Indulging

Well Leti has been hit and miss with eating so we try everything as you can see above. She did eat but refused to when the bowl was on the floor. Only time I indulge these dogs is when they are pregnant. Well, that is a lie. I do give massages, treats but I figure those things are a given.

Here is the gallery.

You will look at this small gallery and say did she really wash dogs yesterday.

You will also see Saffron mighty comfie.

Not much to say today. We are chillin! I still can't find my thermometer. I have 2.5 weeks to do so. LOL Usually I have everything in the same place. We start taking temps a few days before due dates.

Did You Notice?

Updates in all 3 moms to be blogs. Also last nights update is below. Let me know who you think has the largest tummy. Only about 3 weeks away from pups. Not sure if antyone noticed as no comments. This is something to be excited about. 

TGIF

Does it really matter if its Friday. I am not sure. This is Gucci chilling on the chair. It stayed pretty nice outside till it rained tonight.

Here is the gallery.

Stone had a bath today and I think Willow looks more like Stone than Jeannie where Raven looks more like Jeannie. It is interesting to see who looks like whom.

I spent a lot of time grooming today. I had the window wide open and truly enjoy the fresh air. Tomorrow it is supposed to be 12c. That's not too shabby.

Here in Ontario they closed more business down. Vets are emerg only. Pet food places are curbside only. We shall see how it unfolds. I think on Sunday I will wash more dogs. My hand is on fire so tomorrow a day off from grooming.

Harlow is playing like she is a kid in a candy store. She's so delighted to be here playing. Murphy (Kat's brother) is playing with the puppies. It is delightful to watch. Jesse is still chilling and engaging the dogs in play. He even tries to herd them at times. Murphy gal finds the sun wherever she goes abd plunks herself down as if to say - ahhhh warmth is coming.

It's quieter but the dogs are truly enjoying each other! We are enjoying them!

Will the pool open next week or will it not? I doubt it is an essential service except algae can be dangerous so we will have to open ourselves if they can't. It is going to be interesting to try.

By the way, first belly shots are on Leti, Stormy and Willow's blogs along with their belly gallery. Something to look forward to!

No Fools Day Today

Ollie was having a great time today. Nathan was equally animated.

Here is today's gallery.

Murphy found a sun spot on the pool cover and didn't want to move.

Me, I got all the dogs combed out. Nathan picked up Kat's ashes now sitting on top of Risa's. Our vet sent them with her son who was called into work in Etobicoke. Nathan never saw anyone. He called her son. He opened his trunk from afar. Nathan used disinfected gloves. Took the ashes and took some concentrated hospital disinfectant that she sent for us that she was sharing. Quite nice. He got into his car and drove off. It's a strange experience not having any interaction but quite nice for her to do this. Quite touching!

Moms are getting round bellies. Stormy is ridiculous in size.

The dogs had fun running outside. Hallie is still spooning with Cinnamon. It's nice to open windows and feel the fresh air. Something good to celebrate. How are all of you?

Other than grooming today, I feel so unproductive. I did watch Good Omens till the end. I started Sneaky Pete but the premise bothered me. I am looking for another series to either be a fantasy or make me laugh. Still hunting.

April Fools Day

Shall I venture out or shall I not? If allowed - if we do not face more restrictions, out pool will be open in a couple of weeks.

Here is today's gallery.

Elvis had a spruce up - you can't tell but really he was combed from head to toe.

Our vet said yes she can do xrays but we can't go inside. They will mail us the results. Xrays won't occur till the last week and we will do all 3 together. In these times you worry what services you can get.

Spring is trying to present itself as you will see in some of the photos.

I cleaned under sinks today. Not sure what possessed me and Dennis said are you nuts - really you are going to throw things out and trash doesn't occur for another week. I just wanted to get it done. I found alcohol so I was pleased as I need it to sterilize all my hemostats etc. So, that part was a good thing. No one has any. I got rid of outdated this and that and the dogs watched me with amusement.

I am still hunting for my thermometers - can't find and not sure why. No one has those either.

It is going to be a truly warm day tomorrow up to 12c so go outside in your yard. Play with the dogs. Open the windows to get an exchange of air.

I truly believe spring is coming...

Complaints

Can you imagine in this day complaining about rain? Really - I want to but there are more things to worry about than Mother Nature. Some of the dogs embrace the rain. Some do not.

Here is the gallery.

I cleaned my laundryroom today. I went food shopping. Such an experience these days. I found chocolate cupcakes for Dennis. He was delighted.

I converted and took a background out of Murphy gal and pulled it into Cricut to cut. I shared it with Sherry. I am learning some photos are simply a biach to crop out the background especially with flying hair.

