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.

Saturday
Dec132008

Havanese Puppy Moments EXPOSED

The first time you have a child the chances are you got up 72 times that first night to check the baby.

Every new parent I ever met did so.

Last night Darlah and I slipped into our usual routine. She went to sleep in anticipation of an early start to the day and I checked the puppies 72 times. (ps: Darlah here - so did I but he never seems to know I didn't get much sleep - heh) I get little sleep through the night but we know that the puppies are safe.

Darlah takes over at daybreak and in theory I finally sleep for a few more hours. Of course my secret hidden agenda was that I spent the night bonding with Treasure and Darlah didn't. shhhh.

I know everyone's kid or puppy is the very best most awesome thing since kids or puppies were invented. We raised many of those children, the most wonderful creatures in the world, until they became teenagers. Then they knew everything and no longer needed us. We've done the same with puppies. But I have to say right now that Treasure and Blazin are simply amazing.

As you know, our Havanese sleep on the bed. Last night that meant that eight Havanese, including Gidget and Rocky (visitors) were sleeping on the bed PLUS the two puppies. Darlah placed a soft dog's donut bed on our bed between us and put the puppies into it to sleep. After 10 minutes or so I gave up and took the puppies back down to the floor where we played a roaring good game of retriever and tag and wrestle for about another half hour until they calmed down enough that I figured I could try again. I put them both back into that donut bed. Blazin curled up and went to sleep. Treasure decided no way she's sleeping in this thing and crawled out and up against me. Oh oh. Shoshi was displaced. Jockeying for position continued throughout the night. At one point I had Risa on the pillow at the top of the bed, head pointed towards me, guarding her daddy. Rocky was sleeping on the top of my own pillow, head snuggled against the side of my neck on the right. On the left was the donut bed with Blazin and my left arm leaning against him from the outside so that I could feel movement if he decided to go walkabout. Just below the donut was Treasure, against my chest. Just below Treasure was Shoshi who was not happy with Treasure being so close to her space but wasn't quite sure how to deal with it. Kat was sleeping on his back between my legs. Abigail was sleeping on the outside of my left leg and keeping an eye out for Rocky who was prepared to play with her 24/7. Fiona was either up against Darlah on her other side or between us. Wasabi was at the top of the second bed all by herself, pregnant, on her back, snuggled up against a pillow with a chew toy beside her head. Gidget was a foot below her.

All of the above was subject to change at any time.

We also showed Blazin and Treasure how to go up the doggy steps onto the bed. By this morning our 10 week old Treasure and Holly's 11 week old Blazin were running up and down the stairs, on and off the bed, at will.

Darlah took them downstairs around 5am. The puppies went outside, did their business, then got into some serious play time.

I came down and fed them all at 7. The puppies inhaled their food. Once again Treasure figured she'd help Blazin eat his bowl of food and then work on hers and once again I placed her back in front of her own bowl. When she was done eating, in a time that would make Risa proud, she then shoved herself into Blazin bowl pushing him right out of her way. Too bad for her, Blazin had already cleaned out his bowl too. That's ok, Treasure is nothing but optimistic. A minute later I saw her trying to push with her head against the head of our almost 14 year old Retriever Whitney who easily outweighs her by 75 lbs, to get to Whitney's bowl. She'd have about as much luck pushing against a brick wall then to move Whitney off her food. But I have to say I love the attitude.

Inside, outside, off the deck into the snow, on the deck, around the paths, back in the house, the puppies played for 4 hours and now have finally been placed in the x-pen we set up beside Darlah's desk and gone to sleep. I might climb into the x-pen and join them.

Nathan

Saturday
Dec132008

Out We Go & Sleep Havanese Talemaker Style

Well, Rocky our visitor and the little ones had their first night here. Rocky is smitten with Abigail. We think he is madly in love with her - hahaha

The little ones, after a fast and furious fun game of retrieve and Treasure always seems to get the toy or steals it away - they ran up the stairs to the bed - yep - they can go up and down already and tuckered out till 530am - dry as ever. Here they are this morning running for the door. They are already getting to know the routine. It's not to say they won't haver accidents but its up to us to watch their cues. So far, they are doing well.

