Hey! It snowed!

Yes we woke up yesterday morning to a nice sheet of white! It was so wonderful to see the snow finally!!  There was only a skiff but that's okay.
I'm really not complaining.   It's been Springlike conditions for so long and it sure is nice for the dogs to run and play and slide in the snow. Lady May has a field day in it. Of course I have concerns about them going mad and slipping so Im always watching BUT we really do love it.
Will it last?  Oh probably not. The sky is already clearing and the temp is rising. So we enjoy it while we can.

Lil Molly out for some fun

We've had all our regulars in visiting the last few weeks. It seems like we have a pretty set and well adjusted assortment of dogs that come to visit us now. We have about twelve so there's always one or two extra for Princess MollyDawg and Lady May to boss around.errrmmm I mean play with.
The Princess hasn't been feeling her best lately, (pancreatitis)  so she pretty much just minds her own business and only once in awhile even acknowledges the others around her. Of course there are times when she's still full of P**s and vinegar. It's day to day for this almost 14 yr old. 

It's so nice to have so many different dogs around.  I love the variety of behaviours and their constant need of attention. There is no way possible to feel unwanted/needed, around here.  Just try sitting down to relax for a few minutes.  You'll soon have "someone" needing you.  Comfort blankies dont always do it. Although sometimes they work great! Right Finley?

Finley showing his support of our "Canuck boys"
Loving his blankie

Sometimes  there are a couple who REALLY need my attention.  My darling Lil Molly and the Wonderful Miss Mylu for example.
Oh my goodness! What is up with them?!  They simply do not like each other. This is an unusual photo where they are both in the same room with out a divider. One look at Lil Molly's face should tell you she is not comfortable there. If you look to the left you can see Miss Mylu happens to be laying under the table. As soon as Lil Molly entered, the lovely Mylu woke and turned her head directly in her direction.  She did not close her eyes nor let her gaze stray the entire 5 minutes Lil Molly was there.   Of course that means my gaze is fixed on them as well.  I think it's good for them to actually occupy the same area for short periods of time. Im hopeful that one day they can actually be in the same room and have me walk away.  I said hopeful, not really anticipating that any time soon.

I'm watching you girls.
You're being very good, at the moment!

When the two of them are here together, it means separate playtime. Which also means I juggle dogs from gated area to gated area. Often times you will find Lady May sitting close to the gate where Princess Mollydawg is.  Unless of course Im throwing a ball for someone else.  She tends to want to have The Princess by her side nowadays.

Lady May in another area for play with Lil Molly
while Princess Mollydawg entertains Miss Mylu.

"Mom, can I go see The Princess now please?"
Soon, sweetie, soon.

Sweet Yeti came for an overnight visit last week. She doesn't come often and still takes a while to feel comfortable. Being overnight we had an opportunity to see her open like a beautiful flower and her true relaxed and positive behaviours shone. Her mom and dad brought her own special Royal mat along this time. Sweet Yeti was willing to share it with Lady May, but if it was not in use, she claimed it right away. I had a good laugh during her visit. Yeti wanted to go in the crate, but hesitated at its door and even barked off and on. I watched her for a few minutes. It appeared she was barking at the pictures of the dogs that are imprinted on the cover blanket. When I covered that blanket with her own mat. She simply licked her lips, and in she went for a little lay down time. What a silly funny little girl lol

 

Ahhh yes! My own safe, comfy mat!

While Yeti was here, Miss Mylu was here as well. It seems Yeti wasn't to sure around her either. My  guess is its a combination of things. One, Mylu is on a few medications that leave a different smell to  her normal doggy scent. A few of the dogs take one whiff and turn away from her.  Two, she is overly rambunctious and quite clumsy in her gate. When she tries to stop or turn around, she kinda misses her mark and plows right into things.  It stems from when she was hit by a car that left her with a severely damaged hip. (among other things)  She has recovered remarkably well but it appears the damage has left her finding it hard fitting in with the other dogs.  She is an amazingly happy loveing girl and I sometimes feel bad for her missing out on some of the play times. She's been seizure free now for many months. Paws crossed she doesn't have a setback. 
Meanwhile little Yeti is staying cautious around her. Smart choices little one :)

Mylu and Yeti enjoy quiet time.
They are not relinquishing their own special toys.