I got wet shopping - well standing in the long line as they only allowed 10 people at a time inside. You go in one door, you exit another and not till you are out will they let anyone else in. It was an experience. Sometimes I feel as if I am caught in a book and can't escape but then the dogs make me smile. I may clean under my sink tomorrow. I am not sure what I will do but groom for sure. I want the rain to stop before I start bathing dogs. It's the intelligent thing to do - wait.

I am watching a tv show on amazon sparingly called Good Omens. It's an oldie 2019 but its a good watch. Dennis gave me a list of what I should be watching. LOL I have not turned on the tv today. He says I must watch Sneaky Pete next. Ok...

It is strange to not have the routine of Kat. I am at least not crying my head off - which I was. I have yet to wash and take out his beds. Time...

I should assess my dog shampoo and conditioner and organize it better - refill bottles etc. Did say should.

I have a ritual at bed - check ears, clean around eyes, and the dogs get a small treat. They rush to say ME first especially Harlow. I just love the dogs.

Rolling

This is what happens here when you comb out a dog. They can't help themselves!

Here is the gallery.

It rained all day off and on. The dogs - most hate the rain - not Jesse - nor the puppies nor Sky.

Moms seem to be by their morning sickness.

All of this is good.

Do you get the feeling that one day is blending into the next?

The dogs still manage to play and run and have a great time.

Wednesday it is April Fools day...hmmm

Windows Open

It rained this morning and then it got up to 19c. Can you believe?

Here is the gallery.

Today Elvis' mom sent treats over for him and his pals. I think Elvis said MORE DUCK please! Thank you!

I went to buy food and our local Global was limiting you to 1 large bag. Not sure what is going on but dog food is essential.

I brushed and combed everyone out but you can hardly tell but that's okay.

We are getting an exchange of air in our house with all the windows open. Soon it will drop and we will have to close them but nothing like open windows on a breezy warm day. My mother used to do this even in winter but I wait till it is relatively warm. The dogs love the breeze coming through the house too.

I just got an email from our pool company. They were telling us a sanitized pool is safe - according to teh WHO. Are you getting more emails than normal selling anything and everything?

Well tomorrow is only 8c and rain all day. It was great while it lasted!

The Ugly Beauties

This was a day of off and on rain. I decided why not wait till tomorrow to comb out. So, they look mighty interesting.

Here is the gallery.

We are out of treats. Tried to connect with my local Globals - no answer - no returned email. Will try again on Monday as then we will need food.

The clothes we hung in the house 2 days ago when the dryer broke is still damp. I may have to go to a laundrymat. Not sure how that will work. I did use the dog dryers on them but still not dry. Maybe the washer is not working up to par. I stayed in pjs all day. Still went out with the dogs. No one is coming so I suppose I can get away with it and will save hanging clothes.

The dogs are not happy about the rain. They say thunderstorms tomorrow. That also means warmth if that happens. It just includes mud and wet stuff.

I haven't turned the tv on at all today. It's nice and quiet. the dogs are chilling and looking at us sideways if we open the back door to take them out. Really mom?

Is it Spring?

Things are starting to pop out from the ground. I guess it is spring - still cold but spring. Last night our dryer died. I said what is next. Maybe I should shut my mouth while I am ahead of things.

Here is the gallery.

I did manage to get everyone combed out though the gallery won't reflect that as Dennis likes to take photos early. His comment, if you are going to groom all day, I will go outside and click. Thanks, Dennis.

Sunday we are supposed to have a thunderstorm. We shall see. I went out to get my mail - hadn't for a few days and no one was on the street. Went out later to get something out of the car - still dead. I have to say I am glad I have reverse osmosis. All the stores near here seem to be out of water - really? It is all I drink all day.

I find I want to take a nap and the dogs want to as well. Soon it will be tv time.

Dogs ran. They played and we indeed have robins, a pair of cardinals, blue jays, a bluebird and a rabbit. Maybe they are telling us spring has sprung or maybe they want it bad too. I could handle having a lunch outside soon. I bet you are saying its time too.

3 moms are all still eating later in the day and later in the evening.

Spitting Rain, Birds, Rabbit Etc

George is visiting with his housemate Herschel. She had nothing but a glowing report for him. Herschel so loves George. It was a great to see them. They both enjoyed the other dogs and outside with Dennis. There they saw a cardinal, a big rabbit who ran like a speedy gonzales - whatever that is.

Here is the gallery.

Jesse and Murphy are here till April 11th due to Mom being in quarantine as she is coming back from Australia helping with the fires and the roos, koala's etc. They will stay here to play as she can't take them for walks etc till she is done her isolation. It is now mandated.

