Mid August and We're okay!

Oh man! Where to begin? It's mid August, we're still sitting with a packed truck ready to go if need be. Lightening strikes are my current fear and still a very real threat due to the heat and dryness of our area. 
Our sky is clearing and yesterday morning there was no sign of the smoke from the fires burning closest to us. Any smoke from the Lytton fire and the McKay creek fire could not be seen. That was until early afternoon when the wind shifted and the smoke from the McKay creek fire filled our air and dropped ash everywhere once again. (sigh)

We had a day of rain that barely dampened the earth, but it was a blessing to have it. It cooled things down and gave me a day of less worry.
I'm no longer booking in dogs for the month of August and into mid Sept. Any dogs that were previously booked have been set as daycare only. I'm not taking any new overnights. I know the inconvenience this caused a few customers and I'm not happy about that either. Thank you so much for your understanding.

There comes a point when I have to take my own mental health condition into account first. When dogs are over night during this time, I'm not getting the rest I require. I toss and turn and worry about nighttime evacuation orders coming in. Is this nonsense? It could be, but its how my brain operates. When dogs are visiting, I am the one person responsible for their wellbeing. At this time, I am not prepared to take on that additional responsibility. I am not strong enough to add that emotional stress and I have to admit that.

So, am I still doing dog daycare?
- Some yes. For the August previously booked dogs and no additional over nights.
I am CLOSED from Aug 29th until mid September.

Have dogs been cancelled?
- Yes, they have. Due to the overnight aspect that was required and mom/dad's travel plans.

Will I make an exception?
- Yes, I will. Based on moms/dad's travel plans, the dog's emergency contact person, the length of over night stay, and the fire status. ie: - Mom/dad are in town or up to 1 hour distance of home. - 1 night of over night at a time. - Emergency contact person has notified me that they are ready that day at the drop of a hat to grab the dog at any time of day or night. - Fire status is safely under control for that day.

Am I doing Meet 'n Greets?
- No.

Am I okay?
- Yes, I am. I am owning my limitations and doing what my heart feels is best for the dogs and myself.

If anyone needs more information please feel free to contact me. I still have my phone handy even if it's not strapped to my hip at this time.

Now, for a smile. Here's a couple of faces that gave me a smile during this stressful time. Thank you for the needed giggles!

Lady May enjoying quiet outdoor time with lil Suzy Q. They are fast becoming best mates.

Marchioness lil Molly drying off after a morning bath

Miss Khione keeps her self occupied when there's no mates visiting

Welcome back Miss Yeti. It's good to see you again!

Miss Yeti and her mom and dad have returned to Lillooet. We're so happy to see her back!
I'll sit down a write a bit when I get a moment.
Check out a few more photos on our Facebook page here.

As One Dog Leaves Another Arrives - Welcome Little Lupin

 

Yes, we are saying farewell to our lovely Miss Hazel. She heads back home to Ottawa in a week. As she heads off on her new adventures, she leaves us to bring into daycare one of her good pals, Lupin.

One year old Lupin applied for a Meet 'n Greet back in Aug 2020. She was just 10 weeks old and was waiting for her spay to be done before she could be accepted into Royal K9 Korner.
Over the months we had a few opportunities to meet with her while she was being taken care of with Mylu's mom and dad.
Yes, that's right Lupin already has a few friends who visit Royal K9 Korner.
She frequently visits with our Baroness Mylu, Hazel and little Miss Sage.
We were so happy when the day of her spay finally happened and we had an opportunity to set up for her official meeting.
As you can see, she is a real beauty. Her disposition seems to match that well.  It's obvious how much time and effort her mom and dad have taken  on her training. She comes with a very large repertoire of known commands and her recall seems spot on.
She met with Lady May in true royal fashion. She was very polite and treated Lady May with the respect owed to a senior. Good girl Lupin, we are happy to welcome you into our realm.

Lady May - "This kid's gonna be alright.  I can already see the fire in her eyes
and I bet she's gonna give Sage a run for her money"

Lupin's mom and dad have already set a few days aside to have Lupin visit for short introductory daycare. They're hoping to head out of town soon and would like to know Lupin is well established with us before that happens.
Lupin will be among the visitors coming in during the last week on July to help us say Farewell to Miss Hazel.
We have scheduled a fun group play day for a that week and we're really hoping the weather will cool down enough that we can actually have activities outdoors. If not we'll be having cool A/C days indoors with plenty of ice treats and toys.
I'll be sending out a confirmation email to all our visitors. Please watch for yours and please RSVP your arrival and pick up time when you receive it.
I know Lupin is going to fit right in!
Welcome little Lupin.

