Sunday september 11, 2016

Egan and Keeva were definitely the cutest play friends of the day. They each began their morning on different walks but during their outdoor play group they were stuck like glue at times and when they weren't they were both still having so much fun. Keeva was waiting right at her kennel door for me when it was time for her morning walk. She was a very good girl for me while I put on her leash and was excited to take off out the door. Keeva was on a pretty fast paced walk with a new friend that did their best to keep her on her toes. She loved being at the end of her leash to begin with so she was going even faster. Egan went on a walk with our bloodhound foster, Adele. When I went to get him for his walk he was all cuddled up on his bed but soon sprang up to come outside. Egan loved getting the chance to meet another new friend and clicked with her right away. He enjoyed trying to get her to play for almost the entire time. Egan would bounce all around Adele and also play bow at her. Eventually, when he realized that she didn’t want to play, Egan came to see me every so often then he’d race away to the end of his leash. He spent the end of his walk sniffing away in the grass. When it came time for their outdoor play group I could just tell that their group was going to be very playful and fun because both Egan and Keeva were up and waiting at the kennel doors for me while their tails were shaking like mad. The two of them took to the agility yard at full speed and immediately the fun began. Egan pounced at Keeva which she was quick to return with a play bow. The two of them started chasing one another around the field with the addition of a new husky friend named Nymeria. Nymeria definitely kept the two of them moving as she joined in on the chase. Soon enough Keeva and Egan were play tackling one another and trying to steal toys from each other. Keeva found an old soccer ball in the yard and immediately fell in love with it. She and I enjoyed playing with it for quite some time. We played fetch, tug of war, and sometimes she'd just enjoy sitting down and chewing on it. This is however until Egan saw it and snatched it up as he ran by. Egan looked very proud and happy as he ran around the yard with his new-found toy. He almost looked as if he was showing it off. This didn't last too long as Keeva was ready to take it back. This of course led to another play tackle and chase before she let him have it to himself for a while. While he had that toy Keeva found a Frisbee to play catch with for a little bit. After some time, Egan brought the soccer ball back over so that he and Keeva could both play fetch with it together. By the end of the group Keeva was a bit tuckered out and wanted to come cuddle with me. Egan continued to race around and play until the very last second. Keeva was so very excited for her extra attention time this afternoon. She must’ve known it was time to go because she popped out of bed and out the kennel door. Keeva loves getting her extra walks during this time because it give her another chance to explore the big field. Today, she spent almost all of her time outside with her nose on the ground. Keeva was so interested in sniffing that she walked right on the path and into the bushes without even realizing. Once she got to the bushes she stopped, stuck her head up in the air as if she was looking for me and then ran over once she saw me to continue on our walk. After our walk was over, Keeva and I tried something new. I brought her to the front yard and put her on the long leash where she could explore, wander and play with a few toys. She sniffed around for a bit but soon decided it was play time. Keeva picked up any toy she could and was constantly asking me to play with her any time I would even look away. We kept this game going until it was time for us to go back inside.

Louis just wanted to be a part of everything that was going on today! Every time I went to get him out of his kennel he was already up and ready to go with his nose pushing at the door. When he went out first thing this morning he was still in a very cuddly mood. Louis followed me around everywhere during the group and would always make sure to rub his head up against me so that I’d give him some extra attention. This morning he was very excited to go on a one on one walk with our volunteer. He's always such a good boy on his walks just like he was today. Louis remained right beside Eric for the most part of the walk. However, Louis still enjoyed going in the especially long grass to sniff out anything that he could. When it came to his outdoor play group, Louis had a special extra pep in his step. He trotted out of the hallway and right into the yard to see his old and some new friends today. Louis immediately greeted everyone as soon as he saw them and was trying to figure out who he should hang out with. I think he had a hard time choosing because he took a turn following everyone. Louis was always looking to be right in the middle of things so he’d follow anyone that looked like they might be fun watch. Sometimes, Louis would try to bounce at his friends to get them to play with him. He looked so cute jumping at them and wanting to play. Soon enough he found Keeva and Nymeria who he could follow around the yard as they chased one another. After quite some time Louis came over to me and pushed his head right against me to try and get some extra attention yet again. Louis was especially excited when he figured out it was time for his extra attention later in the afternoon. I took him out front today which he was very happy about because he got the chance to explore somewhere else. Louis’ nose was going crazy with all of the new scents and he was following it around every inch of the yard. Eventually I got his attention and had him lay down so that I could brush him with the zoom groom brush that we have. Louis loved this very much and laid down as relaxed as could be while I brushed him. Any time that I’d try to stop brushing him he’d paw at me or sit up to nudge me and get me to continue. For the rest of his extra attention we went back to his kennel and snuggled while he got a belly rub, chin scratch and head massage.

