Sage Investigates Royal K9 Korner Day Care

Little Miss Sage has officially joined our extended Royal Family. What a breath of super charged fresh air she is! She spent a full day with us, getting to know the yard, boundaries, our rules and getting reacquainted with Lady May.

She's already experienced some wonderful new adventures with her mom and it's very clear that her 10 months have been packed full of learning!

We welcome little Miss Sage!

Hi, remember me? My name is Sage. I think I love you.

True to her breed, this little border collie is inquisitive, alert, agile and focused! She already has her recall down pat and I was able to take her long safety lead off early in the day. I left a halter on for most of the day as a precaution. Although she listens and responds very well, she is a 10 month old puppy and I may  need to physically control her in an instant.  I don’t like grabbing collars. If I need to do it quickly, the halter allows me a safer grasp without any force on her neck.

Wonderful recall little girl! We're ready to head outdoors soon. There will be many more distractions for you there. I wonder if you'll be able to hear me then?

Sage spent almost an hour indoors going through the toys. So many to choose from. She tried almost every one though she really hasn't chose a favourite type yet.
Our toys are separated into five different bins. One in the house, one on the porch, two yard bins and one pool bin.

The House Bin consists of mostly tuff chewies and squeakies.

The Porch Bin consists of stuffies and tug toys.

The Outdoor bins consist of balls, old stuffies, tug toys and tuff chewies.

 One of the toys she dug out of the outdoor bin was one of Hazel's favourites. Hazel and Sage are  walking buddies, so it didnt surprise me she'd find that one.

Finding the tattered, tuff chewer, squeaky ball toy that her buddy Hazel loves.

Sage investigated every corner of the yard. She spent more time checking out the spots her buddy Hazel had frequented.

Hey! I saw a bird in here. Can I go get it?
Sorry sweetie that's off limits.

I smell alot of doggys here but where are they??

Hey? Who lives in here? Can I?

Hey Lady May? Wanna play chase?

Come on! See if you can catch me!

By the afternoon, the sun was warming and it was time to fill up the pool for her. Sage was a little hesitant at first. Before long, she was being a border collie water baby! Mom told me she hasn't had an opportunity to be in a pool yet so its no wonder she took her time with it. She sure loves it now!

Taking time to figure out how to get the toys.

Once she had it figured out, there was no stopping her! It was pool time all day long!

The pool held her attention perfectly, until I turned on my sprinkler! Yep, you guessed it. What a great way to entertain a puppy.

YAY! More water!

By the time it was lunch time she had worked up a good appetite and eagerly ate.  Lady May showed her how we wait before eating. Sage has very good manners and politely waited until her lunch was served.

Sage: "I hope she wont forget to give me lots. I'm STARVED!"

After lunch we had the normal rest period before heading back to play. Sage was a very good girl even though she really didnt want to be indoors resting. She complied.

My food has digested. I think we can go back outside now.

Then it was straight back to the pool for some toy sorting.

By 3 pm Sage was actually beginning to tire so we headed indoors for nap time. She slept like a darling for about 40 minutes and then was back up and ready to zoom again.

Im not really tired though lady Im just resting my eyes.

Sage was full of excitement and stories to tell her mom when it was hometime. She stole my heart when she gave me kisses before she left. What a sweetie she is.
A couple of days later, Sage met with Miss Khione, her buddy Hazel and little Suzy Q. As you would expect she ran circles around them. I'll be creating an album for Sage on Facebook and will add those photos.
Watch for them!

This is my new friend Khione. Im faster than her.

Sage - "I think I should be in the pool not sitting here!

Hazel and Khione at play

Some dogs seem to match up quickly and perfectly. That's how it is with Hazel and young Khione. They are developing a wonderful friendship. When Hazel arrives, Khione is 'Super Psyched' to greet her. If you think you can minimize her excitement by keeping them separate until she calms, fergit it! That might seem like a way to do it but honestly, it feels mean. Hazel is a pretty sturdy girl and handles young Khione's exuberance very well. In less than a minute they're off and running in a cooperative chase me, catch me, body slam me game. It goes on and on in varying degrees through out the day.

They take time out to eat their lunch and then to relax while their food digests. Easy paced playtime is allowed but napping is encouraged.

The sleepies are setting in

Naptime is very important to a good friendship

Then they're back at it until its home time.

Come on Khione, Let's go RUN!

The last one to be picked up waits by the gate. I know it's for mom. I often wonder if it's in hopes the friend will reappear. Don't worry sweetie a friend will be here tomorrow for you to play with.

Where's all my friends?

Seriously, if you've ever seen a dog that has a face for expression, Hazel is the one! 

Honestly sweetie, I promise a friend will be here for you tomorrow!
Hazel - "But, what if they forget?"

