Welcome 2 year old Toba

4 months ago this beautiful 2 year old Shepsky (Shepherd/Husky cross) was adopted by her mom and dad after being through a string of rescue societies. She has finally landed in her happy forever home.
Welcome Miss Toba.
Due to mom's work schedule, Toba will be travelling with her back and forth between Burnaby and Lillooet.
Mom has been in frequent contact with me about getting daycare set up for Toba.
Between mom's back and forth schedule and the full days at Royal K9 Korner we've finally been able to make it happen.
Thank you for your patience mom!

Toba visited on a day that our Countess River was on site. There was no question about how well these two will get along. Toba was politely asking for play and River was responding very politely. 

I made the decision to keep them separate until we get to know Toba's play style better.
Mom tells me she loves to rough and tumble and zoom. I can think of a few other visitors who'll fit her play style perfectly, in time. 

Earlier this week Toba came for her first 4 hour visit. A beautiful day that allowed us to be outdoors for getting to know each other. Toba immediately found the squeaky she had played with at her M&G and several other plush toys to romp around with.

Toba - "Hey, this one smells like me! Can I keep it?"
Me - "You can keep it here and play with it whenever you visit sweetheart."

Toba is still working on her recall so we had some practice while we played. Toba is a jumper so a bit of a concern of mine.  If she decided to attempt to jump the fence line, mom said she would no doubt head home. Apparently she has run after deer in the past and always comes home.  I kept a long lead on her until I was certain there was zero separation anxiety and that I could keep her focused on staying in the yard.
She was as happy as a lark to stay with me and showed no signs of looking for a way to escape.
Whew! One check box ticked off. I'll be watching for her safety if the deer are passing by.

Indoors we went through all the areas she needed to feel comfort with. Listening to my voice, hearing the various different sounds of my house, responding to my signals and compiling with my requests.  Each time Toba was 100% attentive and completely comfortable and obliging. Her eyes were spot on me when I asked and she quickly responded with each request when she understood what to do.
The vacuum is of little concern to her, except that she would prefer not to be around it when it's working. Me neither Toba, I can certainly relate.

"Are you really going to turn that noisy thing on?
I was trying to play quietly here"

Toba and I played with several toys together on the porch and in the living room. She always allowed me to share it with her and was willing to let me take it from her in mid chew.

"These are great chew toys lady. Wanna share?"

At meal time she allowed me access to her bowl mid eating and even to temporarily take her bowl away. She will never have to worry about another dog having access to her bowl, or her space during eating time. It's great to know people are safe in her proximity during her eating time.

Toba was a big fan of the frozen veggie/fruit treats and gently took and ate every one I presented her.

"Is this PINEAPPLE? Wow I love pineapple! Thanks lady."

One of my indoor safety rules is for all dogs to wait patiently, no charging in front of me heading up or downstairs. Toba waited patiently for my all done signal. In fact she chose to have a little lay down while she waited. That suits me fine Toba. although I'm quite sure it won't happen when others are present. WTG Toba you're passing with flying colours.

"Is this gonna take long?
'Cuz I was kinda hopin' to go out"

"I don't understand why I can't just run out the door,
but, ok if you say so."

Toba eagerly followed me around the yard and was frequently choosing to come when called. I'm certain once she has visited a few times, her recall with me will improve. There were so many distractions and fun things to do, having to stop play and come running to this unknown lady was not high on her priority list this day.
We'll be working on that task on future visits. I may need her to STOP what she is doing and run to me immediately for a possible safety issue. One step at a time. Mom is working with her trainer on shaping up Toba's skills. It's very obvious how much she cares about Toba and keeping her safe.
Well done mom!

At the end of our 4 hours, Toba had crashed and was very ready to head home.
She is more than welcome back to visit us and I'm looking forward to finding a day for Toba to come to meet others in our extended Pack.
Welcome to Royal K9 Korner's Daycare Miss Toba!

Karma Day with Cooper

Cooper has been away for a while and is back now. He was having major dental work done. We’re so happy he’s healed up well enough to visit.

Cooper - "But my smile is still cute right?"

He managed to accept a few bits of a soft treat but really didn’t want any lunch. Dad says, that’s normal for Coops. He can be a bit fussy at mealtimes. It’s good to know it’s probably not from the dental work. During his visit he stayed fairly close to Karma most of the day.  
He seemed to get over the separation anxiety much quicker this time from when his dad dropped him off. Yay Cooper, as mom says, “Progress”

Cooper - "I'm just checking in case he shows up unexpectedly"
Karma - "Trust me, 'The Lady' will tell you when he's here"

Just after lunch, Miss Sadie stopped in for a quick hello. I wish I had my camera. It was so sweet to see her head up the stairs to see the boys, with her tail just a waggin' so happily.  I ran for my camera but was too late. Sadie's mom took this video for me from a distance. It's quite blurry but you can make out Sadie's tail wagging. She was so happy to see them. I hope they get a chance to be together one day soon.
A trio of cream coloured beauties.

The two little men had a relaxing kind of ‘follow me’ day. I was able to get more painting done while they sauntered the back yard. Cooper is not allowed off lead in the front yard yet. There is a small gap in the driveway gate that he can very easily fit through. So it's back yard only, unless on lead, and I’ll figure out a way to repair that gap. 

