Welcome Miss Lista

We finally had an opportunity to fully meet with 20 mon. old Lista. We have been waiting for her spay before we could look at daycare dates. She has fully healed from her spay and Oct 20 was her M&G date. 
We first met Lista at her home last year on July 2022.
https://kingsurvives.blogspot.com/search?q=lista
 Lista has also visited us prior to her spay for a short say ‘hello’ in Nov. last year. There has been little change in Lista since last year. She’s just as lovely and well behaved as she was a year ago. Little Suzy Q was visiting us on her M&G day. The two have met previously due to training sessions. Although Lista was ready to play a bit, Suzy really wanted no part of that.  Suzy is not big on playing much, she's social but cool. 
That was okay with Lista, she was quite interested in checking out all the toys.

Lista - "How come none of them squeak?"

That's because all the old squeakies have been chewed apart sweetheart. I think it's time to bring out some new ones! Lista took the brand new squeakie I handed her with glee. Like many others Lista's mom and dad would prefer Lista doesn't bring stuffies home. This one will go on hold for Lista's visits, like a few other dog's toys. She'll learn to share it with everyone, the same as all the others have.

Lista happily enjoying the lovely squeaky sounds

Lista played happily until it was time to head out. It was very obvious this would be her favourite toy.
I wonder how long it'll last?
Bailey happened to be visiting the day after Lista and I presented Lista's new toy to him. He had a great time just sniffing it and taking in the new dog smells on it.  I gently replaced it with another when he began to settle in to have a bit of squeakie chew time with it. Now it will smell like Bailey as well. I believe that might help Lista when meeting Bailey day haps along.

Bailey loving the new dog scents on the new squeaky toy.

Lista will be here for her free 4 hour visit with us on Nov. 11th. As it turns out that’s exactly 1 year from when we originally met Lista. As a good friend of mine used to say. “How cool is that?”

Lista will join into the group of our pack that have a high prey drive. We'll be ever vigilant when allowing her outdoors. I'll be watching the yard for deer (and cats) before she is turned loose to play in the yard.
Thank you, mom and dad, Vivian and Ian for your patience in the wait to have Lista's M&G.
She'll now become one of our Royal extended pack. 
Welcome to almost 2 yr. old, sweet girl Lista! 

Lista watching for birds in the tree.

Lista's Four Hour Visit

The lovely 1.5 year old Lista visited a few days ago. The day was mild but the ground was a soggy leafy mess. I limited our outdoor time and increased some indoor practise. First we headed indoors to practise going up and downstairs and waiting patiently while the door to outside was opened. Lista was very well behaved on all these. Her dad tells me the staircase at home is wide and allows Lista to walk beside them rather than behind. Our stairs here are narrow and steep.  I provided several opportunities for Lista to understand what I required of her.  After a few attempts she 'got it'. She needed to stay behind me. Next time she visits I'm sure only a brief review will be necessary. With several other dogs present the stairs can be a hazard for both me and them if bolting down or up is allowed. Following the simple rule of staying behind and walking slowly downstairs keeps everyone safe.
Way to go Lista! You got it! 

The private 4 hours we spend together is such a great opportunity for me to get to know how dogs react/respond to various daily happenings in an unfamiliar surrounding.  During future daycare many of the same things will happen but with distractions of other dogs. Knowing in advance how dogs may respond/react to events prepares me in advance to prevent unwanted safety issues. 

Some of the areas we review include my use of words that may be unfamiliar. I call dog daybeds mats  and bed mats, beds. The slight difference can be confusing if they haven't heard those terms before hand.  When I need them to be on a mat is very different than when I need them to be going to sleep in bed. Being on a mat may be due to a need for less commotion in the room, perhaps its nap-time, or its treat time or I need to tend to someone and I need everyone safe and away while they wait for my attention again.

Lista watched my signals closely and chose the mat I pointed to after just my 2nd direction.

During the day I often require the dogs to be in the safety of an area while I'm not physically present. It means the gates will be closed and I need to know they are comfortable when I leave the room. Every room in my house has a gate. I believe it's necessary for eating time to allow privacy and comfort. It can also allow for quiet time from other rowdier youngsters if need be. Some of the gates can be noisy and I want them to hear them open and close to prevent being startled in future. I believe it helps their comfort level when they hear them again on a later visit.

Lista waiting patiently for my return

She listened as I spoke to her from the kitchen, but made no attempts to jump the gate. Instead, she watched me the entire 10 minutes I puttered in the kitchen and did not lay down. She received a yummy carrot and sweet potatoe treat for such quiet behaviour. I'm sure this behaviour will be quite different with a house full of rowdies.

Lista - "Hey, Lady? when do the cookies come?"

Lista watched me take the vacuum out while she played with toys. Even when I turned it on, she just continued to play. Oh goodie I can vacuum during her visits!