When they do their business outside, we praise them profusely and Blazin' gets WAY excited bouncing up and down and Treasure does a flip - yeah you got that right - a flip. They are so agile - it's unbelievable and they are adjusting more than fine. Can't wait to watch the visitors and Treasure today.

The crew is adjusting fast to small ones being around and Gidget - our other visitor - had her maternal thing going on.

Wasabi seems to have grown overnight. She went from - are you sure you are pregnant to - absolutely and she is staying close - snuggling and playing with her toys - getting way maternal. She was being so motherly so Bernie and Shimmer - know your pups are doing more than well.

Friday
Dec122008

Havanese Puppies

Let me share an email exchange with you. Beth owns Rockhurst, from where we got both Abigail and Treasure, located north of Ottawa. Holly owns Smile Havanese in Florida. When Darlah and I drove to Bethโ€™s home yesterday we picked up both our Treasure and Hollyโ€™s Blazin. Holly will be flying to Toronto to pick him up in a few days. For your reading pleasure, hereโ€™s a slightly edited version of the email exchanges that followed:

Holly: How's my boy doing? How's Treasure doing?

Nathan: I am sad to say that after spending a night and a day with Blazin I feel he is totally unsuited for a life in Florida. He walks funny, heโ€™s clearly half blind, his tail is undetectable, his teeth are simply missing and he has the most aggressive and confrontational attitude. In fact, I think it would be best if he simply stayed here with us where we will provide the poor thing with the comfort he deserves in his remaining months.

Just kidding.

Holly, Blazin is UNBELIEVABLE! What a star. Youโ€™re going to love him to pieces but if you donโ€™t then Iโ€™m on record right now saying that Iโ€™ll take him off your hands, no problem, and I swore Iโ€™d never have another male in the house. He is absolutely delicious. Darlah and I both think Blazin is gorgeous in every way.

Treasure of course is even better! Itโ€™s a trial having two such puppies in the house at once. Abigail made sure they both realized this was her house and she was in charge. Kat made sure that at least one of them was female and heโ€™ll keep an eye on Blazin until heโ€™s out the door from his harem. Paris, Risa and Wasabi sniffed them up and down, decided while they were puppies they werenโ€™t their puppies and Shoshi is ready to play with them. Fiona was neutral unless or until they got to close to her daddy and then she asked them both nicely to get back or sheโ€™d rip their lungs out through their respective throats. Blazin jumped on Terraโ€™s head to say hello. Terra just let her, having spent 6 years as the overly Havanese in the Golden Retriever body. Almost 14 year old Whitney, our old Golden Retriever, isnโ€™t quite sure who they are or why they are here but when she wakes up sheโ€™ll give them a sniff.

No doubt Darlah will come up with some pictures later.

Holly: Nathan, You are HYSTERICAL!!!! I started reading your e-mail and just laughed harder and harder! I especially like the fact that Blazin' has a tail that's undetectable! How did you ever come up with that? I'm really looking forward to seeing you all again and thank you so much for the play by play with how each of your dogs is reacting to their new housemates. I got my copy of Our Havanese, I love the pictures and articles you and Darlah contributed, and Beth too!! Give my pitiful boy a big kiss and hug from us, I'm sure he needs it, and check my bag when I leave to ensure I don't have 2 puppies! Just a word of caution. Holly and the gang.

Nathan: We look forward to your arrival. Your pitiful boy will be in good hands until then. Iโ€™ll give him the big kiss and hug but heโ€™s going to think it is yet another from me. Thank you for your kind words.

Darlah has made a notation to stop you for a strip search before letting you leave the house. I, of course, will be in the other room with your puppy. Iโ€™d advise you to make a note to ensure you actually leave here with Blazin.

Darlah: Holly, he canโ€™t help himself.

