Saturday, September 19, 2009 at 8:51PM 
Kat got breed each show and won a group 4 today. Treasure won best puppy in breed.
Tomorrow is the last day of the show and we will be back probably late.
It's going to be a LONG day but we are looking forward to getting home and seeing the pups and our dawgs.
There's nothing like home...
Then we will go back to posting more exciting things. :-)
Saturday, September 19, 2009 at 7:23AM 
Treasure received a best puppy each day in breed and opposites she has been here and yesterday got a best puppy in group. The judge said she really liked her - that she has a presence in the ring. She almost gave her breed and said so.
Well, give Treasure a treat and she will do amazing things for you - ROFL Okay - she does like this show business.
Last night I bathed both Kat and Treasure for the show and I have to admit bathing them in a tub with low pressure makes that bathing beauty that Sylvie is talking about more desirable. Plus Val says it saves in product in a big way. My back is aching after bathing and this &*^%$ bed. But they are clean and looking semi good this morning to go back to the show. I try to get better but hard to in a make shift situation.
It's way cold here - 0 degrees. I guess summer is gone. Hope Toronto is warmer. Gad - I miss my dawgs and pups. Tomorrow I get to see them again and update the pages again too if I can muster the energy.
Friday, September 18, 2009 at 6:10AM 
It's a hard dawgs life hanging out on a table. One wouldn't think so but yesterday there were a few dogs that had mighty squabbles at the show so noisy was the operative word.
Paula's Phantom took the group. All specials are here but 1. Who would think in Sudbury but pro after pro is here.
The bed in the hotel is giving the humans really bad back aches. This human groomed a Tibetan Terrier yesterday - much the same as the Havanese - just more hair.
Treasure got best puppy in breed twice yesterday but that's it. It was a dawg show day and this human misses the pups and although we went out to eat at the Keg last night, there's nothing else we have done but show and washing and show. This human had it in mind to go to the mall - maybe tonight but not counting on it.
More later...
Thursday, September 17, 2009 at 7:14AM 
Well, we are in a hotel and I finished washing this duo in a bath tub at 10pmish. Think I finished about 1030ish. Kat was so exhausted that he wouldn't move and he is back sleeping yet again but NOT Treasure.
Treasure - last night just went beside him and snuggled up and dreamt about how we are starving her.
Let's see she got dog biscuits and ice cream from Val - a tad bit of burger from Daddy and some chicken at night. Although we told Val not to feed her - she mumbled something about bonding.
It's going to be a long day today with 2 shows in the day.
I am missing the pups madly.
The hotel bed SUCKS and the breakfast is about the same but we have our cutie patooties with us and we are together. Soon we will be back home so refreshed from this trip - RIGHT...
Will be taking pictures today. All specials here today - 7 - that we are competing against - unusual for the obscure shows but the pros tend to go where they think they can get an easy win. Not so whe all the pros show up.
More later...>>
Wednesday, September 16, 2009 at 6:52AM 
Well, we are off to a show till late Sunday or Monday with the awesome duo. hahahaha Well - they think they are.
I can't imagine what this pair will produce when the time comes. Now - they are showing and enjoying OTHER things.
We will still be updating the pages - even the puppy pages.
Yvonne will be taking care of the puppies and dogs with our son's help. She'll be crashing at our house and capturing the last pool days.
Our crew minus this duo will be able to play with theirs. They are in for some great fun.
In about a half hour, Jay Jay goes home. He's been with us for sometime and really enjoying life. He truly has no off switch when it comes to play. Can't blame him. He's still a puppy and oh I do love the pups.
More tomorrow...
Tuesday, September 15, 2009 at 7:48AM 
Well, Treasure's heat is done but we are still keeping her at bay till she goes to Sudbury. We had a x-pen panel that wasn't attached and when Nathan started the feeding - she went into a frenzy pushing it out in front of her in a frantic state. She wants the food. Oh, and she is hardly starving but this gal would eat and eat and eat.
Treasure is so juvenile when it comes to food. We have to teach her patience.
We need to teach her not to throw herself up against the doors or pen as Nathan has the audacity to feed her last and she must be last or she will never 'get' this patience thing she needs to learn.
I compare it to a 2 year old's temper tantrum.
It's the funniest thing you ever did see and I need to get it on video but we do not laugh.
We do not give in and she gets fed last. If given a treat and she wants to take your hand off as she is too excited, we close our hand with the treat inside and wait till she calms down. No treat until she manages to contain herself and how long that takes depends on a given day. This gal is FOOD MOTIVATED.
The Treasured one is an alpha, albeit an immature one at this point. She has a lot to learn before she takes that status. To be an alpha in a pack, you must be a caring, loving and trusted one. You don't rule with might but trust has to be there not fear to work. Treasure tends to take what she wants when she wants and that doesn't go over big with some so she is an alpha in training.
