Woof! It Snowed

It's been almost a snow-less winter here at Talemaker Havanese. We are really looking forward to puppies come March but we are sad not having mobile pups in lots of snow. It's a fun experience as you can see in some of our videos.

When I took the crew out this morning, there is a bounce of excitement seeing new fallen snow. Me too but we aren't getting enough of it.

This weekend we have some visitors and are we excited. We are hoping we have more snow so we can get the video camera out. There's going to be a whole lot of snuggling going on, I tell you!

Nathan took the crew up to the forest 2 by two first thing this morning ahead of the sand trucks. The dogs stayed sand-less and that makes me happy. Nathan should have taken the video camera as he said a few of them were so delighted over the top to be chasing squirrels after a fresh snow. It makes me wish I had gone too.

Stimulated Minds

When the weather is muddy, wet and mucky, it's important to stimulate your Havanese's mind. There are all sorts of games you can play, from retrieve to hide the treat to hide and seek & much more.

Here's two of Wasabi's pups - our visitors checking out this ball. This is the weasel ball minus the tail. You push a button and it moves all over the place by itself.

The crew was rather brave considering that I don't think the visitors ever saw one. I remember a few jumping back, looking confused but eventually having fun with it.

These two approached it as if they were going to slay it, pouncing, trying to grab and getting frustrated when it went under the couch and they couldn't fit but Fiona could.

They really enjoyed the game. Try to think of fun games to stimulate your dog's minds when the weather is not good.

More later.>>

Funny Tales of the Havanese Flavour YIKES! Watch For Updates All Day

Something about the snow and your face in it - oh such a joy for a dawg! But watch out - as the days pass by without a snowstorm, they can be rolling in that yellow stuff - YIKES.

We had a shovel that we would pick this stuff up with but get this, the shovel is missing somewhere in the snow piles. Got to love it. So, I am just doing the crazy - taking white snow and covering the yellow and eventually - well we don't want to think about THAT.

Still, from this photo - it LOOKS white but .... Got to do a video of the dawgs and I am afraid you may see yellow in that but cleanup is a regular thing each time we go out with our crew. It should be for you.

Katsuro's brother is coming for a visit today, Benny and then a bit later Jackie and Otis is coming to play. Katsuro is bound to be either - oh no not another boy ROFL or tuckered out or both. Photos as we get them.

More later from the crew...

Windy Havanese Moments

The dawgs need baths - the wind is blowing fierce and our dawgs are loving it.

But for some, the wind is an unknown and when it is this strong, it may throw them off a bit creating a fear. Be sure to not make an issue of it if they do react and be creative on ways to make the experience positive and a fun one.

For our old dawg - it throws her off but we offer distractions, act as if it's an enjoyable thang that is going on and it all works. Realize your dawgs react from your state of mind. If you are tense, they are. Practice your yoga chants - if you must - hahahaha and stay in that healthy state of mind for you and your canine pals. It helps them and therefore helps you. It's all in the head - you know.

Sebastian Visit is Full of Fun

Sebastian is here visiting and we are in heaven. Nathan caught him snuggling with me. He's been playing up a storm and I mean non-stop. Me thinks he is rather fond of his sister, Sassy. He's such a cutie. It's great to have him here as they are making us laugh. So far, Katsuro was rolling around in the big bed with him, Shoshi was doing run-like-hell, Risa's been watching and mommy Wasabi has been correcting. hehehehe

You know that tunnel we have, Sebastian just jumped in mid air on top while Sassy was inside and squished it on her. No one got hurt. Sassy jumped out and I swear she was laughing about it. Where was the video camera then? This all happened while I was typing.

We have had a couple of - 'who is boss' episodes where one squeaks from rough-housing but then Wasabi straightens them out. It's way funny and great timing for us as we needed an infusion of fun. Thanks, Maryanne and Mark. More later as I am positive this duo will keep us on our toes and to me - that's quite nice!

Here Sebastian is taking a time out so he can get rejuvenated. It lasted 10 minutes and they were both back at it - in and out of tunnels, and Sebastian's home safe place is that house that Maryanne brought. Where did you get it?

Tomorrow I will get more video. I got a bit but I am way too busy watching. Something about a camera on your face - well it takes away from the experience - heh but I promise you lots of moments - no worry. Today - well today is just enjoy without worrying about capturing it all.

