Costs

Unfortunately starting in the New Year, our costs will go up. Please contact nathan for updated costs.

Picnic Photos & Details

The picnic date took place on August 17, 2019 from 12pm to 5pm at Yvonne's place in Brighton. Check out the details here. Photos from the 2019 picnic can be found here. Yvonne's place is NEXT DOOR to her old place. I will try to put a havanese flag out front. Hope you can join us. Directions are here. The house # is 25. There is no picnic in 2020 due to COVID but hopefully in 2021. Stay Tuned!

Grooming 101

Want to see how I get a smooth coat and what equipment I use? I am continually learning and perfecting but I created this video Windows version) and for you Mac apple folks - here's a conversion. - not a professional one, to help you get a head start and perfect your own skill. Got questions? Ask away.

Want to know how to create a bathing machine that will save you time, product and wash your dog better than ever before? Check out Dick and Irma's instructions on how to create your own machine for a fraction of the cost.

Woofstock Is Back

Meet us at Woofstock. Dogs are welcomed. We meet at the restaurant across the street from Woodbine Park. Here is the location. Meet up happens on June 22, 2024 at 9:30 to 945am. Rain date is the next day. Look forward to seeing your havanese there and the humans too! Don't have your havanese yet? Well join us anyway! 

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Certified Pet First Aid

Walks 'N' Wags Pet First Aid is a recognized National Pet First Aid Certificate course for dog and cat professionals and pet owners. Talemaker Havanese now has that certificate having taken and passed the course.

Thursday
Aug222013

Another Slow Day

Rafi departed, Cooper, Brie and Colby arrived. So where are the photos? Well Nathan had the camera for the dog show. He was helping not showing. :-) I spent much of my time grooming. Rafi managed to get muddy 10 minutes before he was to depart. Good thing they came about 5 minutes late as I just had enough time to clean his feet back up. Being white it took a shampoo and conditioner to get him back to white. :-)

But everyone is having fun. Nathan is back at the show but I will be taking photos with my camera now that he is leaving it at home. He will take just his own.

PS: Cooper scared the Adele. It's the first dog she has had that reaction to but he is larger and was so rambunctious and barking as he was excited. But get this, they are now snuggling. Conditioning does work.

Just got this in the mail. It loks like Brewer is sporting a shorter 'do.

Courtney wrote:

I dropped a potato on the floor this evening and guess who appeared (and disappeared) faster than a speeding bullet?? Here he is showing off his "prize".

Wednesday
Aug212013

Short Update Today

There are some dogs that can't get enough of the pool and that's Roxie. She doesn't even care if you are swimming so we are working on her reminding her that without us she is NOT allowed. Ohm we are always out there and I suppose she does know how to get out as we do train them to but its always wise to have rules and guidelines.

I love my Roxie but she is so full of something.

Today Simba and Griffin depart.

By the time his humans show up he will have to be brushed up again. He just got done playing with Adele and is now resting with Dennis. Yes, Dennis is still up and Nathan is still at the show. Me, I need a nap. hehe

PS: I don't care how I look for tonight rehearsals. Can I get away with it?

Tuesday
Aug202013

Nice But Still Busy

Today we had a lot of time outside. It wasn't too hot and it was a great day to have pups outside and the older dogs so we did. I have to say it was QUIET. Dennis is still not home. I hope he's having a blast. Nathan took his usual nap. I groomed dogs, cleaned puppy pens, washing, snuggling. I swam. Pepper walked up and down my body as I lay out there. Scruffy thought that was fun and did that too.

We had a ton of play. Levon went into the pool. Roxie jumped in without an invite. Scruffy we tried to get in and he wanted to be with Roxie but not that bad.

Where are you Roxie - are you coming back? She just adores swimming. Nathan brushed her. I gave him a hint.

Levon went swimming and it was a perfect day as he departed today. He is such a strong swimmer.

Then Roxie played the chase game with him.

It was a good day. Tomorrow Simba departs then Griffin and then Rafi.

