Tuesday, March 14th, 2017

Calvin and Obi spent most of their day lounging around in the cat room. Each time I passed by they were curled up all snug in their beds. I came to see them later in the afternoon and they were ready to get up and roam around the room. Obi did a big stretch and then came over to me for some chin scratches. Meanwhile, Calvin was sitting pretty in his cubby, watching us. Suddenly, he noticed the cubby door underneath his was wiggling a little bit, and he looked around, intrigued. It turned out that it was Tippy, another kitty cat friend who was trying very hard to say hello through the door. Calvin peeked his head out of the cubby to get a better look at his new buddy. Eventually I went over to give Calvin some pets too and I carried him over to the hammock, while Obi was busy gazing out the window.

Max and Sadie were very excited to see me enter the yard with a tennis ball in hand today. Sadie is the number one fan of toys for sure, however, whatever Sadie wants, Max must show interest in. Sadie was having so much fun pushing the ball around the yard and diving and pouncing after it. Max spotted her slipping and sliding around and had to bolt full speed towards her and leap right on her. The ball was quickly forgotten about as the duo began wrestling. Sadie wasn’t putting up with Max’s shenanigans today, quickly telling him off so she could return to her ball. The only thing was, as soon as they broke apart Max was closer to the ball and got a hold of it first. This resulted in Max leading a high speed chase around the yard with Sadie right on his tail. He led her to the picnic table where she leapt up and used her height advantage to take advantage of him. The pair romped around on the picnic table together, trying to both fit on it while trying to take the other one down. They had so much fun interacting with one another while involving the tennis ball they didn’t even notice how chilly it was outdoors.

Quincy was the happiest boy in the whole wide world today. I brought a tennis ball into the yard and from the moment he spotted the yellow ball of glory his eyes were bright with excitement. Quincy did have to play some fetch with friends before he got his turn with the ball. HE was very patient racing across the yard along side 3 other golden retrievers. After a couple rounds, Quincy finally captured it. He did not let the ball leave his mouth after this. He was very insistent that it was his, and only his. He was simply adorable wandering around with the ball sitting at the edge of his mouth, looking like it would fall at any minute. Quincy was ab it of a show off with the ball; wandering around all his friends with his tail wagging high and fast. Finally, he settled down in the snow to suck on the ball for a bit before it was time to come indoors. He was happy to bring the ball back to their kennel. Seamus was very excited to see so much action in the yard today. He had multiple dogs playing with multiple toys around him. He is a very observant man, keeping a close eye on all the action from a distance. He was so pleased to receive so much attention from me. Seamus loves putting his head between my legs, asking for each scratches. After lots of pet sand cuddles, Seamus made his way across the yard to check out all the tennis ball action. He was eager to join in, but couldn’t compete with the agile youngsters. I gave him a chance with the ball which he loved. I tossed it right at him and he briefly carried it around with much pride and joy. He wasn’t as keen on the ball his Quincy, dropping it after only a few moments with it. It was swept away from him by a friend before he even noticed he had dropped it. Seamus was pleased to spend the remainder of his outdoor time by my side as well as sniffing and exploring alongside his good pal Issy. Quincy and Seamus sure do love their extra attention. They trotted right up to the front with no hesitation. Quincy was quite delighted to find the tennis ball he had so much fun with up front. He carried it around for a bit until he noticed Leah was sitting at the computer. He instantly clung to her side and climbed right up into her lap for cuddles. Seamus held back, letting his brother soak up the love. Of course, we made sure Seamus got lots of attention as well. Soon enough both boys were getting head scratches in Leah’s lap. Nicki couldn’t resist the fluffy boys and came out to say hello to them as well.

