Tuesday, January 17th, 2017

Allie is warming up a little bit more every day, as is pretty usual when she comes to visit. I opened her kennel door up to let her out into the room, but she preferred to stay perched up on the ledge. I gave her a few scratches behind the ear, which she couldn’t resist leaning into. I couldn’t convince her to climb down so I went and sat quietly on the floor to let her have her space. She soon worked up the courage to hop down from her kennel and right up to the top of the cat tree, her favorite place in the room. I tried to get her to play with some toys but she didn’t have interest, maybe later. I gave her a few more scratches and left her be to explore the room and cause whatever mischief Miss Allie would like to get into today. 

Max and Sadie had another fun-filled day romping around in our snow-filled yard, the perfect spot for these two rascals to burn off some energy! Sadie ran out the door first after the perfect sit command, she didn’t even have time to sniff around before big brother Max leapt out behind her and started their usual wrestle. A few laps around the yard together and they were now ready to play with their favourite red ball. Sadie noticed the ball first and ran over in anticipation for me to throw it. She leaped into the air but had a hard time grabbing it in her mouth, so she then pawed at it like a game of hockey until she had it in her possession. Next it was Max turn to play and joined in for a few rounds but he much preferred to chase Sadie in and around the agility tunnel instead!

Chloe was excited to find a new squeaky ball out in the yard this morning, placed there just for our fetch-loving girl! She loved this ball so much that she didn’t even think twice when I showed her the orange ring, a favourite of hers yesterday! She happily galloped around the yard as the ball squeaked by the force of her bite. She wouldn’t dare let this ball go, but every so often she would lift her bum in the air and paw at it, but little did she know this gave Merck the perfect opportunity to steal it away. She was puzzled as he stole it away, how could she have given up her favourite ball so easily? The rest of her morning was spent close behind Merck in hopes that he would drop it but unfortunately for her, Merck loved this game and wasn’t eager to give it up. Finally I had enough of the sad face and got the ball back for her, and she was forever grateful and certainly wouldn’t make the same mistake again!

While Merck and Chloe were battling over the ball, Teddie and Kizmet were having their own fun out in the snow today. Kizmet started his morning off with a good old roll on his back and stretch of his legs. Macie immediately ran over to him and started to bark at Kiz from above as if she was wondering what he was doing? He was too busy to be bothered until brother Teddie ran over and enticed him to get up and play! These two social butterfly’s enjoyed every minute of their time outside today, weaving in and out of friends and having a brotherly wrestle of their own. Teddie grabbed on to Kiz scruff as an enticement to play and Kiz couldn’t have been happier to wrestle with his brother and best friend all morning long.

Macie loved watching Teddy and Kizmet wrestle, she really adores these two and any time there was action surrounding her, she made sure to get right in the middle of it. She is a very vocal girl and its her way of socializing, she just cant contain her excitement when there are so many playful pups to try and keep up with. But she sure does do a good job of keeping up with everyone else and seems to have endless amounts of energy! Macie met Mocha and Issy this morning and immediately bonded with Mocha and Mocha was very patient with her as she sniffed around and gave her a nose nuzzle to introduce herself. I’d have to say Macie was the social one of the group today!

Issy and Mocha started their day off on the right paw; a morning trail walk accompanied by fellow daycare pal Percy. There must have been a nice scent on their path because they were quite eager to pull me along with their noses to the ground! After a quick rest, it was then time to head outside to socialize with friends. To no surprise, Issy was the first one out the door and into the yard to start her rounds, except playful pups Macie and Merck often interrupted her who wanted to get her attention for a play. She didn’t seem to mind the attention as her ears and tail perked right up in enthusiasm; everyone always adores Issy! Mocha on the other hand was dragging her feet a bit, she made an appearance in the main yard where she stretched out her legs and met Macie, but she was just as happy to find a spot in the sun to lounge, a typical Mocha move!

Rufus and Sherman were feeling pretty spicy today in the yard. The duo was so excited to get out the door and see who would be in their group. The hounds were quick to motor from dog to dog, saying their hellos before setting off for some sniffing and exploring. Today their adventures across the yard didn’t last long as they were very interested in all the games going on. Both Rufus and Sherman began racing around after the dogs that were playing, getting one another going. Rufus and Sherman began to bounce all over one another, which drew the attention of Finn, the handsome black doodle. Finn was so silly towards the boys. He rolled on his back and began pawing at the air asking them to play. Both Rufus and Sherman really weren’t sure about this and slowly approached him with their powerful noses. Finally they got dancing around with Finn, but were quickly distracted by me sitting on the picnic table with their friend Samson. The boys begged for cuddles, and once again I had to sit on the ground so that they wouldn’t jump all over me. We had some great cuddles before they left me to explore the yard some more.
For their training, I brought Rufus and Sherman up separately to the playroom. These boys have sit and down under control, although they do like a little direction when it comes to down so if I forgo pointing down I have to wait a little while. We warmed up with a series of sits and downs and then practiced getting into heel position and taking a couple of steps forward. Both boys did well at the luring stage. Then we tried some heel work just in the room, walking slowly and they were amazing! The favorite game was going to the mat or "place" and staying on it. I have to say that they have picked up on it quickly. Rufus had a bit more trouble breaking his stay but after a few tries he sat while I moved in different directions. We also practiced waiting at the doors when they are opened, since they do love to rush through them at top speed. These Dachshund boys are a pleasure to work with because they enjoy it so much! 

