Welcome To Our Pack Sweet Khione!

 This week we had an opportunity to have 2 yr old, Husky cross, Khione spend a day with us. She had her spay back in Oct. She's now ready to spend some time doing some socializing with us.
This was a very first time for Khione's to left in daycare. She has a big brother at home and is still developing relationships with other dogs she meets on her walks.  We are very happy to welcome her to our extended pack!

Just like any newcomer she was a bit reluctant to have her mommy leave her at the gate. As per the norm, we spent some time walking around, getting familiar with the yard. It didn't take very long for Khione to find just the right toy to hold her interest. The homemade sock-ball toy with the squeaky that has long since been 'deactivated'. She enjoyed throwing it around and carried it with her while we checked things out.

Welcome pretty little Khione. (pronounced Key-O'-knee)

Soon it was time to head indoors and get reacquainted with Lady May. Khione took a step back when we reached the doorway and decided she was just too shy to enter. That was fine, we sat at the entrance way with the door open for a few minutes. She popped her head in the doorway and took in a few good sniffs of the house smells. Before you know it, she was comfortable enough and in we went to meet with Lady May.
They were quite nonchalant in meeting, as if they remembered meeting each other way back in Oct. Lady May really showed very little interest in her at all.  We stayed indoors for a little toy time then headed out to check the yard again before lil Miss Suzy Q arrived. 

Lady May and Miss Khione enjoying a cool morning on the front porch

Khione stayed ever watchful in case her mom decided to show up

Khione tried to coax Lady May into a bit of play time a few times. Lady May was more interested in some quiet time, or she was just to busy being to sophisticated to indulge. That was fine by Khione, she entertained herself with her new found sock toy and kept her ears open for interesting different sounds. 

When Suzy Q arrived, Khione tried several attempts to get her to play with her. Little playful bounces and polite bows had no effect on either Suzy nor Lady May. They were not ready to be coerced into play. Thanks girls, that meant Khione and I had an opportunity to play together. She's a fun loving sweetie with loads of energy.
It was obvious she would really rather a dog to play with. I was only an adequate playmate. I know in time Khione will get to meet so many others. Her mom is hopeful for weekly visits with Khione and then she'll find that perfect playmate for zoomes.

Khione - "Hey, wanna do some zoomies with me?" Suzy Q - " Umm, no thanks. Im busy"

Suzy Q - "Quit following me. I doan wanna play"
Khione - "Im not following you. I was just checking this spot out!"

Khione - "Hey, are we allowed to go over there?"
Lady May - "Not without your lead on you're not. "

Lady May stands guard and shows Khione where the mice sleep over the winter.

Very polite Khione, giving Suzy time and space in the hope she will decide to play.

Khione - "Are you ready to play yet?"
Lady May - "She's not gonna let up is she?"

Lady May and Suzy show Khione they are still bonding and not quite ready to play yet.

Indoors Suzy Q and Lady May play off to the side from Khione.

Khione rests and waits patiently for her mommy to return.

I'm looking forward to seeing how relationships develop for young Khione as she visits us more often.
She is a gentle and playful little girl. I know there are other visitors who will give her the kind of attention and play she is asking for. It's just certainly not coming from Lady May and Suzy Q right now.

I will be super excited to post the day I see her doing zoomies with others.
She certainly is a patient and polite sweetie.

Just before dinner her mommy returned for her. It was too dark to video or take any pictures of course. Suffice it to say she was OVER THE MOON!

Be sure to follow us on Facebook to see how Khione's social activities develop!

Khione - "It's kinda boring here. When is my mom coming home!

Good Night 2020 - Good Morning 2021

 So, that was it! It's done. We've seen the last days of the year 2020!
A sigh of relief or a deep breath as we awaken 2021?
When we stepped into Jan 2020, there was no forewarning of the possible adversity in store for us.
(or was there)
We began the year with wide opened gates for a full calendar of visitors.  We saw lil Molly, Hazel, Bentley, Maverick and Sadie, Mylu, River and Curly. We welcomed a few new comers Suzy Q, Macy, Khione, Lupin and Cedar. We said farewell to The Bernies as they moved to another town. They are already missed by their playmates. We said a huge farewell to our darling Matriarch as she crossed over Rainbow Bridge. Our hearts still ache for you Princess MollyDawg.
Happy New Year to all those furry angels watching over us! 🌈🐾💜

January 2020 gave us well below -0 temps and blowing cold winds. Our trips to Kamloops were cautious and we were happy we brought our winter coats. This years temps are mild and warm enough to be almost enjoyable

The Royals enjoying a bit of Jan. 2020 Winter in Kamloops

February 2020 gave us reason to celebrate the rising mild temps and the absence of snow. The dogs were all happy to play outdoors without coats. We were able to clear out our flower beds to let the Spring growth come through. I refuse to talk about The Big Scare that hit us in the Spring of 2020.
You all know its out there, and we're going to stay pawsitive on it's control.
I was so happy with how our yard flourished last year. I sure hope we are that fortunate this year.
I'll be doing my plant count soon to start making plans to fill my planters again this year.
Yep, Pawsitive thinking!

