July 2025 in Review

July started with the return visit from Miss Ellie. She had a few fun days with Sir Bailey and Cooper. The weather was tolerable and they enjoyed a good romp as well as a rest.

Happy to have a playmate again. Miss Ellie enjoyed her Bailey day!

Ellie showed Cooper she could be very respectful and gave him the space he needed.

During the first two weeks Ruby, Suzy Q, Miss Lilly, Nugget and Peaches joined in. The sun was turning up the heat and the dogs were quite content to just chill indoors.

Cool air on the tummy is good for the soul.

 Miss Lilly is an absolute water girl and the pool suits her better than the cool A/C.

Bailey - "Are you sure you want to stay outside?"
Lilly - "Yep Im cool."

 Until it was nap time. Then the coolness of the indoor suited her just fine.

Lilly - "Wake me when its home time please."

During Nugget's visit we had Sir Henry join us for a day. Her small size didn't stop her from enjoying her ball play time. The two big boys, Henry and Bailey romp around her and did a fantastic job of side stepping her. 

My plan for mid July was to take a few dog free days. I hoped for 10 straight days with no dogs. It didn't really happen, but I did get 6 off and on dog free, Yay! 
There were a couple of buddies who needed daycare and after all, I was at home.  Everyone had such happy faces it was easy to enjoy even though I didn't get those 10 days off. 

Nugget - "Can we please go outdoors now?!"

The last two weeks of July have been FULL to the brim and loaded with fun. The summer sun is at its peak and the new A/C furnace is proving to be an asset! 
Peaches' extended visit has coincided with River and Bailey as well as Nugget, Suzy and Cooper. It's given her a perfect opportunity to gain some confidence with them and perhaps set the ground work for a friendship in future. 

Though she had an opportunity to meet with Miss Ruby, I decided to keep a divider fence between them. Peaches seemed less secure in her presence. I only want positive experiences for her at the moment. River kept Peaches entertained while Ruby and Bailey enjoyed their romping in a separate play area.  

Peaches seems to be developing a keen liking for River. Is it that River is closer to her sister's age? Perhaps River exhibits similar behaviours to her sister Sadie? I dunno, but I like what I see developing between them. 

Waiting for lunch. 

Where River goes, Peaches follows. At nap time she seeks out where River is and stays very close. 

Peaches still looks across the road to her home but seems to understand there's noone home. It must be a very difficult for her, but she seems to be coping really well.  
There's always lots to do with her new temporary pack. Im so glad her visit coincided with them the way it has. 

Peaches - "Look mom! New friends"

Bailey , 'the wonder dawg' has given Peaches ample time to trust his large presence and she seems to feel more confident with him now. 

Bailey - "I promise, you can trust me."

Peaches still has one more week with us. I'm looking forward to watching her develop a friendship with Sir Bailey. Next week little Nugget will join them once again. 

July has been a blast and I remain thankful for all the happy faces of my visitors.  Moving into August Im also looking forward to trying for another 10 days off. 
Will I make it. Hmmmm Maybe??

June 30, 2025, Rainbow Bridge Has Knocked Again.

Rainbow Bridge has taken another one of our Extended Royal Pack. 

It was with great sorrow we said farewell to 9 year old Miss Sadie yesterday. Sadie has been the happiest, and wiggliest of all our visitors. She got along with everyone and was an absolute pleasure to be around. I will miss seeing her watching us from her porch across the street. Always a ‘Hello’ wiggle and wagging her tail. Always watching to see if my gate would open and she could zoom across the street into my yard. 
Sadie first visited at 2 years old in Oct. of 2019. She made friends easily and before long I named her my 'Shadow girl'. She was always RIGHT BY my side. Glued to every step I took.  How could I not fall in love with her. 
You can read Sadie's blog entries here- and watch her YouTube videos here. 

She fills a very special place in my heart, and we feel blessed to have been allowed to share her love. Over the last few years Sadie has given us a few very scary days. There were many days when her mommy feared Sadie would not have the strength to pull through. Sadie was a strong girl and always seemed to say, “I'm not ready to leave you just yet mommy.” This day was different. Sadie had reached her final vet visit. Her x-rays showed ever deteriorating severe hip damage from her previous fracture, and possible cancer. There would be no coming back from this one. Sadie’s mom made the very difficult decision to let Sadie cross Rainbow Bridge with dignity. The most loving gift she could give her girl. We support her decision and share her heartache.

Marchioness lil Molly and Sadie will reunite over Rainbow Bridge.

Run free and pain free now dear girl. You are already so sorrowfully missed. Your memory stone has been placed. You now sit in our Rainbow Bridge garden. Say hello to your brother Rookie for us and all the Royal Pack who have crossed before you. You were the best Golden Lab I’ve ever known. 
Rest in Peace Dear Sadie.
Dog gone it! I'm going to really miss you!