George and Titan were quite the explorers at every point in the day today, starting with their first morning outing. The two boys were all snuggled up together this morning when we went to let them out for their first outing. Titan was quick to hop up when he realized that it was time to go out but George took his time getting out of bed and outside. Eventually they were both out and ready to take on the day. For this outing they mostly stayed side by side as they sniffed and searched around the yard. George would wander off on his own to join me wherever I was for some extra loving but he’d soon return to Titan. For the most part, this group was nice and relaxed as they took in the crisp morning air. George continued his relaxing day as he got a short one on one walk with our volunteer. He was so happy to go he almost looked as if he was smiling up at him. As soon as they got outside, George stuck his nose right up into the air and caught every whiff that he could. This occurred a few times along the way but for the most part of the walk, George enjoyed exploring the grass. He mostly remained beside Eric for the walk as he’d always ask him to give him a quick pat on the head by nudging his leg. Once the walk was over, George was completely content and trotted back into his kennel for a morning snooze. Titan had a bit of a faster walk with two new friends. As soon as he got outside he began jumping around as he was so happy to see new dogs. The whole walk was a big play time for him. Titan spent his time racing all over the place on the trail and did a good job of getting himself completely tangled up in all the leashes. Every time he’d get tangled he’d just flash me a huge smile and wait as if to say “come and help me please!”. The two boys were so very excited to go for their extra attention time. We started off by ourselves in the yard. They absolutely loved having the whole yard to themselves and let their noses go wild! After a bit of sniffing we came up to the playroom and that’s when the fun really started. The two of them gave the playroom a good overall sniff before each finding a toy. George loved anything that looked like a ball and would play fetch with me for quite some time. Titan on the other hand enjoyed having a good bone to chew on for the most part. Every so often they would both come over to me for a belly or head rub and then go off again to play some more games.

Nymeria was just the star of the show throughout the entire day today! No matter what she was doing, whether it was group time or on her walk she always had someone that wanted to play around with her and try to tucker her out! Nymeria's wonderful day started out right from her very first morning outing. She was definitely up and ready as she was jumping up at her kennel door with anticipation. As soon as I let her out she zoomed into the yard and started greeting her best friends. Nymeria was with our huskies Justice, Magic and Rosie as well as our Bloodhound foster, Adele, for the entire day. As soon as she saw them all she went crazy! She began chasing everyone in the group and tried to get them all to play with her. She'd zip from one side of the yard all the way to the other in a matter of seconds as she was trying to do that. When it came time for her walk she was just as excited to get outside and meet someone new. This time she was out with a bit of an older but very active dog. Nymeria made friends with her in no time and the two girls took off to the end of their leashes. Nymeria and her new best friend were racing all over the place. They'd go from side to side on the trail, in the long grass, and back and forth between me and the ends of their leashes. This walk was definitely a tiring one but Nymeria didn't seem to tire whatsoever and was just as ready for her afternoon play group. She raced out the door once again with the same enthusiasm as before to go see all of her husky friends and Adele once more. This play group was the most energetic and crazy one of the day. Nymeria was definitely the most popular girl in the group as everyone was constantly surrounding her. Rosie and Magic especially loved playing with her. They spent their whole time racing after her while also trying to pounce at her. Nymeria was speedy quick though and most of the time she could get away from them by a good amount before they’d catch her again. Every so often, Nymeria would get herself trapped inside the tunnel with the other two girls. It was so funny to watch the three of them play fight in the tunnel as there was barely enough room for them. Justice would always come along at this point too, making it even more of a tight fit. I put Nymeria out in a second group today as well just to try and tire her out. She made so many friends with ease and found two new dogs that she loved racing around with. Eventually, she started to slow down a bit and decided that she wanted to play with toys at this point instead. She and I played tug-of-war with a rope toy and fetch with a Frisbee for the remainder of the group.

