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
Jan072023

Busy Day But Fun

Here is the gallery.

We have been so busy with puppy visits but still as you will see in the gallery, the dogs are having an immense amount of fun.

I was going to do this blog after grooming but I decided to do it before in case I forget. Thankfully Sherry would remind me, at my request considering sometimes this blog doesn't seem to publish sometimes and stays in draft mode.

Dennis has me watching the stupidest show that got cancelled called The Mick on Disney Plus. It's so bad but as he says you can just listen to the dialogue as you are grooming. I laughed. The ipad playing something on it seems to be calming for the dogs too.

Dennis tried to do the hide and seek game outdoors tonight but its too dark or they were just not interested. I look forward to it not getting dark so early. It cuts into the dogs fun outdoors with us. Oh well...

Cold weather but no snow or rain - bonus!

Friday
Jan062023

Still Wet But Getting Colder

Here is the gallery.

The dogs had more time outdoors to run outside as it hardly rained. 

Today was a very busy day that hasn't stopped. We had pups, moms to get groomed. We have puppy visits tomorrow. That means floors will have to be cleaned at last moments if mud is still outside. Then after puppy visits, I have 3 dogs to groom. 

As I will be grooming late, I may be doing a short blog here. On Sage and Misty blog, I will do the morning on one and the afternoon visit on the other. 

With colder weather coming, I will be able to take more photos and do less mud cleanup. 

Dogs arrived - dogs departed and we still have gals in heat so it will be interesting during visit time as gals have to be kept separate. We shall see how that goes. 

It is dark outside. It is tv time and well for me it is grooming time so enough said.

 

Thursday
Jan052023

Rain Rain Go Away

Here is the gallery.

It is so wet outside and yes, I washed a dog today and then they came inside muddy as ever so bath again. Oh boy....

I never thought I would be hoping for white stuff but I am.

We are emptying out. Tomorrow more depart. 

The dogs are having leftover steak tonight mixed in with their food. I bet they eat their bowls clean.

We showed the pups to the adults and they were very excited.

Dennis washes the floors and he is getting mighty sick of doing it every night only to have it a mess after breakfast. It is what it is!

We are also cleaning beddings nonstop. Got to love it. 

But the dogs - well they are having fun - why? They don't clean up. So laughing!

Wednesday
Jan042023

Another Rainy Muddy Day

Kora says who wants to go out in that?

Here is a mini gallery.

We have hardly any photos as it is simply miserable out there. Usually Brewer loves the dreary weather as long as it is not pelting down but he even opted for a nap with Nathan vs running around outside. Most followed Brewer's position that it is nicer and dryer indoors. Plus naps are mighty enjoyable. Ask Nathan. LOL

Tomorrow we have 3 Coco's departing - yes 3. One departs Friday. I think Coco is a popular name. I think tomorrow is a mostly mass exodus day. Friday a few more and puppy baths and all that fun!

Tuesday
Jan032023

Fun Play

Oh the fun of the play!

Here is the gallery.

Sometimes you catch the play and sometimes not. But when you do, you have a memory and a smile. 

I think it may be the last warm day. I may be wrong. 

Tomorrow more depart - more baths and well I miss the dogs when they go - call me crazy but I just do. They each have their own unique personality. They make you smile. Exhausted yes but the memories!

Tomorrow Brewer and Reggie arrives. Mr Bean what a fun and delicious boy departs. Noah and Zoe experts in the games will be missed. Then Thursday most depart. What a grand holiday it has been, filled with laughter, getting crushed in bed and dogs walking over your body while you try to sleep. Let's not forget muddy feet and well muddy floors.

Monday
Jan022023

Inbetween the Rain

Here is the gallery.

It seems like we are going to have rain off and on all week. Joy - not. 

Got a message that Ty's mom Julie is bringing her own shepherd pie. She makes the absolutely best shepherds pie I have ever had and she can't tell me the recipe as she says she just makes it up as she goes. I think I may die and go to heaven today. LOL Yes, it is that good!

Dogs are now about to go outdoors again as it is not raining. I have washed so many dirty paws that I created a large bin that is shallow so they can walk through with soap and another rinsing but I am not sure it is easier than carrying each into the tub to do their feet. Mud mud go away. I feel like we are lost in spring.

Dennis was busy hiding treats today and someone was finding each. Now who has the best nose? Could it be Bailey? Had to stop her as we didn't want her getting an upset tummy. What a smart gal

Sunday
Jan012023

Happy New Years

Here is the gallery.

Ms Riley has departed and so has Maggie, Lucky and Socks. It is hard to believe it is 2023 and it is still raining. Much play was indoors today. 

Ms Leti is still here and has managed to reinstate herself as the queen. I am so laughing. 