Royal K9 Korner Free PlayDay with Miss Hazel Schedule

Drop off time will begin at 8:00 am. As usual, Please text before you arrive.
Lunch time 1:15 pm
Pick up will begin at 5 pm.

Clouds instead of Smoke

To all our friends and family who live out of town and over seas. Today we are feeling much better as we go forward knowing the Rescue workers and firefighters have done such an amazing job of controlling the surrounding fires and putting us back on safe ground!
Thank you so much to our very good friend Paula for giving us a safe destination if we need to flee. We are still staying aware of current situation and prepared to leave if need be.
However, our sky is clearing and as one of my good friends pointed out, "I can see the blue sky again!" Paws crossed it continues. 

The past few weeks have been almost unbearable! The fear of the wildfires and the constant threat of lightening have put a huge damper on daycare. I have turned away many potential visitors due to trying to limit the amount of stress I feel. I have to acknowledge my limitations. I felt the need to allow only visits by dogs who I know very well. Enough to know that their emergency evacuation plans are solid. Contacts I know I can call in an instant and be 100% guaranteed they will be picked up instantaneously if the need be. Thus, I have asked any new comers or travellers to our town to seek other accommodations or delay their travel until our town and area is safe once more. 

During the last few weeks, my regular visitors have been so wonderful. Thank you so much for understanding my request for no over night visits for awhile. You have given me a better opportunity to rest and recoup for the next scary day. I am so thankful to be able to keep my door open and allow the dogs to bring some normalcy to my days and occupy my mind. They've done a wonderful job! I'm beginning to relax and I'm slowly opening my overnight visitors again.
So yes, we are still staying aware of our current state, and we remain packed and ready to head out if we need to. 

For now, we are doing okay and staying positive!

Miss Hazel is Moving Back HOME!

Hazel's very first visit

On October 10th, 2019, I met with an energetic, 6 mon. old, Bull Mastiff puppy and her mom. Miss Hazel had a face that was already so full of expression, with the cutest, ever so serious look.
Today, that puppy is calm, well mannered, beautifully socialized, and is still absolutely adorable as an adult. She still has that expression of solemn seriousness about her. She warms everyone's heart every time you look in her eyes. When I talk about her mum or about her going home she goes straight into what I call statue listening mode. It's as if she wants to hear every delicious word I have to say. Just in case I say she's going home now.

I have a heavy heart as we say Farewell to Hazel and her mom. They have become a very integral part of our Royal family. They will be leaving at the end of the month. July 31 will be our last visit with Hazel.  We'll spend the last week vising with all the friends she's made over her all to short time here. I'll post those pictures for sure!

Hazel's stare directly at me when she hears
her mom's notification sound on my phone.

Many of you already know how much Im going to miss having this darling visit. Yes, of course I will. I know however, that where she is moving to, will be an even happier environment for her.  There will be far less days needing daycare. She will have a whole world of brand new opportunities waiting for her with new friends. Hazel has only lived here in town, but her mom and dad have their home in Ottawa. She has visited her 'new' home on several occasions and yes, already has new friends who are waiting for her arrival.
I'm hopeful mum and dad will send updates to us regularly so that we can see her happy face often. 

Over her 2 year frequent visits with us, she has been full of antics. She's grown from inquisitive puppy-hood into a lovely self-confident adult. We are so happy to have been privileged enough to witness her growth.
Such a well developed, strong, healthy, loving companion. She stayed by her mom's side and kept her safe during her daddy's necessary absence. She will be united again in her family pack with her mom and dad. We couldn't be happier for her and her mom! 

I think one of the silliest traits of Miss Hazel has been her desire to crawl under places where it's absolutely impossible for her to fit!
Two places that stand out in my mind are under my chaise lounge and under the tool shed!
Are you kidding me?? That's totally impossible! 

Often times I would only see one little paw poking out.

Where's Hazel??

We had been working on upgrading the skirting around
the base of the shed and guess who crawled under?
Really??? That's where you were???

Oh Hazel! You have been so much fun to have around. You've made so many friends with us. Even when we thought there may be an issue. Your ability to read others and communicate so calm and clear made friendship seem easy.  We know you've made many friends around our small community. You're mum made sure to include you in everything she did. You have so many hiking buddies, walking pals, park pals and all your social activity outings have brought so many into your circle. We are all better because of you and your mom!
A few of those pals joined you here at Royal K9 Korner.  We will miss seeing you create wonderful fun filled days. Our photos are now our memories that will keep us smiling through the years. Thank you for your entertaining nature Miss Hazel.

