Mingle, Mingle, Mingle

"I know that my havanese needs to have doggie friends, but he is so small that I don't feel safe when we are at the dog park. There are huge dogs there that could hurt or kill him, and when the big dogs start to play, they are so rough that they might injure him even if they didn’t mean to.

We have all heard this mantra before and we do need to be aware what other dogs are saying or going to do without creating more anxiety in our dawgs than what already exists. It is important that dogs socialize. They need to get comfortable with other dogs especially safe ones.

You have to be careful not to flood a dog with too much. It's why we practice one on one and keep adding and even then a truly skittish dog will take some time to come around. We are aware of that and are proactive always helping things along to make sure a boarder or someone that comes for the day has a 'good' experience.

It takes time for a dog that is not used to having others to play with to find their play but we have an excellent pack and they are used to visitors.

Socializing is key to getting your dawg to be well rounded.

You can do it with boarding or daycare or obedience classes etc. Any SAFE environment where your well being of your dawg is important. Even a visit with your dawg to Pawsway can be a good experience.

We have bred dogs to be perpetual puppies. When in the company of other dogs, their natural inclination is to act like puppies, with playful games of chase or wrestling with that rough and tumble frenzy similar to what we see in human children of preschool age. This can produce bonds of friendship between dogs and can become a positive and friendly attitude toward all other canines.

However, in some cases, such forms of rough play can produce antagonistic relationships and attitudes. This is not uncommon when dogs have been allowed to run in an off-leash park area or have been placed in a doggie daycare where they interact with dogs of mixed sizes and temperaments in a generally unsupervised way. Under such circumstances, dogs may actually develop a general hostility or fear toward all unfamiliar dogs rather than acquiring canine friends.

You *can* create issues not intended. Be sure supervision is a part of the equation.

We go out with our dogs even when it is bitter cold. We use the time to play games, pick up poo, take photos and watch the dogs interacting. This way we can see what relationships are forming. It's important for us.

Socialization IS important but do it right.

Today we have Bailey and Cesar visiting. Nathan has done a marathon of walking today. Usually I do it with him but I had dawgs that are leaving and that means baths and brushing and we had our sons came in so we did a turkey.

Max and Missy just went home today and they will be missed. The pack is truly enjoying each other - visitors alike. We played retrieve and the dawgs had bones to gnaw on today. I swear they all looked like they were in pure bliss. It was nice!

What did you do with your dawgs today?

How To Have Fun in the Snow

Snow was melting and now it's flying again. Some Havanese love the snow - a few have to get accustomed to it. It really has more to do with how you tackle it. Most find it an intoxicating and delightful - invigorating.

Kat (our boy in this photo) is one of these dogs that loves the snow, the rain the pool - just bring it on. Shoshi loves the snow but rain - sniff sniff - got to coax her out the door and we do.

She's getting better as she has no choice.

So, how do you have fun in the snow with your little one? You have to find your inner child if you are an adult or get your kids/grand kids to enjoy and you click away and take photos.

This is some of the ideas we have:

1. Make snow balls and throw them. It's a riot when they jump up to catch them and they just fall apart. They seem to enjoy it so it's not a strange sense if humour thing I have going but rather something you can enjoy together. They can also smash their prize in their mouth till you create another.

2. Create snow angels. You of course get on the ground and they will think it's an invitation to play.

3. Create snow paths to run in.

4. If you have a bench, dig out the area under the bench to allow hiding spots. This can be done with many things. They adore hiding, jumping out and playing.

5. Create a snowman big and small so your dawgs are exposed to them and when they see them in the neighbourhood - it's no big thing. Try to get them to help you and be creative!

Can you think of anything else? Then fill us in. We personally run through our paths and have a grand time with ours playing retrieve and much more.

We just got back from walking the dogs and our visitors are a delight to walk but getting mucked up from the sand out there that the city puts on teh walkways. Both Daisy and Cesar really enjoy the daily walks and we manage to mix it up having them walk with a different dog each time. That too you can do in the snow - after the sidewalks are shovelled?

PS: Even our visitors now are coming to stand in line for their grooming. I groom them daily to make sure they don't have any knots but you can't tell always as my sessions are always in the morning and by the time the day rolls by - well they have mucked it up big time and that's quite okay too. That's what dawgs having fun are supposed to do.

More tomorrow.

