Thursday, January 5th, 2017

Harlow and Rumple are a blast to play with. When I got to the cat room this morning, Harlow was in his usual spot, on the cot, and Rumple was in his usual spot, the cat tree. Before we started playing around with a few toys, I spent a few minutes cuddled up on the chair with both Harlow and Rumple, and they also got to cuddle with Katie. After we cuddled, they boys decided it was indeed time to play so I threw a crunchy ball for them and they chased after it together. As Rumple ran beside Harlow, he saw the snake on a stick toy and decided to swat at that until I shook it for him. While I playing with the snake toy with Rumple, I waved the laser pointer around for Harlow and he went flying across the room. Eventually, Rumple got tired of playing and decided to go back over to the cat tree for a little scratch before he jumped back up in the hammock. As Rumple was lounging around, Harlow and I continued to play with the laser pointer, until he decided it was time for a rest. Before I left, I gave the boys a few treats and a few more cuddles. When I went to feed the boys their dinner this evening, Rumple was ready and waiting for me to open that cupboard. He hopped right up on the shelf like he was ready to help me put the bowls together. Harlow meowed at my feet, and Rumple hopped down and ran to his cubby before I’d even picked both of their dishes up off the shelf. It’s fantastic to see how much Rumple has come out of his shell during his stay.

Bear, just like his name, is the sweetest, gentlest giant around! He was very perky first thing this morning and his energy kept up all day long. He is usually curled up on his bed first thing, but this morning he must have heard me come in because he was up on all fours waiting at the door, greeting me with a great big smile on his face. No hesitation to go outside today that’s for sure as he joined his little friends out in the snowy yard. After a special one on one walk with me, it was time to go back outside to soak up some more sun and explore the yard with the small dog group. Although big, he is very gentle and loving with the little ones and they just seem to adore his company. At one point he was nuzzling noses with Coco and the both of their tails were wagging back in forth in excitement. Bear then spent the rest of his morning happily plunked down in the snow as he supervised the small dog group in amusement!

Speaking of little ones, Coco and Timbits joined us today for daycare and were thrilled to start their morning off with a long trail-walk in the back with all of the freshly fallen snow. These two put their little noses to work and happily explored and sniffed that trail out from beginning to end! For such little guys, they sure do have a lot of pull and definitely know how to get to where they want! The fun continued just a short while later for their group outing where they saw Bruno and Bear. Coco just found Bear to be quite fascinating and enjoyed her nose nuzzles with him by the fence while Timbits kept busy with little playful friend Bruno. To no surprise these two little feisty boys played and wrestled all morning long!

Bruno is such a little character and a charming boy to say the least. He just cannot contain his excitement when you greet him first thing in the morning but when can he contain his excitement! Bruno is just a little guy, but he sure knows how to make his presence known and will hop up on his hind legs to make himself just a little bit taller to try and get your attention. He doesn’t need to do much to get our attention, everyone loves this playful boy and gets his fair share of hugs and kisses throughout the day and he does the same in return. If he’s not clinging to the side of your leg for attention, he was off playing and wrestling around with Timbits who surprisingly had just as much energy as he did! Bruno spent some special one-on-one time in the reception area this afternoon. He’s such a lap dog some days, but today he was eager to play with all of the fun toys in the toy box. His favourite was definitely the snake stuffy, and he shook it all around the room. He’s such a little firecracker, and so much fun to play with!

Another day well spent with dynamic duo Max and Sadie. We spend so much time with them that they have really become a part of our little family and we enjoy every minute of their company! They were feeling especially frisky today with all of the snow and could barely wait to get their paws wet; but not before they showed me their perfect sit. Both Max and Sadie obliged to a sit in their kennel but by the looks on their faces they were wishing I would hurry up! A few impatient minutes later they were out the door and playing around in the snow to their little hearts content in usual Max and Sadie fashion. The wrestling match was interrupted when Sadie heard something out in the field, that girl has the best ears! Both her and Max jumped up on the picnic table to see if they could get a better view. When they couldn’t see anything, it was straight back to wrestling until it was time to come in!

Tsavo was such a great girl during groups today. She was thrilled to see all her buddies, especially her usual pal, Vega. Tsavo was quick to begin following the little devil around the yard trying to get some games going. Vega teased and taunted Tsavo by climbing on rocks and tunnels, just out of her reach. Finally Vega gave in and the pair set off for some games. Soon, other husky friends including Justice and Kyah joined in on the fun too. Tsavo was pleased to have all her northern pals playing around with her. When she was done with all the games Tsavo happily broke off to do some exploring. She is always keen to get her nose deep in the snow, getting a thorough investigation of her surroundings in. Right before it was time to head back indoors Tsavo got into some more fun and games around the tunnel with the whole group. She was very happy with her day, and happily made her way indoors to her brother.