Tomorrow we have a rehearsal. Nathan is setting up a dog show in Markham. It's a crazy busy weekend. Family is still in. Celebrations are still going on. I am editing videos for the events - but its great to see everyone. Clean up - well is interesting. I feel there is so much preparation and so much cleanup after everyone goes. Family is back here on Thursday unless it rains. Then we are all down the daughter's house Friday fixing the tents, the tables and all the things that got wet - you wait... Yes, it's an outside party starting Saturday night. Nathan is showing Jeannie Sunday morning. Are we laughing? I am... or trying.

Monday
Aug192013

Dead, Did I Say Dead?

I think Oreo was in his element today with so many people around. He is so fond of Jonathan and was caught kissing his ears. But Oreo was also with everyone loving them all up. I think he enjoys parties.

Family just left. I am dead tired so the blog will be short. I will get back to normalcy tomorrow. I was also up late last night washing 4 dogs and then again this morning. I also stayed up late till 1am so Dennis could get sleep last night then I was up again at 6am.

Dogs had a ton of fun, visitors and our own. These were all dog friendly people who hugged, snuggled and played with all.

We have another event on Saturday. It's all so crazy time intensive and I did get everyone groomed, the house cleaned, dogs played with, and set everything up. The pool remained busy till 45 minutes ago all day long - wow! But I didn't swim nor did any of the dogs but they sure hung out with all the humans. It was so nice to see. Adele was one of the most sociable beings out there too and she is dead asleep!

Family asked me to go to the CNE. We are sending Dennis instead. I need downtime and he needs to have some fun!

Sunday
Aug182013

Very Crazy Day

Miss PandaDennis is here. We will be back around 6-7 and then I wash dogs to go home tomorrow first thing and tomorrow morning wash dogs going home in the afternoon. Family comes over tomorrow so I will try to get photos of them with the dogs and pups. But will I get them up Monday? Not sure. Let's see how the next 2 days go.

Dennis plans while we are away is to hang outside with them and play games. He's so great for doing this and missing this even but at least he will get to see everyone tomorrow well mostly everyone.

Swimming with family tomorow and we will see if any of the dogs want to come in too.

What to feed the masses? Who knows. How is that craziness.

Saturday
Aug172013

Hot Day

We had a lot of chilling outside and play. It was hot outside. I even got a fast swim in but didn't take in any dogs. I had much to get ready for as we have our daughter's wedding tomorrow like try to find something to wear and oh no nylons so lets find some dress sandals and a long skirt so no one notices. hahahaha We shall see but in this heat I am not wearing nylons. I am old so I will pretend I am getting senile. :-0

Dennis will be staying home.

The dogs loved chilling out on the furniture watching me swim. Funny but no one wanted to come in today. I did get some weeding done as we have lots of family coming Monday and I had to pretend I do something with the garden. Who has had time. The dogs loved jumping in my cast offs of weeds strewn into the garden paths. Dennis got weeds around the pool pulled yet again but said he gives up on the paths. I said just take the tall ones out so he did. We will pretend the rest is ground cover for one day. :-) When pups are out on a regular basis then one of us can weed while the other plays with the pups. Maybe by the end of fall we will get it all done.

September is a very quiet month so pups will be running around like banshees and we will have the pool covered or maybe not and we can weed and watch them play. We shall see. I still have 2 kitchen doors that I swore would get sanded and stained but all I have is a mouse sander so the dreaded thought of it gets me procrastinating but before snow I will get it done. I did the picnic table myself last year. Well, I hope.

I got several baths done today. I hardly slept last night. I did watch Orange is the New Black on Netflix in bed and cried can you believe - 3 episodes and not sure why I even cried. I hope tonight sleep comes. Snuggles with the dawgs are a bonus.

Oh and with all this grooming and I have a ton to do before I can go to a wedding, my hand is okay. Not much dematting - wow. I wish Nathan helped more with the grooming and read one less book and my arm may thank him if he did. Oh well, been asking for eons and on the odd occasion he does. heh

90 minutes to bed if I actually get there on time - but that's rare these days. Pups need to eat at 10 so 1030pm is most likely. I do it so Dennis only has to do 2 feedings during the night.

Friday
Aug162013

Messy Duo

Sorry we have been crazy busy today so not much of an update. This duo knows how to have fun. In reality everyone is playing and playing non stop. They will crash tonight. So will I as I have been out there playing my heart out with them.