PS: Sebastians already checked out the bed and has staked his claim. When he calms down, I will clean up his feet from all that run-like-hell through the grass out back.

More later...off to watch the pair.
---------------
COMMENTS:
Mark and Maryanne has left a new comment on your post "Sebastian Visit is Full of Fun": Sebastian's bed came from SuperPet. It's actually a cat bed, but I didn't tell Sebastian that! He'll be sad when he's too big to fit through the holes in it. Posted by Mark and Maryanne to Wasabi's Havanese Adventures at January 13, 2008 9:18 PM

Tux

Many of you have been diligently following the life and times of our Wasabi and her litter: Tux, Remy, Chico, Sassy, Coach and Sebastian. You are therefore aware that all the pups have long since gone to their new homes with the exception of Sassy who we are really picky about who she goes to as she's so special. You all know how much we love each and every one of these pups and you’ve managed to share a little of our joy with us each day through the magic of modern technology, digital and video cameras and Darlah’s writing skills.

Out of this litter, the pup chosen for showing and breeding was Tux. He exhibited traits and characteristics that made him the first pick as a show dog by all that saw him. With delight Rita herself (our Mentor) decided she was going to bring him home and teach him, train him for the show ring and make him a champion. Rita was very proud of this little boy, with just cause. He went home to Rita before all the others (at a few days over 8 weeks) so that she could help mold him and welcome him to the rest of his life. I am truly saddened to announce that the promise and joy, the anticipation and pleasure of Tux was cut short last night as he left us for a better place.

You can’t tell from my words but there was a break while I had a little cry.

Tux caught Parvo! We’ll probably never know how or where he got it. He’d not yet had his second vaccination. This certainly brings home the importance of limiting your interaction with people and dogs until at least they’ve had their second shot but it’s still a fluke that he caught it. As he’d been gone from our home for 4 weeks at the time and we’d not seen Rita or any of her dogs the virus didn’t have a chance to spread to us or to any of our pups or dogs. Same with Yvonne who many of you know has a 5 week old litter that would have been wiped out if they’d been infected. And I want to make one thing clear, Rita knows a hell of a lot more about the health of the Havanese breed than me. I know this was a terrible tragedy but I also know it was a terrible fluke, an accident. I know that if it happened to Rita and Tux it could just as easily have happened to me or you. Rita identified that Tux was ill immediately and got him in to an excellent Vet that we all use. He was able to test and diagnose the Parvo at once and fought to save the little pup’s life for 5 days. A few days ago Rita had plasma protein flown in from California to a local lab and she stood there while they prepared it for Tux, then drove it back to Colbourne to the Vet. She did everything she could. Sometimes it's just your time and we can but appreciate and remember the little we had with him. His loss affects us all. Please join me in extending massive hugs to Rita and if you happen to have an extra, to Darlah as well.

Darlah's note: Nathan needs massive virtual hugs too

We have to believe that Tux has gone on to a better place before us.

Sincerely
Nathan
http://www.talemakerhavanese.com/

_________________________________________

Mark and Maryanne said...
Our thoughts are with you and Rita at this difficult time. We know that everything possible was done to try and save him.
January 10, 2008 9:26 PM

_________________________________________
Anonymous said...
I was so sad to read this today. Please give the dogs an extra hug from us.David and Marilyn
January 10, 2008 9:52 PM

_________________________________________
Michele & Barbara Johannes said...
Guys please know you are in our thoughts and prayers, we know how hard it is to loose a little on at such a young age! Please give each other hugs for us
January 10, 2008 10:00 PM

_________________________________________

Amy S. has left a new comment on your post "Tux": Yesterday I put our beloved Dane, Otto down. It was probably one of the most difficult decisions I've ever made. He had little use left in his hind quarters and was falling down daily. I just couldn't watch him suffer. I am so sorry for your loss. Otto's death re-enforced my belief in the afterlife, for when I looked at his body I saw his spirit had left that he had truly gone on to a better place and that our spirits encompass a vast span that can't be contained to our small bodies forever. I imagine Tux and Otto frolicking somewhere beautiful and free. My heart goes out to you all, as it is obvious how much you love your dogs. Posted by Amy S. to Wasabi's Havanese Adventures at January 11, 2008 10:24 AM

_________________________________________

Thanks everyone and extra hugs to Amy for her loss. We feel for you.