Jemma always loves her Thursdays with us. No matter who she is paired with for group time she is guaranteed to find a best friend and have a fun filled day. It took no time at all for her to meet up with her puppy pal, Vega. The pair was quick to assume their positions and begin romping around. No surprise at all, Jemma plopped on her back and began flailing about while Vega pounced all over her. Jemma loves this type of play, and continued to roll around in the snow while Vega took control of the games. After loads of wrestling, Jemma hopped up and started to leap on Vega. This drew the attention of other group mates, creating a larger group wrestling match. Jemma was happy to participate in this, rolling on her back with her tongue out and tail wagging. She continued on with these games for all of group time, with loads of different dogs. Jemma is always happy to play with anyone.

Percy had a hoot with his group today. Everyone kept him very busy and entertained. Percy divided his outdoor time between fetch, and chasing his friends around. He was very happy to find a kong toy as well as a big red ball in the yard. He alternated playing with either one, competing with his pal Charly for them. After a bundle of fetch, Percy broke off to chase after his friends Jemma and Vega. Percy was very keen on herding them to his desired location. He was successful in getting them to the tunnel where he got some tunnel games going, including his other friends Kyah and Justice. Percy is very agile around the tunnel, darting in and out with ease. He had lots of fun playing all these games, making him nice and tired for his in between breaks.

Spencer started off his outdoor time with his nose to the ground. It took a bit of convincing to get Spencer playing. At first, he wasn’t sure of all the intense games going on. He minded his own business in the deep snow, rolling around bathing himself. He also had a nice cold snack while giving himself a good roll around. After some baby talk, pets and cuddles, Spencer realized how much fun his group was having and bounded away from me to partake in the action. IT took him no time at all to meet up with his pal Kyah and get the games going. Spencer and Kyah instantly began wrestling around, tossing one another side to side and leaping all over each other. Spencer was a little confused when Kyah’s mini-me, Vega, began leaping all over him too. Next thing he knew he had two red huskies all over him. Spencer wasn’t apposed to all this attention what so ever. In fact, he began leaping all over them right back looking for more fun and games. Next thing he knew he was racing around the tunnel with all of his friends. Spencer continued to happily play until he decided to take a break to clean up his paws. After he got all the snow out of his paws he carried on with his fun and games until it was time to head indoors. Spencer enjoyed his one-on-one time with Leah in the reception area this afternoon. He was such a good boy and showed off his tricks for a couple of treats. He then moved on to his favourite activity: playing with toys! Today’s favourites were the orange ball, the tennis ball and the frog stuffy. Spencer was happy to spend the last bit of his extra attention time getting lots of pets and cuddles.

Teddy kept himself very busy today, as usual. He kept busy by racing around the yard over and over again after his friends. He met a lovely girl named Leah who really sparked his interest. He usually likes to race after friends but today he was tolerant for some wrestling and boxing. Poppy, Leah’s sister, was interested in Teddy too. Next thing he knew he had two cute girls all over him. Teddy was happy to play games with these girls, as long as they were giving him their undivided attention. They did lots of wrestling and boxing and of course lots of running. Teddy was a very happy camper today!

Cai had a quieter day today. He was in a very busy group, but he chose to lay low until the end of his outdoor time. Cai was very occupied by all the scents in the yard. All the snow covers up so many smells, and Cai insisted on finding all the good treasures that were covered. Cai continuously buried his nose, and entire face in the snow until I would distract him by calling his name and offering him cuddles. Finally, towards the end of groups, he met up with Oliver. He was very intrigued by his presence and begged him to play. Oliver wasn’t too sure about playing, so Cai turned and played around with his other friends instead. He was happy to receive pets and cuddles after games until it was time to head indoors.

Molly kept herself very busy today with fetch. Not only did she keep herself busy, but she kept me busy. Molly is a pro at fetch. She can get me to throw just about anything she wishes, and she will retrieve it with a smile on her face. I guess her behaviour suits the name of her breed! We had so much fun playing fetch, it never ended. For 25 minutes Molly was racing around the yard after her favourite red ball. She kept her other group mates entertained as well, as they insisted on racing after her attempting to compete. No one could give Molly a run for her money. She is the queen of fetch. Only Teddy the border collie came close to swooping in and grabbing the ball, but Molly was just that much quicker and nabbed it every time. In between some rounds, Molly would lie down and roll around in the snow giving herself a snow bath. She is very fun to watch and to entertain.