I promise I will get better at the updates. Nathan will buy some sticks or start using my camera that he says is too confusing. We will get back to normalcy. hehe

Thursday
Aug152013

Yikes

Anyone know a source for fast SDHC cards? I have no photos as I have several unreadable. Dennis is still working on getting them off but its not looking hopeful. I know we use ours a great deal but do yours go too?

So no pretty photos today - sorry. I had some pretty spectacular with the visitors - of course - isn't that always the way? I am so miffed, I tell you. Teach me to use Nathan's camera. I could run around clicking photos now with mine but its not the photos I captured today and I thought I outdid myself. argh

Dogs are having a great deal of fun. Daisy doo has stopped trying to get wet in the pool. I may take her in tomorrow before she goes home. It depends on the weather. She needs a reward for being so persistent and giving me a break today.

Does anyone have an xpens they want to sell? Send me mail and I will connect you or post here. You can also drop them off here and I can show them to people and tell you when they are sold. It's up to you or you can do the Craigs list thing.

I am back looking for old blankets (large and baby), towels etc. If you are thinking of throwing out, think of me, please. I use them for the pups and dogs in a big way. I use them so much they end up shredding as we wash them a great deal.

The way the weather has been we are thinking of closing the pool earlier than later but I still want one swim with the pups so we shall see. We haven't set a date yet.

The furniture in the way worked like a charm. No mad dashes any longer. It controlled the excitement and barking but I think they look at me as if to say you also ruined the fun but we can have fun in good ways not bark, bark run like banshees and someone is bound to hurt themselves by doing this again and again. Sometimes you have to do the tough love thing. Why? Cause you truly love them and care about the possibilities.

Ear issues - am seeing them in the odd dog that is visiting and I think I have a grasp of it. If you are bringing your dogs swimming at the cottages you need to dry out their ears. Use an ear cleaner that has a drying agent or you are asking for serious ear infections. It's one of those things you forget about. Washing your dog? Remember to dry out their ear drums. I use an ear cleaner always with a drying agent and a soft cotton ball. Its something easily forgotten.

So instead of photos - well you got this - sorry!

Wednesday
Aug142013

Busy Day Quieter Night

This is a no photo day or shall I say a 1 photo day? I got everyone groomed, washed up the Spice, cleaned out the puppy pen and all the pups after eating food. They get a complete mess. We will try for a video tomorrow.

It hasn't been a boring day. I now have furniture stopping the dogs from making a mad dash off the deck. They thought it was a fun game. Me, not so much and they were getting vocal. So, if you place obstacles in the way, it stops it immediately.

Due to this mad rush off the deck Finn fell into the pool. I picked him up. He shook himself off and then I brushed and dried him after he was already groomed. He doesn't have much hair so no biggie but Daisy jumped on the step again and got soaked and I know she is going to create some mats but I am brushing and she keeps wading. I think she likes the pool.

So, I decided since I got so much done today I may watch a little tv with the dogs. So, not much of an update but they are having fun.

Tuesday
Aug132013

Better Day

You never know who is going to play with whom. It can be confusing. Each day they can gravitate to the same and other times its different. Rafi likes to play the field and here he is with Griffin playing up a storm.

Griffin was playing with Keeper and Adele when he first arrived but he's decided that Rafi shoots the moon.

Pepper is here. I thought Rafi and Pepper would play but not yet. I think Pepper's mom does overtime on her hair (that's not why I was venting yesterday) as it was knot free but she is busy playing with Jeannie so by tonight we shall see. Right now, Nathan and some of the dogs are napping. I guess life is back to semi-normal.

Every day I play retreive in the house and outside and I always use a different item to mix it up. I don't want them so good that no one new can beat them at their game so we mix it up and play it different. Jeannie strives to win.

If it means way too much to her I stop the game for her and play with the rest. She's quickly caught on that you can't play the game of intimidation. You must play fair or you don't play at all. :-) Our games are not simply games but learning experiences.

Daisy is also getting quite the workout. No pool today. It's not warm enough for us. No warm weather till Saturday? <sigh>

We are all having fun but as Terra had an upset tummy I was up off and on all night. She's fine. She just had a treat - an extra large one that didn't agree with her tummy. Our son thought it was a good thing. :-)

Monday
Aug122013

It's Been a Day

I spent hours grooming that I didn't count on so no photos. When I do and you like what I do, I hope you at least let me know if you can't see fit to give me a small tip. I like the words too. Dematting is hard on a dog and on the human who is doing it and takes a lot of time and does cost extra but usually if its an unusual thing brought on by an event I just do it that first time.