Cesar's First Morning

Cesar arrived last night at 7:30Pm and with our dawgs we do a one on one to get the new visitor to feel comfortable. Sometimes they feel comfortable from the onset and other times it takes a bit of time - a connection in the pack to make it all work. We do our part to make it happen.

Last night was a get acquainted and check the house, humans out and gain one's comfort level. We watched TV and he laid on Nathan's lap and he slept in a crate in our room (requested by owners) surrounded by Golden's that sleep on the floor and us humans and Havanese on the bed.

Well, today, he is playing retrieve and dragging Treasure all over the floor holding on to the toy and playing up a storm. Check out some of the photos from this morning.

We are working on his shiny bowl - I don't like quirk so you will see a ceramic and shiny bowl. Slow conditioning and he's eating up a storm. No worries.

Mia is coming this afternoon - a Fiona pup so we should have even more fun.

Check out the photos below. I will add to them as the day goes on and time allows, posting a "New Photos" in the title when I do.

Nathan's School of Thought

For five weeks, Terra, the younger of our two Golden Retriever’s, has been recovering from cruciate surgery.

For five weeks she has been in rehab. That means we have been diligently massaging her foot, leg, knee, thigh and hip, doing repetitive motion exercises to her knee, initially doing ice packs to reduce the swelling and then hot packs prior to exercise.

Once a week she goes to a rehab center over an hour drive from here for underwater treadmill therapy which is excellent for building muscle tone and helping her knee to strengthen and repair itself. Back at home she walks a few times a day around the block, goes up hill and down on gradual inclines, practices standing and sitting to work the muscles, and goes up and down the stairs outside.

Two days ago we finally allowed her to go up and down the stairs inside from the first to the second floor again.

For the past five weeks I’ve been carrying her up and down that flight so I’m glad we’ve reached this point. In approximately three weeks she goes back in for surgery on the right knee providing that the left knee has healed properly, hence the diligence. How much effort we put into her rehab will affect the quality of the rest of her life especially now that we’ve learned she has grade 4 hip dysplasia.

Terra will be seven years old next month. It is this kind of avoidable genetic health issue that really upsets me as it should upset anyone.

In truth, Terra’s sire and dam, in my opinion, should never have been used for breeding but it may have been a fluke and flukes unfortunately happen. Why in a sea of kidney issues on both sides of my family am I the only one without an issue?

Thankfully we do not have this issue with any of our Havanese and hopefully never will. It is certain that we’d never leave a dog in our breeding program that could produce a pup that would blow both knees and have such bad hips.

In comparison, our male Havanese, Kat, has hips tested and rated “excellent” by OFA, the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. Kat’s littermate, Kemi, also has hips rated excellent. So this is not something that we worry about in our lines of Havanese but clearly this is something that the Breeder from whom we got the Golden should take into consideration.

When you are interested in owning a new puppy and you call around to various Breeders, something we do recommend, you will find different prices. Please understand the age old axiom, you get what you pay for. If something seems too cheap, it probably is. Ask what health testing has been done to the sire and damn and any other members of the same breeding line. Don’t be shy. This is important. The few dollars you think you are saving today can come back and smack you in the head down the road.

I’m off to show Kat in Orangeville. As always Darlah has done a wonderful job bathing and grooming him. Now I need to do my end and show him or allow him to show himself. If you are in the area come to Orangeville this afternoon and watch Kat strut his stuff.

Nathan

PS: Be careful out there. It's icy rain in these parts. Your Havanese can also damage their legs by slipping and sliding. It's not only genetics that can play a part.

Nathan Uses the Camera

I don't take all of the photos. Nathan dabbles too. More and more he is trying out his own fantastic artistic flair just like you can with your own camera. Check out his photos below of what he took today.

It's rather cold outside and you should be taking that extra hair out of their paws. It took me till 8pm last night to get the dawgs all combed out perfectly.

Tomorrow Nathan is at a show. I am staying home and I get a visit from KitKat for the weekend. We are off to visit Yvonne on Saturday. She's crazy as she said bring them all but I am not sure about that. We shall see. This week Chanukah begins and we want to make sure all those that celebrate enjoy the moments.

Nathan took all the dawgs for a walk and it's truly icy. Consider being extra careful or playing inside games for the most part. You should play outside daily but there are days...

I need to get Kat washed up and Treasure washed up. Treasure is starting to mat - which is a clear sign she needs a washing. Kat needs to get ready tonight for the show tomorrow as he leaves real early.