Your friends say, Farewell big girl, we love you! 

Baroness Mylu - "I'll be guarding the pool toys for you!
No one steps a paw in it till you return!"

 

 

 

Marchioness lil Molly, Countess River and lil Miss Suzy Q
Countess River - "We'll take care of the rest of the toys for you!"
lil Molly - "hah! They'll all be well buried if we can help it!"
Suzy Q - "I wont let them bury them!"

Sir Bentley - "We'll keep an eye on little Sage for you!"
Mylu - "That's your job. I'm already tired of it."

"OOPS! Where'd she go???"

Miss Sadie and Young Khione - "We're sad to hear you're leaving.
Your food bowl will be safe with us!"
Lady May - "You know I can hear you right?"

Sir Cash - "The porch will seem so empty without you.
I'll miss you even though we had only a few visits.:(

I think I fell in love with you the very first time I saw you

Lady May - "I promise to teach little Lupin all the ropes!"
Lupin - "What ropes?? Wad'dya mean?"

You truly are an amazing girl! Have a wonderful future Miss Hazel!  Give your dad lots of snuggles and allow yourself to sit back a bit while he takes over a part of taking care of you and your mom.  I know he misses you both so very much! He's looking forward to having you both HOME!
You've been a great companion for your mom throughout her session here in Lillooet! Carry on loving her girl and enjoy the rest of your life!
No more waiting for her to pick you up! You are both home!

When is my mom coming for me?

 

 

 

 

GOING HOME!

Blue Ribbon Award Winner -Miss Hazel, Most Valuable Dog Friend

Royal K9 Korner Welcomes Miss Celine

3 yr old Celine - currently non social

3 year old mixed breed Celine came for her meet and greet on June 19th. She comes to us with an unpleasant history with other dogs. Celine was adopted from a litter of pups who were born in the woods. Her breed is unknown and we suspect she could be of quite a mixture. Possibly shepherd,  maybe coyote and whippet or greyhound. Who really knows. She has a wonderful loving family who started off her training perfectly. She has a solid knowledge of the basic skills and is happy to please. Her family is more than willing to help her overcome her adversity.

Over her few years, and during some of her walks, Celine was confronted aggressively by unleashed and 'less than friendly' dogs.  She has now built up defensive behaviours when she sees any dogs. She goes into "Get them before they get me" mode.
Celine is sweet and cuddly with people and proved that on our first meeting. Fortunately Lady May is very laid back with new dogs. Due to her disability she greets them all in a laying down position. 

I always introduce new dogs behind a gate and have a safely lead on.  When Celine first saw Lady May, she went into the expected defence mode and reacted negatively. Fortunately, Lady May has seen this before. She did not respond and looked away.  Good girl Lady May! By the end of the M&G Celine was able to allow me to lead her past Lady May and even shared space with her outdoors.

Celine came back for a 3 hour "test visit" yesterday. She came through the gate full of happiness and was eager to say hello to me. Lady May laid quietly behind the gate when Celine approached. Although Celine was obviously on guard, she approached with out any negative reaction. Good girl Celine. Well done Lady May.

I kept various gates between the two for the beginning of the visit and slowly moved towards removal as the visit progressed. 

Celine - "Oh, hi, I know you"

Outdoors time was very limited due to our heatwave. We made the most of the few minutes we spent each time and practised going in and out. Of course Celine was eager to head out and tried to head towards the gate for home. She was reluctant at first but did comply and did a thorough check around the yard. Lady May laid a few feet away until she felt safe enough to come closer.

Lady May keeps a safe distance away. She keeps her back to Celine.
Is she showing Celine she trusts her?

I have agreed to allow Celine to visit when there are no others on site. We believe it's very important for Celine to learn that she is safe here. My hope is for her to build on that with Lady May before we begin to slowly and safely introduce her to others. I like to believe Celine will eventually be happy when she has other dog friends. That may not happen. We know other dogs who remain people friendly only.

Celine still wearing a safety harness for protection.

Just so cute! Celine rests her chin on the bench. She can clearly see the entrance gate.
Is she watching for her daddy?

Celine investigated the entire yard. There are so many scents here.
It was too hot to complete the full yard in one time.

Safety halter is removed and Celine was free to investigate with just a long lead.

Lady May is laying on the sidelines and Celine showed no reaction at all.

