Fun Day

We had a really fun-filled day! We laughed, we played, we relaxed and snuggled. Shady, Brewer and Levon was like the Ever-Ready batteries though. Logan who usually joins right in decided they were too rowdy for him and decided to do some search and rescue expeditions with Kat finding all sorts of sticks and even a toy that was buried. Amazing...

We will now see if the toy survives the wash.

Rocky decided Dennis was worth following and he played mostly with Roxie today though he was fascinated with the smell of Spice.

Here are a few photos taken today.

Nora was fascinated with the big water dish. We have water in the 2 offices, 2 in the kitchen, 1 outside, 1 in the tv room. We change them frequently. A dog should always have access to fresh water but what did she want - the huge water bowl outside. What I didn't catch was her bending so far over her face wenton the 1st step and she got soaked. She looked as if I had done it to her. That's okay Nora as grannie Risa has done that one before. :-)

For awhile there where Dennis went, Rocky followed. He rather likes Dennis in a big way.

They were all waiting for me to put them in shade as I had to put the cover on the popup. I think they know the routine and rather enjoy hanging out on the pads in shade just watching the world inbetween heavy play.

Logan makes me laugh. Sometimes he clears the diving board and other times he jumps on it only to jump back off.

Panda prefers meandering over the diving board.

Brewer watched me water the pots and proceeded to try to drink as the water was coming out not really drinking but playing. What can I say, it was a water day without the pool.

Today

If I have to go on that bleepin awful food I will die and that human mom will have to diet too cause I can't do this alone.

We think Risa has a urinary tract infection. It's her first one. We are familiar with them due to our goldens. How can you tell? They have blood in their urine.

Usually if it is caused by crystals they are put on special food to avoid removing them. It worked for Terra but she hated the food and lost a lot of weight. Risa and I can stand to lose weight but not this way. Terra's never had another case.

Nathan has to bring her to the vets tomorrow to see.

No update and we are still playing recovery. I am soo tired from the show.

The Havanese Dance

Jay & TreasureIt's fun to watch the play - what I like to call the Havanese dance. Treasure loves it when the boys pay attention to her like this. Jay is heavily smitten. What will we do?

Today Cesar won the retrieval toy more than Treasure did and it drove her crazy. It was so silly - this game. You swear you are watching pre-teens.

Tonight Coach and Sassy arrived and Friday Louis comes. Tomorrow Yvonne's crew wil come for a visit. It's going to be a crazy house for sure but a fun one. Watch for photos tomorrow.

We moved the puppies downstairs so we had a lot of moving and changes so it was moving, playing, walking and fun but not much time for photography but I promise tomorrow brings more dawg fun!

Progress at Talemaker Havanese

Abigail ate a great meal this morning and another one this afternoon without us going through lots of - do you want this - or that or...

It seems her morning sickness is over, for now. She is playing, as you can see in this photo with Treasure.

We are celebrating and are looking forward to her and Wasabi's ultrasound on Monday.

Abigail wasn't the only one having fun.

Wasabi was also outside having a grand time soaking up the snowflakes.

Yes, we finally have some snow but not much - just enough that the dawgs really enjoy it. I do too, I must admit.

Walks were more enjoyable without tons of sand and salt on the ground as we now we have a thin blanket of white stuff on top.

We have been literally picking up the dawgs to cross the street to avoid dirt and salt. It's interesting carrying 2 at once across the street. Nathan does it in style and easily, me I am a tad clumsy about it though they are secure, I just have to perfect my technique. Practice makes perfect.

Today is Jazzy's owner's b-day and here at Talemaker we wish him the very best b-day filled with great memories.

Tonight we are going to cuddle and love the dawgs and enjoy...oh we do that everyday...well extra ones.

Havanese Roll in the...

There's nothing like a roll on your back to scratch it. I wonder if that would work for us?

Dogs do all sorts of silly things that you wonder if you duplicated their manner, if there is really something simply common sense about it.