Take your camera out and take photos of your Havanese. Do send them to us. We may be able to use them in next year's calendar. Plus - we love seeing what you are up to as it gives us ideas what to do with ours. Together we can be more.

Wet Days at Talemaker

Well, isn't this quite the site?

It was bath day for some of us and I think that human was on a marathon. She also washed Daisy, our visitor before she went home. Check it out.

Have you ever seen Shoshi look so good? hahahaha Yeah..we are laughing. She wasn't all that pleased except she knows she gets a treat after such ventures.

You couldn't tell by this photo but Shoshi came out looking so full and soft and smelling grand.

The two Golden's had a reprieve from a bath today and so did Kat, Wasabi and Treasure but they had a full brush/comb out but that's a usual around this place. Yep - we get brushed completely each and every day.

We also go on walks each day and play like crazy all in an effort to undo the work but that's okay. We are all knot free.

Fiona was the next to get bathed. She's our delicate beauty who weighs 9 lbs soaking wet.

She dries so fast as the puppies tore out most of her hair. That's okay - it will grow back.

Soon she will be back to stylin'.

Fiona is adjusting to the no puppy - fly the nest thing.

She loves when they come back but she is also loving the extra attention.

She is also playing up a storm with her pack mates. We hope her next puppies are as wonderful as this crew is thus far.

After Fiona was finished, it was Abigail's turn.

Abigail is the type of dog that just stands there but you can tell she is not thrilled with this washing and drying business.

She just wants you to get to the treat part as fast as you can.

Abigail's hair is changing again as she starts to go darker. It's funny how the Havanese can go light then dark again and back yet again.

It's kind of like having an ever changing present of sorts.

Abigail tolerates the blower in her face and she looks rather comical while you are doing it.

She brings new meaning to the Shag look. But if you allow the hair in the eyes, you will have leakage and that will create stains. Some dogs always have it but you can control it and others hardly ever get any.

What do you mean about controlling it?

You make sure the hair is out of the eyes and you dab a bit of corn starch where the eyes would leak and voila, it solidifies it and stops any future staining.

This is especially good at times of stress or teething which is a huge culprit. Some never have any and that's quite okay too.

Risa was the last to do today. Counting our visitor, that was 5 dogs.

As you can see with Risa, she has a lot of hair on her feet.

Before the snow hits, I need to cut her hair back on her feet. I need to trim them up to look nice and clean under the pads. Hair stuck in the pads will help ice balls to form there and that hurts the dogs to walk on.

Make sure you or your groomer cleans up the pads of their feet. I will start doing mine one dog here and there all this week.

Why didn't I do it today? Well, I was out of time. I had 3 more dogs that wasn't washed to be brushed and combed through.

You do what you can, when you can. Tomorrow trim, trim, trim while brushing out and maybe Wasabi and Treasure and Kat will get a bath. We shall see.

Beyond this, we still had Audrey show up to get her Havanese calendar. Yes - we still have a few left. We had many play sessions and we practice 'no bark' when Daisy's mom came.

What did you do today?

Hey It's Snowing!!!

Wasabi says, can you believe this?

The snow is here and now these crazy humans will have to dig out paths so we can whip around the backyard like the crazy Talemaker dawgs that we are.

Okay, it's not snowing THAT much but they say it's coming.

Mommy vowed to outdo herself with the paths this year as she needs the exercise.

Maybe she will even do one across the pool cover or maybe that crazy Daddy will do it as he is the one that walks all over it like us.

Treasure and Daisy didn't care that the temperature was dropping like a lead balloon.

All the dawgs went on their usual walk with enthusiasm without a thing on them except Fiona who is 9 lbs soaking wet and needs the coverage and the humans - well that Mom who had a sweat shirt, hat, coat down to the ground - well it looks that way and a hat and gloves. One would think it's hardcore winter already.

A good tip is get some Bag Balm and use it on our pads. It will prevent any cracking and soothe the bottom of our feet.

When we get cold we shake and we lift our feet often one at a time to tell you our feet are hurting from the cold. If this happens, pick us up. If we are a wee pup, put us in your coat, warm us up. Get the snow out from between our pads and let us walk again.

For many of you, it will be your first winter and oh boy are you in for some great wet fun.

We want to see photos, videos and anything else you can share.

Holidays are coming soon and we have Cesar coming this Sunday and a few more visitors after Christmas. Are we going to have fun or what. That human will have the video and camera going non stop. Hope you will too.