The two just ate. We put two bowls out and Blazin dug in and so did Treasure in HIS bowl. She growled at him as if to say itโ€™s mine. Blazin didnโ€™t take his head out of the bowl. Nathan put Treasure at her bowl and the contents vanished and then she was back at Blazinโ€™s bowl trying to push him out of the way. The gal is a CHOW gal.

They are doing great. They truly are. No car sickness and on our way back, we stopped at Yvonneโ€™s for a few minutes and she had serious thoughts of talking you out of him so she could have him all to herself and she only does girls. Does that tell you how she felt about the boy?

Nathan: To continue Darlahโ€™s message about their eating habits โ€ฆ

They finished eating and decided to take a nap. Blazin took the tunnel, lying on top and flattening it to his comfort. Treasure took the donut bed. They slept for about an hour. When they woke up I immediately carried them both out to the backyard surrounded by โ€œthe packโ€. Treasure almost immediately crouched and peed and I praised her profusely. The she started circling and 30 seconds later did the rest of her business and I congratulated her as if she was the smartest girl on the planet. Meanwhile I have no idea what Blazin would have done if Abigail would have left him alone. She was busy lying on top of him and he was loving it and coming right back at her. I tell you this so that you shouldnโ€™t worry, Treasure will be completely house trained in no time reinforcing the effort Bethโ€™s already put into it. Blazin, on the other hand, will be learning to do his business only while under a dog while being pushed down into the snow. Or, Iโ€™ll praise him when he pees on the carpet. Wait, I donโ€™t have carpet. Just kidding again. Of course heโ€™ll be totally trained to do his business in the snow. Wait, you have no snow. Youโ€™re doomed.

And so another day at Talemaker Havanese draws to a close.

Nathan

Friday
Dec122008

Road Trippin' Havanese Puppy Style

We started road tripping at 11ish yesterday and didn't get to Beth's (Rockhurst Havanese) till 730ish. The freeway was closed. We stopped to eat but that was about it. But was it worth it? Yep!

Beth was a gracious host. We got to be surrounded by dogs and we got to take Treasure (pictured here) and Blazin' who leaves at the start of next week. Holly is flying up to get him and will she be excited.

On our way back home, we stopped at Yvonne's for a few minutes and the pup duo had a socialization moment. Yvonne's old lady Beardie is so great with the little ones.

We got home - ate, played with pups and then Rocky came to visit. He's settling in greatly and he happens to look a lot like his dad - Coolio.

Well - we had an exciting time these last 2 days. Will the pups sleep in bed or in their play pen or? What do you think?

We will let you know tomorrow!

Thursday
Dec112008

Snow Queen Havanese Ritual

Momma said there'd be days like this - there'd be days like this, my Momma said! That song keeps going through my head when I look at this photo of Wasabi - the snow Queen. ROFL

One would think she is never groomed but you get her all pretty and she scrunches her head in the snow in revolt, I suppose. There is a way she thinks she should look and it's completely different than I imagine. But we allow our dawgs to be dawgs around here. It's all about the fun - not the stylin' factor.

Wasabi had to try 2 times to get up on the couch. I guess she forgot she is carrying precious cargo in that tummy of hers.

WE are off today to have a sleepover at Beth's and pick up our treasured Treasure and her sidekick at the moment, Blazin'. Blazin will be heading south after the weekend with his new owner Holly from Florida. We also get to see her crew and that little black guy with colouring on his legs that is still available. I promise I will get photos.

Blazin' is also destined to be in the show ring. Maybe we may see him and Treasure in next year's specialty. Time will tell.

More tomorrow night after we arrive home with the duo.

Wednesday
Dec102008

Visitors at Talemaker

We had the pleasure of meeting Rufus.

If you remember, Yvonne's Lola and our Katsuro had a tryst and this is one of their pups. Doesn't he look like he has Kat's face. Side by side you could tell who dad is.