I know - rather silly but sometimes my mind wonders such things. I must be so immersed in dogs that I am losing it but what a grand way to lose it, I say!

Today we had our usual grooming session. Emma, the golden that stayed with us went home. It was fun to have a golden stay with us. We had a visitor that wanted to introduce their dog to ours before it came to stay and Abigail still remains with an upset tummy.

It's cold and it's Sunday and Kat had a bath. What about YOU?

Let the Fun Never Stop

When it snows, the dawgs really find their sense of true play. It's fun to watch.

Today I took some of the dawgs for a walk and our son took the rest. While I was walking Shoshi and Risa, I watched them do snow dives - yes snow dives where they jump head first into the snow then they roll back and forth with great glee.

I remember when our kids was young I was caught in a blizzard with them at a hotel. I had the sense to get off the PA turnpike with all the kids in tow. Nathan was at home. I was being my more adventurous self visiting our daughter in Leesburg, Va. (She now lives in Toronto) where they never have blizzards...yeah right. We were stuck at the hotel for days and people were sleeping in the hallways. Well, we went out that first day and we did snow dives - yes even me. I taught the kids to do it and they laughed and laughed and so did I.

I didn't teach the Havanese. They do it naturally. It's that fun that we seem to lose as we get older but the Havanese allow us to relish their own sense of play and somehow remember when we played with our own abandonment. We either live through our Havanese and their sense of play or they allow us to capture it again. Who knows - I may do snow dives yet this year. Will you?

Jazzy is visiting us. He's an absolute delight and is enjoying a quieter house. We still had a number of dawgs yesterday and 3 more are supposed to go home today. Oreo went this morning. Benny's owners plane is delayed and so was Louis. We just heard Louis will be picked up tonight and the verdict is out with Benny. After Benny and Louis leave, we will have Cesar (nickname party guy) till the 7th and Jazzy till the 11th.

It's been a way busy holiday season but I have to say we absolutely loved having the dawgs even with all the walks and grooming. The snuggles and the cuddles made it a delight. Just imagine a sea of dawgs keeping you warm.

During this time Wasabi and Abigail was bred in hopes for pups to go home in spring pups. It's been a really exciting holiday and it starts again during March Break but usually not as busy as March break really is different for everyone - expanding from March to April. But people are booking already. If you need a fun time for your dawg while you laze away somewhere cold or warm, let us know. Your dawg deserves a holiday too. :-)

We really miss the activity and all the dawgs. It's almost quiet - well quieter.

Check out today's photos.

Shows, Oster Dryers & Conditioning

Fiona had a good weekend. She didn't start out liking the shows but she now sees the benefit of going and being the only one. She used to not like the noises but with slow conditioning - she's past that.

We came home today and fell fast asleep - well I did. Will I sleep tonight - who knows but I was WIPED! Shows are very tiring.

I also bought an Oster dryer tabletop from Rens and the prices went up $45 but we got it for the price we ordered it from when we pointed out it was still on the site at the cheaper price. I would have said forget it and tried to get it elsewhere though they toted they are going up everywhere as Oster increased the prices - cute in this economy.

Look at Fiona's face - now she's happy in the ring and that's the only way we would do this. Our dogs - well how they feel matters.

Wasabi is also in heat so we are crossing our fingers we will have puppies this summer. We are hopeful!

So, next week when I am doing two dogs - ooops this week for the show - well I will be drying 2 sides at once.

It seems my boarding $$ goes to helping the dawgs one way or another and helping me but any dog likes to be finished faster when it comes to drying and now they can be. I am jazzed!!!

Happy Holidays & Happy New Year

For those that celebrate the holiday - Merry Christmas from the Talemaker Crew, Nathan, myself and all the canine crew and for those that don't, and those that do - may next year bring you and your Havanese an amazing year filled with special memories. Be good to each other and great things will come from that.

For those that have our Havanese, give them extra hugs from us. Send photos that we can share and post.