While we were indoors we used some time to practise her basic skills. Celine was very compliant and showed me how clever she is. She has a solid foundation for various commands.  She was 5 for 5 on Sit from stand, Sit from down, Down from sit, Down from stand and Stand from down.
Her 'stay', was also very evident when I asked her to stay in place while I puttered in the kitchen. I removed the gate and she still stayed put! Well done Celine! Well done mommy!!

Celine- "Maybe it's close to food time?"

By the time home time rolled around, it was obvious Miss Celine had her fill and was most definitely ready for nap time.

This dog sitting place is sure tiring!

I will be looking for a few days in the next while when Celine can visit and continue to build on her feelings of safety with Lady May. At the moment my calendar is very full with few open days. I'm hopeful we can one day introduce Miss Celine to a few of our other calm, well-mannered Royal K9 extended pack members.
We welcome Miss Celine!

lil Molly and Sadie are Buddies Again

For quite some time now, our Marchioness lil Molly has been over the top reactive towards our mellow, happy go lucky girl, Miss Sadie. When the two see each other their engagement is anything but friendly. As you can clearly see, that is not the case any more!
Thank dawG!!

Sadie - "Okay we're friends now right?"
lil Molly - "Sure, but - the toys are mine okay?"

From their initial meeting and onward, when they visited together, I saw no sign of disapproval from either towards the other. There showed normal behaviours over who would get the 'best' toys or jockeying for position or squabbling over romping techniques and buddies. Nothing out of the ordinary that couldn't be rectified by a "BIG VOICE" with a "Leadership Bark" from me.

However, somewhere down the line something happened and I could not put my finger on what it was. Had I done something to create such disdain between these two. It was beginning to eat me up and I could feel my confidence wain during their visits. I know enough about dog's behaviours to know they can, will and do feed off their leaders emotions. I believe I was showing them my own self doubt and insecurity. I was dwelling on what the heck must have happened on one of their past visits.
Was I now giving them some form of chemical signal that I was not in control. Did that put them into a defensive mode when the other was present? Did they feel they needed to step into a leadership role because their current leader was failing? The more I thought about it the more I lost confidence.

During their visits together, I had to separate them with a gate and swap around who played in what area, and who laid where indoors. One was not walked past the other when leading in or out. One used the downstairs door the other went out upstairs. One would be in the living room the other behind a gate with a buddy One slept upstairs with me the other downstairs with daddy. I was on my toes at all times. I made it work and all were kept safe but I couldn't figure out why??. 

Clearly these two no longer need to be separated by gates!

Finally during a conversation with their mom and dad, I discovered what had happened! 
There had been an altercation between these two as they met up on a public walk.  They were bringing that history into daycare and continuing the battle. Well, for cryin' out loud! Puzzle solved.

Self confidence restored! Lesson learned.
Stay in leadership mode at all times even during an altercation of unknown origin.
Aggression and bullying are NOT allowed here. I had let my love for these two sweeties get in my way and was not displaying the proper authority they required to "Get over it"

Hey Sadie, Wanna share my ball with me.

Action plan in place.
Reintroduce using safety. Step up the leadership stance and voice!
Allow the milder character to feel safe and remove the need to go into defensive mode.
Show the stronger character there is no need to step into leadership role. I am present and in control here.
Whew! Now we can get back to just being dogs having FUN!

June Dogs Just Being Dogs

 When the weather turns warm, the grass becomes greener.  The furnace is turned off and the doors are opened.  It's time for the dogs to be able to come in or go out at will.  Not all visiting dogs want to be outdoors playing all day long. Some of them really prefer to just lay on a cozy mat or the cool floor and just sleep the day away. That's just fine by me.
It's common to see half finished chores in and around my house and yard. I do house chores and yard work both at the same time. I'm in and out with the dogs and doing half chores back and forth. What I didn't complete the time before will wait until the next time I'm out, or in. Sometimes I get to just sit on the porch or on a yard bench and watch them rest. They don't always want me to throw a ball or tug a toy.  It's not always about run and go crazy and zoom and romp.
When the yard is full of dogs, I love it when they just want to lay around.Thank goodness for the warmer temps. Even though we have to be "home" we take full advantage of being able to just, be!

Little Sage seems to enjoy the cool floor over a mat. The sun can reach her little tummy.

lil Molly enjoying quiet pool time with little Sage.

Even little Sage likes to chill indoors some time.

Mylu and Hazel just waiting to be let indoors again.

lil Molly - "Hey! I see your new strawberry beds are here! Great! Can we eat them now?"

Mylu and Lady May loves the porch. lil Molly usually chooses the indoor mat

There's something about fresh outdoor water. It's loved the best.

Lady May loves the sun and The Baroness Mylu loves the shade