Pool Closing - How Havanese Sad is THAT!

It's the last day of the year the pool is getting CLOSED now!

The crew was outside watching human Daddy take out the pool cleaner and clean up. No one was brushed just yet so just enjoy them in their natural stance especially the Shoshi who now that her haircut is growing out - well she has that electric, messy hair thang going on.

Even Abigail was trying to figure out what was going on but the pups are in for a HUGE treat.

When the safety cover goes on, they do that 'run-like-hell' game and the cover bounces like a trampoline and makes noise.

They ADORE it after the initial - what is this about?

All it takes is watching another do the game - and they are off and running as if it was always there.

Shoshi is looking at me as if to say - you are not taking a photo of me looking this THIS are you? Well, of course. That's the fun part - seeing them ungroomed and the way they are after a crazy play session. I find them artistically grand with hair swaying in all directions.

Tomorrow, if it's not rainy, we are supposed to have all of Yvonne's crew visiting and one of Lola's and Kat's boy. It will be wonderful to see how he is turning out.

More later as the day progresses. Yep - it's time to start cleaning that garage and bringing your stuff in. Do you think we can coerce the dogs into doing that for us?

Ewww That Food

Oh my eyes - what are they doing NOW? This was Kat's look after trying to feed him this morning. He wasn't thrilled with the choice and decided later. Yes, he actually gives you a look when he doesn't like something. If you pay attention to your dogs, they have all sorts of expressions and body language stuff going on that will tell you how they are doing. The more you study them, the more you get to know what they are saying. They do talk - just with their bodies.

Sometimes your dog doesn't feel like eating what you put down a certain food but when he gets hungry, he will. Don't fret about it.

Well, Nathan is off to handling class with Miss Abs and Fiona did her best twirling and being all that so he took her. She's learned to love that one on one time. But it's Miss Abs turn and Fiona needs to learn to share and be patient. It's not a quality that she fully understands yet. So, these classes with Abs is good for her.

We may try a brace for the specialty but it may end up being a comedy of errors. It certainly will be a moment to remember. hehehehe These two = well they are a riot together. It makes you fall in love with puppies over and over again.

Ah - it's a dawg life at Talemakers - for sure!

Play and Bath Times

How often should you wash your dogs? It really depends on when they look dirty to you. I tend to do mine about every 2 weeks or so. Today I did Kat, Risa and Wasabi. Tomorrow I will do Shoshi and Terra. Abs and Fiona was done for the shows so no need to do them.

What happens when you do wash the crew is a certain amount of excitement where they do run like hell and even those not washed get into the play.

Oh, and the Havanese do play well with retrievers. Heck, Fiona is enjoying a bull mastiff in her class.

It all depends on the dog and the more positive exposure, the better it is.

Sometimes when you give a bath, your dog can end up a complete mess as Risa does here 5 minutes after her blow dry. She just rolls, and shakes toys and has a grand time but although she looks a mess, well - she feels great and smells good too and that is what it is about.

Besides, I think dogs are meant to muck it up.

Our pool is getting closed this week. If you have a pool, consider a safety cover. You will relax more and it will expand the play area. Ours jump on the cover as if it is a trampoline and love it. We will be getting a video after it goes on this week, I can't wait to see the pups on it as it will be their first time.

Well, more tomorrow.

Stress Leads Down the Line: Havanese

Fiona was in the show today and didn't do well. She won her class the other day and Abs won it on the day she showed but today was a stress-filled day.

It started before the show and could have ended up to be a tragedy. I want to explain as this was an accident that I didn't foresee.

I have an old laundry tub that I bath the dogs in and have been doing so for years. Today, Fiona was struggling and ended up getting a foot stuck in the drain. It's one of the scariest things to occur as you do not know what to do at first. You must calm down first and you couldn't handle it alone. It tells me that I not only need a phone with me especially when I am alone but I also need a tool kit.

I screamed for Nathan and he came running. Our son came running as well.

