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! 

Award Photos
Friends & Associates
Blog Archive
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.

Wednesday
Jan272021

Sorry So Late

Here is the gallery.

Sherry was going to send me a photo of Murphy but it didn't arrive so here is mom and daughter.

Everyone had a ton of fun but I am adjusting. I had to go get Nathan, then do everything that one has to do to get his care done. I also had to go to the pharmacy 3 times as he had so many meds but critical ones for pain that he had to have soon then I just got back with the 13 others. I also had to look at a chart and put them in am/pm boxes and certain days he had to have them with certain meds and then stop x on one day and stop x on one other day and reduce to 1 for others. I have never had to organize so many pills and patches and all the fun stuff that he has. So - I am late and tomorrow maybe I do not have to run here and there. I need to catch a breath.

Dogs either saw Nathan from a distance or we held up certain dogs to say hello. He is far from ready but he had to see them. The bed is too high so Dennis and I may have to remove the metal part the boxspring sits in so this blog needs to be short.

He's home thank gad but he hasn't slept a wink. Hope he sleeps tonight. Dennis has dogs and I have watch.

I also deleted my mail someway - it just vanished so if you are doing a grooming or boarding WRITE TO ME AGAIN please!

Tuesday
Jan262021

Two Updates Today

Snow arrived today. This is Tenshi and Rebel playing today.

Here is the gallery.

The dogs had wonderful fun in the white stuff. It was great to see. Dennis and I both took photos.

Harlow departs at 8 tonight. In about 45 minutes I get her ready - her spa day! Brewer's dad is going to help Dennis get the recliner upstairs. So appreciative!

Nathan may come home tomorrow. We shall see. He had a couple of heart racing moments but he's done stairs, walking etc. He said I walk faster than the others here but I walk like an old man so don't get concerned when you see me. I said he has 2 months to start doing jogs lol.

Going to be a lot of work but will be good to have him home. Facetime doesn't cut it during covid times.

Oh and we got the guestroom ready and as you do, you wash all the bedding etc and I did the dog beds and I think one must of leaked as my washer is not working but the error says plugged. I have tried everything they suggested then by hand wrung out the clothes and drying and drying and drying. As it is under warranty they will come perhaps Friday. Me and washers - heh

Tuesday
Jan262021

Happy 2nd Birthday

Hello Darlah,

Hope everyone is well, we have been following along with the website so wishing Nathan good health and a speedy recovery!

Just wanted to send a big THANK YOU! in recognition of our Charlie’s second birthday. The time has just flown by and honestly I don’t know what we would have done this past year without her to brighten up each day. She is a big personality in a tiny body our family and friends all love her. We are forever grateful to the entire Talemaker family. And a happy second birthday to all her puppy friends as well!

Monday
Jan252021

Puppy Play Today

It was a great distraction to have Brewer, Tenshi, Harlow, Daisy, Rosey and Ellie here today. Ellie comes once a week for play. Tenshi departs tomorrow and Harlow tomorrow. Brewer already departed tonight. So did daily, Rosey and Ellie.

Here is the gallery. Dennis took them all as I had a full day of grooming.

Nathan is now out of ICU. He was hoping he would be home tomorrow but that was his wishful sleeping. They are getting better at pain management. Not there yet. They took him off oxygen. His heart raced and he started sweating so back on oxygen. He is getting a sleeping pill and he is sleeping. Not tons as they keep bugging him (LOL) but better. Catheter still in. Tomorrow we get his room ready. Michael - Brewer's dad said he would help Dennis up with the recliner. I am so appreciative.

I have not recovered but the dogs are getting us by and great people. Thank you!

Sunday
Jan242021

Happy 2nd Birthday

Happy 2nd Birthday to Tanner, Poppy, Kora and Pablo! 

Tanner’s first birthday came really fast and his second came even faster. Wow, what a year it’s been!

Happy 2nd Birthday to this Big Boy today!