It was a tad overwhelming for Rufus with this crazy crew but after introducing him one on one and then opening up the house to all - he was more than fine.

We tend to do the 'one on one' with all so they can see that each are not a threat and then the crowd doesn't overwhelm. It's a good process but every now and then we forget or someone shows up when we don't have the dogs away and we have to create that environment.

He didn't even have an issue with the big guys and tried to get the chew away from Terra. It was a riot. He's going to be more than fine here when he comes to stay for a week.

You can see him saying - hmm shall I try? He hesitated and then went for it. Terra just turned away and it was impossible for the little one to get it but if we had longer with him, Terra would have played tug with him.

Rita was also here delivering her last pup to its new home. She met the potential owner here and they took the little one home. Yvonne dropped in. It was a busy house today and tomorrow we get to go to Beths to get Treasure.

One more update in the morning and not another til lFriday night when we get back with Treasure and Blazin'. Exciting times or what?

Tuesday
Dec092008

Wet, Heavy Snow - The Worst Kind

It snowed last night. I shoveled this morning so that the dogs could go out onto the deck without getting soaked.

Then it started snowing again, wet snow, the worst kind. Darlah insisted, rightly so, that we dress the dogs before they would be allowed outside. The theory is that the various sweaters and waterproof jackets will at least cut down on the potential for snowballs getting stuck in their hair and just generally help them not get completely soaking wet.

As those of you know that follow Darlahโ€™s blog, three of our dogs are in show coat which means their hair is long and has the potential to get really matted if not brushed diligently, especially when wet.

Coincidentally, the three dogs most apt to run and pounce and play and roll and tunnel and generally get soaking wet would be the same three, Kat, Abigail and Fiona. Fiona outdid everyone today and managed to come in with the sweater hanging off her back. Sheโ€™d already somehow managed to get her front paws free, at least that was how she saw it. What we saw was this soaking bedraggled mop bouncing in the door, not a care in the world. I would have shared that picture with you but itโ€™s not for family entertainment. Instead, hereโ€™s a shot of our Abigail in all her glory. Remember, when they do come in wet, you really want to brush and comb them out and not let them dry first.

Nathan

Monday
Dec082008

My Shoshi Story

I was having a conversation in email with a few friends. One of the women suggested that the dogs love them best. I begged to disagree and wrote a little story about our Shoshi. After reading it one of the ladies replied that theyโ€™d love to see a photo of Shoshi cannonballing onto the bed and into her spot. I thought about it for a minute but I donโ€™t know how we could set that up. First, Darlah is in bed sleeping most nights before me. Second, Shoshi wonโ€™t go to bed unless I am in it. Iโ€™ll think about this and see what we can do. Hereโ€™s the story and I warn you now, this is not for the faint of heart or those that don't allow their dogs on the bed โ€ฆ

Once upon a time we got a Havanese who we named Shoshi. She was flown to us from Saskatchewan. When we arrived at the cargo area to pick her up she and her sister, also heading for a Toronto destination, were in their crate. The cargo people were clueless and so I opened the crate myself and half crawled in to lift out the two puppies, first theirs and then ours. Once I had Shoshi in my arms I never let go. I mean I never let go. I tossed my wife the keys. I actually donโ€™t remember if she or one of our sons drove home but I do know that Shoshi was cuddled up against my chest the entire drive home and that is where she stayed. That night the concept of her sleeping in a crate didnโ€™t even get lip service. She cuddled up against my chest in the bed and went to sleep.

