Birds vs. Cats vs. dogs oh my!

Not pointing fingers, not naming names.

I love my dogs. I love my wild birds. I even love my neighbours’ housecats. All of them! In their own yard.  They surround my property.  I don’t have a choice. I love my yard and have no intention on selling. Nor do I think moving away will guarantee no cats in future premises.  It's my yard why should I be forced to make changes in it that I dont want? Putting chicken wire down or sprinkling unsavory substances. That’s ludicrous.  Why can't I allow my dogs to run outdoors without checking for a cat first?  Oh and by the way, Domestic= house.   Look it up.

I own a dog sitting business. Yep LOTS OF DOGS frequent my home.  I have lots of bird feeders to encourage my beautiful song birds. Yep. That encourages the cats to come prowling. EVERY DAY with out fail there is at least one who stalks the feeders.  Usually more.

Yes, I chase him/her away before I let the dogs out. It’s a constant cat vigil on my part. I always check the windows before making the decision to take the dogs out.  I have bells on my door to allow the cats to hear when we’re coming out. He/she has ample time to run away and scamper through the hedges and up the chain-link fencing.  I do not want to have to carry a poor limp little kitty home to his/her mommy in my arms. I would be  crying the whole way. 

I’ve had conversations with  the neighbourhood kitty moms and dads.  Some are wonderful and say things like, “Oh dear, I sure hope my sweetie stays away. I’ll watch carefully and try very hard to discourage him/her from coming over.  Please shoo it back home. Maybe if he/she gets a really good scare they won’t be back.  Please if anything happens do not feel at fault. Sometimes this silly kitty just wont listen.  I love him/her but….”
Others say things like, “It’s not my cat. My cat never leaves the house. My cat is smarter than that. My cat is so fast he/she can out run your dogs any day. If my cat goes missing I know who to sue ….”

Well, on several occasions one or more of the dogs in my care have indeed trapped and caught the cats.  

Fortunately for the cats I have always been only a few steps behind my dogs in my yard. Sometimes those are long steps but I’m close at hand. Close enough to run and assist the cat to escape the dogs’ jaws. I have come away with several scratches and bites as he/she is attempting to flee.

 I usually end up crying because the poor kitty doesn’t mean to hurt me but he’s so frantic to get away. I feel so bad for the kitty.  He/she screams and hisses and scrambles and flails through the air or frantically claws at the nearest tree or hedge to dash over the fence and down the road. With my heart racing madly and hands shaking furiously, I do my best to contact the owner and explain about their poor kitty and to please watch for him/her to come back home safely.

How many more times? When will they learn do not come back in this yard. It is not kitty safe!

 I know what you say.  Get rid of the feeders minimize the birds eliminate the cats.

Baloney. That wont work.  My gardens make lovely litter boxes and they are not going away just because there are limited birds.
Ok so where am I going with this topic?  It’s really just, a vent, I s’pose. 

A short while ago, the daily feline visit went unnoticed by me but not by one of the dogs. Yes, he did get the cat. I was not as close as normal. The ground is icy and snow covered. 

My traction is not as good as the dogs. The cat was caught by his back end. I hoped, just his tail. This particular dog has a high prey drive. He was not letting go. Fortunately, he is also a very obedient and lovely family dog.  As I ran, I hollered, “DROP IT!” He opened his jaw, the cat dropped and in a split second, ran like a shot, up the hedge and over the fence. GONE! There were no blood drops in the snow.  There was a bit of kitty fluff on doggie’s mouth.  Oh dear. He did get him for sure.  The cat has not returned.
Where is the cat?  Has he been home? Why do I feel sick to my stomach? The weather was bitter cold.  I can only hope he has learned this yard is NOT SAFE for kitties.  

To the family who may have an injured cat at home. Give him lots of love and please keep him indoors.  Get well soon white kitty.

It is my humble opinion; House Cats are domestic pets. 
Domestic= house.   
Please take some time to read and feel free to pass this onto any cat owners you think might need this inofrmation

Good Reading Material - Why All Cats Should Be Kept Indoors. 
https://www.peta.org/living/companion-animals/caring-animal-companions/caring-cats/indoor-cats/

Should Cats Be Kept Indoors

indoor Cats vs Outdoor Cats

January 2018? RarrOOooo Where is the time going?

I can't believe it's been so long since I sat down to write a blog. There have been a few changes around Royal K9 Korner. We've had a very good winter so far but really are looking forward to some warmer temps and DRYER yard conditions.
Right now our yard is a MESS! There are a lot of icy patches and we have to be very very careful going outside. Mom and dad bought some doggy friendly ice remover stuff. It works okay, but really there is so much that its still very slippery. Really too slippery to allow for free play time, so many of our visitors have been attached to a long, lightweight dog lead to drag around for safety. Mom just steps on one when they start to get too energetic. It's a helpful reminder that hinders excited play right now. Im really happy about that, cuz really... the youngsters that come to visit these days... well... you know how playful they are.  Mom wants everyone to stay safe in this icy weather.