Curly, lil Molly and Suzy Q enjoy a warm morning in February 2020.

We had a few newcomers and will be looking forward to seeing them again this year.
Welcome Cedar, Macy and Khione. We can't wait for your visits again this year.

Welcome to our 2020 newcomers. Cedar, Macy and Khione
We look forward to a fun filled summer!

We have another little newcomer who is sitting on the sidelines waiting for her spay to be completed, much like Khione is, before she visits us.
We'll be welcoming little Lupin this year.
Mylu and Lupin are buddies and we had the privilege of meeting up with her when we saw Mylu at her house over Christmas. We hope to look forward to her visits soon this year.

Lupin was spending a day with Mylu's mom and dad. It was so nice to see them all.

The fresh Spring of 2020 quickly turned to a wonderful hot summer. We had a fabulous year for flowers and a dry yard full of green grass. The dogs played outdoors for most of the days and kept us laughing with their fun.  My hose helpers made sure everything stayed good and wet. Including them.
Oh good grief, they kept me in stitches!

Bentley and Hazel 2020 Hose helpers extraordinaire!

We upgraded to a bigger small pool last year. The little green one just wasn't cutting it any longer and it seems like our dogs are getting a bit bigger now.

Sadie and Lady May sharing pool time while the others are busy.

River gets her paws wet while lil Molly decides if the water temp is warm enough.

On those almost rare occasions of wet weather last year we stayed indoors and developed wonderful relationships. The toy box was never empty and the tug toys, squeakies and stuffys had a great work out. I've purchased new toys for this year and they're all just waiting to be chewed, tugged and squeaked!

Maverick and Sadie turned out to be such an awesome pair. Two super happy and contented buddies.
It was easy to watch these two. I cant wait to see them together again.

Happy Sadie gathers up some toys to have close by when she wakes.

We are already swinging into the New Year. We are holding onto all the Pawsitive thoughts we can muster. We've started fresh and with out fear.
Will we keep in mind our Social Distancing and safe policies until we are given the Go Ahead!?
You bet we will!
2021 We're ready for you. Bring it on!
We hope you'll join us on Facebook - RK9KornerDaycare !

Merry Christmas from Royal K9 Korner's Krew

We're just days away from Santa Paws arriving!

We've been keeping busy making bows and wrapping prezzies to pass the time.  
Thank you so much Margaret, Hubert and Penny of Tree Treasures Canada.ca for creating such lovely wooden ornaments for my gifts.
You make life so much easier for me.

Dog sitting is slowing down for the season. People are staying home and staying safe! The few dogs that have visited have all helped to wrap and of course sample the cookies.  Thank you so much my helpers. Miss Hazel made sure to check out the bows before they went on the cards.  Everyone sat so well and waited for their goodies while I took yet more photos.

Okay Lady, This batch is ready to go.
I'll just check the cookies one, more, time!

How many bags of cookies went missing? I think I saw Suzy Q eat one!
Suzy Q - "Not me, Gramma it was Lady May!"

Marchioness lil Molly - "What cookies?"

Maverick de Marquis - "I think we should check the Marchioness' breath!

Miss Sadie - "I saw crumbs on Sir Bentley's chin!"

Santa Paws Cedar, - "I'm sure  I heard him burp too!"

Sir Bentley - "Don't beleeve him. Im alergic to cookies! Reelay I am!"

Miss Mylu - "Trust me! There was no cookies taken by anyone" (( Im sure {burp} ))

I know, right? They REALLY are on Santa's good dogs list!!  
I promised to allow them to sit on the bed and watch some Disney movies.
Awww I know! They deserved it & loved it!

Can you close the door please. We're trying to watch a movie here!

Miss Hazel, Marchioness lil Molly and Lady May
"Ooo it's Cinderella, Our favourite Princess"!