Issy was once again pleased to be accompanied by her neighbours in the yard. When she spotted them she eagerly made her way across the yard to sniff them. She was happy when they noticed her and began dancing around her. The trio took a stroll around the perimeter of the yard together, doing some thorough investigating. Issy stuck pretty close to the boys for the first portion of group until she decided to check up on Mocha. Of course, Mocha was protecting herself from the elements by lying under the AC unit. After much convincing, miss Mocha followed me into the yard to get some socializing in. All of her group mates were very interested in her, thoroughly sniffing her over head to toe. After saying all her hellos, Mocha made her way to my side to accept some pets and cuddles. It wasn’t long before she returned to the warm corner away from the blizzardy weather. Issy was pretty content to continue exploring the yard along side her other group mates until it was time to head indoors.

I am always happy to spend time outdoors with Sophie. She is constantly beaming with positive energy and a happy attitude. It was easy to make Sophie happy today, as I entered the yard with 3 toys in hand. Before I even had a chance to launch them she had snatched the tennis ball from me. She instantly began leaping and bounding in circles around me, showing off what she got. All of her showing off only got all the other dogs attention. Soon, Sophie was the center of attention. The 3 other goldens in her group wanted the tennis ball just as much as she did. Of course I played fetch with the golden crew for ages. Sophie was keen to be in on it, but cared more about holding a toy. After a couple rounds she made her way back to me, leaping and bounding asking for a toy. When I offered her the pink Frisbee her eyes lit up. She began whipping it around in her mouth while parading around the yard. She was so excited with her treasure. For the entire group Sophie kept very busy with whatever toy she could get her paws on. When it was time to come in, she politely dropped the Frisbee right at the door and wandered down the hall with a big smile on her face saying hello to all the staff members as she passed them before getting comfy in her kennel for an afternoon nap.

If there’s one thing we know about Chloe, it is that she loves any toy we have to offer her. Today her eyes lit up when I walked out the door with three toys in my hand. I could practically see her brain working, deciding which toy she wanted before I even had a chance to drop them. Chloe was so excited to have the pink Frisbee all to herself. She was sprinting around the yard with it in her mouth not letting any one else even sniff her prized possession. When I asked Chloe to play with me, she wanted nothing to do with me at first. After some convincing she finally came to my side to play some tug. After some strong tug back and forth Chloe took off with her toy for some more running around. After loads of circle around the yard miss Chloe came across an old favourite toy of hers, the Jolly ball. Chloe’s brain was working hard decided how she could continue t carry the Frisbee while also playing with the ball. She finally figured that soccer would be the best option. She had so much fun pawing the ball around while carrying her Frisbee around. Her group mates were a little jealous of her since she was hogging the toys. I finally got her to give up the Frisbee to share with a friend. She and I then continued to play around with the Jolly ball, playing an intense game of fetch for the remainder of her outdoor time.

Gracie was so playful today, I was shocked! I haven’t seen this girl have so much spunk and sass since she first stared coming here when she was much younger. Maybe this weather has her feeling extra spicy. Gracie was so fascinated with Magic today. The pair met up while sniffing around the tunnel. Out of no where Magic tucked her bum and began zooming around Gracie looking to play. Gracie was quick to respond with a play boy and the games began. These girls had so much fun leaping towards one another from across the tunnel. They were playing their own version of chicken ,diving at one another waiting for the other to make a move. Finally Magic took off across the yard and Gracie follow hot on her heels. They were so speedy zipping across the yard. Lots of their other group mates joined in which got Gracie even more excited. When she noticed her pal Spencer was along side her she broke off for some one on one wrestling with him. This pair is so cute. They boxed back and forth and then did some tucked bum zoomies around one another. After endless amounts of fun with friends Spencer and Magic Gracie made her way to my side for some attention. She loves a good snuggle in the middle of the yard. After some good itches and pats Gracie took off for some more fun with her friends before it was time to head in.

Gracie spent some time in the reception area with me this morning, and again this afternoon with Leah. She absolutely loves spending time with all of her people friends, getting belly rubs, and doing some tricks for treats. Today, after doing some sits, downs, and roll overs, Gracie went and stood by the treat jar, hoping to skip a couple steps for her next reward! Later in the day, Gracie felt a bit more like relaxing, and so she spent some cuddle time on the comfy chair with Leah. 