We have a new little boy in our extended family at Royal K 9 Korner. Master Bentley is just a yr old. What a darling he is!  Although Im sure Lady May will tell you otherwise. He kept trying to get her to play with him. She was attentive, just guarded during his visit.  A few times she indicated she would play with him but Bentley wasn't quite ready to trust her. He's a smart little fella and I can see that in a short time, they'll be running and playing together.
Bentley is true to his border collie genes. He's smart as a whip and full of fun fun fun and lots of energy plus.  That's something the Lady May really does not like. I think you're getting old Lady May.  

Bentley: "Hey! You there! Ya wanna play?

Bentley found all the toys and made sure to test out each and everyone of the stuffys. He found the rubber chew toys but left them alone.  They weren't his style.

Bentley - "Hey Lady May, Look how high I can throw this toy"
Lady May - "Ya, ya I see that. Just keep it away from me please"

I keep the Cuddle Clone of King sitting on a chair in the living room. Bentley's reaction to it was priceless. It wears King's collar and I'm certain it still holds King's smell. How else do the dogs who visit know, that one, is NOT for playing and just leave it alone.  Respect eh? At any rate I love to watch it.

Bentley is scheduled to come back for another day visit. I can't wait for him. I laugh most of hte day watching his little face light up when he discovers more new things.

I'll post a few more photos in the Facebook album when I find more time. Thanks for being so patient with my lack of blogging. Good grief where is the time going!!  Spring will be here before long. Meanwhile we can play a wee bit in the ever melting snow.

Lady May and Lil Molly ballplay in the little bit of snow thats left.
It's melting as we speak

November, December, January!! 2019 We're here!

Well for cryin' out loud! Where has the time flown?!

It's been dawg business as usual here at Royal K9 Korner, with a bit of this and that and a bunch of everything else thrown in between. 

We had some very sad news just before Christmas. That news left us heartbroken. One of the sweeties in our pack was called to join the Angel Pack over Rainbow Bridge.  Sadly we said farewell to Miss Tika.   Tika answered the call and walked gracefully up to meet The Royals who passed before her.  She is sadly missed and will forever be remembered here.

Her thoughtful moms donated Tika's kibble to us and we are sharing that bag with the others at Royal K9 Korner.  Tika is still sharing even after passing on.  Thank you for thinking of us here. We hope you find the strength to carry on as Tika watches down over you now. True Royalty!!

The beginning of November saw us preparing for a kitchen reno. We minimized our dog intakes to keep them safe while that went on.
River came to spend a couple of weeks with us. She was the last dog to visit on our old kitchen floor. She was not the least bit bothered by it. Rather she loved that she could play with the sunlight that bounced around for her. She's such a little hunter lol

New Flooring, cupboards painted, new countertop and backsplash.
This is taken before the grouting. It's even prettier now.

 We now have a brand new countertop, a sink and lovely tile back splash. Mommy has newly painted cupboards, walls, new flooring and a brand new fridge. Rearranging a few items has given the illusion of more floor space for some reason. It seems like our kitchen is so much roomier now.

River and Maverick were here to watch the new fridge come in.
I wonder what they thought most about?

Yep, you guessed it. Food!  Don't worry sweeties.
That was first to go back in. (Oh and daddy's beer.) 

We added a lovely thick runner for the dogs to walk safely from the entrance-way thru the kitchen and into the living-room. No chance of slipping and twisting leggies on the new flooring.  It's become a favorite spot to lay and wait while mommy fusses in the kitchen.

Lady May: "Do ya think she'll make us some food Molly?"

We've also remodeled our entrance-way to be more inviting. We gave away mommy's favourite armoir 'cuz it was just too big. Now we have a couple of perfect little benches, a coat rack and two boot trays.  The new flooring is covered with a fabulous rubber backed mat. It really helps to minimize the clean up of muddy paws. We even added a new basket of doggy cloths and towels.
Yes, you STILL have to have those feetsies wiped whether you like it or not.

No more armoire taking up space

Non Slip stair pad for pups to come up and down safely.

I even made a new key holder to display
pictures of our RK9 Korner visitors

 Fortunately for us, winter as been very mild. We've had a few rainy days and a couple of snow flurries, but really nothing unbearable. It feels like Christmas came during the Spring and has passed with out a hitch. We enjoyed a lovely dinner at Aunty Kathi and Squire Seven's house this year. That meant mommy didn't have a big mess in the house and we got to play in Seven's yard.  Pressies were limited this year but we still received a special gift from Santa.  (Thank you Nan)

It's hard to believe it's January already when the weather is so mild. I'm really feeling like I want to get outdoors more and maybe even start some raking! I know its crazy.  Let's see what February brings. 
Stay safe this year and love each other as much as you can. Make every moment count!  Time passes so quickly!!