Lista oblivious to the vacuum

Lista's favourite toy is definitely a ball.  She also loves squeakys and if it happens to be a ball that squeaks that's even better. We played outdoors for a very long time Lista loves to run and jump and will drop balls at my feet if I am not actively playing with her.
She watches me constantly for direction or cues on where to go next. It's very obvious her mom and dad have spent a great deal of time and patience on her training. I can't wait to see how Lista enjoys the company of a playmate.

I want all Lista's visits to be positive so I have made a note to self ~ Until I can be certain toy sharing  is well established, I'll be making a couple of toys disappear before a playday. One of the favourites is the little green soccer ball and I already know its also a favourite of a few others. Not everyone is willing to share that ball. It'll be set aside for a while.

It doesn't squeak but many dogs love this little green soccer ball

About 2.5 hours into our visit, Lista found a quiet spot beside the toy bin and closed her tired eyes.  She slept undisturbed for a half hour. I'm sure she would have slept longer but I needed to get my laundry and when I opened the gate behind her, she woke. "Is it play time yet?"

Shhh I'm sleeping

She waited patiently while I put my laundry in and kept a ball ready to head back outdoors again. We played ball together until dad came for her. When she returned home, mom said Lista was happy and tired. Oh good! I cant wait for her next visit.

Lista - "Are you ready to be thrown ball? I'm going to find you."

Thank you for your previsit Miss Lista. You showed me how smart and well behaved you can be.
Lista's next visit will be on the same day one of her good friends will be here. Sage and Lista often spend time together at home. I just know there's bound to be endless energy and zoomies happening that day. I better get my rest!

Good Morning July. Come on in!

I looked at my calendar this morning and said to daddy, “Is June really finished?” Well, that’s it then. we’re halfway through the year 2022. July is here.
I’ve been waiting for what seems like forever for July to roll in. Our camping trip is only 2 weeks away. Please be sure to mark your calendars. Royal K9 Korner will be closed from July 21- August 1st.

We had a bit of a change for July daycare and a couple of newcomers we’re hoping to introduce. The first change is our scheduled meeting with little visitors, sweet Pixie, and her brother Chico, all the way from Oregon USA. They needed to cancel because their daddy cannot travel. He did some damage to his tendon! Ow daddy take care and heal well. We look forward to possible daycare in the future. 

This month we have set up a M&G with Mr. Walter. He is approx. 5-years-old and a new big brother for little Suzy Q. So we’ve already met Walter with his dad a few times. He hasn’t needed day care, until now. We are looking forward to future visits as he gets to know our extended pack. He’s possibly going to spend a day with Sir Cash and Sir Henry later in the month for a private meeting.
Oh BOY! Let the good times roll! 

lil Molly (RIP) meets with Walter at his home in early May

Another new potential visitor is 6-month-old Miss Lista (pronounced, Leesta) Earlier in the year, she was adopted by the mom and dad of our late Baroness, Miss Mylu (RIP) Lista has poured her love into their lives and is a welcomed addition to their hearts. We had a special invitation to meet with Lista at her home last weekend. Thank you for the lovely visit, Vivian, and Ian. Lista is currently enrolled in an extensive training program. She’s a beauty for sure and obviously an extremely smart girl! 

6 month old Lista at home sporting her new bowtie
Photo courtesy of Vivian and Ian. Thank you for sharing

Along with Lady May, we had our Countess River visiting that day. We knew there would be a lot of excitement and chose to allow ‘our girls’ to meet Lista only through the safety of the open window of our truck. Due to our spay/neuter policy Lista will not be visiting until her spay is complete. That will happen when she is closer to two yrs old. We look forward to the day when Lista can truly enjoy a more relaxed and fun playtime with our extended pack.
Congratulations Vivian and Ian. She’s a lucky girl to have found a place in your hearts! 

Lista demonstrating her calm greeting skills when we arrived.
What a good girl!

Although it will be awhile until she is here for daycare, we are looking forward to welcoming her after her spay. Keep up the great work on your training exercises!

This month we have days booked for Sir Henry, Cash, Sage, Khione and Miss Suzy Q. I know we'll have a wonderful time. The sun is coming out and the pools are set up.

Remember to mark your calendars. Royal K9 Korner will be closed from July 21- August 1st.

November Brought the Snow.

Just one week ago we had green grass and warmish temperatures. We also had a surprise visit from the beautiful Lady Lista. She’s 9 months old now and is developing into a gorgeous girl. Her mom and dad have been diligently working with her training and it certainly shows. She was super stoked to have the freedom to romp and play with so many toys here. That didn’t stop her from listening when her mom spoke. What a good girl, Lista. We cant wait for your spay and your full Meet & Greet next year.
Thank you for the visit sweet girl. Stay warm this winter.