Talemaker's Sassy's 1st Walk (More Added)

Well, we decided that December 25th early was the best day to take the dogs out as no one would be out and we were right. It's icy out there (I had to put my Yaktrax on), way dirty from the sanding and you have to remember to wipe and or wash the paws to get the salt out. If they are biting their paws, you didn't do a good enough job.

Bath times for all mine when I am up to it. Not today...

What we found interesting was Sassy was so much more interested in walking on snow than the cement. Maybe it was the salt - maybe the sand but she wasn't thrilled and we had to use Wasabi out in front to get her to forget about it. It tells me she needs to do this all the time after her next shots and for longer. The cement seemed foreign to her - teach me what I have to condition winter pups to. I am making notes. Then the cars whizzing by - what was that but she was fine. No adverse reactions just a - WHAT WAS THAT? We only took her out for a very short walk down the street and back not even around the cul-de-sac.

We heard her brother Sebastian did fine on his walk.

For those of you in the in between stage on sizing - a sweater is the best route till that next size. As you can see, Sassy has a lot of stylin' clothes as she got Shoshi's hand me downs and she doesn't mind except to say - what is that you are putting on. If it's very cold, we sometimes place a sweater on and a jacket over it.

Well, off to make a sandwich and nap. Walking all these doggies this morning was fun but tiring maneuvering in the ice. Hoping it either snows or thaws. Now to eat then snuggle on the couch with the crew.

PS: Nathan reminds me that although we were allowing Sassy and Wasabi to walk in front of us - Wasabi as a lure - Sassy to gain her comfort level with collar, walk etc - the goal is to get them walking NEXT to you after this stage. If we have Sassy here long enough, we are going to enroll her in 'Who's Walking Who' classes and she will be practicing heel till she gets it right till that squirrel pops by, I imagine. Doesn't every dawg lose its brain when that happens?

Mark and Maryanne said...
Sebastian went out for his first "walk with the dudes" last night and didn't miss a step. He was up for another walk to grandma and grandpa's house this morning where he proceeded to charm the socks off them. Thanks to his first parents, Nathan and Darlah, he is already quite well versed in sitting, buffet eating and using the back yard outhouse. Not to be outdone by his sister, today he has already retrieved several of the many gifts he was able to bring with him to his new home. More firsts to come...Mark and Maryanne

Darlah & Nathan said...
Sassy better get her act together - hahahahahaha

Havanese Resting Style

We have now started taking the dogs out immediately when they wake up before breakfast and just after they eat - this way they get used to going outside to eliminate. Then we have a play session in the kitchen and back for a rest. As you can see, Coach is out like a light resting after a great play session. We will soon be off to do another one shortly.

The pups are destined for a bath sometime over the weekend and then before they go home - well 4 of them. We will be showing new owners how to snip nails, brush/hair - whatever you need to do and arming you with food/fave blanket/toy and all sorts of reading material along with your shots, contract & much more. It's going on the last week for some of this crew...sniff sniff but rest assured, they will bond with their new owners and remember love is rules, boundaries and limitations. What that means is they are in essence babies and need to know your rules. Do not get caught up in the - oh they are so small and cute (I know they truly are but shhhh don't let them in on that secret) when they do that rule breaking thang unless you are ready to have it become a usual. They are people pleasers but need your guidance. This crew is so incredibly smart too and I don't say that lightly. They are fast in climbing, quick on corrections - nice.

More later....

Havanese Life: Eat, Play and Conk Out

Life is so tough for my pups - I tell you. They suck me dry, keep me busy cleaning them and then oh my, they are starting to play. I was so looking forward to this day but now that it is here, wow 6 growing concerns having fun and one is even climbing up on the rails.

I refused to eat much all yesterday and mommy was so worried and then at night, daddy makes his chicken, we had vegetable rice and I ate and ate and ate more than I ever did in my life. Of course this was late at night so daddy went - guess no sleep for the tired till she goes out. heh The things human daddy's do for their precious Wasabi woo.

We had visitors here from 'Eye on Fashion' and they enjoyed looking at my pups. Today is mommy's day to try to recover from computer woes, backlog of work and much more. She may even take a nap with me - Cool.