Winter Clothes, Tips and Today's Fun

I think the kids get too much air time around this place. Just because we oldsters - well I am not really that old, Mommy don't play like banshees as much - well we are interesting TOO!!!

Heck, check out this new hairdo. I tend to always have an interesting look despite that Mommy grooming me. Today she took a break though and I am so thankful. She just forgot to give me a treat and yeah I know I get it when I get groomed but it was her choice to have a break.

Mommy usually grooms us thoroughly every day but every now and then she takes a break and that's okay too. The dawgs like the break. On those days she makes sure the hair is out of the eyes but you couldn't tell with this photo.

Check out today's photos of the crew to see a larger and fuller view. We still have KitKat till tomorrow or Monday. Daisy goes home Tuesday and we will be puppy-less again.

We got asked by many people about winter jackets. I have a slew. It's insane how many I bought. I have some faves. But you have to understand that by buying so many, I learn what works and what doesn't.

Many times we do not use jackets but when you have a really cold brr weather and a short coat on your Havanese, you may want to think of the extra step to go to make sure your Havanese can walk comfortably.

There is also a time when the snow is wet and it sticks to their hair and it creates snow balls all over their underside.

It's not pretty and can be downright cold. Depending on the Havanese, it will be a mild irritation to - I do NOT like this!

This is a photo of a Fiona, Kat puppy stylin in one of our fave sweaters. Why do we like it? It's stretchy, comfortable - easy to put on and fast! It also is one of the warmer ones. I have a ton of sweaters and jackets. Over the next few, I will put one or the other on a different dawg and show you and tell you why I like it and why I don't.

Here is what I learned about winter coats.

1. If you can't put it on easily, do not buy it. You won't use it.

2. You need to cover the tummy and a zipper or Velcro on top is easier though Velcro and zippers catch the hair unless you have a flap to cover the opening. A thin sweater underneath works too and layers is warmer.

3. It must be washable and waterproof or water resistant is best.

4. You can get away with an easy over the head sweater at times as we do and no coat.

5. If this is your Havanese's first snow winter, it will be cold but will adapt.

6. If you get a waterproof snowsuit, get the legs shortened. They always are way too long. Any seamstress can actually do it or you can tack it yourself. Then as they grow you can let it out. That is what I did with the snowsuits I got last year.

I find it a pain to dress so many dawgs and we do take them for walks in the winter time as they do still need it. But 4 at a time - 2 on Nathan 2 on me - I can do it but if it's not heavy snow that will create those lovely snowballs that you have to brush out and/or rinse off and dry - well I will put a sweater on and that's plain easier but wet snow, well you do the work ahead of time by dressing and you save the work on the return.

If you want to show you clothes that work for us, let me know. I will dig them all out of everywhere I have them.

With the dawgs, I am always learning and looking for easier ways of doing things so I can spend quality fun time with the dawgs.

When they say we have gone to the dawgs - well it's really describing us...ROFL!

Daisy's Visit

Daisy (our visitor) and Mia played up a storm till Mia left for her forever home.

Daisy loves to play with Abigail and Treasure too so all is right in her world.

Last night we think she was so over the top excited that she hardly slept. We are working on the 'no bark' and tuckering her out. ROFL

I have to wash Kat tonight as he is off to a show and I am staying home with the crew. So, it will be me and the son playing and having fun and walking the crew. We have an early (5am) wake up call tomorrow as Nathan has to get out and drive. Me - I get to snooze on the couch with the crew after he is gone.

Don't worry human mom - if you are reading this, your little one is having the time of her life and then some. She didn't whimper a bit but went - oh - holiday - let's P-A-R-T-Y!

Daisy and the crew are taking their first nap today and it's really needed. Soon they will be eating and all the fun begins again.

What Are You Saying?

"I'm Feeling Relaxed, Normal ... "

My posture is calm and relaxed, just kinda standing around. Please ask my owner before you approach me or pet me, just to be on the safe side.

Yes, one should ALWAYS ask an owner if you can pet their dog. Even when one does, it doesn't always mean that the owner knows how their dog will react.

You have to get to know your dog and what other dogs are saying.

That is why its good to take obedience classes so you can learn what your dog is saying and what other dogs are saying. You will also have a more confident dog and that's a bonus.

Even the most confident dog in one environment may show concerns in others. It all depends on how YOU Handle it on how your dog will ultimately handle 'concerns.

