Nugget Visited for The Weekend!

Oh man she is so small! 10 lbs of the cutest little tuffy I’ve ever snuggled with.
Bailey came for a day visit and was so happy to meet her. Nugget's little tail wiggled as soon as she'd given him the once over.

Bailey and Nugget meeting for the very first time.

Bailey’s social skills around little dogs is impeccable. He knew to steer clear of her during his zooms and to lay flat when he first met her. Oh, my goodness what a good boy!
Nugget was initially a bit reluctant but overcame her shyness with in a very short time. She has met many other dogs but tends to steer clear of the over excited boisterous ones. Now she has a big new buddy. Together they played by the pool in the heat of the day. I kept her on a long safety lead most of the day. Her recall is not 100% and she’s too quick to allow so much freedom in our big yard for this little one’s safety. 

Nugget - "Hey, pass me that toy will ya?"
Bailey - "No, I want it."

Nugget on a long safety lead strapped to my hip.

Nugget - "Just don't touch my toy okay?"
Loki - "What makes you think it's yours?"

Miss Sage and her brother Loki arrived soon after. Nugget took one look at them from the safety of the gated doorway. She immediately went into her biggest, scariest, stay away from me behaviour. It set off the barking from Sir Loki and sent Miss Sagie running for cover. Oooh kay so, we'll keep you all separate for a while and play this one by ear. And so, we did.
The day passed uneventful with no other fussing. Maybe Nugget felt the need to express herself at first meeting to set the grounds rules early on. It was enough to tell me not to trust leaving the 3 unattended in the living room if I needed to go to the kitchen. The separation gate went up when I left the room and the next few days were easy peasy.

Sage - "Hey? Can I share your toys?"
Nugget - "No! Go away!"

Due to the hot temps during her visit, ball play was limited and relaxing in the shade was encouraged. That can be a draining task when trying to keep the 3 ball dogs, Loki, Bailey and Nugget, occupied and they really just want to run and chase. Fortunately for me everyone agreed this time. It was too hot and outdoors became just a bit of relaxing shade time.

Loki - "When can we play ball?"
Me - "Later sweetie when the sun goes down."

Ball time was twice a day. First thing in the morning before the sun came up and later in the evening after the sun had gone to bed. The rest of the day was divided between A/C time and shady pool time.

The girl rest on the daybed in the A/C after morning ball play

This was a first sleep over for Nugget and I have to admit I wondered how she would handle not having her mommy to snuggle in bed with. I don't allow dogs to share our bed, unless it's a very special time. Like a big scary thunder storm. There was no thunder this night so an open door crate was offered to Nugget. To my surprise she walked right in, did a few scratches and circles and settled down to sleep. Thank you Nugget. That's a very good girl!

Nugget - "But don't lock me in okay?"
Lady May - "You can trust my mom, you can leave the crate whenever you want."

Of course the bedroom doorway gate was closed and Sage & Loki were safely separated by the other gate. All was quiet all night. Such great overnight visitors! Sometime through out the night Nugget had moved from the crate and asked to join me in my bed. When I placed her back down she simply chose the quilted bed and snuggled back to sleep.

Sage and Loki always sleep close by each other.
When one stirs the other just takes more of the bed.

The following days went by quickly and Nugget became more accepting of the other dogs. I kept the separator fence up but she had several opportunities for  'togetherness' times with Sage and Loki.
Her chosen rest place was the big crate next to the TV. She had gone into the other one that Bailey uses but decided this one would be 'hers'. She seems so little in it. Lots of room for toys to protect and keep way from the prying eyes of Sir Loki.

Nugget - "These are my toys. Paws off."

Nugget's first over night visit and meeting with the others went very well. I'm looking forward to any future visits from her.  She is definitely welcome back any time!