No other blog tonight but here is the gallery.

Saturday
Jan232021

A Breath

Dogs slept last night. Me, not so much but that was okay. Tonight we may all sleep as Nathan has the breathing tube out just a bit ago and sat up on the side of his bed. They taught him how to roll. He has not walked yet but depending on how he is doing they may try. HUGE improvement from last night.

Here is today's gallery.

I am breathing now.... Thank you everyone for caring. What a ride this has been.

Saturday
Jan232021

Ongoing...

Well we have had a heck of a ride.

This is how it went:

Mixed emotions today. Nathan is in hospital. I did get to go in with him till surgery time. He was supposed to go in at 1. The surgeon had a difficult surgery before him and it took more time than expected. Then they had to sterilize the OR and another hour or maybe it was 45 minutes - have to look at phone timestamps the surgeon came out to tell us that he had a patient coming in with an ambulance and depending on if he is viable or not he may have to reschedule Nathan after telling us Nathan was a severe case. Only blessing is Nathan slept through that. Then more time goes by and they come out to grab his bags. I said not this one. I asked what was going on. They were taking him in for surgery. I asked about the ambulance patient. He said he was diverted. I said diverted? Yes, he died. I have no idea if it happened in the ambulance, at the hospital - what. I didn't know how to feel. I felt awful that someone could die then did and awful that Nathan may get cancelled. But I walked out of the hospital a mess. I await a call at 8ish. I paid for my parking with my debit. I walked to the other side with his heavy jacket, boots and all that fun stuff. Someone was parked too close so I couldn't get into my car except via the passenger seat. Drove to the station to depart and I only had my receipt not the actual ticket to depart with (no attendee) so I buzzed them. They wanted me to go back to get the ticket. I had cars behind me. I said REALLY? He finally let me through. Then I went the wrong way to get to the QEW and then instead of getting to the 427 ended up on the 401 at rush hour. It is a miracle I made it home and here I am trying to breathe and wait for the call. What a day and I best get a call that he sailed through surgery.

Update: Just got a call - he made it through faster than he expected. Said he had a tremendous amount of plaque. They are just moving him to ICU now and I am to call close to bedtime to see how he is. He will not be able to talk tonight nor part of the day tomorrow. I asked how many days till home. He says lets just get through tonight and figure it out. He will be seeing him late tonight and in the morning.

At 230 they said they can’t control his blood pressure. Seems they have fluid in his lungs and his surgeon decided to go back in to see what was going on. So, here I wait for the call scared out of my mind.

I just got a call from surgeon. He is out of surgery yet again. Says he has been on aspirin for sometime and was not clotting. He says a double edge sword. But he says no damage to his heart. The bypass looks good. I am to call at 530am to see how he is and if he is well enough to take the tube out. He never got it out from the 1st surgery. His surgeon is doing another emergency and will check on him after the surgery he is now on. This surgeon is almost 24 hours in surgery. I can’t sleep. I want to believe he will be okay now. I am waiting to hear if they take the tube out - a clear sign he is progressing positively.

They will not take out tube till fully stabilized. He is and will remain heavily sedated till they feel they can start waking him up. I am to call again around 830 or they will call me if any changes.

Noon they are waking him up and will take out the tube if all progresses well. Vitals are now stabalized. I am to call back at 5 to see if they were able to get the tube out but looking positive.

It has been an awful ride. But he's alive, progressing and I did get an hour power nap. The dogs slept last night. LOL They are sleeping now - all of them after Dennis taking them outside and playing with them.