Fiona was frightened and was screaming which added to the stress level. Her foot was solidly stuck. We tried putting conditioner down the drain and massaging her foot but it was stuck tight. She kept struggling and we kept trying to calm her down and hold her in place to eliminate serious damage to the foot.

Nathan used his head and sent our son to get tools to break the drain. We thought one side would open it up to allow her foot to come out but no, it took 4 sides broken to release the foot. During this time she had shampoo on that had started to dry in and was full of mats but initially that was not even a concern. We were worried about her being able to stand on her foot. I massaged the area and she didn't flinch so a good sign and then placed her on the floor to see if she could walk. Yep, all was looking good.

My next thoughts that randomly went through my head was, she's full of mats - now what? The sink is broken - now how to finish this. What if she needs an operation etc. Maybe we shouldn't show her but if we don't, it's like getting thrown off a horse and when that happens, you have to just do it.

Gad, I didn't realize the depth of my love for my dogs. Sure, I love them but it takes a fear like this to tap the true depth of those feelings. I think I would have fallen apart if she had been in pain and I thought she was but what I was hearing was fear cries. It's not something I foreseen. I used that basin for years without an issue. But still - to get past something like that...well it would be hard.

I got her ready for the show in 45 minutes when it usually takes me 90 minutes each dog. Adrenaline, mats and all is a crazy thing.

But - Fiona felt the stress. She refused treats from Daddy at the show. She slept all the way to the show and all the way back from the show. She was relying on me as I believe she saw me as the one that helped her when she was in trouble.

So now I will spend my time stepping back and letting Nathan become that person again. He's already working his magic. It's important for the handler and dog to connect as if no one else exists.

The point is, how you are feeling - how they are feeling affects everything for your dog. She wouldn't eat. She didn't scat and get cheeky as she usually does. She couldn't stay focused and she had STEAK and LIVER - her faves. But stress does crazy things to you AND your dog.

Compare it to a fight you just had with someone you love and and they remain angry at you but you don't understand it. They remain angry and suddenly you own their emotion by allowing it to get you down to that place they are. Well, your dog does this naturally. What you feel, they feel. They are the most intuitive beings.

The moral of this vent...

I think I would have demolished the sink entirely to save her. But, I will never be in the laundry room again without a phone. Nor will I ever have an old laundry sink with an opening wide enough to catch their feet. I will recognize that I am still upset after it is over as I have allowed my fear to sit and stay with me. This will affect my dog and I would have been better off doing anything to get past it but I did do the right thing making her get on that horse again per se.

I will have yet another horse for Fiona to get back on - 'the sink' but I will do that after a new one is in sooner than later to make sure it doesn't become an imprint that remains.

Fears are to be dealt with via slow conditioning. But what WE feel affects our dogs. We can't always control it but if we can remember that, it may minimize the depth of our emotional state.

Now on to the next day - please. :-(

Ruff Havanese Dawg Life

It's a ruff Havanese Dawg life - I tell you with that human and a couch.

Well, our poor golden last night had an issue that we think is dementia. She's starting to show signs - well has been for a bit but when they get old - you often do that denial thing.

Nathan woke up with her to take her out and she ran through the plants etc. only to stare at the fence line.

He brought her out and got her to the deck only to have her run back to do the stare so he went back in and then she came to the door. Now she is sleeping.

So, after all that, Nathan gave up and went to sleep on the couch covered with half the Havanese and Whitney laying next to him on the floor. I had the rest of the crew. The dogs can play recovery but the humans - not as easy - and he gets to show today in a fog.

It didn't stop the pups from playing today. It wasn't them suffering from sleep.

Don't ya just wish you were one of these Havanese that can just play recovery with naps? I surely wish I could. I take them and I often feel worse.

As you can see, nothing like more than 1 Havanese. Just look at these two obviously they're best of pals. I swear Fiona just adores the Abs and her free sense of play with anyone and everyone. It's a quality to love.