Nugget Returns and an Overnight Trial For Chip & Maggie

 Chip & Maggie have been making great strides in their comfort level while away from mom & dad. We've been easing them into longer visits in preparation for a 5 day stay with us in July.  With each visit they've been meeting a new visitor and this time it was the 7 yr olds,  River and Nugget. If you don't know or remember Nugget you can read about her here  Nugget 
Suzy Q, who they've met before also visited.  I knew Chip and Suzy were comfortable with each other and hoped Maggie would be less anxious with her this visit. I kept Maggie on a long lead to begin with. I wanted to eliminate the possibility of her bolting. The idea is for her to gain confidence and a sudden bolt could undo the progress she's made thus far.

Maggie is more relaxed  with Suzy this time and allows her greeting.

The reintroduction with both Suzy and with River was quite uneventful and I was hopeful meeting Nugget would go as smoothly.

Hello, Im Maggie.
Oh, hi, I'm River

Chip is a very social guy and I've only seen his happy, fun personality.  Meeting River went as I expected and I was looking forward to Nugget arriving. 

Chip and River say a polite hello

Chip was ready to begin a fun day, if River was willing. She was for sure. The four of them, Suzy, River, Chip and Maggie seemed quite comfortable with each other and could safely stay together.  

My plan was to go slow, with quiet, easy one on one introductions to Nugget with each. It's been quite some time since Nugget visited but I remembered her fun loving energetic personality and had her favourite balls ready for her.  Meeting Suzy was quite uneventful.

Hello Im Suzy. Have we met?

Meeting River was all about ball play. Yep, saw that one coming.

Nugget - "Hey, Wait up!"

We went indoors to meet Chip and Maggie. Chip clearly did not want the new girl anywhere near his sister and made no bones about saying so.  They still had lots of time to get familiar with each other so I let the visit unfold with no pressure either way. Nugget didn't seem to care and simply ignored Chip.

Chip - "Can you keep this new girl away from my sister please?"

Outdoors, Nugget, Suzy and River seemed to hit it off.  I wanted to prevent zoomies from kicking in before Nugget had a chance to get re accustomed to our yard, so I initially had Suzy and Maggie back on long leads. They each said polite hellos and Nugget found a ball again. She already had her day outlined. Easy peasy.

Maggie was unsure but accepted Nugget's presence.

Nugget will run and play ball for hours on end and that's exactly what happened.  She ran and played while Mags and her brother did zoomies in another area. River roamed the yard watching for birds, Suzy rested and watched all the goings on. They were all happy. Not necessarily socializing but content to just be.  I don't believe in putting dogs in a situation they're not ready for. Being together can look different for different dogs.  They can visit through fences and become accustomed to each other with out feeling the need to defend. The longer they had to check things out and feel content the easier the rest of the visit would go.

Chip - "You just stay with me, Maggie and I'll take care of you."

I spent a watchful 24 hours with the four munchkins. I feel quite confident Maggie and Chip will do just fine when July comes along. They'll be back again for more visits and meetings before then. I think Chip will be back to his more comfortable self when they meet Nugget again. She was nonthreatening and I'm certain he'll remember that. I wonder if having just one more newcomer this visit was more than he was ready for. He's a really good big brother and he means to keep his sister safe.  He'll learn that's part of my job and he can relax and just have fun.

In the meantime, River and Nugget seem to have a great report. Everyone played in and out and rested comfortably during the day.

By the time bedtime came around they were tired.

Heading to bed was an easy time for all. Chip and Maggie found the large crate, snuggled down together and were fast asleep in no time at all. Nugget chose the medium size crate. She gave a few minutes of soft whimpers, which tugged at my heart strings, but she soon followed suit into dreamland.
As usual River was asleep before anyone cozied under her pink blankie. I hope everyone dreamt of fun happy times. I'm looking forward to seeing them all again soon.
Chip and Maggie will go home in the morning and Bailey will arrive for a playday with Nugget! 
Stay tuned!

Good night sweethearts. I love you all

Welcome Little Nugget

 She may be small but she sure has personality plus. Welcome to our extended pack little Miss Nugget.