Sweet Tika was a good girl and often shared her toys and sleeping spot with the others.
We miss you girl! 💔🐶🌈

What's Been Happening at Royal K9 Korner?

I know, it's been a very long time since we posted any news. Wow, time is flying by!  There's been a lot going on and I just haven't taken the time to sit at my computer.  October is always full with all the outdoor clean up chores that Fall requires. We've been so lucky to have such mild weather. It scared us one day and dropped a few inches of snow. It only lasted one day and we're back to sunshine again.  Whew!

Thankfully, this did NOT last!

We've been able to repair a few fences, get some touch up painting done, trim and clean out the flower beds and the trees are mostly all pruned.  The pool is covered and the boat is back into storage.  There's still a lot of raking to be done but the trees are hanging on to their leaves. Im hoping they drop well before the snow flies in.

There's still so much to do!

Yeti and Lady May take a  break from raking

We knew we would be doing home renos in Oct/Nov. Fortunately we've only had a few dogs around and we didnt have to turn anyone away.  I have most of the painting and sanding done now.  I wanted to get my walls, cupboards and kitchen door painted before the new flooring, counter top and tile backslash  goes in. I can hardly wait!

We've had Finley, River, Lil Molly, Mylu and Yeti. I know at least one dog has gone home with a splash of colour on the tail.  I've found tail tracks on my cupboards after a few went home. Oh dear, sorry mom and dads. It's pretty difficult to keep those fluffy tails from brushing up against things.

Lil Molly - "Not my tail tho, right lady?"

So even though I haven't been blogging or on Facebook, we are still active here. Hopefully I can show you some before and after pictures soon.   For now I better get back outdoors and do some more raking before that sun goes down.

Even though its warm during the day, the nights are CHILLY!

What leaves?

Zola Meets River and River Meets Mylu

The Royals had an overnight visit from little Zola last weekend. When Zola arrived she was eager to say, " Hey! Hi! Remember me?!"  Lady May allowed Zola to come and say hello but was quite clear in her body language. "You can say 'hello' but don't ask to play."  Princess MollyDawg was far to dignified to engage with a puppy right off. Instead she gave her best  'I'm so cool' treatment. 'You may follow me if you please.' So Zola did that for awhile or enjoyed a bit of playtime with me or by herself until it was indoor time.

 Checking out the yard with Royals is always interesting and fun, but it really doesn't give a puppy the kind of exercise needed to burn off excess energy. Lady May and Princess MollyDawg will only tolerate "the youngsters" a short while.  Then it's back indoors for a rest time for them. That really doesn't cut it for a 3 month old puppy and Zola made no bones about telling us so. I want more play now!

Where ever Princess MollyDawg walked, Zola was right by her side. 

Fortunately for Zola, River's mom called to ask if 1 1/2 yr old River could come for a few days, Yay! Zola is a happy and contented little girl, who really knows how to entertain herself just fine. BUT let's face it, another high energy furry on premise is great for a puppy!

They played for hours with each other. I really didnt want to have to start my indoor chores.  Those  are usually dictated by where everyone naps.  There's comfy mats scattered throughout the house for whoever decides to use them.  I can go about my chores once I know everyone has found their spot and is resting calmly. I periodically peek around the house at the occupied mats to check that all is well.  As usual with new comers, and double especially with puppies, they always seem to find the best spot in the house, "My Chair!" 

Sorry puppy, no dogs are allowed on the furniture. 
"Aww but why? Aren't I cute enough?"

 Oh boy, and yes, that's when the little puppy dog eyes come.  The first two times I showed her my disapproval and moved little Zola off my chair and placed her in the crate. By the third time I was onto her and caught her before she got too comfy.   A resounding, "NO" and off she came.  I placed her in the open crate with a toy and yes, with my chair's pillow. I got a little sigh from her as she said, "Okay here will do."

River's energy lasted far longer than Zola's so she just amused herself while Zola napped. 

We've been getting things around the yard ready for winter. We're getting a fair share of rain and soon it will be snow. I've taken the gazebo cover off and we've put the boat into storage. A few more hedges need pruning and I've taken down the flower baskets.  Needless to say, I've been busy around the yard. My eyes are not always glued to the dogs. I still need to know exactly who's where and with who at all times.  Zola's colouring challenged me. I had to keep a close eye on her, she is so little.  I sure got me exercise that weekend. She was only here over night. I hope she had fun and will visit us again.