No one complained about being in the back yard all day

Cooper - "You should come in the sun and work on your tan"
Karma - "No thanks I like the cool shade.
Besides, I can see the cookies from here."

Cooper - "Do you s'pose my dad will forget about me?"
Karma - "Naw, he loves you and I can promise, 'The Lady' won't let that happen.
You should ask her for a treat"

Cooper will be back again next week during ‘Karma day’ and Bailey will join them. It’ll be a sleepover for those three. I can’t wait!
This weekend will be busy with Countess River, Bailey and the gorgeous black Bear. There's more painting planned and I wonder who’ll go home with splashes of white this time.
Oh my, two long furred black dogs!
I’m hopeful this will be the last of the painting this year.
I hope!

Welcome 5 year old Poppy

 5 Year old Poppy is an American Cocker Spaniel, and what a sweetie she is!

She came for her Meet & Greet one month ago in the middle of May. Yes, you're right I'm a wee bit behind in my updates. We finally found a day for her to return for her first 4 hour visit.
Thank goodness her mom is so patient.
It's a pleasure to have this little girl join us. She came flying through the gate with the happiness and anticipation of a youngster about to open Christmas presents. Wow, she jumped straight into my heart like gangbusters.
She's 30 lbs of wiggly love. Her breed traits certainly shone through. She's a brave little soul who was up to every challenge of the day.
Welcome Miss Poppy.

Poppy has already had an opportunity to meet with Sir Karma. He was here on the day of Poppy's M&G. It's been difficult to find days with no other dogs booked. Fortunately Karma seems unfazed by Poppy's presence and mom and I were able to go ahead.

Karma - "I hope she doesn't like cookies"
Poppy - "Hello Sir, can you show me the way to the water park please?"

Poppy is very much a water girl and her favourite past time is the sprinklers. She spent the better part of her first half hour with me zipping from sprinkler to sprinkler in the back yard. There was no stopping her and no sense trying. This was at the top of her list for fun things to do today. And that she did.

Woo Hoo I hope you don't run out of water lady! This is G-R-E-A-T!

Well, the water did end shortly after that. I simply turned off the tap in order to have Poppy turn her attention elsewhere. She's very compliant when the water is gone. We did my usual walk around the yard together with out her harness on. I know. It totally goes against my new dog rule. I couldn't figure out how to fasten it. Pfft dummy me. When mom arrived to pick Poppy up she showed me its a simple little draw string stopper. Oh good grief! Never mind, Poppy and I made out just fine with out a lead on. Her sniffer went into high gear and I'm certain there wasn't an inch of ground that was missed. What good little hunter traits.

I discovered Poppy is not big on recall and so we did a fair bit of - ' I call you, you run the other direction. I zip around and holler, and pretend I'm having so much fun with out you, then you come running to me and get a reward!' Oh man, my neighbours must think I've lost it!   It worked and by the end of the 4 hrs, Poppy's recall had improved. We'll do more on future visits.

"You better have a really good treat ready, if you expect me to come running when you call."

Poppy enjoys toys and when I brought out the red Jolly Egg, it was an instant hit!

I can't wait to find out if Karma and Poppy will play together with it.
She also loves stuffies and had fun choosing just the right one both indoors and out. We spent time sitting together talking and sorting through the bins.
She's a doll and has her little paws already in my heart.

Poppy - "Do I hafta have the little toys? I'd rather have bigger ones please."
Me - "Absolutely Poppy I agree, these toys are not a best fit for you."

Poppy was great when I asked her to wait before going outdoors or at the top of the stairs for me.
Her little legs can manage my big set of stairs easily. She chose to use the ramp when she headed out up from the basement door. Each time she waited to be given the 'all done' before she moved.
What a good girl! 

Poppy - "Can I come down yet?"
Me - "You sure can good girl Poppy!
All done."

Poppy - "I think I get this. I hafta stop until you say, "All done."
Me - "You are such a clever girl Poppy"

Poppy's mom sent along a set of bells for Poppy. She uses this signal when she needs to go out.
Thank you so much 'Mom'. I know it'll help both Poppy and me on her stay overs here.
I can't wait until she asks to go out.

Poppy - "You're s'posed to put them on a closed door lady."
Me - "I get it Poppy. I promise.

Poppy was very inquisitive
Poppy was super comfortable in the house and watched me closely for direction. With practise I have no doubt she's going to understand what I require in order to make her visits safe.

I do a lot of vacuuming and it's one of the areas I need to see the level of comfort in. Poppy paid no attention when I brought the vacuum out. When I switched it on, she simply made the decision to move away from it. No issues there. Great! Thank you Poppy.

Poppy - "I'll wait on the porch for you to finish lady."

Poppy's next visit will be to meet a new buddy. We have a day set up and I'm excited for it to happen. 
She's going to be a fun and easy going visitor. I'm so happy mom decided to choose us.

"I'm not quite ready to leave yet. Okay if I stay a little longer?"

Thank you for a fun day Poppy. I'm looking forward to seeing you soon!