This 6 year old, is 10 lbs of the sweetest little golden nugget by far. She definitely suits her name. Nugget is a 'people dog' and not at all interested in becoming somebody's best zoom buddy.
At her Meet 'n Greet Nugget was calm, very polite and respectful of Lady May. It happened that our energetic Sir Henry was visiting that day.
He's big and he's loud and he's so full of "I NEED to meet you." They met in the living-room while I held Henry at a distance from Nugget, and mom kept Nugget on lead.
Nugget's reply was "Please hold him tight. I'm nervous!"  No worries little girl. This is not the day you will officially meet Sir Henry.  Henry had a sore paw and all play was restricted. Another day for that.

Outside Nugget immediately found a ball, but of course it was not a very good size for her little mouth. That didn't stop her, she went right into fetch mode.  Even though it was a bit of a struggle for her, she was determined to play ball.  I brought out the 'small dog toy bin and she sifted through several toys right away.

Her favourite toy that day turned out to be the little stuffie that our Countess River likes to play with. It's an older little squeakie, stuffie chicken leg. 

Nugget - "Hey! Something sure smells good in here"

It's one of the toys that hasn't yet been ripped and chewed. For some reason this little toy has made it through many play days and remained in tact. Good choice little Nugget. Let's play!

Nugget offers a polite invitation to play. Lady May chooses to decline.

Nugget is still working on her recall skills, so when she visits without her mom she'll be on a long safety lead. I have been told she's not very fond of a lead so we'll be practising some leash skills. Mom has some days already planned to have this little Nugget stay with us and her safety is of the upmost concern for me.
Now to find a day we can have a 4 hour visit. . .
Welcome to our home little Nugget. We'll be seeing you soon.

Nugget's First Four Hour Visit

What a fun day to reopen daycare after a week off. Little 8 year old Nugget came for her 4 hour previsit.
She came through the gate with excitement and headed straight to find her favourite toy.

"Hey Lady? Wanna play catch?"

She’s a darling little girl and was not concerned about being left in my care at all. We played together awhile before the sun was too hot. She changed toys a few times but always sought one that squeaked. Well, of course she did. Wouldn’t you?
She kept me laughing watching her playing IN the toys. As normal, it seems, for little dogs, she always choose the biggest toys and really kinda ignored the smaller ones this time.

I'm ready to play now. Let's go in the yard!

We spent time getting familiar with the house, gates,my voice and movements as well as the stairs. We went back and forth, indoors, and out and chose a different entrance each time. Nugget likes to zoom up the stairs and she taught me to step aside during those times. She’s a very little girl and climbing up the ‘tall’ steps requires a bit of speed. That’s just fine little girl. I get it and this is one of the reasons a trial visit before any others are present works best. I’ll be sure she heads out at the same time Lady May does when others visit. Safety first.

Nugget seemed very comfortable during her visit and most of our time was devoted to toys.  She was attentive to my voice and her recall was so good I dropped her long lead and the harness came off her very soon.
We played mostly in and around the pool. The heat didn’t seem to bother Nugget this day. I'm quite sure staying by the pool helped and was great fun for her. I made sure the depth of the water was safe for her and wondered whether the height of the sides would be a problem. She took her time and very soon she figured out exactly how to get the toys out. A bit of scrambling at first but once she’d removed a few times she was up and over the edge like a pro. Good girl Nugget. 

Mom had told me Nugget is not fond of other dogs so we'll be going very slow with any introductions to buddies. She is booked for a 4 day visit soon and so far I have those days free of others. Perhaps a couple hour drop in, depending how things go.  I'll play it by ear.
My goal is to keep Nugget happy and most of all, feeling safe and secure.
At the moment she seems to trust us and I plan on holding on to that.

Hey where's all the toys Lady May?

Oh Yes! This is way more fun!

Even indoors, Nugget was not interested in a nap and continued to ask for play. That's okay by me. I can easily do a 4 hour playday with this little darling.