Royal K9 Korner wishes everyone, paws or feeties, fur or furless, tails or no tails a very safe, healthy and Happy Christmas & New Year.
2021 is on the way.

A select few have been home for the last few months. We miss you and are howling for  your visits in 2021 RarrOoooHOOooooo

 

A Letter From Hazel

 Hello mommy and daddy!
I've been taking good care of the people here at Royal K9 Korner. Thank you for letting me stay here while you're away.
Lady May's mom says I've been very helpful around the house and yard.  I'm getting better at leaving the rake thing alone. (most times)  I just chew on a big stick the lady gives me until she needs me to guard her twig carrier thing.
 It's a very important, serious job!

If I see a stick that's going to fall out I fix it for her.

Oh Look! See! This stick needs fixing!

Then the Lady usually gives me another bigger stick to chew on for awhile. It's a fun game!

I've been sharing toys with Lady May and Suzy Q.  When Suzy doesn't want me to touch her toys, she stares right at me and I try really hard not to take them. The lady here sees when it happens and she takes the toy away and keeps it. We don't get it back until much later.  Suzy likes to lay close to me so I think she likes me. Even though she's littler than me,  I'm s'posed to respect her cuz she's way older. I'm learning to lay with her but I wont take her toys.

Learning to share

 

Mat sharing is much easier than toys

Maverick came a visited for alot of days and we sure had fun! I hope he comes back soon. He's FAST!

Hi Maverick, I remember you! Let's ZOOM!

Last weekend I had a surprise visit from The Marchioness, lil Molly. We had a ton of fun. I was trying very hard to get her to play chase with me, but she doesn't like that game. She loves this "Ball game" so now, I'm learning how to play that. The lady here says, I'm learning to play it really well. She gives me a bit of a yummy treat when I bring the ball back to her. I guess it's ok but sometimes I forget so I miss out on the cookie. Drat!

I have to bring it back for a cookie right? Right!

When lil Molly was here we went for a ride in Lady May's dad's truck. I had to show lil Molly not to be afraid. She's kinda scared going for truck rides so we didn't go very far or for very long. We all had to wear a harness and a seat belt. The lady here said I did a really good job so we got to have cookies when we got back home. lil Molly was so happy to get back, but I wanted to go for more. I thought we were going to see you mom. ((sigh)) Soon right?

 

It's ok lil Molly. I know the daddy here and he drives safely

 

Oh thank Dogness! I can see our house!

There was one day I was kinda chilly so the lady here said I had to wear my coat. Im sure glad I have it. It keeps me really warm. Oh and guess what else? The lady here built me a cozy warm tent thing. Oh mom! It was so warm. I loved it. The heat just poured all over me. Can we build one please?  That night I was allowed to sleep beside the fireplace. I only stayed there for a little while cuz I much rather sleep closer to Lady May. I think her and I are going to be really good friends soon. I just have to play soft with her.

 

 

 

 

 

 

There is a metal thing that pours out the heat. It's great mom!

 

I dream of you every nite.

I still sleep with your PJ top mom. It reminds me that you'll be home soon. I hope you and daddy are staying safe. I sure miss you. I'm being a really good girl! 

OH and Guess What?  Did you know that Santa Paws is coming here soon! Yay! The lady here says all the dogs are sure to get a present cuz we all been SO GUD!
We have been practising being Santa Paws and Santa helpers. It's alot of fun and there is mega cookies for being good Santas. I think I'm the best!

I bet Santa Paws will bring you home to me. That's all I really want. 
Give daddy big hugs for me. 
PS Did I write a letter to Santa Paws yet?
I'll see you soon mommy.
Your very bestest puppy ever
HazelNut ❤💓💜🐾

Royal K9 Korner 2020 Christmas Album is coming soon! Watch For It!

Lady May, Miss Mylu and Hazel playing dressup Santa Paws and Helpers.

Cedar's Meet 'n Greet, Done!

Cedar visited back in early July for an initial Meet 'n Greet. However, due to many factors, his full M&G could not be completed. We believe COVID is no longer a threat, at this time, and the cooler temps are here! We're happy we were finally able to have him back.

Welcome to 4 1/2 yr old Malamute/Shepard X   Cedar!
Cedar is a well known boy who spends most of his days with his mom at the local pet supply shop in town. Many of our visitors already know Cedar from their visit to BearDog Cafe. 

Cedar's personality truly meets his physical proportions. He's inquisitive, full of life and just wants to please. He said a polite, quiet "hello, I remember you." to Lady May, and they stayed outside together while Cedar settled into strolling around the yard soaking in all the scents of the others before him.