The 3 remaining were quiet for a bit and so was mommy Wasabi but that Sassy gal got them all playing again and all was well. They all have to take a bit to adjust to this change but they will and then when they come to visit, they will have a roaring grand time then be ready to go home again. It all works...and we get to see them. Stay in touch...

Sebastian goes home tomorrow - Remy Monday and then I start doing serious training with the Sassy gal that I will share - the good, the bad, the funny - all of it so you can get inspired too.

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....

End of a Havanese Night

I just love the Havanese. They are so quick at finding solutions. So, the water dish is too high - no problemo!

Well, another day is coming to a close. The pups have had a ton of play inside/outside. One found its bark and human daddy corrected him and he listened.

The crew is starting to react to their names and they get terribly excited over the silliness of human daddy. It's easy to get them in the mood to make you laugh.

Ah...Havanese...nothing like them.

Havanese Hanging Out Tunnel Style

There is nothing better than this tunnel for the little ones. Even Wasabi manages to crawl in but these little guys - well they just play, sleep and hang out in it. This morning we put it back in their x-pen for further enjoyment.

We have already been outside, had a run out back, kitchen play session and hallway run and the day is just beginning.

Mommy is no longer feeding us at all and she is doing fine making the transition. We still think about it but she manages to correct us and we 'get' it.

more later...

Havanese Roadkill?

Okay, did we get your attention with that title? Our human mommy was at Globals in Richmond Hill and Eva - quite the nice lady gave us a toy that she fondly called roadkill. Some of you will remember that this past summer, our Havanese mommy was sprayed by a skunk and human daddy had to sleep with her outside.

Well, in that honor, we get to play with a flattened skunk that has a squeak in each end. Can you even see it among us? We just adore it and she's getting more - skunks, squirrels, foxes, rabbits etc all flattened out. Best part is we don't have to deal with stuffings coming out and have a roaring good time playing tug - yes, we now play tug. Mommy has to get a picture of it but with human daddy gone, she sort of has been doing cleanup, playing - tons with us and dogs, dogs, dogs and well, this is the first time she sat down today and guests are coming (Helen and her son) shortly with rumoured giggling vegetables that we can play with - wow. That ought to be fun. Right now though we are snoozing and mommy is going to take a quick nap so more later. if you go get this roadkill toy - tell Eva we sent you. She's getting more in this week.

The Start:Housebreaking Your Havanese Puppy

We do everything possible to get your little one to start the journey of housebreaking by starting them in a secure small area and increasing their awareness by introducing them to a larger area - our kitchen and the outside. This way they become aware of the smell and where you want them to eliminate.

In our x-pen, they are getting really accurate but in our kitchen area, they still have some accidents as the area is large and we are now finding that if we bring a pad already used into the kitchen area, they find the pad easier. It's one of the tricks that you learn by trying and seeing what works. They seem to be rather good at going outside as cold often gets their bladders to empty (bonus the wintertime) but you must go out with them at first.

Check out our housebreaking tips file. You'll be able to find it by a menu on the left hand part of the screen under food for thought or linked here.

More About Today
Our pups had a rather busy weekend and was very tuckered out. They slept in till 7amish after going to bed a tad after 10pm. That tells me that with a lot of activity, they are already able to sleep for a chunk of time. That's great news but we will continue to strive to get them sleeping through the night every night. A change in environment may throw them off at first but they will be on their way to getting to be all they can be.

Today they had a visitor (Audrey) our groomer who loves the pups. She was here to do our goldens. We usually bath all of ours but every now and then we have her visit us to trim nails, clean up the pads, and just give human mom a break from cleaning so many. The adult Havanese have been having such a roaring good time with frozen bones human mommy put out back that they gave managed to look a tad wet and droopy from all the wet snow. Still, a good brush will take care of that. We are working on a grooming file so look for it soon.

Then we had a grand play session in the kitchen where they munched on Terra's (goldens) legs - all 6 at once - oh my but that was fine. When Terra had enough she went outside after saying enough with a correction growl. Shoshi played great with them, Kat played some and now they are all fast asleep.