Despite the muddy cleanup of dogs and floors, it is a good day or we are adjusting to the mess and cleanup that must occur. 

It is a good start to a new year. We ate leftovers - well Dennis and I did. Nathan had steak that he shared with the dogs. 

Saturday
Dec312022

New Year's Eve

Here is the gallery.

Chloe has departed after her grooming. I swear she is smiling! It has been raining all day long. It is muddy as ever. We are mostly indoors. Joey and Katie depart tonight. Many depart tomorrow. 

We got chinese food for lunch and will eat leftovers tonight. That works. I may even have a gin and tonic. 

I just finished all my grooming - for now and am going to get the blogs complete so I can have a wee bit of downtime before dishes and then bed. :-)

Happy New Year, everyone. I hope 2023 brings you great things!

Friday
Dec302022

Rainy and Warm

Here is the gallery.

As it has been raining off and on, the snow is going away and the dogs look like a motley mess. Not all wanted to go out so we do use pads and even dogs that are not used to the pads use them vs going out and getting soaked. Some do not care. 

The gallery is small due to the weather and well I am busy getting mud - yes mud off of the feet. Dennis has been washing muddy pawprints. It is almost like spring but it will get cold again in a few days.

The dogs are keeping busy indoors. We don't just have them hang out. Dennis does run games with them. I do a bit of training, grooming and Nathan takes them in and out and has tv time with them.

I am not sleeping much as the pups can be loud when they want downstairs in the wee hours. So, we put up with the noise and lack of sleep so when they go to you, they are sleeping through the night. 

Daisy and Jersey departed today. Tomorrow a few more but most will be with us to ring in teh New Year!

I do believe we are going to have rain and thus mud for a few more days. 

Thursday
Dec292022

Almost Warm

Here is the gallery.

They say it is going to be downright warm for New Years eve. It was warmer today. It made it to 49f and tomorrow 50f. Could it be Fall. LOL maybe early spring? Nah but it is nice to have this weather where it is not bone chilly.

Dogs had a terrific amount of fun today. I took turns snuggling with each dog. I make sure everyone gets snuggles - just because I think they should have them. 

We brought out the treat toy and Tia, Mr. Bean and Ollie seems to love this toy. It is great fun when it is too sopping wet outside.

Not to worry! The dawgs are having a grand time. 

Also Leti slept snuggled up to me last night. That was endearing!

Wednesday
Dec282022

In and Out Snow

Here is the gallery.

Although the front of our home is partially wet and melted, the back does not seem to be. The dogs had a ton of fun.

Leti just arrived and that is quite special - for me. I get to snuggle with her at night. Leti is Spirit's mom and Rebel's grandma.

The dogs had a significant amount of fun today. The weather was warm enough for them to truly invest sometime outdoors in a chunk of time. It is supposed to get even warmer tomorrow. We shall see.

Thank to generousity, we have a Keg gift certificate and Nathan is off to get takeout from them. He was keen to get tonight more so than New Years eve as he hates the crowds. So, tonight is the night. Thank you - really made our day.

If I am not making sense, I apologize. I am that tired. 

Soon it will be chilling and tv time. Then we crawl into bed after cleanup and dishes. 

Tuesday
Dec272022

Snow Angels and All

Here is the gallery.

Frosty was doing the Snow Angel thing outdoors. 

It's a tad warmer today. No wind. Things are melting in front but not in back. Several dogs departed today and 1 arrived. Most do not depart till after New Years. I still have 1 dog to groom today and may take a nap before bed. LOL 

Due to Sage, last night was a lack of sleep night. I am hoping that it is better tonight.

Dogs had fun playing today. The dogs do not mind going out again. Dennis found a hat and is putting on socks despite it not being windy. 

I was just falling asleep on the recliner and Dash departed. It reminded me I need to do a blog.

I caught a Misty puppy literally watching tv today. She was fascinated. I was fascinated watching her. Not all dogs watch y

Monday
Dec262022

Boxing Day Cold

Here is the gallery.

The dogs had a great amount of fun today. It never did snow. It remained cold and tomorrow is supposed to be a non snow flying day. As it is too cold, some do not want to go out. Dogs like Nica are too small and she goes out and needs to go back in right away. The more weight the dog has on them the more he can handle the cold. We are aware and look for any signs from all of them that inside is best. It is why we go out. If you are just opening a door, you have no clue if they are cold and frozen in position or if they are getting in trouble. So, we practice many times outside vs long time outdoors. It is a lot of extra work but for the dawgs - it is worth it!

Dash arrived today and has been playing with Nica. Nica likes to play on her terms. LOL

We had a few arrive today. Some that just came for grooming and play. Everyone is having party moments. They are so enjoying. Nathan has been heading upstairs at 930pm. I don't usually get up there till 1030ish as I have dishes, cleanup etc to do. It will probably be later as we have pups going upstairs without moms for the night so I won't be sleeping tonight watching them on my ipad. 