Just 9 months old. Lista really shows her intelligence

Lista's colourful coat is like a golden bronze. It's so beautiful!

The next day the sun was still shining and I was able to get at more pruning with the help of little buddy Ruby. I thought I’d get a lot more done but I had to stop so often to play and laugh at Ruby and that’s way more important. Such a good pruning helper. Thank you, little Ruby. You are such a sweetie!

I recall another pruning helper who I have a very similar photo of
Can you?

True puppy crash after full morning of yard work and toy play.

A few days later the snow came and it’s still hanging around. There’s only a mild skiff now, but wow, the temps have dropped below zero and the winds are blowing. Old Man Winter has arrived.
The dogs are loving it and show no signs of wanting to stay indoors for very long. Drat cuz my hands sure get cold throwing toys and balls for too long.
Only November so I better get used to it quickly. I know!
Lady May is loving it!

Nov. 3rd 5 am first snowfall of 2022   Lady May is so happy!

Newcomers, Lou and Maya have been for their free four-hour ‘previsit’. We’ll be looking for just the right play buddies for them soon. Maya is protective of her sister/mom Lou so we may have one at a time until comfort levels and appropriate buddies are found. They were very well behaved. I know it’s going to be a pleasure to have them around. I’m hopeful Maya will learn that her sister is safe with us and her focus can be more relaxed.
They are two very playful girls and super smart! They’ve been through extensive training, and it shows. We played one of their home games of ‘Find it”. They wasted no time for each round. I need to put my thinking cap on to choose tougher hiding places. I'll win next time, I hope!
We sure had a great day, inside and out! 

Lou - "You can't fool us, we have a better nose than you"

 

Maya finds one of Frankie's favourite toys.
I will need to make it disappear if they are here together for sure.

It didn't take long for the safety leads to come off and the girls had freedom to run the entire yard.
They played hard all day!

While I did my chores they stayed right by my side.
Maya -" That's cuz we smell the cookies in your pocket!"

Our corner fence panel has arrived, and I’ve been trying to get a coat of paint on it. I’ve managed to complete one side in between frozen rays of sun and winter winds. Daddy says he can put it up this coming weekend! Yay, I can’t wait! 

Ruby and Frankie on panel patrol

We are commemorating Remembrance day together at Royal K9 Korner. Our visitors have been mindful of all our national heroes who fought for us, including our Fur heros.
We wear the purple poppy for them. We are so grateful to all those.
Lest We Forget.  - https://ottawahumane.ca/lest-we-forget-2/

Sir Frankie willing to share his favourite toys for the fallen.

Lest We Forget

Lest We Forget

Lest We Forget

The Creation of a Wait List

In August I made the decision to put a cap on intakes for daycare at Royal K9 Korner.
At that time, I only had 4 new dogs requesting daycare along with my other two previous ‘regulars’ who were on my spay/neuter wait list.
I said I would revisit my numbers come September. September is walking out the door. My regular visitors numbers have remained the same, as I knew they would. I will be welcoming a long-awaited M&G for one of our sweeties who was waiting for her spay.
Mid Oct. Miss Lista will be here! A welcome will be posted at that time.

I believe it’s still necessary to keep my numbers where they are. I am well aware that the need for daycare/play-days is ever growing.

Royal K9 Korner's Regulars as of July 2023

Every day I have at least one newcomer asking for, not just info, but daycare.  It’s become necessary for me to create a reply that is easily edited to allow me to respond individually to these folks. I will post that on Facebook so I can link to it even more easily.

My next plan of action is to revisit newcomer intakes when the new fence has been completed and the yard is back to it’s safe standard.
I‘m wondering if I will be able to do a few intakes with the understanding that daycare will only follow if the needed chosen day has visitor(s) previously booked that are ‘easy’ dogs. Base the visits more on my current health condition and the necessary care for daily dogs needs. I'm recovering from a back injury and I must take it slow.
I really don’t like telling people ‘no’ when I know full well, they NEED their dog to be taken care of during the day. They love their sweetie and want him/her to have a more social day. Instead of sitting home alone while they shop out of town or for days on end while mom/dad are at work.

Is there a way I can do that? I don’t know.
I believe the fence and yard should be back to its regular safe standard by November. Yes, I’m pushing the date closer to winter. There’s no sense pretending we can work faster than we can. We can only work in the yard on weekends and my time and strength at this time, does not allow daily yard-work when I am taking care of the dogs.

To sum it up ~
* I’ll continue with a wait list for those who wish to be added to it.
* I’ll begin the M&G process again with an understanding that daycare is conditional, based on availability and current visitors.
* Current regulars take priority.
* Everything changes if Lady May’s health is put in jeopardy. (Current health status to follow)

 Thank you to everyone for their continued support and understanding.