But when you just have one, you will often see them saying - can you play? When you do, I can guarantee you that if you have the right mindset - you will have a session of laughter. Try it!

More later - after the show...

Hanging Out at Shows

Abs and Fiona both won their class on their own respective days. Remember that ad where they say brusha, brusha, brusha? Well maybe you don't but this human feels as if that is all she is doing. Brush before show, brush the dogs on return and now entertain the son who is leaving to go back to his naval base.

Trillium - the big Havanese specialty is coming up soon and I will be posting raffle prizes - well pics of them. If you are interested in buying raffle tix - please let us know. There will be lots of Havanese from all over and a ton of vendors. It's a must to attend and its local here in Toronto.

We are thinking of Kooba - hoping she is having a really grand time.

Tip: If you brush 5 minutes a day, you will reduce the time you need to demat if your pup is going through that blowing coat stage. There are neat tips to help you and the Havanese Fanciers is selling a grooming book at Trillium. I haven't seen it yet but they say - it's a must.

Gad - I sound like an advertisement. Sorry - not my thang. Just sharing things I think you should know.

More later.>>

From Mangled Mess to Stylin' Havanese Style

Fiona was bathed early this morning much to her irritation but she cleaned up well. But mommy - these crazy rules of no hair ties. I can't see.

The gal was a tad miffed that she wasn't allowed to play and hang out with the crew.

She actually created a delay tactic that didn't totally work. But that's the mind of a dawg like Fiona - always thinking about putting that foot over the line.

She came inside from her morning duty looking like...well take a look. This isn't as bad as her usual as she was brushed before she went out and then decided - mommy I got to go but where she had to go was not to do her duty but instead she needed to play and avoid the bath. hahahaha

Still, although Fiona didn't win big, she had a fun time at the show doing her scat.

We will let daddy tell you about it. He was after all the guy that couldn't stop laughing. Yep - caught in film - digital that is!

Tomorrow Abs is in the show. Here's hoping she has just as much fun.

Crazy Dawg House at Talemaker Havanese

Fiona Says:
Well, Mommy is up early having her coffee and then she has the audacity to think she is going to wash me. Got to head to Port Hope for the weekend. No time for anything including computer issues but we will post daily about our missives. More later>>

New Adventures for the Havanese Koob Updated

Lots of changes for Kooba. We are sad to see her go but also excited for her and her new adventure. We are already getting great reports about her making her first step to adjusting and she is enjoying her new packmate brother and family. They went on 3 walks today. Bet you she loved that!

Life is always changing and forever evolving. We are what we experience. We are richer due to this one being in our life and this new home - well they will be richer with this addition too.

What a special dog she turned out to be. Life - and its mysteries and why it unfolds as it does makes for an interesting ride.

The gang here goes into stagnant mode when someone they like goes home or leaves. That is where they are today but tomorrow will bring a new day. After a few weeks they will love when they come to visit and it will be old home week for all the dawgs!

Tomorow we are off to the Port Hope show but we never got a paper mailed to us and Nathan never called (too much on his mind) so we are either showing or just showing up to watch the rest. Tomorrow will tell.

We need to see Paula - head of the HFC rescue to give her the paperwork etc so it won't be for nothing. Besides - whens the last Friday I didn't work my fool head off . Sure - I enjoy my work but loved just celebrities stuff more. ROFL

More later>>

Crazy Havanese Dawg House

It's just the usual around this house. We are simply CRAZY dawg people who adore the play. Well, some of us do more than others as you can see in the photo.

The point is, if you play with your dogs, you solidify bonding, expel energy and create laughter. Between you and I, the world would be a drab place without laughter. So, get busy and get crazy - dawg crazy that is!

Catch you tomorrow! Bathing Kooba - new home and lots of changes tomorrow for the pack and us but a grand adventure for Kooba.

All Good Visits Come to an End

Well, today Gidget woke up, had her breakfast - well the breakfast that I told Nathan she will eat and then she had her bath. She wasn't overly crazy about it especially the blower but think about warm air blowing in your face and some crazy lady brushing your face - and well - how would you find THAT!