I had to order a plug for my Surface Book 2. Last one I got was not a Microsoft one and ran hot and now its not charging and I use my laptop always. It won't be till Wednesday before it arrives. Holiday time and all. It is what it is. I should have seen if it was available at Best Buy and send Nathan as I also need SDHC cards as 2 this week have died. I hope in 2023 nothing dies.

Dogs are starting to settle into TV time. Nathan and Dennis watched Matilda. I have yet to have tv time. 

The dogs are having fun!

Sunday
Dec252022

Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa Whatever You Celebrate

Here is the gallery.

No matter what you celebrate, you invest so much into the 'day' - the holiday. Dawgs make every day like that. I think they got it right. :-) They create moments every day of their life. We ought to figure out how we can do that. 

The weather people said to expect more snow. We did not get any. We are thankful. There is enough for the dogs to have fun but not too much to handle. 

Play they have like it meant their life. They had so much fun today.

They are about to eat. Coco is barking for her supper. This morning they had warm chicken broth with chicken added to their food. They were delighted. The dogs give us so much that we like to give to them in a variety of ways.

I noticed today - we have a Dearmint bed (the best but pricey and we get one when we can) and 4 adult dogs were laying in it snuggled together after fun outdoors. They snuggle with us but they also like to snuggle with each other. 

Happy Holidays. We hope for a new year that will bring you everything you desire.

Saturday
Dec242022

Is the Storm Gone?

Here is the gallery.

The storm seems to have passed even though they are screaming it will continue till after Christmas. It doesn't look that way here.

We played with a toy that the dogs bang and it deposits treats and says wahoo just before it does. The dogs were not sure what to think of it at first but they soon learned and had a blast with it. It was a great way for them to be entertained. I should have taken a video but you will see them in the photo gallery.

You will also see who sits with Dennis at different times but Coco always manages to get her spot. LOL Dennis tells me his hand goes numb holding her up high. LOL

The dogs had an easier time outdoors as it wasn't so windy with flying snow and they liked that but it was and is cold so short visits outside. If we are getting cold, they are getting cold. We always and I mean always go out with them so we know what they are doing and what the weather is like. Besides, you need photos so you can see what they are doing. I get that when you are not with them you want to see what they are up to. They are having fun!

For those that were unable to get to relatives and friends, my heart goes out to you. Facetime and be there with your loved ones. It sort of feels like a winter covid thing. <sigh> 

It is Chanukah and Christmas eve. Whatever you celebrate, create memories. Memories is what sustains us. We are doing that with your dogs, our dogs.

Dogs are interesting beings. They love you unconditionally and are always happy to see you so they deserve that in return. Be good to those that brighten your day. It comes back to you 10 fold.

Happy Holidays, everyone!

Friday
Dec232022

Snow Armageddon

Here is the gallery.

My knee is on fire today. Snow, knee but we have heat and I am thankful. Funny how you gain perspective. 

Dennis has yet to shovel but he is now making dinner for the dogs. We had prime rib and the dogs are getting some along with the usual. They will have a feast tonight. They deserve it after all this cold and it feel so cold with the wind. 

I went out to try to open my mailbox and it is frozen. Bills can wait. I think it warms up Thursday. LOL

You know who likes the snow? Tiny Coco the Maltese. She's not out for long as she doesn't have body size but she sure relishes her time out and besides she tells you when she has had enough. We practice the many times out with short duration so the dogs do not get like icicles. 5 minutes here - 3 minutes there. It all depends on how it feels. Dennis went out earlier without socks but shoes on and he went oh my gad my ankles were cold. Of course he has to make sure everyone is in before he can come in so he has the longest exposure. 

We keep taking the dogs out each time the wind and snow stops blowing. Some dogs say - NOT ME and some embrace. I guess that is like humans. 

So, maybe the theme should be feast and freeze. Let us hope this weather gets better and people who had their flights cancelled get out of dodge, so to speak to warmer climates. You so all deserve it! Just know the dogs and us are more than fine. We are making the best of the cold and enjoying. When the dogs have fun - well we do. It's contagious that way, if you allow.

Thursday
Dec222022

Blame it on the Cold

Here is the gallery.

Not many photos today as it was freezing rain off and on. We managed to get outside when they can. All the dogs seem to mind the pelting rain. It bothered us too so I get it. Dogs are still having fun and I gather tomorrow the weather may be worse so bear with us. We will try to get the photos of your loved ones so you can see their fun and they are having fun! Dennis couldn't do his usual run with the dogs fun but did it inside. There were no clear defined winners in this run and no one played shortcuts but it's not as easily done inside as out due to limited space. Hope to get back to doing it outside.