Sorry for the biach. Yeah, I am in some mood and my hand hurts. <sigh>

Sunday
Aug112013

Just a Day Of Course

We have had a seriously fun crazy day but I wil be glad when I get the camera back. But get this Fiona is in heat. She is not supposed to be for a couple of more months and here we go again but Yvonne is going to take her tomorrow till she is done her heat. She's an amazing friend otherwise I may lose my mind and then in November Fiona gets spayed as I lost this window.

Sadie goes home today and I wanted to show you the trials and tribulations of washing a dog ahead of schedule. Don't worry Karen with Nathan home Daisy will be done just ahead of time. hehe

Doesn't she look like she is thoroughly enjoying messing herself up? Oh well, she will get brushed just ahead of time. Got to love a dog that adores having fun.

Nathan gets home around 6ish tonight it seems as he called me from Sarnia. Yvonne comes for a swim tomorrow and to get Fiona. I will wash Fiona tomorrow first thing before Yvonne comes. Zoe also comes for a bath and a playdate then home. Tia also gets a bath first thing as she departs early tomorrow.

Here are some candids from the day.

Lets get into trouble!

Where did they go? Dennis time to take more of those seed plants out oh oh!

I went swimming and so did Daisy - wow fun! Both really did great!

Rafi you play monkey always having fun and taking naps as you are playing so hard.

Bug hunting - seriously ant hunting - strange curiousity but they all seem to notice them.

No swimming topday but when Nathan gets back it's my turn!

Ha Ha I went on the stairs then I had to go for a swim just because. I don't mind going with Auntie Darlah when Uncle Nathan is not around!

Keeper departs when Nathan gets home. He's been a ton of fun!

I could go on and on but I can't as Dennis is doing something with my computer he is hoping to have done before Yvonne arrives tomorrow so no computer for me soon. It's the least we could do with Yvonne taking Fiona.

Till tomorrow!

Saturday
Aug102013

What a Fun Day

It's funny but you get these gaps of what the hey are they doing and that is what I call Finn and Roxie. I sort of tagged it Romancing the Dam or Trying to.

Roxie played hard to get all the way.

Last night as Nathan didn't have half piling on him and I had them all on me about oh 2am I woke up with a cramp in my thigh that wouldn't go away so I got up to walk it out and of course all the dogs got up to follow me and try to figure out why I was beating my thigh and crying. It was a bad one. I realized at that point I no longer had a pillow and I was literally smothered with dogs as I had to get them off so I could try to walk. If it was a movie it would have been hysterical but it wasn't. It was my life as it was last night. About 330am I crawled back into bed and so did the dogs so I think they are tired today too.

It's a quieter day today and tomorrow as dogs are going home and well Nathan gets home late tomorrow night. Griffin and Daisy come - wow so much fun in store tomorrow. I am jazzed. But Monday I may rest and let Nathan do all the work. How to convince him to groom just one day? Oh I need just one day but I will hear how tired he is from the drive. ROFL Oh well, I should write a blog about this stuff - oh I am.

Here are a few candid shots taken today.

It was a fun and active day but I can't wait till I can capture those real action shots again. I want my lenses back. heh

Friday
Aug092013

Busy Times

We are busy this weekend but come Sunday that changes as Nathan returns and dogs depart and I think Daisy descends on us with her gleeful play. We are also going to get a puppy of Fiona's Griffin who is visiting - such fun!

But again I don't have my lenses this weekend nor a stick for my video camera. Nathan has all the good stuff. hahahaha Oh and Jeannie did nothing at the show as she decided it was playtime just because it was too exciting. But that's okay. She's allowed fun even if it is at the expense of getting points. Besides deep down I adore a dog that shows off and has fun at the most inappropriate times maybe cause that is who I was as a kid - if you can believe.

Well here are the photos I did get. First batch is Fast and Furious no hair tie fun!