They are now starting to eat more solid food. Ah - to be Havanese...nothing better. Catch you tomorrow!

Havanese Snuggle & Play Time

It's visiting day for our puppies at our house and mommy tried to tell me this is socialization time but I know what she's doing - she's doing it for HER SAKE - oh my pups love it as you can see. They climb right over her and kiss and snuggle with her. She just loves it.

The one with the half mustache is one of the best climbers and the funniest one when it comes to play. He also seems to be the best runner - yes - they are running. He's way interesting. He just adores checking out the house, people, tunnels and so does the lone gal. Shhh but daddy adores that gal.

I tell you, my pups are becoming so interesting - each with things that make you laugh and wish they were never leaving. Even one seems to sit and snuggle and watch TV with mom - the one with one black ear and 2 black spots - a class act of calmness but fun.

Oh puppy heaven...my mom and dad have that addiction but these pups...mom says - well they are something else - early climbers, not afraid of anything thus far...ah...puppy breath - nothing like it daddy say.

Now if that wasn't enough, daddy also got into playing with my little ones. They climb up and kiss him, run through his legs and can't seem to get enough of that silly guy.

When do *I* get time with them? Well, I am playing with them more now that they seem to be getting older - 5 weeks - wow, snuggling and kissing them and even correcting them. Mommy says I am turning into a really great mom and I just adore the kisses and snuggles. I just lay there and snuggle and enjoy even after I am done eating.

Today mommy and daddy's grandkids are coming over, their daughter, hubby and of course grandpa and his wife and Tal is making the trek in from London to see my babies so expect more photos. My babies are going to have a full day of playing, socialization and lots of fun. Throw in a few people that are coming to look at pups we don't know and wow - visiting city but we love it and I am calming down now about people oohing and ahhing over my pups. I can't figure out why they don't about me - silly people - ha but I know - puppies - how can you resist.

Well - look for my photos and an update later. Exciting times...

Havanese Wasabi Says It's Daddy's Turn

Here's human daddy hanging out with the one that has a half mustache like me. He's getting way cute as his hair comes in and he is one of the litter that hits that pee pad consistently. His play is creative where you can often find him under a blanket with the blanket going up and down and he loves tunnels, carrying cases and independent play but he also likes to play with the rest of the crew. He just seems to enjoy his own play thoroughly as well. What that means is he can find ways to entertain himself. We are really pleased with this ones personality. Each are different and unique in their own ways. Each have their own unique personalities.

My daddy was having fun trying to get my crew to eat from our round dish. Boy I (Wasabi) likes to clean up after that mess. Lick, lick - yum, yum. Goats milk - oh boy!

Another character (we only have a couple that are quiet but still playful so far) is the one we call Tux. He just has no fear about anything so far and just runs through the tunnels. When he isn't doing that, he is hanging out on his back swatting a fish - yeah a fish. We will put a video of it up as soon as human mommy gets her act together. We would love to count on her but she tells me work and sleep somehow count too - hahahaha!

Hey, we played in the tub today with mommy and had our first bath. We loved playing in the water, wasn't crazy over the shampoo but loved the blow drying and massages she gave us. So, we got to follow human mommy's rule of thumb - always end on a good note to make the memories a good one.

Here's a video of Tuxedo playing...

Havanese Edumacation Time

Well, my puppies are starting to get interesting. That white one always wants to get up on the rails. Looks like mommy left a tag on and my pups are reading. What does it say...hmmmm Mommy's not here so is this the license to cause trouble?

Well we had visitors today and that was mighty fun. Some of us choose to be excited and others - well they are rather laid back about it.

At 5pm, we have more visitors that are coming to see mommy and daddy with their Havanese.

While we had our other visitors, the pack played retrieve, run-like-hell and had all sorts of fun. I wonder if they will have any energy left for our visitors at 5pm. We will soon find out.

Me, I am hanging out watching but not playing. Motherhood tires me out but as they get bigger, I will get back into playing.

More later after our guests come. Human mommy may crawl into bed after that and watch TV with us. We adore doing that!