Lady May stepping carefully on the ice

Oh ya if you look in that last photo, you'll see a new buddy of ours. Her name is Tika! Ya. I know, she looks just like our other buddy, Finley, right? Well, she's not lol
She's an older girl and mom says she's going to check with her mom to see if she's related to Finley. We'll let you know what she says. Anyway Tika has only visited a few times but we heard she's going to spend all of Spring break with us. That will be fun cuz Miss Lil Molly's coming then too. Oh man, we cant wait for Spring.

Other new things at RK9Korner are our fences. Im pretty sure mom has already told most people about them. Yesterday we had an interested person ask us about the security of our yard. That's when we thought, well, ya know what? We better get crackin' and post some pictures of things here.

Now of course, you know, its going to look a whole lot different come the Spring. Dad put in the 6 ft cedar fence this summer and it has to have caps put on it yet. The grass was all dug up so he could cement in the posts. We had a big machine here and everything. Take a look at the before and after! No jumpers will get over that. There's no way to dig under it either cuz the old chainlink fence is still cemented there as well.

Yahoo! Gates go on in the Spring 2018 Old Chain-link gate remains in place for now

Mom was also busy last year dividing up our entire yard into fenced off and gated areas. We now have plenty of separate play stations depending on who wants to be alone or with a playmate. She never forgets to close a gate and we always have to ask politely to play together. Usually we all get alone just fine so its okay.

Lil Molly enjoys a shady spot in the heat of the day

Here's a few random photos to take a peek at.

Oh Ya! Mom decided to open up a bath station for people who want their sweetie to be purdy smelling.  That's Lil Molly getting all cleaned up. She's a good girl.

We added a small ramp to the upper yard for those who can no longer make the jump. Lady May just couldn't resist trying it out before mom even got the carpeting nailed in place.

Lil Molly and Tika stop to pose in between getting to know each other

Lil Molly tries to tell mom to put the camera away now!

An additional large crate for those who need to get away from all the action.

Tika deciding if she's small enuf to fit the small crate
OR if the couch is more to her liking

Of course you know she chose the couch. When mom picked up the camera... she jumped off quickly. She has learned that mom wont freak out over that, but she will be encouraged to use a floor mat instead.

Warm weather front porch foamy becomes a Winter floor mat

Rookie chooses to be separate even though the mat is small. 

Tika and Princess MollyDawg sharing space

Beds are allowed only if they have been invited to share

Mom's been busy adding new photos and video to our Facebook page and to our youtube channel so watch for those new postings soon

Thanks for visiting. Hope you come back really soon

Hello Yeti and Welcome Back Abby To K9Korner Dog Care

A few days ago we had the pleasure of welcoming a new friend, Yeti to K9Korner. She is a 1 1/2 yr old Border Collie cross. Her stay was very short but her mom and dad say she'll be back for another visit soon. Yeti only stayed over just one night, but we sure enjoyed having her with us. She has wonderful manners and we were not surprised when she found the toy box as quickly as she did.

Hey!? You guys got any toys here?

Ah yes! Now I see them

What? Did I leave some in the bin! I'll get them next!

We cant wait for Yeti to visit again. Mom and Dad forgot how energetic a puppy can be!
OH GOOD GRIEF!

Next we had a friend stay who we haven't seen for about 10 years. Abby is a Pure bred Standard Poodle who moved away when she was 2 years old. We heard she moved back to Lillooet and has now been adopted and is living with her gramma. She's a lucky girl indeed, she has two loving caring moms! Here's a couple of then and now photos of her.

Abby and Princess MollyDawg 2006

2006 - P. MollyDawg - "Hey I love the perfume on your toes, Abby."
Abby - "Thanks Molly It's called Ode Da Dog-E"

 Now at 12 years old the two Black buddies are far more dignified. There was little to no rough stuff. A few simple, greetings of, "Oh hi, how ya bin?" and then just settling to enjoy the afternoon. 

Take the pic mom, Yer cutting into our nap time.

 Lady May wasn't as thrilled and seemed to  think she was a stranger. She tolerated Abby. Mostly, we think cuz she didn't have to share her toys.

Lady May- "At least I dont have to share toys with this one"

We hope they'll both be back to see us again soon. 

Day 3 - What's so Cute about Topsy Turvey

I can do topsy turvey too ya know mom!
Okay so now mom is saying that Lady May is soo cute cuz she flips upside down to sleep. Oh come on now. Are you kidding me? What's so gud about that.

I can do that too ya know. well, I can BUT I choose not to. Why cuz it's dumb!
Who ever heard of a normal dog sleeping upside down . . . certainly NOT A ROYAL ONE!

Aww come on Princess MollyDawg, it's so relaxing to lay this way. You should really give it a try!

Besides sometimes Im only on my side with a back support

Well, and a pillow of course!

Oh good grief! Am I really part of this family!! ??

Oh the humiliation!