Apple is really enjoying her first day with us. When I went to get her for her walk she was a bit confused, and at first thought she was going home, but as soon as we got outside she knew it was walk time. While she made her way through the yard alongside her best pals Glendalou and Gryphon she looked up at me wagging her tail as if to say thank you for this lovely walk. When we got to the field the three parted ways and Apple held her nose to the sky to let in a deep breath of fresh air. As we all walked along Apple saw her favourite horses and woofed hello, but her main interest was in sniffing. When it was time to go back inside Apple went back into her kennel and curled up in her bed. For Apple’s extra attention today we spent some time cuddling up front. After cuddling on the chair for a bit I went to grab Apple’s treats and she did a few ticks for treats, which she loves doing. After eating some treats Apple and I went outside to explore for a bit before she went back to her kennel. When it was time to go outside for her group, Apple was so happy to be back with little dogs as she greeted them all at the door. After saying hello to everyone Apple went on to do her own thing and sniff around for most of the group, but before it was over she made sure to come over to me for some cuddles and love.

Coco and Timbits love being at daycare on the weekend, and they got to spend their day in the back playroom. When it was time for their walk, Coco and Timbits jumped at the door as soon as they saw the leashes in my hand. After we got outside they bolted to the gate eagerly awaiting their walk. When we got to the field Coco moved away from Timbits to sniff around, while Timbits spend some time playing around in the grass. Near the end of their walk the siblings had a little playtime before they went back inside. When it was time to go out for group time, Timbits ran out the door as fast as he could happy to see his pals, while Coco slowly made her way behind him. After greeting everyone Coco went to the far yard to sniff around while Timbits played around with the puppies. After sniffing around Coco came over to join Timbits and the puppies in their game of chase me, but eventually the two got tired and came over for some cuddles. Before it was time to go back inside the siblings spent the rest if their time sniffing around the yard.

Piper and Ranger are having an excellent time during their stay with us. When I went to get them for their walk they paced their kennel as they saw that I had their leashes in my hand. When we got outside the pair sniffed around the yard while we walked to the field, happy to be out in the cool morning breeze. When we got to the field Ranger hoped along like a bunny through the tall grass, while Piper stayed right by my side. Eventually Piper decided to join her brother in sniffing around before they played around at the end of their walk. When it was time to go outside for their group Piper shyly said hello to everyone while Ranger blew right through and headed to sniff around the yard. After greeting everyone Piper went over to join her brother in sniffing around before the two wrestled around on the ground, like siblings do. As the group was coming to and end Piper and Ranger made sure to come over and give me a few cuddles before it was time to go back outside.

Spencer is quite enjoying his stay here with us. When I went to get him for his walk he jumped around his kennel, as he knew what time it was. When we got outside Spencer put his nose to the sky and started wagging his tail; he knew it was going to be a good day. When we got to the field Spencer dropped down and rolled around a few times before continuing with his walk. Throughout his walk Spencer spent most of his time sniffing around in the tall grass but he stopped a few times to play around with his pals. When we got back inside Spencer climbed onto his cot and had a little rest. When it was time to go out for his group Spencer ran to the door, blowing past everyone else, excited to get out and play around. After saying hello to everyone Spencer ran around the yard a few times before spending some times sniffing around on the rocks. Once everyone started playing more energetically, Spencer sat back and watched, occasionally running after his groupmates.