Sir Bentley and His Girls

 Middle of May and I'm reminiscing the month. The dogs have been in and out and back and forth with always someone visiting. We had the pleasure of entertaining Sir Bentley for a few days.
He's had an opportunity to meet and play with several of our Ladys. Bentley has become a very happy and easy to please young man. He's still growing in confidence and true to his Border Collie genes, is watching every movement around him anticipating what's next.
Bentley had me giggling at him and saying "aww" several times over the days he was with us. When dogs visit for overnight periods we get to see more of their true character. It's not always just zoom and play. We get to see the gentle sleepy loving side of them. Bentley is very cuddly and loves to snuggle into your neck and give hugs. He just sighs and cozies in. I know right, "awww"
While he was with us the young Khione came for a playday.

Sir Bentley - "So, you're the new girl here eh? Well, do you like to zoom?"

Another great energy match! My days are so much easier when the visitors all get along so well.  I'm able to get my housework done while they play indoors or yardwork done while they romp and zoom outdoors. 

The ole circle and conquer routine

May has turned out to be a busy month and Im loving it! Looking at my June calendar, it's going to be much the same.

Bentley and Hazel sparing

Im so thankful to everyone who entrusts me with the care of their most prized family members.  Your fur buddies really make me days much happier.

Along with being able to dig in the garden and have furbuddies digging along side me.  Lady May is so much happier with others around her. We've had a couple of no body days. We've had Lady May for a few outings. I'll post about her adventures soon.
She doesn't have the strength or ability to run and play much but she makes a great attempt at playing ball. Our visitors keep her smiling.

Lady May quite satisfied to just BE in the center of the activity

We have our pool filled and freshened daily now and the dogs are loving it.

We're looking forward to having our newest visitor little Sage join us next week. We can't wait to see how well she fits in.
I'll do my best to post some photos!

Sir Bentley Meets Miss Sadie and Miss Hazel

 What a gentleman he was. He brought along his high energy, wiggles and lolling tongue.
Bentley first came to visit us when he was only 5 months old. He's turning 3 in August this year.
We've watched him grow into a very good boy! He's definitely true to his Border Collie cross breed in his energy and behaviours.
When he set eyes on Sadie he took a small step back as if to say, "Oh, wait. I don’t know you? I better go slower." And he did just that. It was obvious how excited he was.  I could clearly see him exercising self control. What a good boy Bentley.

Sir Bentley meets Miss Sadie. He's not quite sure if this
new girl will be able to keep up with his energy level.

Miss Hazel would be arriving in less than an hour so we headed outdoors for a bit of first play time while it was still cool. I suspected these two would get along great and much to my delight, they do!  Bentley is more interested in playing ball and Sadie loves the stuffys and tug toys so there was happy play with plenty of choices.

Just two dogs checking out the morning yard scents

When Hazel arrived, Bentley met her with the same gentleman restraint. It was obvious he was super stoked and holding back his desires to go crazy.  They were all ready to exert some energy and the morning was beginning to warm. So, outdoors we went and the day began. 

Sleepy Miss Hazel would have to wake up soon if she wanted to keep up with Sir Bentley

It didn't take long for the energy bug to spread between these three. The rest of the day was back and forth between buddies. When stuffy play was no longer fun it was ball play or tug or lets just RUN! It is so nice to be able to play outdoors in this beautiful weather.


We continued enjoying it with the doors wide open to be able to come and go as we wanted. I was able to repot a few more plants and I'm almost ready to plant my patio bedding plants. Having such a cooperative pack makes my days so easy. They really mind themselves and all I have to do is make sure I have their mealtimes at the right time and it's ALL GOOD!

Try to get a smile when you've just made them stop playing to sit still. Forget it!

 

Hazel - "Hey? Sadie, let's see if we can get Bentley in the pool?"

Hazel - "Hey Bentley! Look! There's a ball in the pool!"

Bentley - "Forget it! I'd rather play ruff n tumble!"

By afternoon, the excitement of new friends had worn off and everyone was content to just relax and enjoy a peaceful afternoon.
I was able to set up a crate on the porch, thanks to Bentley's mom. She was selling Bentley's because he no longer uses it.  Thank you! Now we don't have to take the downstairs one apart to bring it outdoors. Coolies!

Lady May - Hey Nice Crate! Thanks Bentley!

Bentley - "How come I couldn't have a bed buddy at my own house?"

I guess seeing Lady May use "his" crate made him decide he should give it a last try out. Sadie has already decided if it was good enough for Lady May, it was good enough for her.

By 3 pm all the dogs decided it was nap time. Well almost all. Bentley wasn't really tired but was very compliant and agreed to have a lay-down while the others slept. Well almost had a lay-down. He wandered from bed to bed but at least he was being gentlemanly.
What a good boy Bentley. He sure listens well mom! Remember what a little rascal he was as a puppy! He's getting all grown up with lots of friends now.

I know Hazel and Sadie will be very happy to visit with him again soon. I'm hopeful Bentley will find a great friend in Khione when he meets her in a few days!

Watch for it 😉

Sadie bides her time while the other two tire themselves out.

Three Amigos, or Three cows, you decide. Either way they surely love the fresh grass shoots.