Dogs are playful and quiet and well I have yet to put on the tv.

Sylvia and William brought me a wonderful lunch. It is wonderful what she does as a nurse and then think of me. How nice!

It's Nathan's day off so he is napping, reading, whatever he wants. He goes upstairs afraid I might ask him to know off something on our todo list. I wouldn't do that!

Dogs are enjoying and therefore we are enjoying them!

Still Icy

Still icy out there. Our pool gets opened the wee of April 14th. It seems we had paid last year for a shut down and opening so we had a credit. The guy was calling us to find out what date. He said he wanted to get those that prepaid scheduled as they are suddenly going nuts with bookings as people want to entertain their kids - or so he said. This means I may get a swim before pups arrive. That would be a bonus.

Here is today's gallery.

Maybe I will manage garden cleanup before my focus is consumed. Let's see. Here and there I am going to decorate my outside pots. That is funny but the cutting machine can do it after I figure out the design. Then my pots will be unique. We shall see. Thinking about silly stuff but it is important to have something to look forward to.

We are deemed a necessity service now due to those on the front lines needing care for their dogs. Dennis is OCD about cleaning with disinfectant hospital grade. I even clean the memory sticks for the cameras as he has me so trained. Enough with that.

The dogs are enjoying quiet times. They are playing, lounging and exploring all over the place. It's a dog's ;ife and well they deserve it!

Happy Birthday Plus More

Willow is saying happy birthday to me. Isn't this cute? I got it in the mail today!

Thank you truly for everyone who thought of me today. Dennis keeps sending me doom and gloom over Covid articles. I said thank you for the thought and present. LOL

Here is the gallery.

Dogs are great. It's 639 and I want to go to bed. Maybe I should. hahahaha

Thank you again for everyone who thought of me. Tomorrow groom, groom, groom.

Snow, Rain and Isolation

Pablo knows what to do when he is in isolation with his hoomans. :-) Look at all those words he thought up all by himself. LOL

Here is today's gallery.

We have had snow, rain and well isolation cause who likes the rain - cold rain? Well, Jesse, Misty, Tempie, Hallie and Stormy does. Oh boy. They think I do not have enough to do.

The dogs here are trying to see who is boss here now that Kat is gone. Willow thought this may be the time to tell everyone where they go, what they can do. Okay, it's not that bad but she certainly is attempting to be the one in charge. Who knew as she is usually super mellow. Let's see if she pulls it off. Yes, she is pregnant so the hormones are going crazy. heh All 3 gals are having a tough time eating breakfast. Breakfast ends up being about noon time.

Tomorrow Nathan is making noise about getting takeout for my birthday. We shall see.Will the have takeout tomorrow?

We placed a ton of blankets all over the chairs and couches - need more waterproof ones as they are saturating everything. It feels cold indoors but I think it just feels damp. They are hunkered down, ignoring the outside door opening and cuddling and watching tv. Nathan says the dogs act like wet blankets. That doesn't sound good, does it? It is what it is and well rather have them snuggling than not.

I refuse to look at tomorrow's news. Instead the history channel is on.

Shall I stay in bed tomorrow or shall I spend the day learning as time allows? We shall see. I am still working on a banner for each of the whelping boxes to make them more Talemakerish.

Quiet

It's very quiet here. Only Jesse, Murphy and Elvis here since this afternoon. Jesse and Murphy won't be doing till the first week in April when Momma gets back from Australia.

I got half the dogs combed out.

Here is the gallery.

Think it is time to watch movies. Play with dogs, learn something new. So much righteousness and doom and gloom with nothing else but in news, Facebook, twitter etc. Maybe its just my feeds that are dominantly that. There is no escaping. In some ways I think social media is toxic for mental health. I suggest everyone do the same and only connect and visit areas of upbeat nature. I am going to try to give balance here by talking dogs. Despite that we have lots to worry about, we must have balance to get us through. My limit was when someone attacked me for taking Kat to the vet then in a further message they were out walking their dogs and was chatting to their neighbour about the state of things. Huh Do as I say, not as I do. This experience sure brought the good out in some and the real nasties in others.

I really appreciate everyone caring about Kat. I keep hoping I wake up and not miss him so but that will take time. I spent the most time with him. Nathan asked how I was as he was worried about me. I said I miss him. He said - me too. He said he was your dog. He is right - other than swimming - a true passion they shared and can't be discounted, Kat was my dog. I miss his snuggling with me at night. I need to get past this - truly. I need to be positive in these crazy times.