Havanese Playhouse Discovery

Hey - this is Wasabi and Mommy's done it again. She's having the pups test the waters. Here she has a Zanies Kitty Playhouse - yeah that's what they call it. It changes into 8 shapes and it's a tunnel (see the figure below).

The base - well the innards is foam based so it's different to walk on than our whelping box that has a rug that helps us to have grip. That helps us strengthen our legs. It's easy to wash or wipe clean. That makes it WAY useful for puppies.

Mommy says this helps my pups get familiar with different textures but it also helps feed our curiosity of new things. Only 3 of us have tried it so far but it's way fun.

You should see how we navigate through the tunnel. In the coming weeks, we will be trying it in a variety of shapes and keeping track of who does what. Care to see a larger photo of my pup looking around, simply click on his photo.

Here's one of my pups almost saying, "Is this the way out?" Maybe I should just take a nap and call it a day but he didn't. He found his way from one end to the next with no trouble but spent more time than one of the others checking out the surroundings.

The one with the mask decided it was good to look around but walk right through without hanging out.

The one that my human mom and dad call Tux checked the entire place out spending the most amount of time in the tunnel. All 3 found their way out without issue.

I, the Wasabi want to climb in too but I just fit. Are we in for some real fun or what. Cats aren't the only ones that can enjoy these thinking toys. Us Havanese types are known for using our minds. My kids - oops pups are the smartest ever. ROFL!!!!!

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 Puppy Magic

Well, it's almost the magical witching hour - Halloween, of course. My pups are all seeing, reacting and growing concerns. Since day 14, they have been crawling into and out of the bed with ease. Tux was also the first to get up on those legs and just walk then fall on his face, of course but improving each time within hours.

Still, now they are all doing that walk and getting more proficient as the hours go by. I am amazed how fast they are getting mobile. I can't even get close now and they find me.

Snuggles are the norm around here and mommy said it's nice that the pups have this way satisfied face on when you snuggle them and hold them in your arms. They look at you as if everything is right in the world and it is for them!

Check out Tux in this photo saying - 'Mom, I am not done - you just thought I was'. No incognito thang can be played out here anymore even when I am empty from all that eating. We are in for exciting times!

Now that they can see us, the activity has grown immensely. They are really attracted to the bed and these toys we have in the box at various times. We are practicing slow conditioning to many textures, items etc. As soon as they hear, we are going to do a tape of various sounds that we will play from time to time to get them used to the sounds - anything from traffic to thunder, to loud children etc.

They really like these two small blankets that Mommy and Katsuro got that are incredibly soft. Mommy wants a large one for her bed. They rub their faces on it, roll on it and even go across the box to get to it when placed away from them. Mommy found this so interesting. She's doing a lot of testing with them and daddy is too but he is concentrating on all the snuggles, cuddles and all that good stuff.

Another thing that is becoming interesting is the same pair, after eating does this thing where they each try to put their head on top of the others back and they go back and forth over and over again till they settle in for a nap. In four times that they have done this that mommy has seen, the gal has taken top spot on the smallest boys back. What this means - who knows.

Well, more later as mommy is finally recovered from a computer problem and her other one daddy has been kind enough to get a replacement so she can get back to doing business like she always had. It's been tough for her just working on the laptop.

Day 16 Eyes Are Opening

Human Mommy bought us a cool new bed so we can get used to various textures - and its so plush and soft - mommy and daddy like soft - like we are when they snuggle with us. She is also placing us on different things so we can get slowly conditioned to our environment.

Today our eyes are starting to open and everyone is way excited around here. Who did they see first - daddy and he thought it would be human mommy.

Petsmart had these incredibly soft blankets that you see in this photo for $2.00. Such a steal.

Well, personalities are already starting to come out and we are keeping track of who reacts to what and how they react so we can track and try to make sense of it all. We are all having fun.

Mommy even dressed Wasabi in a Halloween hat. The things they do around here. Humans can be mighty silly but good to have around - don't you think?