To this day she cuddles up against my chest and no one or dog gets in her way. Darlah and I sleep in a King Size bed. We also have a Twin bed beside it. All the Havanese sleep on the bed with us. Shoshi will not come to bed until I do. So when I do get into bed, she goes up one of the two doggy steps we have, stops at the top and surveys the sleeping arrangements. I mean that she checks to see where each dog is sleeping in relation to her 'daddy'. If they are in her way she leaps over them, literally. If they are in her โ€˜spotโ€™ she does what can best be described as a cannonball for those of you having seen that particular dive. She launches herself into the air and lands in her spot, bouncing any dog to close to the side of my chest into the air and out of her way. That includes Darlah! Shoshi sleeps against my chest today the same as she has done every night for four years.
Next time Iโ€™ll tell you about Risa.
Nathan
PS: Darlah here - and if you think he's getting a photo of me in my pjs - well you are DREAMIN'

Sunday
Dec072008

Talemaker Havanese Snow Fun

Click to play Talemaker Havanese Fun
We always manage to make the most of any type of weather as it's a dawgs life here for sure! Hope you enjoy our captured moments of fun at the Talemaker Havanese home.

Saturday
Dec062008

Gidget Knows How to Have Fun

Gidget visits us from time to time and truly knows how to have fun. She's one of the few dogs that gets away wrestling with Kat full on and he loves it.

Gidget doesn't overly love grooming but here we brush/comb them daily and it took her oh about 5 days before she realized this isn't bad. She doesn't hurt me. I get snuggles and cuddles when it goes on and she massages me. Plus I get a treat tat the end which is the best part but I am picky. I only like the best and that Nathan guy gives it to me.

If you are struggling with grooming, do a little each day. If you have a knot, gently pull it out or if it is too tight, cut into it with thinning shears and brush out. Then massage the area and give them snuggles all throughout. Always end with a treat at the end and they will 'get' that you aren't going to hurt them and there are many rewards to getting groomed including feeling better at the end - knot free. Each dog's hair is different. Some hardly ever knot - some seem to at touch but most likely you have a roller and one who loves to rub him/herself and the friction creates knots and tyere are solutions to that. Plus that stage between puppy and adulthood - the blowing coat stage should pass.

Give your dogs love. They deserve the best.

Friday
Dec052008

Dog Shows & Havanese

We finally got the photos from the show vs. the one I took and the judge was eating when we were there to take it and we really didn't want to bother him so they promised to Photoshop him in but then for some reason they couldn't.

I am posting this to let you know about the magic of photos these days though I prefer them untouched.

We are off to a dog show this weekend not to be in it but to watch and have fun.

As you can see or maybe you haven't noticed but by putting Fiona's hair back daily, I am trying to train it to go back. It is going back and staying back longer but it's not all there yet. This photo was taken rushed - no brush and after the show so considering that - the junkyard dawg looked decent.

Do you have a junkyard dawg? What is one, you ask. Well - a dawg who likes to muck it up. You brush them and 2 minutes later they look like a hurricane came through blowing everything and anything on them. That's out Fiona. It may be frustrating when you need to show her but you have to enjoy such a personality. It's a mind that is always ticking.

If you have a dawg like that - you need to cultivate it as boredom is not good for this type.

Thursday
Dec042008

Havanese Sweaters

It's wet and damp outside and that human keeps dressing us up. Oh - please - hehe But I am getting used to clothes and I sort of look smashing in them - don't ya think?

To dress or not dress - it's all so personal but for us - its also about functional and cutting down on grooming. So - we take the extra time so we don't have to wash and brush and brush.

How are you dealing with this in between weather?

I rather like sweaters at times as they are fast on and fast off.

Wednesday
Dec032008

Puppies, Fun and Play Havanese Style

The pups and Gidget are playing today in a fast and furious session - all fun - you know. It's great when the older dogs play with the younger dogs. Wasabi was even caught in the flurry and lovin' it. There's nothing like the pups that add an element of fun into the household.

Next week we have Treasure coming and Blazin' who is staying for a week till his new mom can come get him. Where will they sleep? We are already discussing that.

We are off to Brantford show this weekend just to watch - no dogs so we can take photos and enjoy.

Exercise is back for the human after this bout of pneumonia. The dogs yawned watching it. I guess it was a yawn but have you seen those doggie treadmills? Got to love it. I say just teach them to play retrieve on miserable days so you can get their bodies and mind moving. Plus the best part is you may laugh, enjoy and spend quality time with your pal. What could be better than that?