Friday
Jan222021

Nathan Update

Mixed emotions today. Nathan is in hospital. I did get to go in with him till surgery time. He was supposed to go in at 1. The surgeon had a difficult surgery before him and it took more time than expected. Then they had to sterilize the OR and another hour or maybe it was 45 minutes - have to look at phone timestamps the surgeon came out to tell us that he had a patient coming in with an ambulance and depending on if he is viable or not he may have to reschedule Nathan after telling us Nathan was a severe case. Only blessing is Nathan slept through that. Then more time goes by and they come out to grab his bags. I said not this one. I asked what was going on. They were taking him in for surgery. I asked about the ambulance patient. He said he was diverted.  I said diverted? Yes, he died. I have no idea if it happened in the ambulance, at the hospital - what. I didn't know how to feel. I felt awful that someone could die then did and awful that Nathan may get cancelled. But I walked out of the hospital a mess. I await a call at 8ish. I paid for my parking with my debit. I walked to the other side with his heavy jacket, boots and all that fun stuff. Someone was parked too close so I couldn't get into my car except via the passenger seat. Drove to the station to depart and I only had my receipt not the actual ticket to depart with (no attendee) so I buzzed them. They wanted me to go back to get the ticket. I had cars behind me. I said REALLY? He finally let me through.  Then I went the wrong way to get to the QEW and then instead of getting to the 427 ended up on the 401 at rush hour. It is a miracle I made it home and here I am trying to breathe and wait for the call. What a day and I best get a call that he sailed through surgery.

Just got a call - he made it through faster than he expected. Said he had a tremendous amount of plaque. They are just moving him to ICU now and I am to call close to bedtime to see how he is. He will not be able to talk tonight nor part of the day tomorrow. I asked how many days till home. He says lets just get through tonight and figure it out. He will be seeing him late tonight and in the morning. Now to have a drink. LOL

To lighten the move, here is today's gallery. Look at Tenshi playing!

Friday
Jan222021

Holding Pattern

Keke and NathanNot sure what the day will bring so not sure about galleries but I never miss a blog day. My hosting operation might have glitches but I write one daily. So this is it.

Dogs just finished eating. We have some snow flurries.

I had my muffin and coffee. Nathan can't eat. Soon we will depart and the day will unfold. Nathan will drive as he won't be able to for 2 months they say and that will drive him crazy.

Rebel, this morning is so full of life - going to take a video as she bounces around like crazy expelling more energy than I have for sure. Love the dogs...love the Nathan.

I can't update the blog unless I am home but may ask Murphy's mom to post in the comments on an update. We shall see.

Tenshi's mom brought us curry for today. We ate it last night. Nathan's last supper for a bit. LOL Thank you!

Thursday
Jan212021

Long Day

Today's gallery.

Long day grooming but we had Leo who is in the photo here visiting. Maui, Ollie, Chloe, Harlow and Reggie. Did I forget someone? heh The dogs played their heads off and I mean so played. Ignore the yellow - if you see any in photos. I am just not up to looking at every photos. It is what it is.

We didn't get a call cancelling surgery so at 8am we are heading to the hospital. Dennis will be holding down the fort. I packed for Nathan and this way if I forgot something he can blame me. LOL

Tomorrow will be a long day for all so tomorrow's blog may be late and short too.

Wednesday
Jan202021

Memorable Day

Here is the gallery.

Rebel was not sore after her shots and she was her usual fun self. I have to say the last 2 additions to our home, Rebel and Nami have been a dream. They are amazing as they are fun and so enjoyable the way they embrace life. I feel so lucky.

As this was such a momentous day for the United States and the world, I felt this photo was appropriate. This was Marco with his dad. I had to laugh. Today I breathe after 4 years of insanity. As an American/Canadian, I am so glad a change occured down south. Just the lack of lies will be refreshing. Enough of that...

The dogs had an amazing amount of fun today. It was play, play, play!

Tenshi arrives tomorrow till Saturday. How fun is that. It is way fun to me.

Nathan has his cardio handbook now, a call from his surgeon as to when to stop his meds etc. It is a go for Friday. We are told that they are expediting people out of the hospital in 4 days after surgery (half the time), if the patient is up to it due to covid. He must be able to do stairs for a departure. Oh boy means more care on my shoulders but will be great to have him out of hospital. I guess I will be cooking a lot. :-) I hope he pulls it off. I guess it means Saturday we will set up the guestroom for him for all his needs.