There is no doubt what her destiny is - not because we want it to be - lord knows it would be easier if she was NOT an alpha but we are helping this process along.
Some say you must feed the alpha first but with her personality, if we did, she would never learn patience and patience is important.
Risa adores this child as she is strong willed. Risa has no patience for those that are not. She would have nothing to do with Shoshi for years but the pack has been good for Shoshi and she has risen in status. She has gained much respect in the pack.
We have a pack that works and with the number that we have, it is important that it does or we would be forced to rehome one that didn't and that would be a tough order.
The pack has a genuine love for each other and enjoyment. Each member has their role and is valued and you can tell. They even know that the Treasured one is a tad spoiled and a juvenile brat but that we are working on it. It's amazing how much trust they have in you when you know what you are doing to handle such issues like this.
Having an understanding of your pack is important when you bring visiting dogs into the mix. A working pack is good for even the most unbalanced dog. But you said dogs like Risa have no patience for those that are unstable but she sits back - does nothing and the critical pack members that bring a dog around works their magic. One of those that does that is Abigail. She is a calming dog and reels a new member in. As soon as she connects - the rest of the pack does.
Anyone who doesn't realize what a pack member's role is tends to miss critical things that help the pack stay on a positive path. We, as humans need to know who the Abigail's are and who the Treasures are and on and on so we can keep the pack happy and vibrant and working.
Treasure is a very smart dog but she rules with her emotions. We know humans like that and when your emotional part takes hold - we bring much stress - much conflict and that rarely works long term unless that emotion is tempered with keeping the family happy.
'Might is right' is NOT the way to go. Bully tactics do not gain you the deep relationships that make a family unit or a pack work. Plus - life is too short to have such stress - don't you think? It's certainly something we control - human and canine alike.
Monday, September 14, 2009 at 8:02PM 
Talemaker's Saki just went home last week and now she is travelling to Cal-i-Forn-IA.
Her human parents wrote to us about her travels and this was a small part of what they wrote. They are truly enjoying her.
Well the last leg was fine, though after a long day it was hard to get on another flight!
We were upgraded to first due to the ordeal and Joe working with them! So at least they didn't blink when I wanted a little water cup and headed to the bathroom with her carry all.
Again she was amazing! I changed her pad out to keep her fresh.
At SFO we were in late 9:30 so we all felt it was the middle of the night! As for us it was!!!
She went on the train to the rent car station on her leash and disguised a poo she did in the parking garage as one from a labrador retriever..... And felt like a new girl! (I picked it up of course)!
Then we decided to get a hotel about half way to my folks just getting too late and we were exhausted! Well she loved the hotel room! She saw that big bed and a room to put her toys out in and went wild!!!! Then asked to be put on the bed, marched to the middle of the pillows and settled down and asked us to put the lights out!
We are just having breakfast after a short walk and she says we can spend the whole time here if we want.... She didn't know people would actually deliver food to the room, and I got a picture of her reading the breakfast menu! Will send all photos later.
She is now settled for a short nap while her breakfast settles and we clean up and pack up.
Sunday, September 13, 2009 at 5:19PM 
Well, Missy is going home tonight - sniff - another gal that is leaving me. I can't play with Kat so I have enjoyed playing with Missy. Then on Wednesday Jay Jay goes home but I can't play with him too much - something about chewing my hair. ROFL
So, Abigail gets chewed on instead as she doesn't show anymore.
She'll be the next to have puppies so she is stylin' in a short hairdo and you can hardly notice the chomps.
Jay Jay is a pup so it's all expected. Puppies LOVE to chew and chew and chew.
Besides, Jay Jay is a cutie patootie fun guy.
On Wednesday, Yvonne will be coming down to watch the crew and we head to a show. I will be talking to her on the phone daily so I will be updating the sites.
I may not have any new pics of the puppies during that time but I will have them of the show and the pups - well you will be surprised at their growth as we will be gone for 4 nights. I am going to miss them madly but Nathan got to go to Chicago - and I get to go to Sudbury - well he gets to go too. ROFL
We have such exotic trips. I may even talk him into taking me to the mall so it's not all grooming and showing. We shall see.
I will be updating Wednesday morning puppy pics before we head out and Sunday night I will update with new puppy pics. So - you will only miss 3 days of new pictures unless I can convince Yvonne to take photos.
Well, Missy had a bath and her human parents came too soon as she was still in the bath tub. So, they went off to eat and Missy - well she acted like a crazy dawg till I started treating her with treats. A gal after my own heart.