When Zola went home Miss Mylu came to visit us. This was a first meeting for her and River. I learned very fast, that's a recipe for "Keeping eyes glued."  They absolutely LOVED each other.

Hey River? Wanna ask if we can go outside 'n play?

River is quick as a whip and true to her breed, lively, energetic and loveable. She has a petite frame and light as a feather. Miss Mylu on the other hand is a big girl, a mixed breed Newf/Retriever/lab. She's a bit clumsy due to a serious hip injury and can't always control where her body ends up. She loves to run and zoom and absolutely LOVES other dogs. When I'm in the middle of a task I keep the section gates closed in the area Im working in and clip on a long lead. Sometimes it's needed to ensure recall or a quick redirection from me. It also makes it easier to see where they are at a glance. Spot the lead laying from under the hedge, and you know who's behind the hedge. Sometimes it's difficult to get a task completed cuz it's just so much fun to watch the play going on behind my back. I don't always capture all the fun and zoomies. I can't have my eyes in the camera, I need to be ready to step in at an instant. 

River continued to initiate play with Mylu and Mylu eagerly accepted. I occasionally interrupted  to ensure she didn't get overpowered. I can see how this friendship will provide great opportunity for Mylu to practice her body control. She's still only 3 1/2 yrs old so still learning as well.  I like to encourage indoor play when dogs are still getting to know each other. It proves to be much safer.  River has gone back home now and Mylu has to be content with the old Royals and the boxes full of stuffies and chewies. She doesn't seem to mind one bit. She just wags her tail and smiles.

It's okay Miss Mylu, the rain will stop soon and we'll head back outside again.
I can see you already miss your new buddy.

Friendship develops - Wherever one was the other followed

Thank you for visiting.

See more photos and videos in our Facebook albums 

Toys at Royal K9 Korner

Newcomers to our dog day care often ask me if they should bring a toy or two when their sweetie comes to visit us.  Comfort during a visit/stay is important to a happy dog.  We are called Royal K9 Korner because we boast to provide Royal treatment and comfort during all visits.  If you believe your dog will be more comfortable with his/her favorite toy then of course bring it along.

Maverick and sibling Goose are great examples
of two brothers who share beautifully

Sharing toys is important in learning good social behaviour for dogs.  When there are many dogs on premise, and oodles of toys to share, it makes their visit much safer.  I believe dogs should definitely have something they can learn to offer to share with the others. Siblings or otherwise. There are teaching techniques for good sharing behaviours. Your dog trainer will help you understand and practice those.
I always ask about areas you are working on at home.  Having consistency when training is important at home and away. I am not a dog trainer and will certainly respect what your trainer wants you to practice.

Goose and Maverick sharing a peach.

At Royal K9 Korner we do everything from helping to over come toy guarding to sharing food/treats.  Learning to share with the leader is one of the areas I try to work continually with not just new dogs but all. We play many one on one back and forth games. When appropriate, we incorporate sharing with other highly share oriented dogs on premise. We never push the envelope and the game is redirected immediately when it loses the fun aspect.

Is it necessary to bring a toy? Only to the point of allowing your sweetie to feel a comfort from home.  Blankets, old shirts and things that smell like mommy and daddy are sometimes the route to take for comfort.  

So, should you bring toys with your darling?  As long as you are fine with your dog sharing it. There is the possibility that it will become lost or damaged from chewing, ripping, tearing and tugging with other dogs.  If you want it returned in the same shape it was when brought here, I may need to put it out of sight. Remind me about it.

 There are plenty of toys in all shapes, sizes and textures.  We have various balls in all sizes. We have chew toys, pull toys, rope toys and tug toys.



There are squeakies and crinkleys, and rubbery ones. Hard ones for teeth cleaning and soft ones for puppies.  Inside toys and outside toys, educational toys, all day toys and bedtime toys.

Your furry will not be left alone or unattended during toy play time. I am always watching and making sure there are safe toys for that particular dog.  

Some dogs tend to try to “eat” toys. I watch for and stop that kind of toy behaviour. We don’t want a visit to the vet based on a swallowed toy. All toys are regularly gone through and sorted for the garbage when they become a danger.  Appropriate sized toys and materials are offered for the dogs’ size, age etc.  Only when we know your dog is safe with our wide range of toys, will they have unlimited access to the various bins/toy baskets.  Some dogs find that difficult so the toys are sorted out before they arrive.  