Spencer and I spent a lot of time together later on in the day! We went outside, just the two of us and Spencer got to spend some time on the long leash attached to the trees outside. I brought out a couple of toys for him to choose from, and right away it was the little soccer ball that Spencer was dying to get his paws on.  I threw it a bunch of times through the grass and each time he ran and pounced on it and brought it back. He always ran back to the same spot and plopped down in the grass in the shade, waiting for me to try and grab it from him. Whenever I did go to get it from the grass, he quickly grabbed it with his mouth before me and then set it back down. We went back and forth like this every time he brought the ball back to me. After we finished playing with the small ball, Spencer explored around the grass and made sure to sniff everything behind the massage building. When it was time to go inside, Spencer picked up the big Jolly ball on his way in and carried it all the way to his kennel. He didn’t bring it in with him, but simply dropped it before climbing into his bed. Spencer was rather tired after playing so much fetch and was happy to lie down for a quick nap before it was time to go home!

Fitz is having a great time with us. When I went to get him for his walk Fitz circled around in his kennel as he saw me get his harness, because he knew that it was walk time. When we got outside Fitz said a quick hello to his pals that were walking with him and then went on to sniff through the yards as we made our way through them. When we got to the field Fitz started of by taking some time to eat a bit of grass but then began to walk alongside me for most of the walk. He did stop a few times to explore through the tall grass. When we got back from his walk Fitz curled up in his bed for a snooze. When it was time for Fitz to go out for his group, he ran to the door greeting everyone as he went. When he got out the door he ran to the far yard along side his pals to go sniff around. After sniffing around Fitz spent some time wrestling and playing around with his pal Luna (such a cute couple!), but he spent the majority of his group sniffing around. Before Fitz went back inside he came over for some cuddles and a few treats.

Luna is really enjoying her stay with us. When she went out for her group she started off by saying hello to all her friends, then she took off to the far yard to explore around. When her friend Fitz came by the two of them wrestled for a few minutes until Fitz got tired, so Luna decided to roll around for a bit. For the rest of her group Luna came over and gave me some cuddles and love. Luna and I got to do so many things together this afternoon! To start, Luna and I went for a little walk out in the front field. Luna was happy to get out there and sniff all the new smells that were out in the grass. We wandered by Louis, the Great Dane, who was outside with Tiffani. Louis got up right when he saw Luna and I passing by so we went over to say hello. Louis started to play with Luna and at first she was a bit confused but then played around a bit with the big Great Dane. We then made our way around the loop for a little walk. Luna would stop to sniff the long grass and then run up to the end of her leash, and then stop again to sniff something new. She continued like this the whole time we were walking. Once we finished our walk, Luna got lots of cuddles when we returned inside.  She sat pretty for me and gave me a paw so she was rewarded with some rather yummy treats after that. She then showed off to me all the tricks she knows for a few more treats.

Sophie is having a great first day of her stay with us. When I went to get her for her walk Sophie barked at me when she saw that I had leashes in my hand. After I got her hooked up and she ran to the door she made sure to be the first one outside, not wanting to miss any of the excitement. While we made our way through the yards she barked at a few birds, but mostly just sniffed around. When we got to the field Sophie shot off like a rocket when she saw a squirrel running around, but she wasn’t able to catch it, which she seemed sad about. While she walked alongside me she stopped a few times to snatch up some mouthfuls of grass and once to have a little roll around, but her main adjective today was to sniff around. When she got back from her walk, Sophie climbed up on her cot and went for a nap. When it was time to go out for her group Sophie couldn’t wait to be back with all her pals again. As soon as she got out the door she greeted them all with a few barks and made her way to the far yard. After sniffing around in the rocks Sophie sat back and watched Fitz and Luna wrestling around on the ground. After watching her pals Sophie went back over to the rocks to sniff around some more but eventually she decided that before she went inside she should come over to me for some cuddles, so she did.