Tuesday
Dec022008

Dog Show Patience & Mentoring

We were lucky enough to witness first hand mentoring at the Caledonia show by Dr. Robert Smith and a junior handler that was a tad young for the job. When Nathan complimented Dr. Smith on the patience he had taken with this very young girl that really did have trouble walking the Chihuahua. Dr. Smith replied that if we don't take the time and effort to invest in the juniors who will replace us when we are gone. That was most apt and of course Nathan agreed.

This is also the judge that gave Fiona her very first points. We are not mentioning this because of those points - It was simply nice to be exposed to someone that cared enough to be patient like he was.

It isn't the only time we shown to him. He's always a guy who gives owner/handlers and professionals a chance on an even keel. He also seems to have a huge love for the sport and much patience.

Bravo, Judge Dr. Robert D. Smith.

Monday
Dec012008

A Treasure is Coming Soon

Hi - my name is Rockhurst Treasures Talemaker. You can call me Treasure for short. All my short pack mates - well not my pack mates but my pals (I was a singleton) are all going home and I will remain with that fab guy Copper aka Blazin;.

They tell me I will be road tripping it with him to a new home at Talemaker Havanese and Blazin' will be travelling where the sun shines warm in Florida a week later.

They say my humans will be oohing and ahing over me on the 11th and taking me home on the 12th. Then that night - on the 12th I get to meet a dog that looks like my dad, who shares the same dad as me - Coolio but different mom. That Coolio guy also happens to be Wasabi's puppies 'to be' dad. Now, how cool is that? Exciting times to be had with this visitor.

Now back to having fun at Rockhurst.

Shhh - they don't have a clue that I am going to be a force that will rock their world and Abs - well she is going to be delighted to have a puppy around and so are the rest of the crew.

Exciting times are in store for the Talemaker crew. Visitors, Treasure and puppies - all this year - wow! These humans at Talemaker are over the top excited!

Sunday
Nov302008

Fiona is One Years Old Today

What better way to celebrate Fiona's first birth date than to get a Best of Opposites and a Winners Bitch win.

More photos will follow next week.

Do you think she got the bone tonight? nah - Gidget (Paris) did and boy is that little gal grinning from ear to ear and lovin' that she got something special.

Yes, Gidget is with us for three weeks and settling in nicely - sleeping on the top of the bed on a pillow. That gal knows comfort, I imagine.

As you can see, Fiona was 'on' today which was a far cry from what she was yesterday where the banging was bothering her bigtime and I think she was inflicted with ADHD - hahahaha! But the duo persevered and did okay - just not totally on.

Sometimes it's just nice to have those moments and what better day than on a birthday!

Thanks for letting us share...more tomorrow.

PS: I think Wasabi's stomach is growing by the hour. ROFL

Sunday
Nov302008

Wasabi and Pups

Wasabi adores the pups. There are some with that extra special touch - that awe in action when she looks at them and that pure enjoyment. That's her.

Katsuro and Abigail thus far also seem to have that extra something where all is right in the world when puppies are around. It's not that the others aren't but they seem to be that little kid peering in with wonderment. It's nice.

Wasabi is starting to show finally with a little pot belly. Katsuro knows something is different and is spending his time at the foot of Wasabi protecting her. Wasabi in the comfie bed - Kat outside of it as close as he can get. Poor Katsuro - he's not the dad but he sure takes on the role of a caring one. His pack members and their well being is very important to him. Not all Havanese have such a cohesive pack but this group does. Many male dogs do not take on the role of protecting a pregnant one but he did it the last time and he's doing it again. (So does Nathan for that matter.)

Wasabi is doing her morning sickness thing a tad later than she did the first time and sleeping a great deal. It makes me wonder if she will be due a tad later than the 24th but we won't know till x-ray time on the 19th. Good thing a canines pregnancy only last a couple of months or this human would be beside herself in waiting.