Thank you to Dorothy for stopping by and thank you for the gift. All that you did to help us - well genuine thank you. 

We had a dog dropped off and they live downtown so no car so they uber everywhere. He had to take one uber up and one uber back. Wish we had known. His family and new baby is already out in BC. He was to depart tomorrow and they cancelled his flight. So, he picked uyp his dog and had a hard time getting an uber back. Nathan was going to drive him but finally he connected with someone that would pick him up. The issue we think is he had a dog. Not many of the uber or taxis take dogs. Really frustrating. What is worse is they said no flight till Tuesday so he will only have his dog on Christmas - no new baby - no wife no family. I feel terrible for him. Glad we have Facetime. I know not the same but.... 

So as you head into the holidays, realize that so many have struggles they are dealing with and with the added bonus of the storm - well makes it difficult. May everyone have safe travels. 

Nathan got a roast on sale and tomorrow I will be cooking one. The dogs will get yum leftovers. He said the stores were not bad but he figures tomorrow everyone should stay home. Dress warm. May everyone's electricity stay on and may no one have to deal with the lack of and everything that means.

Safe holidays, everyone.

Wednesday
Dec212022

Fun Before the Storm

Kitchen fun was had by Dante and Mr. Bean non stop play and play. Now Mr. Bean is hanging on Nathan's shoulders conked out. We had non stop fun today. I had non stop grooming as everyone is afraid of the storm.

So, extra grooming - people dropping dogs off early. All is good. We are trying to help where we can. 

Here is the gallery.

Ms Coco the maltese is being hysterical. She so loves Nathan - oh me too but Nathan is her man. She was play bowing and scatting all over playing with him and then he picked up another dog and she was MIFFED. She barked at him and talked to him and wouldn't stop till he put her down. It was so funny, we couldn't stop laughing - which isn't the right thing to do. Our bad!

As I said everyone had a blast but I need to relax before bed. So - short blog and all. 

Tuesday
Dec202022

Fun Despite the Cold

Here is the gallery.

The dogs had fun despite the cold. Lachlan just departed - Tenshi just departed and we will not be seeing him and her till the New Year. Thank you ever so much for the giftcards to Lachlan's family. So so appreciated.

Ms. Harlow departs tonight. I need to finish this blog so I can get her done. 

Daisy says where is the bacon. She was talking to the stove as if the bacon stove god makes it - not I. LOL

Benji gets spruced up tomorrow and boy does he need it. He departs in the morning. His fun will be missed. As you can see it is Benji and Lachlan in the photo. 

The dogs were really in their element playing.

They say cold is coming but thankfully we do not live out west. It is brutal out there. Nathan warns me that Friday may be that way here but weather - you never know.

Dorothy - if you are visiting the horses, let us know. We have something for you. We thank you for all you have done.

Off to do Harlow or her dad will look cross-eyed at me if I ever forget again.

Monday
Dec192022

Well Icy Out There

Here is the gallery.

Does look white and does look like ice and it feels like ice. It seems it may be a white Christmas - what everyone who celebrates yearns for - I think. I say think as who likes to shovel? 

The dogs are not running. They are exploring but they are smart beings and are walking slowly. We have also put down Pet Friendly stuff to make it not slippery. I think we should buy a truckload. LOL That stuff is not cheap. But the dogs matter, so we buy.

Today I made turkey bacon and the dogs thought they died and went to dog heaven. They wanted more but I only had 1 package to cook.  That's okay - a treat is a treat till you have too much, I suppose. Who wanted it most? Daisy and Harlow but all appreciated. Those 2 thought somehow I wasn't giving them enough.

Dogs are having fun. I brushed dogs out and didn't find the time to eat lunch so Dennis made spaghetti. It's not my fave meal but it fills the stomach. I appreciate it. It is one of his fave meals. 

I made pillow covers for my neices so when their grandmother (my sister-in-law) was not with them they had her close. It was photos of her on the covers.  I watched a video of them when they saw it crying in delight. It made my day. Imagine being happy with pillow covers with a special photo. It was worth the effort.

Today I was supposed to get blade holders for my cutting machine that are only available in the United States and when I looked at the tracking it said it was redirected to a new address. I told the lady at the post office I have been at this address for over 30 years. Did someone call in and have it sent elsewhere? She declined to say but offered a possibility that the postman could have scanned it wrong. We will see if I ever get this and what the remedy is. I do need them.

I had the animal channel on today just to test who pays attention and who doesn't. Everyone was fascinated but 1. I always find such stuff fascinating. 

I have a toy that arrived called the wicked egg. I have it charging and I have to figure out how to use it. We shall see if the dogs are interested. Ought to be a fun experience.

Thank you to Tenshi's humans for the lovely gift. Dennis keeps saying if I have anym