I get her done and Nathan said - think I will take her outside. He came back in and said - think she's a tad bit of a wreck - you may need to clean her up and blow dry her again. So - I did it again - not a full job but a 15 minute one. Now she's not going outside without a lead till her humans come. ROFL
She's a gal just like our Wasabi - loves to muck it up big time!
More tomorrow...
Saturday, September 12, 2009 at 8:23PM 
We had a guest that thought the way everyone else was going through didn't make sense so it went through the screen vs. the doggie door. There's a first time for everything.
That's Abigail utilizing the hole vs. the door trying to duplicate their effort - so time to replace.
Today most everyone had a groom just before their walk. Abigail got a bath and so did Kat. Kat needed one as he decided to jump in the pool. All it takes is Nathan getting his bathing suit on.
Does it make more sense to you to groom after or before the walk? Before means they are stylin' when they go out. After means they are getting it when they most need it. :-)
Here Risa is waiting her turn. She says - forget about the grooming - let's just go and have fun.
Risa was one of those that got her freshen up after she got back from the walk.
When do you groom?
Friday, September 11, 2009 at 9:19AM 
I call this the Joker look - for any of you Batman fans - you know what I mean.
Many Havanese eat with their whole entire face. Kat is one and to be gross about it - when gals are in heat - he sniffs and puts his face in their rump. Intact males do this when females are in heat. Those of you that don't have this wonderful situation do not need to worry 'cept for the eating with one's food thing.
There are things you can do. Wash the face with a face rag with waterless shampoo after each meal and comb through or put the face up like this every meal. Or you could get a snood or cut the hair shorter and not worry. If the face is dark and/or you like the shorter look -you probably won't think about it.
I just like to give tips as I learn and with Kat - he's still being shown for fun so a bit extra care has to go into his hair. He has a show on Thursday. He got washed this morning. He will also get washed late Tuesday night and so will Treasure but they will get oiled this time not next.
Missy is here till late Friday night. She arrived this morning and brought us a scrumptious breakfast cake. Yum!
Missy was already all over the backyard investigating and now she is playing up a storm.
Missy is such a delight to have around. She's our - jump up on the most amazing high things gal.
She should be doing agility. heh
Missy is finding the fun in Jay Jay at the moment.
Jay Jay our other visitor always has this look on his face. He is playing so much that we have to give him some rest at times. I believe he is Teddy's equal in the Everready play department. His fave playmate has been Abigail and at times Kat and now Missy. It's a delight to watch.
More later.>>
Thursday, September 10, 2009 at 5:23PM 
Just because Fiona had pups doesn't mean Mommy forgets to groom me. There is no justice in life. ROFL!!!
She's working her way through all if us.
Well, back to playing retrieve with Mommy and that boy dawg Jay. I try to beat him every time. It must be the competition streak in me.
PS: Heard Missy is getting roast chicken - yum!
Thursday, September 10, 2009 at 2:27PM 
We haven't left town...we are still playing with the dogs - spending quality time - they are getting their walks and the lone visitor is having a grand time.
I think he thinks Kat is the best thing. It's funny how that evolved.
We are still knee deep in puppies - having to watch them closely - now that they made the 24 hour mark - it all unfolds - changes daily.
Wasabi's pups are gone to their forever homes and Fiona's has made their debut.
We will fill you in daily and each day gets easier but all the dogs deserve our attention so we will still be posting daily - but as you can see you got shoes today. Why? The camera is in the whelping room. ROFL
More later.>>
Wednesday, September 9, 2009 at 12:44PM 
Well, Mommy had to do my hair as I have a show in less than a week. Can you believe and I am a tad of a mess. That's okay - I look better now but Mommy has to do this daily and wash me a couple of times.
It's going to be a busy week.
Our dear friend Yvonne is going to come down with her crew and stay with the pups while I am at the show.
Me - I will miss the Downsey fun.
I tried to go see the pups - with Daddy holding me and Fiona wasn't pleased. She let's Wasabi - geez.
Check out Talemaker Puppy Life for all Fiona pups and Wasabi pup updates.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009 at 9:12AM Check out Talemaker Puppy Life to find out what Fiona had in the way of pups - that is!
More later..after sleep!
Wednesday, September 9, 2009 at 5:41AM One pup born so far...more later as it progresses.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009 at 1:48PM 
Before Missy went to her forever home today, our visitor Jay Jay was flattening her and the look on her face - it was as if to say - okay - what do you think you are doing Mister?
In reality they were playing.
We are down to just Jay Jay as a visitor now.
Fiona's temp went down to 97.8. It means it *should* be within 24 hours. But Fiona never does things the way they are supposed to be done.
We will keep you in tuned on when they debut here and on Havanese Life. (pup pics will be on Havanese life) just the announcement will be here.