Treasure has had many handling classes, several levels of obedience and is a champion show dog. She's been conditioned to all sorts of environments but I could take her to a bowling alley and her body may shake from concern if she heard bowling balls going crack. It's not something we would have conditioned her to so it would be new to her. That's the point. In life there is always something new but as time goes on, if you do your job right, not coddle and expose productively, those exposures that are new will come with coping skills and trust that you would keep them from harm's way.

So, slow condition and keep at it and you will end up with an amazing dog. We are what we know and that is true of our dawgs as well!

Wet & Dreary Day

Now that you have seen Kat when he is all neatly brushed (below in yesterday's note), today he had a who cares what I do day. Still a handsome guy in our opinion but he went from that tux look to that casual look all in one day.

Mommy caught up on brushing the crew thoroughly and just let then roll and play and have fun as that is what a Havanese really should do. What fun is life is you don't muck it up when you can and that includes those human types. We all need that!!

Click on the photo to see a closer view.

Abs had a haircut months ago now and her hair is starting to come back in - so is Shoshi's and Risa's. Shall I cut - shall I keep longer?

Do you go through that too?

Well, our last puppy goes on Thursday and a visiting puppy comes on Wednesday.

We are truly looking forward to the visiting dawgs this month. They all sleep in our bed unless they are here long term and an owner needs them to stay crate trained. Then they sleep right next to the bed loved and coddled still.

We had a visiting bichon and she had an x-pen in our bedroom as that is what the owner required but play sessions before bed, cozy blankets and pillows and beds at night and first thing she was back in the mix running with the rest. Besides, she did our crazy bedtime crawl under the blankets and play on our bed before she caught some zzzs.

So, we do make exceptions to our rule - that they must sleep on the bed with us. We do listen. :-)

Can't wait till we have visitors. December will be an absolutely fun adventure. You'll just have to drop by and read the antics of everyone at Talemaker Havanese.

Our Canine Good Neighbour Boy

What is a Canine Good Neighbour Award?

It's a certification program that test dogs that have the training and demeanor to be reliable family members as well as good-standing community members. The testing takes place in a busy public area, such as a shopping mall or a dog show. Kat took his test today and passed with flying colours.

He even managed to put smiles on many faces when he did his recall showing more enthusiasm than they have ever seen.

Everyone else had their down/stay on a very long lead but Kat did his with his lead dropped and Nathan just walking away. He stayed no matter what he did.

Kat has not been in obedience for a long time and we must admit we haven't been doing our reinforcements. We have been doing so many other things with the dogs but it all came back.

What do you have to do to pass? 12 out of 12 and it was a breeze for this guy. Anyone can take the test and get their award. All you have to do is practice or do obedience, forget about it and then take the test without. hahaha

Testing includes the following:

Accepting a friendly stranger — The owner of the dog shakes hands with a friendly stranger.

Patiently sitting for petting — A test for shyness and resentment.

Appearance & grooming — The owner's care and sense of responsibility is seen in how his dog is kept.

Out for a walk — Illustrating handler's control of the dog. Kat heeled perfectly.

Walking through a crowd — Demonstrating how the dog moves in a crowd without unduly distress and under his owner's control.

Commands — Sit, Down, Stay. Illustrating that the dog has been trained and responds well.

Come when called (long line) Nathan used nothing.

Praise/interactions — Illustrating the relationship between dog and owner.

Reaction to passing dogs — Demonstrates if the dog behaves politely around other dogs.

Distractions — Demonstrates the dog's confidence when faced with common distractions.

Supervised isolation — Demonstrates whether the dog can be left with someone other than his usual handler and still maintain training and good manners. Nathan left Kat with a stranger, put Kat in stay, and left for 5 minutes.

Walking through a door or gate and making sure the dog doesn't bolt.

*Any dog that jumps up on a person, lunges at another dog or displays unruly behaviour is disqualified.

Upon successful completion of the test, the owner is awarded a certificate signifying that he or she is a responsible dog owner who has taken the time and effort to provide their dog with basic good manners and that, on the day of testing, the dog demonstrated that it is a socially acceptable dog.

Dogs that have solid obedience training are a pleasure to live with, adapt well to a human living environment, exhibit good manners in the presence of people and other dogs and are content in the company of the owner who took the time to provide training, intellectual stimulation and an enriched quality of life.

Here's the benefits:

Dog owners learn how well their canine companions behave under normal on-the-street conditions around other people and dogs.

