TV Watching

The crew lays on Daddy and we get caught up on TV. It's gloomy outside so why not.

The Dad just walked everyone 2 at a time and now those old legs are saying - are you kidding? But he does it all the time. It's just at times he has some help.

So, what did the dawgs watch? Three Rivers - thumbs up or is that paws up so far. Then Cougar Town came on - and we clicked that off after 10 minutes. Now we are off watching Vampire Diaries - and the verdict is out.

Okay - the dawgs aren't really watching - we are. They are either snoozing or giving the dad a bath. Isn't that the way it is at your house when you are trying to watch TV?

Me, I am typing away and taking breaks getting puppy snuggles.

The dad has handling class tonight. I usually go but not while we have pups. I should clean up the guy (Kat) before he goes but it's a losing battle. Wasabi and him seem to muck it up in a big way.

The Wasabi woo just was brushed and bathed yesterday - brushed today and look at her? Give her dirt - wet - mud and oh the fun begins. Good thing the dirt usually falls off of her. heh

Well - back to TV...snuggling and having a tuned in or is that out day?

Fiona Pups Coming

One pup born so far...more later as it progresses.

Boys Will Be Boys

Before Missy went to her forever home today, our visitor Jay Jay was flattening her and the look on her face - it was as if to say - okay - what do you think you are doing Mister?

In reality they were playing.

We are down to just Jay Jay as a visitor now.

Fiona's temp went down to 97.8. It means it *should* be within 24 hours. But Fiona never does things the way they are supposed to be done.

We will keep you in tuned on when they debut here and on Havanese Life. (pup pics will be on Havanese life) just the announcement will be here.

I might try to get a swim in before they debut. Ten it's work and waiting.

But while we are doing that - we will play with the dogs and get a nap in. They may come at 2am if it is up to Fiona.

Bad Hair Day & Camera

Okay, this day started with Mommy taking a photo of me with Daddy's junkie camera. Daddy has her camera.

Well, it's one of THOSE mornings. Mommy didn't get to my hair yet. Without Daddy around she does one here - one there till she finishes us all.

I like it better as I can leisurely read the newspaper and have my coffee - NOT! Okay, use Mommy's Blackberry to play a Doggie game? You don't buy that?

Okay, okay - Mommy had the pups running around and they thought they could feed from me so Mommy put me up on the chair. This way I can look down at them and I look MUCH bigger than them. heh

Our visitor Fred really knows how to chill out in style.

The human Mommy got the pups back in their x-pen and we all went out to watch her clean up and pull a few weeds.

It's hopeless but maybe after the pups are in their forever home she can finally pull those weeds.

Now she has to clean sheets and all that junk she didn't get to as Daddy may be coming home very late tonight vs. tomorrow.

Will he undo all that night time sleeping coming in during the witching hour? We hope not!

Heat Again and Again: Is it OVER?

Okay - it was another sunny day so what did you expect?

Can I come to swim, Daddy? Wasabi always liked swimming but lately she just can't seem to get enough. Maybe it's her desire to cool off or just her time or it's missing time with the pack but we give her balance. We make sure she does get that 'me' time.

We are still dealing with Fiona in heat. What does that mean? Well, it means a barking boy or a whiney boy. It's not for the faint of heart but it does get better when she is no longer in heat.

To make matters worse, she teases him. I gave her a bath in hopes she would smell different. Silly me. Okay - she needed a bath so that's why I did it...hehehehe

Well, Missy goes home tonight and we will miss that gazelle. She jumps tall buildings in a single bound. Then Sunday we get to see the Zack and Coco. We are excited.

PS: You can always click on the photos to see a larger view on all of our pages.

Off to update Talemaker Puppy Life where we update you on the pups...

Having Fun With Your Havanese

We just got back home and we had a judge that said they enjoyed Nathan enjoying his dog in the ring and this says it all. If you can't truly have fun - what is the sense of it.

We got to see Sylvie (wish we had more time to talk) and then she disappeared or maybe we did - not sure which. We did have to go into town and Fiona got WAY dirty so now it's time for another bath and do this all again tomorrow.

Well of to make bubbles in the tub...and hoping we are home early enough to enjoy this beautiful weather.