The Gidge will be going home today and the crew - including us will miss her.

More later>>

Havanese Pick That Special Person

Risa really missed her daddy. Here she is hanging out on the back of the recliner over his shoulder.

What makes Havanese so special? Well - that unconditional love. Nathan is Risa's person. Oh, she loves me too but the Havanese tend to pick one person that they are especially fond of making them the person. Risa used to be mine so she shares the wealth. Will she ever be mine again? Time will tell but I suspect not. Besides - I am the grooming lady - hahahahaha and he's the food guy.

Well, Kooba survived her teeth cleaning. She's glad to be home again. Nathan is too. It was a long day. Now off to snuggle in bed. Yep - they all sleep with us. Crazy dawg people - we are!

Rainy Days for Havanese & Outside Duties

What are you to do on a rainy day when your little one doesn't want to get wet? Yep - you got that right!

Some Havanese will dive into snow piles, jump into pools, swim at the lake but get their feet wet on a rainy day - no way!

You may ask yourself what the hey is the difference but put some OLD socks on, go out and walk in the rain especially in the grass and maybe you may 'get' what that icky squishy feeling is to some Havanese.

Now that you 'get' it that doesn't mean you give into such quirkiness. You pick them up, place them in the center of the grass and tell them to get busy. If they try to run to the house, don't let them but stay upbeat as if they are just plain being silly. I won't say they will love it but they will deal better.

The crew is hanging out today. Gidget, Kat, Abs and Fiona did play this morning while the others watched and Kooba and Wasabi is headed off to the vet. Our vet out of the city is an hour and a half away but a fraction of the cost but then we can go visit Yvonne and the pups - but I will miss that today. Due to the rain, I got the bulk of the dogs and have spent much time 'slow conditioning' them to that outside rain.

Now it is YOUR turn.

More later.>>

Finding the Havanese Play

Abs to Kooba:
Hey - that's MY toy!!!

So much for a dog that doesn't play with toys. Kooba not only loves to play with toys after she gets comfie but also acts as mischievous as a puppy. She was running around like a banshee trying to keep the toy away from Abs and I swear she was laughing as she did. She certainly had an upbeat prance. Abigail - well she adores the play. If she could talk - she would be saying - bring it on!

Even when a dog loses or doesn't know how to play - you can find it. It may take patience and just finding what gets them excited. With Kooba - it just came as she gained comfort.

Well, Kooba goes into the vet tomorrow to get her teeth cleaned. I have found if you spray Leba III and give bones - well their teeth whiten up. Leba is expensive but it does work. it certainly saves $$ in the long run and they do not have to be sedated - win/win.

Wasabi goes in for her rabies shot that she missed due to heat and pregnancy timing. Fiona - well she is going for the ride and so is Abigail and dropping in on Yvonne. They may be going tonight or tomorrow. We will know - after handling class.

Gidget has been a picky eater but tonight I cooked her up some broiled breadless chicken cooked in bacon, added some of her lamb warmed up and she wanted more.

Picky eaters - hahahaha eventually - you find what gets them excited and then they change their minds.

Puppy Visit: Updated

Yvonne's crew came over and so did Carol, a Beardie lady. It was great company for adults and dawgs alike!

The crew had a grand time with the puppies but now they are totally tuckered out. Here you can see Fiona hanging out on daddy's leg catching some serious zzzzs.

Check out the photos of today's happenings. Oh gad - are the puppies delicious!

Gidget's Visiting

My name is Gidget and I am an honorary member of the Talemaker crew. I have visited so many times that the getting reacquainted period doesn't happen any more. I know what couch I like, what chair and where I sleep on the bed. I am a cuddle monster and this human crew loves the snuggles.

BUT that female human took out a brush and comb and spray and she's done it twice and I only came YESTERDAY. Didn't you ever hear about VACATIONS? Someone better clue her in.