Looking forward to puppies, fresh air, swimming pool, - even if that brings memories and maybe weeding. Last time I checked, garden shopping is not an essential so not sure how that will affect my garden pals. I feel for them. We will see how it all unfolds but we will have pups playing, enjoying and loving each other up. Now that's special no matter what the world is doing.

Dogs did have a run today. They LOVED, LOVED, Loved it and that means Dennis is starting to get back to normalcy. I did training with the pups. We played a hide and seek game. It felt good to play treats with the pups and a snuffle mat. 

Tomorrow brings more grooming. Winston comes for a spruce up and play. We are looking forward to it!

I am slowly learning sublimation. I am converting my Epson. My goal is to put puppy names on bags to go home and if I can figure it out but I am keeping my mind busy. What are you doing positive during these isolation times?

I should organize my cabinets - nah. hahahahaha

Our grandson in North Carolina - its his bday tomorrow - mine is on the 24th - my fathers was the 25th. We were talking about what to do to celebrate. His idea is he should play video games and I can watch online and cheer him on. I can do that! My daughter, the groomer is still grooming at the vets and is busier than usual. She is thankful she has an income. She said even non tippers were tipping. That gives me hope that people care. They get dogs from cars and message people and use alcohol and disinfectant to clean money and wash hands. 99% of people pay only with cash around her. Gyms are still open. I was surprised. Store shelves are empty especially organic items or vegetarian foods. She eats clean. What was the most interesting thing she said was people are lined up to buy guns. She was serious. She ended the conversation saying - I think I am stuck in crazy land and can't figure out how to get out. She says I may be the only person without a gun before this finishes. Do I need a gun, mom? I said no. I do not live where she lives but I hope it was the right advice.

This daughter loves the dogs as much as we do. There are dog lovers and then there are dog lovers and the dogs will get her by. For that I am glad. I am ever so thankful for the dogs - our own, those we bred, visitors - all of it. They each bring something to your life that is unique. Without the dogs life would be empty.

Till tomorrow - sorry about the rambling. Time to groom some more.

2 Day Fun

It's strange this social distancing. The dogs know nothing about it. Their world has not changed. For us so many things have changed.

Today, Anne notified me saying they sent me something for my birthday that occurs in a few days. They said it was in my community box since Thursday. I had not checked. I was immersed in Kat. Purdy's cherry cordials - how wonderful - thank you! Our son in B.C. said what are you doing for your birthday. I said I do not know. Everything is closed. I haven't a clue. I got a ping today from Helen and Suzie saying we left something at your door. They brought lasagne, garlic bread and pastries. How nice. So unexpected. Kat used to make sure Hugo behaved. Many memories with those 2. Ozzie has now departed. His mom and dad gave me some gin to really get tanked. Do they say that phrase any longer. One thing about gin is it surely will kill the germs. It tastes terrible, imho unless it has lime and tonic water.

I groomed all day today. Not sure I was up to it but I got to snuggle each. Bonus!

Thank you to those that tipped - most appreciated. Thank you to everyone. You are all so golden!

Here is a gallery of the last 2 days.

The dogs are oblivious to the emotion here. We try hard to make that so. Dennis wasn't up to his crazy run but he did throw toys here and there to see who would bring them back. Only some did. They like the run game more. He appeased them with treats feeling bad for his lack of running. Tomorrow he says...

So cold after such a warm day yesterday. Tomorrow is a new day. Tonight dog snuggling and tv. Who will watch it with us? Not all dogs do.

For Kat: Nathan's Words Added

Today is a tribute to Kat. I apologize and will play catchup with a gallery tomorrow. We lost Katsura today. See his bio.

He was a magnificent dog who produced some equally magnificent pups. We will miss him. We are so incredibly sad. To take that drive to Brighton was a mighty difficult one.

Kat and his mom, Risa.

Kat's after swim run. He also used to dry himself on a towel. It was a riot!

He always waited for Nathan to swim. It was something only they shared.

He was the first havanese to ever dive into a swimming pool. He was great at it.

At the end, he only wanted to be with me. It didn't matter if I had to groom or had to go to the bathroom, as sick as he was, he had to be with me.

He is one of a kind or he was. Not sure how we will swim without him.

Update on Saturday, March 21, 2020 at 4:05PM by Darlah

We will always, each of us, have our memories of our Kat. Reading some of the notes in response to Darlah’s post I thought I’d offer these few thoughts of my own. Thank you all for your kind wishes. We appreciate each one.

We all learn at some point in our lives to deal with death. The world is falling apart around us with a global Pandemic and here we are mourning the loss of a dog, our Katsura. For those that are not dog people, stop reading now. You won’t understand our grief. I’m writing this to our Talemaker families and to everyone that shares their lives with a dog as a beloved member of their family.