I'm waiting for you to throw this one. Are you ready?

The time flew by and it was soon home time. When she saw her mom come through the gate she immediately ran off to find the toy she likes best and brought it to show her  mom.

What a little darling. I'm happy to welcome you to Royal K9 Korner little Nugget.
I'm certain you'll enjoy your upcoming visits as much as I will.

July 2025 in Review

July started with the return visit from Miss Ellie. She had a few fun days with Sir Bailey and Cooper. The weather was tolerable and they enjoyed a good romp as well as a rest.

Happy to have a playmate again. Miss Ellie enjoyed her Bailey day!

Ellie showed Cooper she could be very respectful and gave him the space he needed.

During the first two weeks Ruby, Suzy Q, Miss Lilly, Nugget and Peaches joined in. The sun was turning up the heat and the dogs were quite content to just chill indoors.

Cool air on the tummy is good for the soul.

 Miss Lilly is an absolute water girl and the pool suits her better than the cool A/C.

Bailey - "Are you sure you want to stay outside?"
Lilly - "Yep Im cool."

 Until it was nap time. Then the coolness of the indoor suited her just fine.

Lilly - "Wake me when its home time please."

During Nugget's visit we had Sir Henry join us for a day. Her small size didn't stop her from enjoying her ball play time. The two big boys, Henry and Bailey romp around her and did a fantastic job of side stepping her. 

My plan for mid July was to take a few dog free days. I hoped for 10 straight days with no dogs. It didn't really happen, but I did get 6 off and on dog free, Yay! 
There were a couple of buddies who needed daycare and after all, I was at home.  Everyone had such happy faces it was easy to enjoy even though I didn't get those 10 days off. 

Nugget - "Can we please go outdoors now?!"

The last two weeks of July have been FULL to the brim and loaded with fun. The summer sun is at its peak and the new A/C furnace is proving to be an asset! 
Peaches' extended visit has coincided with River and Bailey as well as Nugget, Suzy and Cooper. It's given her a perfect opportunity to gain some confidence with them and perhaps set the ground work for a friendship in future. 

Though she had an opportunity to meet with Miss Ruby, I decided to keep a divider fence between them. Peaches seemed less secure in her presence. I only want positive experiences for her at the moment. River kept Peaches entertained while Ruby and Bailey enjoyed their romping in a separate play area.  

Peaches seems to be developing a keen liking for River. Is it that River is closer to her sister's age? Perhaps River exhibits similar behaviours to her sister Sadie? I dunno, but I like what I see developing between them. 

Waiting for lunch. 

Where River goes, Peaches follows. At nap time she seeks out where River is and stays very close. 

Peaches still looks across the road to her home but seems to understand there's noone home. It must be a very difficult for her, but she seems to be coping really well.  
There's always lots to do with her new temporary pack. Im so glad her visit coincided with them the way it has. 

Peaches - "Look mom! New friends"

Bailey , 'the wonder dawg' has given Peaches ample time to trust his large presence and she seems to feel more confident with him now. 

Bailey - "I promise, you can trust me."

Peaches still has one more week with us. I'm looking forward to watching her develop a friendship with Sir Bailey. Next week little Nugget will join them once again. 

July has been a blast and I remain thankful for all the happy faces of my visitors.  Moving into August Im also looking forward to trying for another 10 days off. 
Will I make it. Hmmmm Maybe??

Surprise Toys Day

River and I had just one day alone last week. She helped me get ready for the next group of visitors. She kind'a helped herself to the tiny toys as I sorted them to make sure all were still safe to play with. She gave them her seal of approval by sneaking one off to snuggle with.

Ahhh yes! The tiny squeakie duckie my favourite!

River always seems to find the little duck or chicken leg first in all the tiny toys. Sneaking one is inevitable and I always allow her to when we're alone. She loves the tiny toys and is gentle with them when no one else is around.

River - "This is not a chicken leg or duckie. It's a tiny cow and I'm claiming it!"

