

Karma - "You won't reskycle me will you Lady?"
Me - "No dear, I promise you are non reskycklable"

 As it turns out I was no where near wanting to return home after the reskysklabeling was done. So Karma and I headed off on an unknown adventure.

"Where are we Lady?  Will my mom know how to find me?"
We'll return long before mom does sweetie.

When I let Karma out, he happily scurried in the absolute direction of the dock. His little face was smiling big time the entire time we stayed.

Look at me mommy, I'm going boating. (I think)
Am I Lady?"
Me - "No Karma, we're just walking along."

We headed off towards the park area and Karma seemed to know his way immediately. I'm quite certain Karma and his mom have visited Seton lake many times before.

"Do you 'fink I can go in the water Lady?"
Yes, Karma I 'fink' it's just fine if you want to.

So into the water he went. He took a lovely long drink and let his feet and tummy get good and wet before he came back out.  The sun was not shining this day and the wind was blowing. I was chilly with just my cardie on, so we didn't stay long. 

Me- "I don't think we should stay too long Karma. I'm not warm."
Karma - "You go back to the car. I'm not done yet."

We headed up to the look out and Karma had an opportunity to wander in the green grass and check out all the scents.
We met up with a couple of gals who instantly fell in love with Karma and politely asked if they could take his picture. Karma was in his glory and smiled a very big smile for them. They walked away giggling at his cuteness and I must say I did too. Karma is just that kinda guy.
He's just a cutie!

I'm cute guy, right Lady?

We made it back home just on time to prepare daddy's lunch and ate a good hearty meal ourselves.  The fresh air and different scenery can really boost an appetite. With a full tummy and a mind full of the lake sights, Karma fell fast asleep. I cleaned up after lunch and puttered in the warm house while he rested.

Karma crash!

Later that afternoon I was back outdoors and doing yard work with  renewed energy. Karma was still in relaxed mode and waited for his mom on the heated mat. I just know, he'll have a wonderful adventure story to tell her all about. I wonder if she'll understand him. I'll help him by submitting this post.
It's been an awesome day Buddy Karma. Thank you for joining me.
See you after my break.

I'm 4 days away from taking 2 weeks off from daycare. I have a few more bookings for this week.
Then beginning Monday, Royal K9 Korner will be closed for 2 whole weeks. 
Keep your paws crossed for warm sunshine. Stay Safe everyone.
See you in 2 weeks!

Photo from 2013 archives -
His Majesty King, Princess Mollydawg and Her Royal Highness Lady May,
ready to help with Spring clean up detail. Best Royal Helpers Ever.

Welcome 4 Year Old Cooper

Already a month has gone by since this little darling came for his Meet & Greet. Yesterday we finally welcomed him in for his first 4 hour visit.  What a sweet little guy.

I'm told Cooper is not a newbie to daycare and generally loves to play with other dogs, large and small. I cant wait to begin introducing him to some of our regulars.
 Cooper does not normally like to be with out his mom and dad, and is super protective of his dad.  It was no surprise to me that he stood by the gate as dad left and whimpered for his return.We sat together for a little while as dad drove away.

"Awww, I know little buddy. I promise he'll come back soon. Let's head into the back yard where you can smell all the other dogs who visited before you."

Although he was hesitant, Cooper followed me and soon was caught up in all the wonderful smells. He found all the places to use as a vantage point to watch for his dad.

I could see Cooper's content side even though he was missing mom & dad. Once he realized we were going for a 'walk' he tagged along happily and checked out all the signs and scents of the 'others'.
He never missed an opportunity to check out the gate where ever we were.  His recall, although hesitant, was reliable enough that I took off the long safety lead and his  harness within an hour. 
It was definitely a good thing because the sun was sharing it's heat with us that day.

Cooper - "Hey Lady? do you think my dad will know I'm way up here?"

He had fully settled in to just 'being here' with in that hour and I was able to get a start on some of my yard work while Cooper rested in the shade.  He came over to find out what I was up to a couple of times but he still wanted to watch the gate. He didn't want any goodies I had to offer but that was just fine, my goal was to allow him to be relaxed.

It was time to check out things indoors and I wanted to go through my routines to learn more about Coopers likes and dislikes. Cooper had already used the basement ramp during his M&G so I knew he'd be fine with that.  He willingly followed me down the ramp and indoors.

Cooper - "I been here before Lady. I know this one."

As I went through the daily routines of noises and movements of doing laundry, cleaning, sorting bedding, moving crates and thrashing about Cooper simply found a 'just right spot to sit and watch me.

Cooper - "I would go to sleep if you would be a bit
quieter Lady. Is this going to take long?"

One more big nosier thing to go through dear Cooper. Follow me. We headed upstairs and out came the vacuum. Again Cooper showed little interest but he'd  rather sit on the porch and peer out at the gate. Of course.

Cooper - "Really Lady, I'm not much into house work so,
I'll head out doors if you don't mind."

Great idea Cooper I'll join you. So join him I did. We sat in the sun for a nice long time. It was a perfect opportunity to try out some husbandry with Cooper. A very compliant little guy who allowed every touch I preformed. An especially pleasant part of this time seemed to be tummy rubs. Oh how he loves those. No kidding! Right?

Even though Cooper's eyes were often on the gate, I believe he's had an ample opportunity to become familiar with our yard, house and all my activities during the day.  Although he watched for dad he really didn't make a fuss and try to 'escape'.   He's ready to visit and meet some other buddies. I believe I can keep him safe and comfortable and best of all, he can learn to have FUN here.

Cooper - "... but my dad will come back right?"

Yes, you bet Cooper, THAT I can promise you. Mom and Dad will be back for you.
Welcome to our daycare yard, Cooper. We hope you visit us again soon.