Dog owners can proudly display the Certificate with the Responsible Dog Owners of Canada seal that signifies that on the day of testing the dog demonstrated good basic manners and behaviour.

Dog owners will appreciate that their well-behaved dogs are more readily accepted wherever they go because of their good manners.

Dogs will be much happier because they will be able to spend more time with their humans in many more places.

You should go for it. If interested, let us know and we will tell you where testing is available near you.

Ours was hosted by the Rottie club so we saw mostly Rotties taking the test but even though we were the only small dog waiting our turn, we got to see how Kat did around Rotties. We also saw how well he remembered his commands.

COMMENTS:
♥ Marlou ♥ said...
oh my goodness, this is the most beautiful dog, I love him :)

November 30, 2009 5:42 PM

Anonymous said...
Wow!!!!!!!
Need I say more?
Even Jazz is by the monitor

Feel Good Havanese

Kat and Wasabi are really close.

Well, Wasabi would like to be real close but Kat's not always game. Sometimes he enjoys laying by oneself and chillin'. He's such a guy!

Did you know that Havanese ownership may be an effective tailored intervention among adults for promoting physical activity?

Want to do something else with your Havanese?

Havanese offer a means of therapeutic visits to the sick, elderly, shut-ins and other populations in need of companionship and acceptance, so often missed among humans. Havanese show no judgment, no prejudice to race, color, religion or anything. They reach out and want to be happy and make others happy. A tail wagging can carry a powerful healing messages, more powerful than any drug. Wags equal smiles to humans, initiating smiles in return, extremely healing with many conditions: childhood leukemia, heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer's, serious burns, and many, many other conditions and afflictions.

Have you thought about therapy? If you do not have the time, what about the healing powers your Havanese can have with your own family?

Missy: A Wasabi Pup

Just got a photo of one of Wasabi's pup - Missy.

I love that hair thing she has going on. She even has Wasabi's half mustache. What a cutie!

Her mom tells me she has silver and brown coming in and it sounds like she has been playing up a storm with her Havanese housemate, Max.

This one went to a friend who lives way too far away. But luckily she pings me on instant message every once in awhile.

It's so great to see photos and hear how the crew is. We really miss the crew when they leave and always want to hear how they are doing.

Today, I gave Whitney, Kat and Abigail a bath. The big job was Whitney as she is 14 years old and collapsed a number of times and she has moments where she's not doing well and today was it.

So, every time you think a Havanese is a job to wash, think of me with 2 goldens - 1 with bad legs - another with dementia and you may laugh when you get a tad wet from that bath with your Havanese. It's not that bad - honest!

Well, Abigail - after I got her done decided to rub her body all over the place making sure she looks a mess but she smells and feels wonderful. If only I had the energy to do the rest all in one day.

Now to get some work done and groom the rest of the crew. Yep, sometimes I don't get it done til I am sitting and watching TV. What about you?

Tip of the Day:

If your puppy pees on your carpet, try this. After soaking up most of the mess with paper towel, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the area and leave it to absorb both the traces of urine and the odor.

Butt to Butt

Okay, what is she going to talk about with THIS photo?

Well, Wasabi really vys for Kat's attention each and every day. She tries to give him kisses over and over again and it drives Kat crazy.

When she does, he growls under his breath at her getting louder and louder but this only entices her to do it more.

Then he corrects her putting her down and she is still relentless. It's a game he acts so irritated with but seems to enjoy the attention.

It's so funny to watch and quite interesting the bonding relationships the crew has with each other. They accept they are a part of the whole except Treasure who thinks she should be the top dog always. ROFL

Another Wasaabi Puppy Visit

Saki came to visit and I was able to get a better photo of her than Chewie as she posed for me. She's a gal with atti-tude.

Chewie was high driven play cutie - always on the go type. Oh Saki can be too but she paced herself making it easier to capture a photo.

Saki is a high jetting traveller and is back to Texas for the holidays. She likes the city but something about her owner putting on flip flops with all that cruel weather there - NOT - well she thinks that is some great lifestyle. I do too...hehehehe

Everytime she wants cool, crisp air - well she just flies on back there. Wait till she sees snow when she comes back after the holidays.

Saki had her first hairdo at Valerie Weston's salon.

Chewie and Saki have that love of life and that's so nice to see. It was a delight to see them both.

We hope Saki's human mom feels better. She's under the weather so we are sending out paws-i-tive vibes her way.