Total Recall Class

Fiona is hanging out pondering this thing about Total Recall class. She's wondering if Mojo or one of Yvonne's crew is coming. She hasn't a clue what it is but she heard it was fun from Kat and Treasure.

Rufus is visiting till Monday and he's finally sleeping. He was so excited - he was like the EverReady battery and Treasure was telling him it was time to sleep. Not until Nathan climbed into the bed with a migraine did the crew settle in for a long winter's nap - ooops not that long but they are still sleeping.

It's cold again. But do the dogs care... Why can't we be more like them - mucking it up and enjoying life no matter what.

Dog Show Reports

Fiona won Winners Bitch so closer to her championship. More tomorrow after the show.

We are EXHAUSTED but everyone judges alike oohed and ahhed over that Treasure. I can't blame them but hey I LOVE her. She just thinks she is a daddy's gal.

No points today - Fiona was too excited. She was so excited she just couldn't contain herself.

It happens but hey she's enjoying the shows now at least. hehehehehe

We have a virtual ice skating ring outside. It's muck, ice and all sorts of fun outside and Fiona loves it.

Fiona was so happy to be home as she was able to muck it up in the wet and dirt. We believe in allowing our dogs to be dogs.

Mommy - don't tell me you are going to clean me again - please. heh

Treasure loved being at the shows too but she wasn't crazy about 2 pugs that growled at her and the owner/handler was clueless. Oh well - it didn't seem to bother her much.

Tomorrow handling class with who knows who. :-)

We're Going to the Orangeville Show

They tell me that I am going to the show today but all I want is food, food, food. I think that is better than any old show - don't you?

They say it is supposed to rain. Pray that there isn't any til after Fiona shows then Mommy can wash her then. Otherwise, it's wrap her up like a mummy time.

More later.>>

Getting Ready for the Show

It's tough being a show dog. It's wet and mucky outside and Fiona has a show tomorrow so on a lead she must go if she has to go out to do her duty, waterproof jacket and booties. Not fun but the reality and it's supposed to be like this all weekend - joy - not.

Can you hear her - Mommy - I just want to play but Fiona is starting to really like the shows. She gets her Daddy time and she rather likes it. Plus after Sunday, she wil be back to playing like a banshee.

Most 'specials' which she is not is kept in this mode always. We can't do that as I want that play more than the show so we seek balance.

The noises aren't bothering her so much anymore but this will be a new environment and not much time to adjust as we have to do setup. Good, bad - whatever it is.

Fiona did a bit of practicing with Daddy today as she usually does and now she is vegging in Daddy's office.

Is it tomorrow yet?

We have visitors and we promise by Monday we will do a slideshow of the crew if the muck doesn't get them. More later.>>

Class, Practice and Visitors

Off to class again tonight and I have to get this thing called practice in but we have had a way crazy house - lots of visiting dogs.

Today, Shoshi and Risa are getting cut down and they are bound to look WAY different. One thing about haircuts, they always grow out.

In case you do not realize - we are in a deep freeze and that means your little ones shouldn't be going out for walks longer than 5 minutes. You can tell when its too much as they will lift their paws for relief. Get them up and inside then.
Here at Talemaker Havanese we are hoping this cold weather is a thing of the past soon.

Off to the Vets

We are off to the vets today through a huge snowstorm that may materialize or may not.

Treasure still thinks she is one of the big guys - go figure.

Rocky loves playing with Fiona and Treasure and Benny is coming tomorrow. Benny is a pup from Risa's last litter that is all grown up now.

Back to wondering where my camera is as Fiona, Treasure and Rocky are playing up a storm while the rest of us watch.

More later.>>

Fiona & Treasure Mucking It Up

Just thought I would share how very afraid Treasure is to play with the bigger guys (Fiona) - NOT! We hope you enjoy the rollover attitide of the Treasure and see Blazin' before he went south.

Wet and Soggy Feet

How do you keep their feet dry? You COULD buy boots but most boots won't stay on and it inhibits their play. But if its just for a 'duty' break, it could work. We use them for show dogs.

Here we simply just use some spray on waterless bath on their feet, baby wipes and wipe off the mud. I then brush - and let dry and brush again if necessary. It sounds like a lot more than it is.