Sadie waiting her turn with Hazel

Hazel going to attempt to convince Bentley to play tug.
Not a chance without a ball in the end of that toy dear Hazel. Not a chance!

More photos posted -
Check them out here - Royal K9 Korner Facebook

A Thank You and My Birthday Week Visitors

My Birthday week was wonderful. So many friends sent so many happy birthday wishes. Some of those friends I haven’t spoken to for so long. Thank you so much everyone for remembering me and accepting that I'm not very good at staying in touch as often as I should. I tend to cram my great days with happy activities that exhaust me by the evening. On not so good days, well, there no so good, enough said.
I must admit there have been plenty of not so good days over the last few months. I'm sure like many of our friends and family. Like everyone, I'm doing my best to overcome my ongoing health issues and I think I'm through the worst of them now. 

I found this little image on the internet.
Don't ask me where! I like it though.

At 66 years, I'm learning to cope well enough. I seem to have taken quite a few years to understand and accept my limitations. Having Meniere's certainly draws a lot of energy. I'm finally at a place emotionally and mentally where I can cope with the continual effects. 

 

I draw strength from knowledge and experience with Meniere's and I apply it daily!  I feel alright and I'm so happy to have the distractions of my wonderful visiting dogs to keep me going strong. Thank you to all the moms and dads that trust me to take care of their most precious furry buddies.
My days are so full of smiles.

Hazel and Khione having a great time playing keep away.

My furry visitors this birthday week were lil Molly, Hazel, Khione, Sadie, Mylu and lil Suzy Q. The weather was just perfect. A coolness in the mornings that warmed by afternoon. The dogs were all great buddies and played cooperatively both indoors and out. Whether it's romping in the yard or just chillin' on the porch. No squabbles at all. Plain old fun and games all day every day. 

Suzy Q, Lady May, Hazel and Khione all choose to cozy on the porch.
 lil Molly chooses the indoor mats that are less crowded.

I've able to get most of the front yard cleaned up and my cedar boxes cleared and ready for planting in May. I've also been organizing and clearing out closets/cupboards and drawers. It amazes me how quickly those areas get cluttered. I've already filled and taken 2 large Amazon boxes to the thrift store and have yet another one ready for our trip to Kamloops in April. I guess Spring cleaning has started. It's also time for me to clear off some of the kazillion photos and videos from my phone. I'll be adding them into their appropriate Facebook Albums and will post some on my timeline. I hope you get the smiles and chuckles I did when I took them.

Sadie finally gets the upper paw on Hazel and takes control of the tug toy.

Obviously overcome with the loss of the tug game.

The best time of day for me to get a few indoor chores done.

lil Suzy Q is determined to lay beside Lady May whether there's room on the mat or not!

Have a wonderful last weekend of March and stay safe!
Royal K9 Korner will be away from April 5th - 8th so be sure to mark that on your calendar.
Stay safe!

Our Beautiful Baroness Mylu

Our Baroness Mylu arrived yesterday afternoon.  Everyone had been waiting for her to arrive. 

Hazel, Suzy Q and Lady May watch for Mylu. River is preoccupied with a sun spot on the wall

Mylu strolled through the gate with wiggles and smiles.  She was definitely happy to be visiting. 
Her dad said, Mylu has been seizure free for 1 month!  I know, that sounds great!
What it really means is for me to be prepared for the greater possibility of one happening during her stay with us.  We don’t know for sure what triggers Mylu's seizures if anything.
My goal is to keep a stable environment for her and reduce as much unexpected stimuli as possible.
I am familiar with her seizures and the treatment necessary when one occurs. 
Before she arrived, everyone had already had a good healthy run of exercise and playtime.  After  re-introductions and a calm walk about the yard, it was indoors for a bit of relaxation. 

Countess River greets the Baroness Mylu

The 5 beautifully behaved beauties. Lady May, Mylu, River, Hazel and Suzy Q

Mylu gets special treatment at bedtime and it requires everyone to have a designated spot that I deem the safest bed for them. I was very proud of Hazel and River. This was a first for them, to be here together with Mylu.  They took to their sleeping arrangement really well. Of course, there was a few side-eyes and head tilts, but they settled in no time at all and slept through the entire night with out a peep.

I think you made a mistake lady.
I'm s'posed to be in the crate

Within minutes Hazel and River were settled
and heading off to dreamland

 Lady May gets to sleep in her crate and is quite happy to have the door closed for privacy.
It's most important that Mylu sleep right beside my bed so I can keep close tabs on her throughout the night and have quick and easy access to her to keep her safe in the event of a seizure. She would much rather be snuggled in the crate, but that is not allowed when she is here.  We had a perfect, restful night and are crossing our paws to continue for the rest of her visit with us. 

Lady May still wearing a bedtime cone to protect her from chewing at her paw.
Mylu already cozied and safely ready for dreamland

Hazel and River reserving their ruff and tumble play for a later time.

River says a gentle hello to Mylu

She is such a beautiful happy girl. The others sometimes seem to treat her gentler, as if they know.
I wonder?