Miko is always a pleasure to have on Tuesdays. I love seeing this guy race down the hall with his ears flapping about. He always stops to jump all over the staff members on the way to his kennel. Miko was very happy to see his playful group-mates today. He couldn’t resist saying hello to everyone prior to getting the games going. Miko met up with a handsome schnauzer friend named Bogie and play around. Bogie is usually bit more reserved, but Miko really brought him out of his shell and got him playing. Miko and Bogie was a great match, they boxed all around the yard for ages. They included other group mates on and off, but continued to enjoy their one on one games. Towarsd the end of group time Miko met up with some other friends for some good racing around. HE was pleased to meet Finn and Shelby who love to zoom around the yard. Miko was sure to play with everyone at least once prior to making his way back inside for a rest.

Pippin had such a fun day today. The little guy was so excited to get out on his morning walk with his buddy Shelby. The pair led the way along the back trail with their noses to the ground and tails wagging. In the yard, Pippin was rather intrigued by a new friend Finn. Finn is a mini doodle, who is about double Pippins size. Finn is always full of energy and happy to play with anyone. Pippin wasn’t shy at all, running over to Finn with his tail wagging and bum wiggling. He instantly pounced right on Finnigan asking to play. Finn was taken aback by Pippin’s forward approach at requesting to play, and his response was somewhat typical for Finn; he lay on the ground rolled on his back and began pawing at the air. Pippin really wasn’t sure what to do with this response, so he continued to pounce all over him. Finn was quick to give in this time and the pair set off for fun. Pippin and Finnigan had so much fun pouncing all over one another. Finn was so gentle with his little friend Pippin, which motivated Pippin to continue playing with him. The pair happily included other group mates but always seemed to find one another for more fun. After loads and loads of playing around, Pippin broke off from Finn to meet up with schnauzer friend Bogie. These two had bundles of fun boxing and wrestling. Meanwhile, Finnigan was zipping and zooming around the yard with his usual pal Shelby.

Laika is such a sweet girl. We had such a nice walk this morning with group mates Kai and Chloe. Laika is so great on leash, she loves to walk by your side only straying to sniff and do her business. In the yard today Laika spent a lot of time sniffing and exploring. She had her nose to the ground for the majority of her outdoor time until she accidentally bumped into friend Percy. Laika all of a sudden had a large interest in him, and wasn’t going to let up until he gave her attention. Laika was so flirty towards Percy, body bumping him, kissing him, and giving him endless amounts of play bows. Percy finally gave in and the pair danced around. Laika was so excited to have this new buddy. She continued to dance around with him and then broke off to do some more sniffing and exploring. Laika wasn’t going to miss an opportunity to get cookie as she noticed I had some in my pockets. She jumped all over me requesting one. Once she sat for me, she was happy to snatch one out of my hand and carry on.

Kai is always a pleasure to hang out with. She is always beaming with positive energy. On top of that, she has the most loving personality ever. Kai is always thrilled to head outside to check out what her group has to offer. Today she was particularly interested in each and every dog. She took her time saying hello to every dog, one by one. In between her greetings she would wiggle her way back to my side for some pets and cuddles. After all of her hellos were done she got quite comfortable by my side. Kai loves to nuzzle right against your leg and ask for pets. Her favourite place to be pet and scratches is behind her ears, but she’s also a fan of a good bum and side pat. Kai was so pleased to have my undivided attention for a large portion of her main outdoor time today.  After getting all the love she wanted, she set off to sniff and explore. Kai motored around the yard with her nose to the ground and her big bushy tail wagging around, ensuring to thoroughly investigate her surroundings before heading indoors. Kai is always super excited for her extra attention. She races to the front wither tails banging against everything she is wagging it so much. She settled down beside me at the desk for some cuddles. She would make a great desk partner, except when she bumps my arm with her nose to get more attention. She wandered around peeking out the windows to see if anything exciting was going on outside. I found her a kong to relax and keep her mind busy to pass the time. Kai is always reluctant to go back after her time is up, she thinks she should become the assistant receptionist. I’m sure she’d be great greeting all the customers, although she may eat a few too many treats (: 

Hudson had a great walk with his friend Merck. These two are both very energetic, and strong, making for one fast and powerful walk. I don’t mind walking strong dogs as they tend to walk at a very fast pace. We had a great time motoring along the back trail, only stopping to sniff the odd tree along the way. In the yard today, Hudson was very interested in sniffing and exploring. We were out in a different yard than usual today, which gave him a lot more to investigate. He loved the new territory and spent some good time exploring. When he finally met up with Vega, his goofy side came out. Hudson is head over heels for the Siberian husky puppy, who does a great job of keeping him busy. The pair frolicked throughout the yard non-stop. They are always pouncing all over one another and dragging each other around by their scruffs. Vega loves getting Hudson chasing after her, and especially loves confusing him by zipping through the tunnel. Hudson is such a good sport and puts up with all her youngster shenanigans. The pair kept each other very busy until it was time to head back indoors for a rest.

There is no doubt Percy loves his days with us. He was thrilled to arrive at the same time as his friend Kyah, and race down the hall next to her. The pair zoomed as fast as they could, competing to get to the back first. Percy had a great walk with his usual friends Issy and Mocha. He couldn’t have been more excited to get out in the yard and see a big orange ball lying there. He was so fast to snatch it up and race around. He had two dogs hot on his heels competing for the toy. Both Charly and Finn were so competitive trying to get it from Percy. Percy did such a great job leading the pair around they ard on an endless chase. They were trying so hard to get their muzzles into his mouth but he wasn’t letting up. Finally, Percy dropped the ball to join in on some other fun across the yard. Percy had a great time dancing around with husky friends. He was also pleased to meet Laika, who was trying so hard to get his attention. He briefly gave in to her request to play, but then remembered about the ball and chased after Charly and Finn who were taking turns carrying it.