Oh well, enough pups. Today a huge storm is coming in. Ge your shovels ready. Those that live in warm climates - oh are we so jealous. We have a show then I have baths to start on dogs - argh - but Kat and Abigail is a must - Fiona done this morning and Risa and Wasabi already done then its retriever time. In between I am brushing Gidget to get her stylin' before I can bathe her. One thinks I may become an expert in this bathing stuff eventually.

There is still time to get your Havanese boarded during the holiday season. We're full up but our friend Linda still has some room in her home where your babies would be pampered like never before. Send us a note if you are in need.

Saturday
Nov292008

Visitors Going Home

Yvonne and Alex came over to pick up their crew last night so in a blink of an eye, 4 dogs were gone. Poor Abigail laid out in the hallway saying - hey where did they go? The rest came clamouring in to find the room on the couch they didn't have before.

The dynamics change with each addition and when each goes home. The house is quiet again. Only one visitor remains and she slept on top of my pillow.

How can you be quiet with 8 dogs? Well it is. With a huge crowd, one gets one barking or one is trying to say - this is my spot or that's my person. Then when that goes and I gather they have gone through it enough, well the crew gets quiet - relaxes and goes back to their usual.

WE hope the Chicadoro crew had a wonderful return home. They will be missed.

Well, we have family coming over today, a show to go to with a dog that refuses to stay clean and all these dogs and humans want to do is sleep. Fiona got Reserve yesterday but today - it will be a struggle t get her coat clean as no energy for a bath today. We will do our best and forget the rest.

Friday
Nov282008

Learning Havanese Style

Well, they tell me that a little one called 'Treasure' is joining us 2 weeks from today.

I guess I have my job cut out for me teaching her that I think I am the boss around these parts, how to make snow angels Risa shimmy style and how to stick your face in snow so the humans laugh and take photos of me.

Silly - humans so amused at funny things but we try to accommodate them.

Well Risa says - we have had my daughter and my grand daughter visiting. Nothing like making you feel OLD. We also have the Hot tamale Lola straight from Cuba before she hit Yvonne's house and Flora - a Lola and Oscar pup who we like to think of as a junkyard dog as she adores the bushes two minutes after you brush her. They may be going home tonight or tomorrow night. It surely will be emptier on the bed. It will be interesting to see how the bed placement shifts.

Gidget is also visiting - eating up a storm - snuggling and enjoying her Wasabi. They are really close but she also likes her Katsuro.

Then when we pick up Treasure on the 12th of December, her half brother Rocky will be visiting. How cool is that? Oh and we are also picking up Copper aka Blazin so Holly from Florida can come get him so 2 wee pups in the house for a week and then down to one.

X-ray for the Wasabi was put off till the 19th - going to not be fun waiting but a better time and more accurate then. Wasabi is already getting that rounded belly and sleeping big time. Gorgeous silky, shiny hair. Am hoping that the pups have the same as Coolios is similar.

Oh well, off to a show where its bright lights - lots of competition with just Fiona. We had a rough night with wake ups so when we get back, we may crawl into bed. hehe

Catch you later...

Thursday
Nov272008

Saga of the Havanaese Roller Coaster

Just got this in my email by a vet no less saying...

Ultrasounds mostly are to confirm pregnancy. X-rays are used for counts. Ultrasounds are not necessarily fully accurate and I tell my clients that.

Why can't pregnancies be easy? Next time - we say nothing - and announce at birth. ROFL

Will the 15th get here right away? Oh, we will be happy with 1 perfect birth but life is ever so interesting in this dawg business.

Now back to daily living as we are not going to obsess with this. We take what life has to offer and then she will have spring puppies too.

Our son is in from the navy just for a few days. We have a show - Yvonne's pups - Gidget - Audrey's pup. It's bloody wet outside so coats are a good thing and worth the effort.

Two weeks till we get Treasure - now that's exciting!

Linda has 4 dogs of her own and is a crazy dawg person too - loves them to death so if you need boarding - she is indeed a possibility. Let us know.