Next is water dish fun and yes Truffie is standing in the dish with ice cubes in it. Silly boy but all got involved in this game after Truffie did it. I had put the camera down and Sadie actually jumped in the air and landed in it. It was the most crazy thing. Nothing that great ever happens when you have a camera in hand or well sometimes the odd times it does.

The next set is lazing type photos. Realize my macro really shines at still photos. heh Oh why dop you havce my good lenses Nathan - I know so you can take photos for the magazine.

Thursday
Aug082013

Fun Dawg Play

We are having issues catching fast movement so I am doing still shots till I get my lenses back. We have been busy but having a great time. Darcy was over for the day and got to play with Rafi. At first I am not sure she knew who he was but he knew who she was and then it clicked.

Keeper has been playing with anyone that will play with him. Dexter is amazing in his play finding great fun in a number of dogs. Sadie is a ball of oh my this is all so fun. Lola is a play monkey and doesn't mind me grooming her any longer. She just says give me a treat. She's a riot though as she is one who likes to walk up your body during the night and snuggle. I am having fun - busy but fun!

Wednesday
Aug072013

The Keeper Is Here

Stay Tuned... you get to see the Keeper a Phantom pup from his romance out west that Tracy owns. Tracy is at the specialty with Nathan and Paula so I get the Keeper and he's so fun - so far so good! Adele is going to be ever so tired!

Now if he only would stay still so I can get all of him in.

Wednesday
Aug072013

Short Update

A friend posted this to my facebook page and I had to share - as it is so true!

And I had to share this photo of Terra and Adele. You can tell how much Terra loves the dogs and how much they love her as they all gravitate to her!

Tuesday
Aug062013

Two Updates Today

Photos are below but here is a video taken of DJ and Adele. I didn't even take the video out till halfway through the visit when his human family was here. Then he had a bath and then had another play session with Adele but I didn't click or take video of that. Hope you enjoy the craziness of 2 pups that know each other. Miss Abs was very happy to see him too!

Here are some photos too.

PS: Magic was also here for a bath and I told Nathan to catch Oscar but all he got was blur literally. He also had a bath and has been playing up a storm. He departs anytime. Going to miss the play monkeys fun!

Tuesday
Aug062013

Starting Your Day

This is how we start the day even before eating they are playing. Now you know why Lola and Roxie's hair always looks a mess - Jeannie too but you don't see it in these 2 photos but these were so fun I had to post them this morning.

Oscar departs today and he is now an absolute fun play monkey. He relaxed as the week went by and he has been so playful and fun, fun fun as of late. He stands on Nathan's chest and says - play time? Let's go!

Nathan departs for the specialty with Jeannie Wednesday and won't be back till Sunday. It means it is Dennis and I and I get them all sleeping with JUST me. hahahaha

It also means packing today or knowing Nathan Wednesday morning he will be going insane and then guess what happens when he is missing something. Well, it won't be on me. I told him with me doing the work so he can go have fun he best win me a basket. hahahahahaha I don't care what's in the basket.

DJ gets to come over and play with Adele and Abigail and Roxie - how fun! Panda and Logan just walked in - great fun! I got hugs and kisses! Pepper and Scruffy come in and Scruffy can get his play in if Pepper after spaying is not up to par. Lilly also got the snip, snip Friday. The first crew is growing up so fast.

Monday
Aug052013

Just a Few Photos

Other than 2 baths I gave me and the dogs time off today from grooming. I will get back to it tomorrow but every now and then it's quite okay to not pick up a brush. Here are a few photos I managed to click today.

Yes, Nathan gets down on the floor to play with the dawgs and they appreciate it. That's okay, I am caught laying in the puppy xpen. You are more their level and believe it or not they do appreciate this height and play with you differently than if you were standing up.

Rafi and Lola are playing quite a bit.

Finn departed at noon but he also got his play in befotre he headed out.

Oscar started out as a people dog and has now graduated to wild and fun play with the dogs. He was a riot pouncing and jumping all over Nathan and the other dogs. I swear he was laughing. Love to see wild abandonment when lost in play.

Oscar and Adele have found each other too!

In true Spice style Rafi walks up and down Nathan's body. What is it about Spice pups? Oh that's your body?

The dawgs are having fun today. That brings a smile to my face.