Tomorrow is very busy. I have grooming all day. Packing for Nathan, laundry and get his pre-op papers into the van as he will seriously forget them.

Nathan is trying to spend all his waking moments with me and the dogs. Me, he will see. The dogs he won't unless I hold them for them to say hello as they can't jump on him. That will be tough on him. Me bouncing him off the bed due to being restless - he won't miss. LOL

Tuesday
Jan192021

Crating

Murphy has departed and yes she was combed out before. She looks ever so comfortable. She always chills out in the same crate without a door. They are creatures of habit.

Here is the gallery.

It felt bitter cold outdoors today. I fell on my bum getting the green bins out back. I am sore but probably just bruising. Better to fall on padding than not. heh The dogs looked at me as if I was playing a game.

Covid test results negative. We didn't think otherwise but nice to get confirmation.

Nava is in love with everyone. She is here till 6. Reggie, Brewer and Harlow are truly enjoying. We had/have a trult outstanding tight bunch today. It was fun to watch but too cold...lol

Monday
Jan182021

Got a New Hairdo?

Think Nami has covid hair and she never keeps her hair in a band. Still, I think she is mighty cute but I am bias.

Here is the gallery.

We did the covid test thing as you must before surgery. Results tomorrow they told us as he is surgical. They said to us that due to covid that as soon as you can do stairs you are home. Nathan said that's it, I am home Monday. I doubt it but I applaud his desire.

We had Ellie and Ellie over and Coco. No, that was not a typo. There are two Ellies and poor Dennis says - you are going to be home - are you not in time? He was fretting giving the wrong dog to the wrong people as the dogs go in bags and are placed outside. I so laughed. One Ellie is apricot and white and one Ellie is silver and white. I said to him - simply ask is your dog silver or apricot. He was so happy to see us home in time. They took him to the head of the line for the covid test as he is pre-op. Got to have some benefits. LOL

Everyone had a TOTAL blast. They played and played but really where is the light snow - not the wet heavy stuff? I want to see the dogs playing in it and so does Nathan.

Are you hoping for snow too?

Sunday
Jan172021

Play Morn Till Night

Here is the gallery.

Reggie is trying to figure out who is his best mate. I think he selects all. LOL

The dogs have been playing like crazy.

Tomorrow covid test - requirement before surgery. I lso have quite a few dogs to do and I must go with him. So, I will be juggling tomorrow but all will get done. Later in the week before Thursday we have to get food in the house, laundry done, his bag packed etc.

Rebel gets her shot done Tuesday and then Rabies a few weeks after. I will be doing that.

Now I am going to watch Westworld. It's a great mond escape.

Saturday
Jan162021

Puppy Play and More

Here is today's gallery.

Archie was here and had a total blast. So was Ali, Hugo and Bria. Harlow also really has found her play. She runs in the door when she comes and plays and plays. These visits have been good for her as she is a total play monkey!

Murphy was caught playing full tilt with Rebel and when Nathan got the camera they stopped. I so laughed as that is always the way.

I am watching A Discovery of Witches. I need a distraction.

We had a good day today - pups, adults and all!

Friday
Jan152021

Moments

Nathan had fun with Magic today. Actually he had the visitors sleeping with him today so we did not get enough photos. I groomed around his sleep. LOL They all love the naps with him. Magic was just here for grooming so she didn't hang out long enough for a nap. Every other visitor did and poor Harlow was outdoors playing when Nathan went up and she KNEW so she started whining and up she went. Nathan laughed as if she has this internal clock - nap time - don't see you - me too!

Here is a small gallery.

Rebel is amazing. Nathan leans over and she jumps into his arms. She just started doing this. She is going to miss him the most - I swear.

We are down to less than a week till surgery. Do not worry. You don't have to get in before he goes. In reality it is better that you don't so I am not so busy I can't think before he goes. For a week while he's in hospital, I will be here needing to keep busy. Just a thought...