Cedar still uncertain if he's going to like it here.
Watching the front driveway gate.

As with all new comers, Cedar wore his halter for the first little while. It's a precaution I always take. It allows me instant control if the need arises.  Before it's removed, newcomers have to demonstrate calm behaviour and reliable recall. When that is achieved the halter is replaced with a long lead. The lead gets removed when a good level of comfort is noticed and I know there will be no attempt to "leave the premises."  If you're familiar with my blogs/posts, and have viewed the photos,  it's easy to determine how long a dog has been here or what his/her behaviours have been like each day, by which type of halter/lead (if any) they have on. Sometimes even old timers are required to wear a lead if they're having trouble staying calm. It can be a safety issue for others as well as themselves.
Cedar passed the lead test in less than an hour.  His halter was removed and replaced by a short lead only, which was removed in no time at all. He stayed right by my side. We spent alot of time in the yard together getting to know the boundaries and checking out who's been where. I was impressed with Cedar's quick comfort levels.

It's obvious to me that his mom has spent a great deal of time training Cedar. Although Cedar is a very strong boy, he is well behaved and very gentle. A definite positive attribute for such a big fella. Imagine what happens to puppies that jump and run wild without proper discipline and then grow to be a massive size and still want to jump and zoom at will!  OMG! Thank you Stella for taking the time to teach this wonderful boy good social manners! 

Hey Lady, got any bigger mats?

 

 

Cedar happily strolling through the yards checking out all the other dog scents. Lead free!

Due to Cedar's size, I knew it was possible for him to be uncomfortable indoors. I made sure to remove any obstacles and clear paths for this gentle big boy before he arrived. It's important for him to feel he has room to roam and turn around.  My house can seem a bit confined with all its gates and separated areas. Cedar was very good with allowing me to lead him through the areas and simply stopped when he wasn't sure.  We spent time going in and out of the house, in and out of rooms and up and down the stairs for a few hours.  I could see his comfort increase and he learned there was room for his big body very quickly.
Then it was toy time!!  Cedar had an opportunity to check out every type of toy we have.  Lady May was quietly relaxing on the porch and not the least bit interested in playing. The toys were up for grabs for Cedar. We checked out the tuff chewer toys, the soft tug toys, rope toys, hard balls, soft balls, squeakies. YES! Squeakies! That was the favourite. Oh what fun we had! Each squeaky has a different tone and we played "music" on them all.

Cedar testing all the different toy types. Finally settled on a squeaky!

We had planned this visit to fall during lunch time. I always like to see the level of comfort around food time and to allow a new visitor to experience eating time. Being an 'only' visitor gives that time to know where, when and how it will happen and makes it easier on visits when there are many others around. When lunch time arrived, Cedar found a station that suited his size and sat patiently while I portioned out Lady May's before his own.

Cedar, so serious. "When does the food come Lady?"

 The time seemed to pass so quickly and before we knew it, Cedar's 4 hour visit was up.

His mom would like him to be able to visit a few times a week.  We are happy to welcome Cedar back for future visits! We know he's going to have fun with many new friends when he's here.
Cedar is already booked to visit us during Hazel's day next week. Yay! What a blast that's going to be! 

Cedar's mom very generously donated 2 delicious tubs full of their very own Gingerbread cookies!
Oh YUM! Thank you so much!! Just wait until you see the smiles on our visitors faces!!

Make sure you say hello to Cedar and his mom when you visit BearDog Cafe in Lillooet!!

I'll get the squeakies ready for you buddy. See you soon.

I'll be uploading photos to Cedar's Facebook Album soon!
Be sure to check it out!

Rainbow Bridge Has Taken Our Princess

The sun came over the mountain in just the same way it does every morning. The Stellar Jays started chattering about their days. I watched a few small clouds form soft, grey shadows with bright glowing edges against the cool, dark blue sky. I knew today I would have to sit down and finish writing what I started a month ago.
I sipped a hot caramel coffee, the same as every other morning. I felt the chill in the air that reminded me, Winter is not far off. As I sat and thought about the task for today, I knew it would be the same for me. I would write and cry so hard I would stop. Today I had to complete this, I had to push through the tears and allow myself to remember and cry and let it out.
Something stirred across the yard and forced my gaze from heaven to earth. It wasn't our beautiful 15 and a half year old Princess Mollydawg. She used to slowly amble up the small hill towards her favourite spot near the fenceline. She knew just where to find the best new blades of morning grass. It would soothe her tummy and allow her to begin her day in less discomfort. She was old and not well and it took longer for her, but she'd get there. Then she'd just stand a few feet away from me and we'd watch the sky and yard together.  Today it was Lady May coming up the hill to lay at the top with me. She is taking her place.
I felt my mug warm my hands this morning like it has for the last few mornings. Everything seemed the same. Yet in the quiet morning, I know, it's not. It hasn't been the same since the morning daddy came up the hill and stood with us. He wasn't going to work that day. We were going for a long drive.