More later when the pups do something exciting - well exciting to me. They are changing daily and mommy thinks they look like me. How nice...heh

Havanese Mom Needs Bath

One day, I am going to blackmail mom with these photos she takes of me. She tells me that now that it is day 13, I need a bath. So what if my cute pups have been making my stomach interesting and so what if I looked like the cat just dragged me through the rafters...I sort of LIKE that look. It's better than a bath any old day!

Well, she tells me that Katsuro needs a bath too so I guess I will have a playmate during this cleaning process. Mom likes to have fun with us when we get a bath and it works. I do enjoy my time but mom will have to blow dry me today as its a bit cold and the puppies will create knots otherwise.

Each day mom gets up, gives me a massage - ahhhh and combs my hair and then weighs the babies. It used to worry me as she would put them in this sling and then hold them carefully in the air. I had no clue what she was up to but I trust the old human mom so I have calmed down and don't even get in the whelping box while she does it. She does though and one day someone is going to capture her in her jammies doing it. Oh...if i could only hold the camera myself.

Well more later...

Wasabi's Havanese Pups Will Play

Mommy says, Wasabi is an interesting mom. She's ever so attentive but she wants the pups to play. I find Wasbi bringing her toys in for the pups to play all the time and its way funny. She even shakes them to get their attention. I guess she doesn't realize they can't hear yet. She's going to love it when they really start playing.

Wasabi says, of course - their mine - all mine till they get new homes - sigh! Till then, I plan to have tons of fun with them and then hopefully I will get to see them at the yearly picnic mom and dad have.

Daddy says, Wasabi not only uses her mind but she has fun doing it. Some would say, Wasabi is a thinker and she is but that's what makes her ever so special. She comes up with solutions fast and we know her pups will too! They take after her, of course. ROFL!

Mommy had my pups out and she had them with the toys all to indulge me and every last one of them crawled and pushed the toys here and there. Mommy thought I might get stressed while she took photos but I was so excited to see them with my toys. She had to have her feet surrounding them as they are a growing concern. They are moving fast these days - almost 9 days old - 8.5 to be exact. By gad, I will get them playing - just watch. To catch these photos, check out Wasabi's Puppy Photos. Mommy adds to them every single day.

Day One Havanese Pups

Mommy found this on her camera stick that she forgot was taken the night we got home - brand spankin' new.

We haven't named any yet but mommy keeps calling one tux as it looks like it has a tux with tails on and how so appropriate for a Havanese - a class act!

Mommy says tomorrow, after we weigh everyone including me, that we will put up individual photos. She's been saying that every day - geez!

This Havanese Creates Tales or Tails (Ha!)

Well, I like to keep everyone on their toes to make sure they are exhausted when my puppies make their debut.

Last night I went into panting for 1.5 hours and then I stopped and said - nope - it's not time yet. So, everyone focuses on me and nothing happens except I get all the attention. The humans act really strange and I shake my head saying - well we have to have drills don't we? I have to be sure YOU are ready.

Are the humans ready? I think they are more than ready and me, well I am just hanging out all bloated and getting pampered and enjoying it. Wouldn't you? Mommy looks like she hasn't had sleep for eons but maybe she will take a nap instead of lunch and I will snuggle with her and make up for keeping my mom and dad and other mom up all night.

We shall see.

Bloated Havanese Ready & Waiting

Well, another day passes and mom is making sure I stay clean. I got all dirty after going out with the pups yesterday and I can't resist going into the mud. But mom brushed me up yesterday. Today she placed me on my back to start brushing and feeling pups and then she had the nerve to take an exposed photo like this. Come on, mom - I know Paris Hilton thrives on exposure but me...I am a lady. I guess Paris may say how can you compare me to a dog but if you have to - well I am the genuine thing and she should be lucky to be compared to me. ROFL!

The only Havanese that is owned by a celebrity to my mom's knowledge is Barbara Walters and hers talks - yeah you heard it. Well shh - we all talk but it's those humans that don't know how to listen. I hear the pups talking to me all the time from my tummy and they were saying - 'it's getting too crowded here' - 'stop rubbing her tummy lady' - 'you are squishing us' - 'it's time to get out of this darken, wet place where all my needs are met to seek a new adventure.' Yeah - I heard them and are you going to tell me I am wrong? A mother always knows. Just wait till they get here. They will tell you! Any day now....all six.

