An Annual vet day for Lady May and Visitors Returning to Royal K9 Korner

This time last year we were looking at sadness as we said farewell to our Princess MollyDawg. Thankfully this year we were visiting Dr. Gavaga with smiles instead of tears. We were very pleased with Lady May's check up this day. Doc. says she's looking great, and he was impressed with how well she seems to be doing. Lady May is full of energy and was very excited to see the doctor and all the staff at Cache Creek Veterinary Hospital. She is especially fond of Kara-Lee and we were so happy she was there today. Kara laid a lovely cozy blankie down for Lady May to rest on while she waited. Thank you Kara-Lee 😊 We had little Suzy Q and Sage travelling along with us and we sure had fun with them. We made sure to stop at DQ for ice cream! Yummy!
DQ Ice cream Day at Royal K9 Korner  https://youtu.be/RktYLmZKumw

Lady May weighs 20.60 kg. (approx. 45 lbs) She has been on a strict health plan for quite a few years now. We watch her food intake closely. Her weight can be a contributing factor in her comfort. Having use of only three legs puts extra stress on her joints and we want to keep that to a minimum. Using her wheelchair has also helped to minimize that. Treats are specific and few. We've tried various raw food diets and the specialty diets and have hit on what's best for Lady May. Every once in awhile of course, it's needed adjusting, in order to maintain her health as she ages. Her current diet is a mixture of both meat and kibble Low Fat Royal Canin Gastrointestinal/Mobility. She's fed smaller portions 3 times a day to help her tummy to digest with no upsets. To date she's doing very well. Her current 4 day on 4 day off meds plan consists of regular meds on a 4 day on, 4 days off program. We alternate pain management - Gabapentin and Metacam, as well as Omeprazole and sulcrate suspension for her tummy issues. We're leaving her meds plan as it is with only the addition of a topical ointment for her arthritic elbow - Diclofenac. Thus, starting next week Lady May will be sporting a shaved elbow where I can apply it daily. The hope is to alleviate even more pain directly at the joint to help her manage walking easier. Paws crossed for even more pawsitive results. 

We've had a few visitors back with us since we returned from our week off. The smiles are back, and our energy is high.
First to arrive was little Highness Miss Sage. Full of beans and raring to go! She arrived the same day as our Baroness Mylu, who was here to stay for a few days. What a pleasure to see these two engaging so playfully! They visit often outside of daycare, so they know each other well.
Best Buddies Baroness Mylu & little Miss Sage https://youtu.be/HTxPwyPKQlo

While we were away last week we received a wonderful update from Her Highness Miss Hazel! We were so happy to hear from her mom and dad. I'll be putting together a post soon! Watch for it!

Hazel travels so well :) "Are we there yet?"

Thank you For A Wonderful Time Away!

We're back home! We've unpacked and opening our gates for day care again.
What a fantastic time we had, visiting our friends and family! 

I know, I didn’t get time to post anything like I thought I might. We were enjoying ourselves so much! We began our journey staying over night and visiting our grandchildren. We wanted to be present when they started back to school! Beautiful Brooke in grade 5 already!! Man oh Man! It was the very first day for our little grandson, Lucas. He's so independent and brave.  Awww! They grow up so fast!

Have a wonderful school year.
Gramma and Grandpa are so proud of you both!

We also enjoyed a fabulous dinner at the Sunstone Golf Club while we were in Pemberton.
Yummy food and great service. I highly recommend it! https://www.sunstonegolfclub.com/

If you're in that area make sure to check out the metal modern outdoor art sculptures at the golf course next door. They're amazing! Big Sky Golf Course - https://www.bigskygolf.ca/

Lucas - This one's a freaky one Gramma. I don't like it.

 

Magnificent art work from truck parts!

These are right at the entrance.

 

Lucas and Lady May take a short walkies.

Soon it was time for us to head down the highway into the city. We made it to Aunty Paula's house while she was still at work. Finally! I was able to have a cuppa tea ready for her and greet her with a great big HUG when she arrived home. Lady May wasted no time finding a spot for her food bowl.

Do I have to wait for Aunty before dinner? Im hungry now!

We had such great conversation to fill in all those we've missed. We were even able to lend a hand with a wee bit of gardening. Lady May found the best place to relax in the yard. Aunty Paula told us it was Silky's favourite place to lay. (RIP Sweeties, Silky and Rufus)
Can dogs sense where others have cozied.  You bet they can.

This is my new relaxing spot okay mom?

Daddy lent a hand to help install Aunty Paula's new fireplace insert. I hear she's staying cozy by it every night after work now. GOOD! You're all ready for the winter to arrive!

You should have seen the dust from having to shave down the ceramic tiles to get it to fit!!

Lady May couldn't wait to soak in the warmth

For 3 days we laughed and cried and just all out relaxed together. We did some shopping, we went to lunch, enjoyed every dinner, and talked until midnight! We slept like babies and didn’t wake until we were ready! Thank you so much Aunty Paula for being as happy to see us as we were to see you!
Again soon, right? 