Nathan ran around with the dawgs - what a guy - in his usual fashion despite he had tripped earlier today on something and really hurt his back and I mean really hurt it. Anything for the dawgs.

They adore it and I love seeing them run with him.

Now even though we play in the back and we do play with the crew - retrieve - running - fun games, we still get in a walk a day with each and every one of them.

It's important for their minds and bodies. Mine too. hehehehe

Good news, Risa has dropped her weight. She was becoming too heavy. She is now 1lb away from her goal and feeling great and active as all get out. It's wonderful to see. It's amazing what a little weight off can do to the energy level.

How did we do it? Walks - less food and only 1 treat at grooming time. She wasn't happy that first month - whining and looking for food but now she's adjusted and health wise and activity wise - she's a much happier gal and we probably added time to her life. We indeed added quality of life to her regiment

Now it's my turn as soon as the pups are gone.

This losing weight business - well it ain't easy.

Get out, rake some leaves and play with your Havanese and have someone take photos. I would love to see! We may even be able to get it into next year's calendar.

Vinegar and Oil

Oh this duo is always trying to do a one upmanship.

It reminds us of two of our daughters. They either adore each other or they think the other one has to be beneath them as they are top dawg!
I just love both from the bottom of my heart but they - mostly that Treasie keeps you on your toes thinking.

The younger set actually play quite well with the older set and scramble up and down the stairs with ease. It's amazing!

Each day we take them out at least 4 times a day and then run around like banshees and sleep a deep dawgie sleep. Activity equals sleep.

Fiona's Empty Nest

They start going home tomorrow.

What's a mother to do when the pups are leaving the nest?

We make sure they do not go all at once and that makes it easier.

Ah - but we will miss them!

When Do You Say Enough?

It's rather hard when one of our canine pals is dealing with illness or injuries. When do you say - it's time. It's different for everyone. That's okay but sometimes when you are in the thick of it, you can't see.

We would give our last meal to our dawgs. We adore them so. We fall hard for all our visitors too. It's just us.

Terra had a cruciate operation and has grade 4 hip dysplasia - not good. The vet said most would have put her down. I asked -will she be functioning again? Seeing she has 2 legs to do - he said there's a good chance but won't know till we see if she can strengthen her back end. She absolutely has atrophy from not using her leg. She must be walked around the block 3 times a day steady slow pace. It takes about 20 minutes each go around. Today she is in for her first rehabilitation on the underwater treadmill. I asked Nathan to take photos. I am hoping she does well.

Are we doing this for her or us? To be honest - both but if she had to live with constant pain, I would rethink this process. She will absolutely have arthritis. Perhaps be on Metacam all the rest of her life or maybe not.

She so much wants to be running like Treasure here and we can't blame her.

Before you read this as such a downer - it isn't. It's something we are all faced with eventually in humans and canines.

I do believe Terra is behind in her healing but she is also dealing with a hip and another bad leg - rather a tough one but if you saw her face when Nathan took just her to the car - well priceless.

Our big dawgs are a key element here - socializing the smaller sets to the big dawgs so they find that they are larger but just as friendly. That's important. Of course not all big dogs will be friendly but they must learn size is not a factor - it's about the dawg.

Gad, in our neighbourhood the dawgs must learn that even humans can be afraid of them. We try to get people over that but not always successful.

The puppies that will be 10 weeks tomorrow climb all over Terra and Whitney. They kiss them and snuggle with them. Plus the Goldens just truly know how to be a part of the Havanese pack.

We may never get a Golden after Whitney and Terra but we will always have some big dawg in our lives if we can. For us, the socialization element is critical and it is critical for people to expose their dawgs after they leave and have had their shots - to all sorts of things from dawgs to elevators to balloons etc.

Treasure the moments you have. Make the most of life and enjoy the laughter the Havanese bring - and they do - if you allow.

Clothing and Face Furnishings

Look at what these humans do to me.

Okay, I don't seem to mind - I just look downright funny but my face stays cleaner for the show.It's boy stuff putting my face in all sorts of places it shouldn't be...not neutered boys.

That's okay, winter is coming and Mommy will put these jackets on us when the snow is extra wet so we don't get ice balls. Yes, we get a very cold snowball tummy but if there is a jacket covering that tummy, well only the legs get it. It has to be certain type of snow and it can get washed off easily but for us its an assembly line dressing everyone.

Why are we talking about snow? It's coming - eventually... Best be prepared.