Wasabi the Pregnant Havanese Hanging Out

Mommy says I need to have a bath but luckily she's not feeling well. This way I can avoid the tub. Oh, she makes it fun with toys and all but I am getting at the point that all I want to do is lay around and eat - well eat only the good stuff. I decided chicken is out. How many ways can that crazy Mommy cook it. Well, she is trying but I am giving her a run for her money. Daddy cooks the best - well at least for me.

Mommy keeps trying to see if the little dickens inside of me are kicking and moving about but she's not feeling anything. It's only day 51. I go for my x-rays this week and we will get a look at the little sweeties. I will be glad to get rid of all this extra weight. A few days ago I tried to jump on the couch and I'm VERY agile and move well - everyone says that but - well splat - I got up but it was not my usual graceful self. When you have that extra jiggle that isn't so much of a jiggle - what do they call it - the love handles - yeah right - well you have to adjust.

Mommy had a conversation with me about helping my youngn's become high achievers. Come on, mom. I am the brains of this gang and I troubleshoot and quickly find solutions but shh don't tell Risa. The more she's snowed in believing what she wants, the better I am.

Well, I hear Maggie is on her way home. We were hoping to get their pups for a visit but not to be. Oh well, soon I will have my own. Can't wait...or can I? Once they come - will my life ever be my own? ROFL!

Life of a Pregnant Havanese

Ah, such is the life of a pregnant Havanese on day 49 - but 2 weeks away. Daddy loves me, yes he does!

It doesn't matter if daddy's hips are hurting from arthritis or what - he still takes me for a walk and gives me tons of snuggles. Mommy does the same. We are the best and boy I know it!

For the first time, I tugged on the leash halfway through the walk and told mommy I didn't want to walk any longer so daddy took me with Risa and Terra. Mommy was out in front with Shoshi and Katsuro. They put me behind that dawg who thinks he is king, Katsuro so I picked up the pace. I wasn't going to have any of that and made it home just fine even to run with the rest out to the back where this photo of my tummy was taken. I am a tad wet on my backside as mommy is keeping me VERY clean.

Mommy needs to get a better photo but boy each day the stomach grows. Soon the little wonders will be kicking in my tummy giving me all sorts of indigestion. I have already started sleeping on my back almost exclusively. It's simply more comfortable. Pregnant women get body pillows and I get what - a back and nothing else. Geez - who's falling down on the job here?

Well, we were hanging out in the backyard watching Katsuro and Shoshi go after the ball on the pool cover - love those safety covers. They are not only safe but they act like a trampoline,make noise and give us extra space to run. We all like it. Oh, we miss the pool too but the covers okay now that it is cooler.

More later...

Mom & Dad Are Sick

Gad - what a day. We just hung out and did very little. Mom and dad was really not feeling well but mommy still took me on a walk and just finished working on 2 huge pages a few minutes ago. She wanted to crawl into bed but she took us out back, on a long walk, brushed us and worked - crazy lady! Now we may go to bed and try to do something exciting tomorrow to write about.

I have about 2 weeks to go till puppy time so I decided to practice games with Shoshi. Besides, she's a pushy little thing. I don't think she knows the word no even though I know mommy taught it to her. Oh, she knows it with mommy but with me...well I am glad we played. It's been awhile. When you are preggies, you just don't feel like jumping all over the place.

Well off to catch some serious zzzzzzzzzzzzs Catch you tomorrow!

Gloom & Rain Where's the Sun?

Okay, it's Tuesday and where's the sun? Mommy tends to keep her doggies in a stylin' fashion but me, I am learning from my pal Opal that you can also be a junk yard dawg and enjoy life. Still, Mojo looking at me saying - whose that babe isn't half bad. If it takes me looking boo-ti-ful, well I can stand it SOME OF THE TIME!

Now they are saying thundershowers at 11am so I am not sure we are going to get swimming in. I can't believe it. It was supposed to be our last hoorah. Pool is a salt water one with a temperature of 32c/90F

Mommy got on her scale this morning and it said I gained 2lbs. There is no way - I am still a svelte thang. The scale HAS to be broken. On a serious note,mommy says - it doesn't sound right so maybe we will check this out at the vets later this week. All I know is the bathing suit no longer fits. It's getting close to debut time!