Stuffies with squeakers, crinkleys galore!

We want your dog to enjoy the visit here and providing lots of entertainment is crucial for that.  When you’ve visited us please ask to see our toys. It will make your decision about toys to bring for your sweetie or not, much easier.

Outside and pool toys. All toys are machine washed regularly.

Oh, and Thank you for asking!!  Hope to see you soon.

Check out Maverick and Goose's zoomies. Today's  Facebook video.

The Puppies Came to Visit!

I know everyone will agree, the summer has zipped by in a flash. The dogs have switched from strolling through the berry patches to reaching up into the fruit trees. They find the ripest lowest hanging pieces and enjoy a delicious little snack. Of course I've missed all those pictures!
Daddy says, as long as he has enough to make his pear cider, the dogs can have their snack.

It seems we have an increase of youngsters happening in around town lately.
We've just added two more little ones into our realm. Zola and Bentley.
Zola is a 12 week old little girl, an Alapaha bulldog. She will be spayed as soon as she comes of age.

If I'm good with the puppy, I get cookies right Mom? 

Hey! She's smelling my toes!!

12 weeks old tired little Zola

 The very next day we met with 5 month old, male border collie cross, Bentley. He's slated to be neutered as soon as he's old enough.  We can already see he's going to give Princess Mollydawg a run for her money.

Hi I'm 5 month old Bentley. I'm not tired!

The Princess makes really good use of her ability to exercise her authority around the youngsters. She's a gentle girl but doesn't hesitate to let them know when they're being a bit too pushy. First is the ole ignore routine. Then one or two quick nasty looks and a low growl or two usually let's them know right off.  If that doesn't work she goes into quick big loud bark, "GET OUT OF MY FACE!" and that's enough to make them jump back and take notice.

So who's the boss around here?

Of course, puppies' learning takes time so it helps when we have them come to stay a bit before hand.  Both Zola and Bentley will be back to visit later this month. (Not at the same time. I just don't have the energy, let alone the Royals.)  We look forward to their visits and will try to take lots of pictures for you.

Meanwhile we hope you enjoy the nice weather while it's back. I'm off to mow the lawns yet again. Really, it'll be nice when I dont have to do that for a few months.

Visit us on Facebook   facebook.com/K9KornerDaycare

Three strikes and we are NOT out!

The days have been so full, there really hasn't been a moment to sit down to write up all the fun visits we've had. I've been going through all the photos and will get some posted very soon. In the meantime I thought I better write to let everyone know we're still here and doing  just fine.

We've also had some not so fun times. We've made it through, and we can put them on the shelf and chalk them up to experience/learning. We'll soon be taking a bit of a break for some maintenance and renos. I'll send a flyer to let you know the exact dates soon. We're looking at closure during Aug. 30th- Sept 20th. 

I guess we really had the good, the bad and the ugly!
Starting with the "ugly", we had 3 of them. They say they only come in threes, so a big sigh of relief there.
First and least troublesome is our air quality. We have been covered in a thick layer of smoke for over 3 weeks now. Fortunately we have no fires burning close enough to threaten us. Our hearts go out to all those families who were and still are evacuated due to forest fires this year. I've posted to let those folks seeking care for their dogs know that Royal K9 Korner can and will take in a few extras. Please feel free to pass our info onto any needing temporary housing for their sweeties.
So many fire fighters working to exhaustion to bring some relief.  We still have smokey sky's and are trying hard not to complain about them. Things could be a whole lot worse.

Second, we had a torrential rainstorm that brought flash flooding destruction to our little town. We had a small flood come into our basement. Now it seems so minor compared to what others suffered that day. Sadly, there were lives, not only effected, but lost.
Our hearts bleed for those - https://www.lillooetnews.net/

Thirdly and thank DAWG lastly! We had an emergency vet trip for one of our extended pack. Lil Molly smashed into the corner of one of our concrete planters. She was charging after a ball that bounced off the tip of her nose and into the concrete she slid. She required 4 stitches to her side. Thankfully all is well with her and she is healing perfectly. Her stitches come out this Thursday.
So it's onwards and upwards with our day care for the next few days. I'll do my best to get a short picture blog posted soon.
Thank you for understanding our absence. Stay safe everyone.