Yesterday afternoon we did the last good thing we could do for the dog that has been a part of our lives for so many years. We put him down. Writing, you cannot tell that tears are falling from my eyes as I type. You can but imagine (if you’ve been there yourselves) the pain and grief Darlah and I felt as we cradled him on his last journey at our side. This was our Kat. We shared so many wonderful memories with him, so many firsts.

He was a champion show dog that loved to strut his stuff.

He was a champion swimmer and loved leaping into the swimming pool with wild abandon so that he could meet me the second I surfaced.

He passed his Good Neighbour certification during a Rottweiler Specialty surrounded by that power breed and couldn’t have cared less as he pranced in, around and between them to come to me on the other side of the ring.

He was always the first to know when any of his girls (and they were all his girls as far as he was concerned) were coming into season and when they were leaving it because he was a stud!

For years he played magnificently with puppies, many of them his own, until one unfortunate time one puppy mistook that thing hanging from his body as a nipple and tried to feed. After he landed back down on the ground having teleported to the ceiling, he never again frolicked with the puppies but always kept a close watch on them out of the corner of his eye.

He loved us all unconditionally, as dogs do, and we love him back the very same way.

May he rest in peace.

Oh the Fun Of It

Tchibo is visiting us. What incredibly gorgeous eyes he has. He just looks at us as if to say - give me a hug and then he does. What a softie and sensitive boy.

Here is today's gallery.

The dogs enjoyed running their fool heads off today. Tomorrow hot and rain? Really?

Blog is short. everyone is having fun. I must sit with Kat. Hope you understand.

Fun and Corona

Well fun and Corona should not go in the title together but it may of grabbed your attention.

Pippa brought her baby to share with us today and you can see her in front of Tempie and Hallie enjoying her time. I must say Pippa is doing something magic with her hair as its delightful to touch. Bravo!

Here is the gallery.

Thank you goes to Sylvia and her husband (who forgot to tell her how much I liked them - hubbies)  for the gorgeous bows that I get to share. Deepest appreciation. We will miss Tenshi this month. Sylvia is doing the nurse thing - wow bravo - and Will has been told to work at home. Thank you goes to Ozzie's mom and dad who brough me Purdy's cherry cordials - oh my gad so nice and brought Ozzie despite not going away. Thank you for the tip! We have been deeply hit financially due to Corona and so this title Fun is one of being feacetious. Thank you to Dorothy, the 2 hairy ones (yes Pixie and Leo are hairy due to Dorothy's grooming skills) and her husband for lightening our load when we were drowning is stress. Deepest, deepest appreciation.

This was my day off and off and on I spent the time with Kat in my arms having laboured breathing. Now he is sleeping soundly and he ate a small amount of food and kept it down. I waffle between its time and there is hope. I wake up each day - as much as I can sleep not knowing what the day will bring. Not trying to be dramatic but accurate, I am afraid.

The dogs are really having a blast. I make sure they have fun no matter what is going on and they do. They are like children oblivious to whatever as we make sure they are. Therefore they make us laugh no matter what and that's a win/win.

A shoutout to those that went away early on before this craziness and are now stuck somewhere. I went outside and played with the dogs in a light jacket just to feel alive. It is still cold but boy just standing outside feels good. Tomorrow I groom all day with my window open. I don't care what the weather is. We need an exchange of air. It gets hot in the grooming room.  Soon spring and perhaps all of this will be over. Here is hoping!

We have 3 moms pregnant. Not tested yet as its too early but now Stormy has started eating half her breakfast in the morning. The other 2 not. But they are a bit later than Stormy. So, we are all on schedule for spring puppies. May it be warm by then!

Very Short Blog

We had fun. Dogs had fun. I decided to go out myself to the store as we need dog food etc. I need a change of scenery but will practice safety.

Here is the gallery.

Kat ate a tiny, tiny bit but no vomiting, laboured breathing at times then dead asleep. We are indeed not there but holding things down. I am rather sad at this - everything - covid, business down, Kat - so crazy.

Ozzie is coming tomorrow. We celebrate.

Charlie's humans are happy to see him, I am sure. We will miss him. No matter how much I brush Lola, she gets to be a huge mess.

Tomorrow is my day off. I need to resume my course. Not that its fun but it does have a goal in mind. I thought i was old as this course has been exceedingly difficult and then others chimed in that they wanted to quit. So - now I feel less than stupid and maybe the mind is functioning after all.

Nathan is watching in Korean The Good Doctor. The dogs sit all over him and some watch the tv too.

Dog classes are cancelled till who knows when.

The 3 moms to be all have questionable desire to eat till lunch. This is normal.

Till tomorrow...