The time to hit the road came all too soon and we headed out next to meet up with a very good friend in Maple Ridge. I grew up with and went through school with Robyn. Reuniting with her and her family was absolutely GRAND! Robyn and Ron opened their home to us and put on a most wonderful spread for us! We were even able to meet some of her grandchildren! 

Left to right Robyn, Deanna. Mark, Ron
Thank you for welcoming us in. Cant wait for the next visit!
Lady May - You talk, I'll sleep!

We had a surprise visitor drop in who I haven’t seen for over 50 years. Imagine my surprise when my childhood neighbour and good friend Deanna, walked up the path! WOW! Who can believe time can pass so FAST!
We laughed until we were in tears, and we cried over past traumas. We tried desperately to recall what each of us held as memories. We shared with each other even though we couldn't really remember it all! So many memories, so little time.  We were only able to spend one day visiting, but we promised to reunite sooner in the future!

Thank you for such a warm wonderful afternoon, Robyn and Ron and Deanna! We love you all and look forward to the next reunion!!

On the road again and this time for a visit with more family. My darling baby sister and her family. Aunty Dollinda has been out of sorts lately and Uncle Dan has been spending time doing what he does best. Taking special care her and giving her the emotional and physical support, she so rightly deserves. We were ever so happy to see she was up to snuff that day and able to sit outdoors in their newly renovated gazebo. Beautiful job Uncle Dan! We watched and fed the squirrels and Blue Jays while the kitties snuggled close for warmth behind Aunties back on her lawn chair. 

Just one of many squirrels who frequent Aunty Dollinda's feeders.

Our darling Lady May had to stay indoors and visit with daddy and Uncle Dan during this day. There was just too many new furrys around for her to cope with. She didn’t seem to mind at all and was happy to watch the children who came to visit.

We had a restful sleep and even slept in again until after 9:00 Wow! Wonderful! Before we knew it, it was time to hit the highway for the last leg of our journey. Home!
We were 3.5 hours away and ready for the drive.

We couldn't help but notice. Many of the trees are turning colour. Fall is in the air!

Thank you everyone for giving us the much-needed break from our anxiety filled days.
We are now ready to begin again and can't wait for our next visit with you all!

It's Finally September!

Normally I'm not happy to see September roll in. Of course this year it's very different.
Our summer started with the beautiful hot sun beaming down and giving us the warmth we'd been waiting so long for. 
Within a month it's appreciated warmth had turned scorching hot and we all waited for a cool reprieve. The fires burned across BC and destroyed much of our beautiful country and left homes and lives in a shambles! Thankfully our firefighters were able to keep our community safe and we are unscathed.
Today the wildfires are now mostly under control and many evacuation alerts and orders are being rescinded. The sky is blue again and the smoke in our area has disappeared. For many areas they are still enduring emotional turmoil and a life of upheaval that this fire season has caused.
We extend our empathy and feel their saddened hearts. We know they are struggling and we offer our prayers for strength for them to cope.

At Royal K9 Korner, we have continued to have the occasional regular dog visitors in for their prearranged daycare. There has been just enough regulars to keep a smile on my face and occupy my days.  Little Miss Sage has remained our constant visitor due to her mom's busy work schedule. A doctors work continues whether its drought, feast or famine! Thank you Dr. 'Sush' for the job you do!
We appreciate you so much!
Sage has been here to check out the ripening pears.

The hot temperatures have turned our grass tinder dry and crunchie but the pears are loving the heat.

With no other companions, little Sage did everything in her power to try to coax Lady May to play. 

Lady May, "Mom, please tell Sage I said no!"

We've taken some time for a boat ride with Lady May. Something she loves to do. Even though the sky was still smokey, it was wonderful to get out for the day.

A smokey sky doesn't bother Lady May.
She's all set and lunch is packed!

I don't care about the sky mommy. Let's GO!

When Sir Muffin visited I was trying to keep my flower beds from drying out. Oh the joys of the sprinkler. What a happy boy he is! Unless of course, he has to wait until lunch is finished.

Why am I behind a gate when there's food around??

On days when little Miss Suzy visited Lady May was more than willing to cozy. 

Lady May - "Ah yes! Relaxation at it's finest!"

Being cozy was not on the agenda when lil Molly and Countess River joined us. It was all action and Go, Go, Go! 

It's so nice to see the green grass again. It only took a full weekend of RAIN to bring it back to full. Even the dandelions are returning. It's Springlike weather, the fires are almost all out and we're smiling once again.

River - "Hey! Where ya goin' lil Molly? I have the ball!"

We have plans to leave town for a few days so all daycare will officially stop until we return mid Sept.
Our darling grandson will be starting school and our plan is to be there front and centre for that day! Who can believe this day has already arrived. Good grief time flys!

Lady May and Suzy Q keep 4 year old Lucas company. Kindergarten soon! Who can believe it?

So we are heading into fall and looking forward to the cooler temperatures. We're not even bothered by the thought of Winter. We can face whatever Mother Nature throws at us and we will cope!
We are together. We are healthy. We have each other and we will cope!
Miss Sadie was the last to visit for the night before we head out. We love to see her. She's always so  happy and wiggly. Such a contented happy girl.  Thank you for bringing a smile to my face dear one.

Have a wonderful September. See you soon!

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