I like snow as it doesn't mean mud comes in. But the snow is coming again they say.

Then we have Yvonne text messaging us about South Beach and hot weather and I say - who is this - what dogs? hahaha

We have Yvonne's crew here while she is on holiday.

Creating Knots Havanese Style

This is Fiona creating knots Havanese style. But you say she is just running on the pool cover. Well, when it is wet, they rub and create knots.

So, we are ordering coats from Val for winter wetness to protect show coats. You can keep them warm and reduce the work and allow yours to play in the winter wet stuff slush. It won't save the feet but you can use a slicker on them. Just spray and slicker. I wouldn't suggest doing it everywhere unless you spray conditioner on crazy as it tends to break the hair and broken hair creates knots.

Then you will spend much time conditioning it to get it back in shape. I know - I have been doing it with Katsuro.

Have you bought your Havanese Grooming book? If not, we have one for sale from the HFC. It's not ours - its theirs but we have some of our dogs and tips in it and its worth its weight in gold.

Fun Was Had at Sebastian's

Abigail says to Fiona, I hear tell we are going over to someones house today to do that 'run like hell' game. Do you think we can deek him out? You take the left, I will take the right and confuse the hey out of him. Do you think it will work?

Do you know whose house it is?

I heard it was one of Wasabi's kids, Sebastian, from her last litter and he even catches a Frisbee in his mouth.

How cool is that?

Daddy didn't teach US that trick.

We hear he puts his nose on the Frisbee to flip it up.

Daddy - can you teach us that trick too?

Looking at this photo, the Frisbee almost looks like its too big to handle but Sebastian is running with it with ease.

Sebastian seems to be all excited to have the crew at his house sharing his home.

Well, all the dogs that went had a grand time. They had some kids to play with and our dogs adore kids.

Something about the Havanese and kids seem to fit quite nice.

Even momma Wasabi had a good time, she who always seems to be stylin' no matter where she goes. This is her after no bath since she was at Yvonnes - almost 4 weeks ago.

It's as if she is saying - I remember that smell - that big ball of fur.

Remember folks, socialize - socialize and socialize!

Highlights: Abs & Fiona & Nathan

It's harder than you think. Where's that tail? Gad - do they have to make those banging sounds - X doesn't like it.

More Photos later...still sick but getting better and Yvonne's dogs are coming here for a month - are we excited or WHAT!

A Bit of This and That

Kirsten, it was great meeting you and your family. Thank you for introducing yourself.

As always it was great to see Karyn and Scott.

We met so many great people that at times it was a blur. I finished taking antibiotics this morning and I was much better than Darlah who really is recovering from double pneumonia and insisted on working the show.

We had the pleasure of Sweetpea and Holly Ashley staying with us for a few days. They were up from Florida for the show. They did very well indeed and I believe enjoyed themselves throughout. We certainly enjoyed their company.

Yvonne stayed at our home from Thursday to Sunday with her four Havanese. So we had a full house of dogs and people. The only light missing was our little boy, Kat!

Wasabi and Abigail are coming to the end of their heat. Lola just went into heat. Kat got banished to Yvonne's place while the girls got to stay here. It was immediately apparent to me how much he is the center of our household and of all the dogs. It just wasn't the same without him and we miss him terribly. He'll be back on Wednesday. It is the first time he has been away from home without one of us in over two years.

Anyway, a bit about the show ... I knew I was in trouble the second we walked into the building on Friday as Fiona’s tail went down. Those that follow along with Darlah's posts know that her tail never goes down. It either had something to do with the bright lights, cement floors and echoes, noise, a combination of all of the above or maybe even Fiona is about to go into her first heat. With Abigail in her first heat right now, Wasabi, who we bred, also in heat, it can set off Fiona. Anyway, Fiona was not her usual spitfire self which really sucks at the specialty because I am, as always, so very proud of her and wanted her to show everyone how special she is even with my still learning handling skills on the other end of the lead. That was not to be. Usually she is entirely focused on me, oblivious to anything else. Not this weekend. She was constantly looking around to make sure no large monsters were creeping up on her. She went to sleep as soon as we got home and slept like a rock. This is so unlike her. Saturday and Sunday she was not much better. It just wasn’t her. She did win 4th and then 3rd in her class Friday and Sunday and they were very large classes. Abigail placed 4th but showed only one day. There were over 40 Havanese both days and I think 62 on Saturday.