Spencer had so much fun today, he couldn’t have been happier to see his good pal Kyah. Spencer and Kyah always find one another and never fail to have bundles of fun. After Spencer wandered around the yard with his nose to the ground, he noticed his mate across the yard. He quickly made his way to her to see what she was up to. After inviting her to play, she leapt around and began pawing at him. The pair began dancing in circles and boxing with their front paws wrapped around each other and bag legs supporting them as they stood up. Once Spencer freed himself from Kyahs grip he took off across the yard with a giant smile on his face, looking for a chase. Before he knew it, not only was Kyah following him but the entire group was chasing after him. This only motivated Spencer to run even faster. It wasn’t long before his agile husky friends were ahead of him and he was in the center of the pack. At his point, he noticed his gal pal Gracie. Spencer and Gracie broke off from the chase to enjoy some one on one company. They loved playing around with each other in the corner of the yard. Soon they made their way to the agility tunnel where Gracie was leaping all over it as Spencer raced around it trying to get at her. All the agility tunnel fun drew the attention of Kyah and Justice who were eager to join in on Spencer and Gracie’s fun. Spencer spent the remainder of his outdoor time alternating between friends. He had so much fun goofing around that he barely noticed all the snow accumulating in his long fur. When he got indoors and he shook off, it looked as though it was snowing indoors!

Spencer spent some special one-on-one time in the playroom this morning! He was thrilled to see the toy bin already tipped over on its side with its bounty splayed out, ready for him to make a selection. First, spencer took a small plush toy and help it up high for me to see. He spent a minute playing with that before I showed him a rope and rubber toy, which he took happily. Spencer chewed on that toy for a little while before I showed him a treat, and he sat like a gentleman while I took some photos. He was happy to receive some pets and cuddles before our time together was up.

Bear is loving his out of kennel room. He couldn’t be happier to live in the groom room where he can always keep an eye on what’s going on. He enjoys watching the dogs come and go as well as what the staff members are up to. Sometimes, I catch him peering out the window to the front walk way, checking out who is coming in and leaving. In the yard today, Bear was very pleased to be apart of a busy group. All the action going on around him kept him busy. He loves to stay back and keep a close eye on the fun and games going on. A couple of times, his friends invited him to play. He pondered the idea by briefly bouncing around, but tended to make his way to my side for some attention instead. He had a good time hanging out with two husky friends Justice and Kyah. He was also very interested in Brooke the lab and made sure to keep tabs on what she was up to. All he really wanted was love and attention from me, which he got plenty off while his friends zipped and zoomed around us.

Percy was ecstatic to see old friends Wally and Ricky join him outside in the yard today. These three boys always have a good time together, and there is always a lot of singing and playing to be had when the three of them are reunited. But there were also a lot of playful friends that were trying to get Percy’s attention and Percy loved every minute of it. He was off chasing Chloe and Harvey around the yard, barking as he tried to steal the red-jolly ball away. Then he was off wrestling around with Scout and Polly, the three of them racing across the snowy yard. Soon enough, Wally and Ricky were back in the mix and everyone in the yard decided to have a group wrestle. Percy of course was playing referee trying to make sure no one was getting out of line! It definitely was an action-packed group full of great energy and Percy had a big part of that with his playful and spirited personality, a great addition to the group today!

Pepper was just as spunky today as she ever is; I must say she really enjoys her time lounging out in the kitchen with lots of interactions and pets to be had! She was excited to see what was in store for today’s activities and happily followed me outside for her first group outing. It was a big small dog group today, lots of friends to play with and fun to be had. Pepper followed little ones Cara and Brodie out into the far yard. She starts every outing off with some exploration of the yard; she is a curious girl and loves to sniff out her surroundings and definitely loves her routine. There was lots of entertainment in the yard today however and this kept her busy. She really enjoyed watching little Bruno run around like the free spirit he is and then get down in the snow to roll around. She hovered over top to see what he was up to; she got a kick out of this! Next she ran around with Cara and Shadow who were barking in anticipation of me throwing the rope toy. Pepper didn’t care to catch the toy but she just as much wanted to be involved. She saves her special treasures for inside, like her newly found pair of purple mittens that she just seems to adore!   Pepper always has a great time outside with her little four-legged friends, but her true playful personality comes out when she has her one on one time during her extra attention session. But this lovable girl gets extra attention all day long as she has been spending most of her time up front and that means extra cuddles and head-rubs for this sweet lady. Today she was showing off her two purple treasures, a rope toy and a pair of kittens. She shook them around in her mouth in excitement. Then she decided to take a seat by me in her bed and fell into a deep snooze as I rubbed her belly. She enjoys the company more than anything else!                                                                        