Thursday
Jan142021

Vortex Coming?

I so love Stormy. She still loves her Nami.

Although we now see some ground Tenshi decided this is way too cold for me. She is a gal after my own heart. I get it, Tenshi.

Here is the gallery.

We do see the ground in spots outside. Nathan is afraid to let me out back as he says it is icy and I am clumsy. I am laughing. I guess that's love.

This is Dennis' day off so I am it. This will be a short blog.

Reggie is coming this week for 2 months and we are so excited. He loves it here and when his humans come home, he will love seeing them. We have a few coming tomorrow. It's going to be fun!

Wednesday
Jan132021

No Visitor Day

As there are no visitors today, I can get away with a no gallery day.

Security was tight at Trillium hospital where Nathan got his blood, urine and blood type done. All doors are closed around this wing and everyone is kept apart. The parking lot was pretty empty.

It is now done. We await a call to get covid test done 72 hours before surgery. As he is no longer having good days. We are hoping we proceed.

Dogs are mellow today. It's damp cold out. They are enjoying indoors more than outdoors today.

Dorothy brought wonderful chicken soup that Nathan adores. Ronnie brought him a blanket, sugar free chocolate and a good book. He feels loved! Thank you...

Rebel has jumped up on a recliner straight up without any help. I just watched with a wow really - you can jump that high with ease. Amazing puppies that have no constraints on what they can do. They just do watching her mom and says - me too.

Tuesday
Jan122021

Visits in the House

A day of chill and a day of play...

First of all I want to thank Ronnie and Elana for sharing Rusty and Luna with us. They came bearing gifts and brought us their duo. Rusty played with Stone and Spirit mostly. Luna played with all. Interesting enough Rusty was always aware of her.

Here is the gallery.

Nathan has only been up today when Ronnie and Elana came otherwise as he has said there isn't a moment of the day that I feel okay. I feel bad for him. We go for blood tests for him tomorrow. They have not given us a covid date. That is a necessary step if they are going to move ahead with surgery.

Nathan and puppies - he so loves the dogs!

As you know we are going into Stay Home mode in Ontario. I again had to call Ford's office and yes I can still board and groom but exchanges are reduced to 5 people outside. So nothing has changed for us.

I saw an inkling of snow but as fast as I saw it the snow went. Oh well - didn't want to drive tomorrow in a snowstorm but oh we need snow, imho. Do you feel the same? Powdery snow - not the snowball kind.

I am not sure what it is with this winter but I feel cold in the house all the time and I believe it is the dampness. The dogs are now joining me under multiple blankets at night.

Brewer must be loving this weather as he is so full of it. Cool - damp gets the dogs moving? Do you find that to be true?

Rebel and Cinnamon LOVED LOVED LOVED Luna coming today. Thank you for that!

 

Monday
Jan112021

Yellow is NOT My Fave Colour

Stone and Brewer were playing up a storm. It was nice that Dennis finally captured them playing. As there was no gallery yesterday I included them in today's so Murphy is in some photos.

Here is the gallery.

I am tired of yellow snow. Okay, I said it. They said no snow till Friday and no melt in store.

We had a full day. The dogs had fun. I cut down plants inside as white stuff is thriving so down they go. I have no patience. Miss having access to buy orchids or amaryllis. They add fun and a hope of spring. Have to look if they have any in Loblaws. What flowering plants do you have to spirit spring in faster - at least in your mind?

Nathan's having daily episodes. 11 days and counting. Bloodwork Wednesday.

Rebel and Spirit tighter than tight with each other but so is Nami and Stormy but then again she's in love with all. LOL

Today Ellie was here and had a total blast. She's a riot getting into her bag. She goes in by herself. I zip up and put her outside. I close the door and I can hear all excited through the door. It is so funny.Reminds me of Tenshi.

Tomorrow more fun visitors. I am ever so glad!