That day a month ago, Molly seemed to sense the pain in our hearts and looked up at her daddy as if to say, "Let's go for my last car ride today daddy. Please don't cry. I can't keep going on this way. I need some peace. My body is so tired and it's beginning to hurt me now.  I really just want to lay in your arms and fall to sleep Daddy. Let's go for a drive today. Please?"

Please don't cry daddy. I've had such a good life! I'm just tired now.

Our hearts still ache and we're still sobbing when we let ourselves think about our darling, daring, beautiful Princess MollyDawg.  We know the pain will get easier for us to bare. We know it was her time to leave us. For now our pain is so very strong, its difficult to bare. She is so terribly missed!! 

Thank you so much to Cheryl and Dave, for the absolutely beautiful Rainbow Bridge card. We have never seen anything like it. It brought tears of course. Your thoughtfulness is so welcomed. One day we will meet and hug in real time!
Our hearts hurt so bad, even though we know she is resting and she's with the buddies she has loved to play with so much. We are still in grief and walking one day at a time.

Yesterday daddy took another long drive. This time he drove alone. He drove to Cache Creek Veterinary Hospital to receive our Princess Mollydawg's urn. We held the urn close to our hearts and cried and tried desperately to feel her essence. We know she is all around us, yet we still wish we could hold her again. Our beautiful girl, The Best Princess Ever!
She is home and will never leave us again. I can not write any more.

Our Molly
The Best Princess Ever
13/04/05 - 22/09/20

You have gone ahead and nothing is the same
Leaving paw print on our hearts that always will remain

Thank you once again to all the caring staff at Cache Creek Veterinary Hospital. We know you gave our girl the dignity and respect she rightly deserved as she passed over Rainbow Bridge. Special thank you to Kara-Lee for all the extra care and thoughtfulness in filling our Molly's special paw heart once again. I know it is not an easy task. Thank you so much!!
Now our Royals are also reunited in their place holders next to my heart forever more.

 

 

Where I go my dogs always come along

Thank you for allowing us to share your space.
We will love you forever and ever.
Mommy and Daddy and Lady May
XOX

An Opportunity, A Challenge and An Apology.

Royal K9 Korner has been going through some rough emotional times and requested a break while we recovered from the heartbreak of saying goodbye to our Beloved Princess MollyDawg.
Our visitors have gone above and beyond to help us get through our current struggle. Thank you again for all your empathy and understanding!
One of our visitors returned and has now headed back home.

3 yr. old Belgian Malinois, Macy, had been quickly booked in for a 21-day stint prior to The Princess' passing. Her mom and dad, (Alicia, and Liam), were deployed to California to fight the fires raging there. We were proud to play a small part in giving our local firefighters an opportunity to assist, and we quickly welcomed Macy so her parents could go. 

Macy's trial meet n greet sleep over, showed she had some issues with new dog introductions. We recognized those and were fully prepared to take the necessary steps to ensure everyone remained safe during their visits. It was a challenge that we met with calm, firm leadership and with as little stress as possible.
We had not anticipated the added emotional stress of our darling Royal Matriarch, The Princess MollyDawg, heading off to Rainbow Bridge. We were forced to make a few quick alterations in order to accommodate everyone safely. Including our own mental/emotional health.
I'd like to offer my sincere apologies to those people who had to make alternative arrangements for daycare during Macy's visit. I fully understand the unexpected inconvenience of that short notice of having to find another sitter for your darlings.
I felt it was an important decision to keep your sweetie safe. Rather than to put them in a situation that could create an unsafe and at best an unpleasant experience for everyone.
Thank you for your understanding.
Macy has headed back home now, with her grandparents. Her mom and dad have had their deployment extended and RK9Korner has previous bookings that will not allow us to accommodate Macy's needs.
During Macy's 14 day visit, I've taken a slew of videos and photos and just never found time to create an album for her. So today is the day.  I will blog more about Macy and her visit in the coming weeks.
I hope you'll enjoy her photos.
Macy's Facebook Album