Bruno was just my best friend outside today; he has so much love and affection to give that he just can’t get enough of you! Turns out I’m not his favourite; he enjoys human companionship so much and is quite the hit amongst all our staff! If he wasn’t wrapped around my legs in adoration, he was off rolling around in the snow, giving a good show to his surrounding friends like Maggie and Pepper who were curiously watching from above. This little guy is full of so much spunk and is one of those fun-loving little guys that never seem to be in a bad mood. His clever smile is always plastered across his face and what a smile that is. You can’t help but chuckle every time you interact with this sweet soul, and be prepared for all of the hugs and kisses in the world. Needless to say, this guy had another fantastic day, filled with good times, fun friends and lots more cuddles! Bruno was happy to spend some one-on-one time with Leah and Katie in the reception area this afternoon. He tried his hand at the treat puzzle and treat ball, which proved to be more difficult than it looked! After getting a few treats, Bruno spent some cuddle time on the comfy chair with Leah.

Miko, Lola and Pearl got to share the extra big kennel together today, luxury accommodations if you ask me! But of course the three of them were all curled up together on one bed like the best friends they are, even though there was more than enough space to spread out! Even though they were snoozing away, they were up and ready by the time they heard me approach their kennel door. Miko and Pearl were ready to dart out the door and into the far yard for a morning of fun. Lola on the other hand took her time getting out the door, she saw the snow coming down and wasn’t too impressed, can we just get Spring here already she thought! Lola braved the cold and soon realized it wasn’t that bad out. She was ready to make a few laps around the front yard and say hello to her friends along the way. Once that was out of her system, it was time to find a comfy spot by the door and was in good company with little Samson and Julie hanging around. Pearl didn’t even think twice before racing out into the far yard and Miko was right behind her. These two are our regular daycare guests and definitely know how to make the most out of their time. While Miss Lola had her nose to the ground in exploration, Miko was eyeing out his friends to see who would make a good play buddy. He sprinted around the yard and wrestled with just about anyone who would give him attention. He especially loved little brother-sister duo Charlie and Maggie, who in turn adored his big personality. You can always count on Miko to get the party started and he was having so much fun running around that he gave me a good chase at the end of his group as I was trying to herd him inside; signature Miko move!

Boris and Tasha had another fantastic day well spent on this snowy Tuesday and were in great company. It was a rambunctious Husky pack out in the yard today apart from little Merida, but we all know how much Boris and Tasha just adore her and have already welcomed her in the pack long before. Boris didn’t waste any time getting down and playful with the ladies in his group. There was a lot of flirting going on out there today and Boris was the leading man and the centre of all the attention. Isis and Sky quickly ran over and started pawing and jumping up on his back. Then Merida quickly joined in and he was soon swarmed by all the ladies and rolled around on his back to playfully fight them off! But Mama Tasha was just around the corner and there was no way she was going to miss out on all the fun. Everyone met in the middle of the yard to have a group wrestle, lots of Husky chats to be had as you can imagine. Then Tasha got a case of the zoomies and started sprinting across the yard with hopes that everyone would try and chase her. Sure enough, Boris and the pack were hot on her trail, sprinting in excitement. A few laps later and Tasha was worn out, she took a plunk in the snow to rest and best pal Merida ran over to keep her company. But Boris still had lots of energy left, and spent the rest of his morning flirting and playing with sisters Isis and Sky!