On Saturday Fiona and Abigail won Best in Brace. I believe this was an event enjoyed by all. I was in the ring and trying to get Fiona to relax while Abigail was trying to jump on Fiona’s head. Keep in mind that when in brace they are supposed to walk demurely, like synchronized twins, calmly and properly. Normally when Abigail jumps on Fiona to play Fiona will immediately jump right back and off they’d rock and roll. But Fiona was having none of it. So when we were in stack position waiting for Deb’s Brace I tried to quietly pick up Fiona and place her on the inside instead of on the outside so I could be closer to her. I was hoping not too many people would notice I was swapping their positions. The swap worked so when we continued walking they were actually pretty good together. I suspect though, from the laughter from the crowd in the background, that everyone in the place saw me swap the dogs.

It was great meeting so many people from across the country. As this was the national specialty held once each year in a different city, this was the first chance Darlah and I had to meet so many of the national breed club members. We had the chance to discuss a lot of things that are of interest and importance to us and should be important to any responsible breeder such as health testing. The Havanese Fanciers of Canada sponsored and ran a BAER clinic on Friday so that anyone that wanted could bring their dogs for this once in a lifetime hearing test requirement. By the end of the day I think the Doctor tested 28 dogs, most being Havanese. Yvonne spent most of the day being the receptionist for the Doctor. I filled in for a few hours. At one point the next dog to arrive was a Bull Terrier. Oh my. If you are not familiar with the breed they are massively muscled, a real powerful breed. Naturally the dog was a total sweetheart. At one point one Havanese puppy got away and went running off into the hotel lobby. Freedom at last she thought. I finally walked her down at the end of a long hotel corridor. Never a dull moment.
HAVANESE RULE!
Nathan

Brace Win & Much Fun

We had a grand time at the show meeting new people and renewing relationships.

We even had the bonus of seeing some of our dog or puppy people and Liz and Sylvie and Sebastian's mom and dad, and Kirsten and family, and Anne and the kids with Colin stuck outside with Louis who they wouldn't let into the show (his puppy cut must have given him away as a non competitor) ;-) and on and on and on.

It was great fun even with double pneumonia. (Darlah has been sick for going on a month. Naturally she has not stopped or barely slowed down but she really is slowly getting better.)

The best part was Nathan's win on the brace as it was almost comedy in action but the gals actually performed quite well with no practice but the other team didn't have much either. (The other team had the Best of Winners winner and Award of Merit winner so no slouches you understand.) Abs was in her first heat and at Yvonne's until the Thursday night before the show and by the time she got back, well who had time to practice two dogs walking in sync. But Nathan knew the dogs, switched in mid-action as he knew Abigail now had to be on the outside and it all ended strong other than Abs deciding - hey maybe I can pounce on Fiona a little here. The claps were wonderful. Deb and her pair was wonderful and Delilah - Abs sister, won really big all weekend and so did many of the Rockhurst dogs. Abs came in 3rd in her class, Fiona 4th and 3rd twice in her class and bottom line - it was fun but anything and everything was going wrong. It was like a comedy of errors starting with me being so sick, people thought I was mad. That was just me with a brain in so much fog I couldn't think straight but I wanted to be there to support the crew and enjoy and we did.

To all the winners - Norm and Cheryl's tears over Magical Mandy winning Best in Breed at the National Specialty and retiring - well priceless - all of it. I will let Nathan fill you in on the funny moments and we promise you photos but 8 DVDs worth - yeouch.

More later...or more from Nathan.

Another Day at a Show

Only Fiona is going to the show today and then we have a very late night. We will fill you in on everything with great pics and much more when we return.

Also, we are awaiting to see if Wasabi is pregnant. Now how cool is that? If she is she will be delivering around Christmas. Cross your fingers as we will once again have a ton of videos of the fun times we have with pups.

PS: we also have a true treasure joining us on December 12th. More about that later!