When the toys and the living room are done we head done to the bedroom. Theirs always bedding, mats and covers to be washed.  It's boring for River, so she decides to head out the door to rest in the sun. She lays on the heated mat watching the trees for birds.

River - "Why you staring at me? Is your work done lady?"

Dare I say, the snow is melting fast. 
More birds will soon be here

I get the laundry started and sort out the bedding for this weeks little visitors. Karma, Chip, Maggie and Nugget would all be overnighters. They all need warm, clean,  private, and cozy spots. I have no idea if they'll be buddies or not.  So in came the accommodations.
River came in to see if I was doing my chores right and gave it her seal of approval by checking out her fresh bedding. We are set! Bring on the littles.

Are you paying your helpers in cookies?

Later that morning we had surprise objects suddenly appear in the yard. River was the first to spot them and made off with one quicker than I could see what it was. “Some sneaky person” had thrown a few brand-new toys into our yard. He left one little squeaky squirrel hanging on the gate post to watch me. Oh good grief I laughed. There was only one person who has done this before.  A neighbour friend of Bailey's dad gets new toys often and has way to many, so she passes some on to Bailey. Who in turn passes them along to us!  Thank you, Mr. Bailey’s dad. You are a hoot!
The dogs are going to love them!

River - "I think it must be my belated birthday present! They just dropped from the sky"

Mr. Sneaky left his squeaky squirrel friend calling card

River loves to bury her toys and she zipped back and forth throughout the morning trying to find just the right hiding place for these new treasures.

If you watch her as she's found a spot, she zooms away and finds another hiding spot. She will carry a toy all day until she finally feels she's found the perfect place that no one has seen. Then she returns to take the next new toy and repeat her task. What a funny little girl.

 

She never found the right place for the big yellow chip bag toy. It is just to large and the ground is still to frozen. Ah well. another time. Besides its not really one of her favourites. It's just new.

River was still sneaking toys away even when Karma and Suzy arrived. They're not really interested and let her sneak away with a toy in her mouth. The new toys wont get a proper initiation until another visitor who loves toys arrives. Then it'll be a FUN day of race and tug and play for sure.

River, Suzy and Karma enjoying the last of the snow oblivious to the new toys.

The thrill of the new toys wears off quickly and before long Karma notices the balls and his day begins. Balls seem to be his toy of choice.  I gather as many balls as I see around and up the sloped backyard we go.  It's perfect for playing ball. I keep a plastic bin in the shed filled with balls where I initially sit and throw them. For some dogs including these two, I sometimes have to retrieve them myself. Once all the balls are thrown, I head to the lattice solar frame and gather the ones I just threw.

River - "Hurry up Lady. Why you not throw another ball?"
Karma - "Maybe she checking for cookies?"

Throwing them up hill makes more sense of course, so they can roll back to me.  That's where I usually stand for the rest of playtime.

Running back and forth and up and down the hill is quite a work out for 11 year old Karma. In just a short time he's had enough and it's rest time. 
Karma, River and Suzy Q are part of my 100% recall buddies. When I call, "house-time," they are THERE! We head indoors and they easily find a comfortable spot to lay down. It's going to be a quiet day.

Karma and River take turns sleeping on the lounge. They often share it.

This time Karma gets the lounge and River finds a different place to rest.

Ahh rest time. My favourite

 Not everyone goes to sleep right away. It takes Suzy Q longer. She has a little toss 'n tumble play with a toy before she snoozes. That doesn't seem to bother River too much. She just likes the company.

The rest of the afternoon the toys are forgotten and it's mainly a relaxing day until bedtime. The toys will wait for another day. Another couple of visitors will have their fun with them.
I'll be sorting through all the 'big toys' soon and many won't be making the cut.
New toys are on the horizon!
I think Karma doesn't care as long as I keep my hands in my pocket. I wonder what he dreams of?
Toys, or . . .

Karma dreams - " I wonder if my mom will be home tomorrow?"