Day Two Photo Challenge and Plants Galore

Okay so here it is day two of the Photo challenge that Aunty Bonny nominated mom for. Thanks a lot Aunty Bonny. Now we have to be the center of attention for 5 straight days.... Oh wait a minute... does that mean.... well Yes I guess it does. It means that each and every time she attempts to take a picture of us... there will be COOKIES involved. Oh YAHOOO!!
That also means that if I accidentally turn my head just a bit out of kilter... well, she'll have to take another pic...
Hmmmm how many cookies are left in that cookie cupboard anyway??? Hey Lady May go count cookies......

Okay well, yesterday mom and dad went into the city for some docs appointment and guess what?! WE HAD TO STAY HOME!! I know what gives with that eh? Well to be honest mom thought it might be a safer thing to do cuz it was kinda hot out and she didn't want to take a chance on us getting over heated in the truck... Personally I think it was cuz she planned to get a whole lot of plants for her flower beds and baskets etc. Ya like she was gonna fill the entire truck bed... Now that makes more sense to me.

So this is just the beginning of picture time right? We soon get loads of cookies right?

She says it's a beautiful weekend and wants to get alot of yard work done. The lawns totally need mowing and hedges need pruning. Oh and our friend Lil' Molly's dad, brought us some wire fencing to put up behind one of our hedges so the neighbourhood dogs cant keep trying to sneak into our yard. They cause alot of havoc when we have company over so now they will be fenced out.

Lady May - "Hey Molly? Does that mean we're fenced in?"

We've always been fenced in Lady May, silly girl.

Lady May - "Ohh."

A Very Different Blog Post - Day Two Photo Challenge

Yesterday I was offered a Facebook Photo challenge. I know everyone who reads this blog will be familiar with that.

Today I had planned to write a tribute to honor the memory of my beloved King. I have been drafting it up for quite a few days now. It made me cry and it made me smile and reminisce about all the wonderful times I shared in his presence. I was pretty much ready to share that post here when my dearest friend/sister sent me a Facebook Challenge. The Happy Dog Life Challenge to fight animal abuse. The challenge is to post a picture of your dog(s) for 5 straight days and nominate another dog lover....

Did she remember this day was coming? Of course she knew. Did she know my heart was aching? Yes, she knew, because I'm certain she was feeling that dull ache as well. Did she know I would need something to lift my spirits this day. Maybe. I like to think she did. There is something she may not have known. That is, that her Facebook challenge post made me save the post I had intended for this day and lock it in a sealed folder for my heart only.

So today I'm writing a more uplifting post. One that will ensure my boy smiles down at me and says, "That's the way to live your life mommy. Let my spirit only bring joy to you this day forever more." Find peace and happiness in what's positive around you. There is much to sing and laugh about if we wish to open our eyes and search for it.
Today, April 28 2017 for me, will now mark an official day of healing, happiness and yes, Survival!

Yesterday was officially my Day One of the photo challenge. I received my message from Aunty Bonny at 5:30 am so that is my start time and date.
I posted my reply with these two photos as Day One.
With my camera in hand searching for the sleeping beauties at 5:30 AM Should be easy enough to find..

Lady May - "Back off Mom! I'm still sound asleep!"

Princess MollyDawg - "You've GOT TO BE kidding me right?
She's going to be tagging along beside us for 5 DAYS!!!
Oh good grief Lady May. This is going to be a pain! "

Today the Royal girls will be taking a short trip into the city for the day. We have some important business to attend to and they must tag along with us. Day Two photos will come when we get back home.

Aright Miss Aunty Bonny, You asked for it. . . Stay tuned . . .

Royal K9 Korner - Your Paws Are Safe With Us

A new year has unfolded. The Royals now have just two little girls. Princess MollyDawg and Lady May. We have set our sights on a brand new year and trying to live in the most positive fashion we can.
Life can be brutal if you let it. We refuse to let it keep us down.

Mom has retired and is focused on creating new and wonderful adventures. We get to be a part of it all and are very excited. The first BIG CHANGE is our name. We are now known legally as Royal K9 Korner. Mom really wanted to name us King's K9 Korner.. but you can see by the acronym that it really wasn't such a great idea. KKK Nawww

So, we are now a registered dog care facility and we're open to conduct our business in Lillooet. Mom and Lady May became certified Pet First Aider a few years ago.  So mom can make sure all our visitors stay safe. She's contemplating joining the Walks 'n Wags Pet First Aid team, by becoming an instructor!  We'll update you when things come together more in that area.

Today we thought we'd introduce you to a few of our latest guests. We'll be adding more videos and some of the fun antics that go on around here. Currently we're focused on upgrading our fencing and adding a bath station. Our goal is to make our guests have a truly, wonderful Royal visit with us.
We think we're on the road to success!

Be sure to check out our videos on King's YouTube Channel!  https://www.youtube.com/user/KingSurvives2008
We'll be adding more as we take them. Thank you for visiting us.

We hope you come back really soon!

Lady May and Princess MollyDawg wait for visitors

Lady May loves to share with Lil' Molly

10 yr old Finley gets the bed to himself

Finnegan and Lady May wait to go out to play