I might try to get a swim in before they debut. Ten it's work and waiting.
But while we are doing that - we will play with the dogs and get a nap in. They may come at 2am if it is up to Fiona.
Monday, September 7, 2009 at 3:25PM 
Max took a trip with Nathan to Valerie's place to get a haircut and a cleanup. His hair feels to die for and I hope I manage to keep it clean or he will be getting another bath before his mom arrives. ROFL.
Max will be excited to see his Mom and Dad. They all are. They have their holiday and then they go home.
Remember your own vacations? You love them - can't wait to go again but there is NO place like home.
Here it is party hearty and then go home and rest. ROFL
Cookie had a bath as she goes home tonight. She will be sorely missed. She just loves to play. When she first got here she had a look - oh my gad - what did I get into and that went away and she was playing like a banshee.
Jay Jay is having a ball following Wasabi's leads into all sorts of trouble. She's good at that - not bad trouble - just investigating trees, decks - just having fun.
Max is back home now. He's off to take a nap with the Treasured one. Missy is figuring out what is going on and I am going to wash another dog. I have Cookie done, Kat done and Treasure. Now it's Wasabi. Looks like I don't get to Risa, Abigail or Shoshi till tomorrow.
Fiona - well she's going to have babies so no bath till much later.
That's okay. They'll all get brushed and combed.
Tomorrow rain. watch all those clean coats go to....
Sunday, September 6, 2009 at 6:01PM 
The crew was really having a relax, can't stop playing session today. It was nice to see. There were more dogs involved but I just captured this group at this particular time.
The crew had a quiet day till the grand kids and family came over and then they were having a grand time enjoying the activity. It's great for the older dogs and for the pups.
Then Wasabi taught the crew...something awful?
What was that?
Well - to muck it up.
Well, take a look at Max so delighted with himself learning how to muck it up Wasabi style.
She's great at that sort of an adventure and Max really enjoyed it.
Then Coach and Sassy came over and wanted to steal Missy. They mumbled - they wouldn't even notice or can't they wait for Fiona's? Hers are going to be born any day?
Oh - not to worry, Linda - she's still here.
Oh, and I forgot to tell you that Teddy went for a great swim before he got his bath. He's going home tonight and he had a roaring grand time swimming.
Now we are all sitting - watching TV and vegging waiting for Teddy's folks.
Our daughter is now on her way with her husband and two kids back to North Carolina...
What a weekend this has been so far.
Saturday, September 5, 2009 at 4:40PM 
Kat couldn't help himself so off into the pool he went. It didn't matter who was on it - he thought he deserved it.
It's been a very busy day with family (last day to visit tomorrow) and with dogs. We had one pup go home and lots of people to play and snuggle with dogs.
As soon as Missy wakes up, we are going to do a one on one walk with Max and Missy.
Our guest Jay, Jay, Teddy and Cookie are also having a roaring grand time. As a matter of fact, as I type Max, Teddy, Cookie and Jay Jay are all playing for all they are worth. The gals with the exception of Cookie are all snoozin' and so are the pups.
It's so good that we have this crew as it stops me from thinking about missing pups.
More tomorrow...
Friday, September 4, 2009 at 7:09PM 
Missy and Max have times in the day where we just have the two of them together.
Missy is joining Max's home on Tuesday and their relationship is developing quite nice.
Though Max enjoys Treasure more - they all know she is in heat and we have to keep them apart, it's for different reasons. All the males like Treasure now fixed or not.
Even neutered males act funny when a gal is in heat. Once a boy - always a boy?
But Max is starting to find the fun in Missy when there aren't so many distractions and so many playmates to choose from.
We have many too with Teddy, Cookie, Jay Jay and Max all visitors having so many relationships to build and so many walks to take. By Tuesday, Jay Jay will be the only guest and we will be down to just Saki. It will be great to have Jay Jay as he is a pup himself to hang out with the Saki.
We have had a full day with grooming, walks (Teddy can't figure out why he can't have 5) and play sessions. Teddy is the dawg that says - let's party guys and he gets them all going. Cookie is a good match for him too rising to his level.
Oh, it's been a full house this week and Fiona - well no walks for her - lazing around enjoying the moments before she has kids in tow - so to speak.
Grand kids had other things to do so tomorrow we have relatives - Jasper going home and crazy times here. It's going to be fun and it's great for the dawgs - I tell you. Conditioning is the best medicine if done right.
Wait til you see a picture of Jay Jay. He too is a cutie patootie!
Fiona hasn't started labour yet so no extra pups. I got a nap in as Cookie thought last night was party time. heheh
Much more tomorrow after crazy dawg sleeping arrangements. Will Treasure get out of heat - please. hehehehehe