She gives me a treat and a body massage and hey I can deal with that but the comb - well it can go on vacation with my human mom.

The human's turn:
Well, the crew has not been hanging outside too much with the rain but they have been playing up a storm inside.

I think we need to start using the video camera to see this craziness in action. It's something missed with just 1 dog but two or more - well it's a dawg house and it's way crazy.

Puppies visiting tomorrow - we can't wait! Watch for photos.

All Female Havanese: Ah Heaven for a Guy!

Kat's really happy today. One more female came to visit till Wednesday and he rather likes this one.

Gidget is visiting till Wednesday and we are excited about it. She just comes in - says - okay all of you get it over with - get in your smell so you remember me and then let's get into investigating and playing.

We got email from Miss Abigail's full sister from an earlier breeding that she just had pups. Miss Abs sends much love to her sister Bernie and says get some rest while you can. We heard one may be Havana brown - ooooh nice.

Well, the humans got walks to bring us on, training to do and fun stuff. They even gave a bath to Fiona today but Gidget - well she will be safe till Tuesday night. heheheh

Fiona looks like a light socket got to her. hahahah Oh she does NOT like her baths yet.

This is how she looks 5 minutes after she engages in play. But mommy - I am having oh so much fun.

Well, it's walks for the crew. daddy and Dennis is doing it tonight and mommy is resting. After grooming the crew - she needs it!

We are hoping for a NO RAIN day tomorrow. We have fun planned.

Last Havanese Summer Moments

The last bit of warm sun is upon us and soon the pool will be closed but Nathan and crew couldn't help but capture those last stolen moments.

The sun was warm. The company was good - us and the dogs - me on camera - Nathan running around getting them excited - doesn't take much.

Well, it was a warm day and even the pool was semi-warm enough. It surely didn't bother Katsuro.

Kat's going to miss the pool. We are too. It wasn't much of a summer this year. I think it will be forever known as the summer that wasn't.

Fiona couldn't help herself. Every time that Kat went to get out of the pool, she did her intimidation thing. It's not that he listens - as he doesn't. But she just has to try.

I can just hear that brain of hers going - stay in the pool - this area is ALL Mine - don't you know?

The dogs had a blast. I think Nathan did as well. Me - well I did baths afterwards so the night was a blur. Too many dogs - too little time. hahahaha

Nah - not as bad as I sound - just last night was a comedy of errors with many things happening that added to my NO TV time.

Well, daddy is hugely busy today so we may or may not have another pool day. We shall see but we have a very busy weekend. Richmond Green has a dog event on and we will be attending that. We are also have guests over including Yvonne and crew on Sunday and on Saturday we are visiting a Wasabi pup's house.

Crazy dawg and human weekend - I tell ya.

Havanese Abigail Party Hearty

Abs went to a party last night with lots of people where a resident cat lives. She could smell the cat but it stayed in hiding. It didn't stop her from trying to figure out where it was.

Even with the most outgoing and balanced dog, you can get a dog stressed in new situations.

Still, that doesn't mean you don't expose her but that you do in small doses.

Today we have Quito and his owner Jean coming over to say hi to Kooba. Us - and the crew are looking forward to it. More later.>>

Havanese Abigail Says: Oh My Gad Human!

Well, if you have been following my journey, you know I have this pack sister who yanks out my hair and all the visitors do too. I have no clue why. I simply yank their tail and they go for my head. I can't help myself as the tail - well it's there for me to pull on it - isn't it?

Well, mommy got that thing they call an apron on and I went into my house and hid. I have had enough baths. She has this idea of laying this hair down for the shows but she's fooling herself. Still, we try.

Get this though - Fiona has all her hair. What's that about? Those of you that read my rants - do you have a clue why?

Well, that human mom was training the rescue they are fostering - Kooba and she was learning sit. She wanted to lay down vs. sit but we think she has the treats for doing what is asked thing down. We all sat and watched and said - hey she's getting treats - what about OUR turn.

Well, more later...