Havanese Kisses

I tell ya, some guys get all the luck. Here Nathan is just having a moment with the rescue Kooba we are fostering and tonight he was off with Fiona getting her energized for the ring and having a great time with her.

Special moments with the dawgs is what it is all about.

Linda came over today to meet Kooba and she just fell in love with her. If she didn't have 4 dogs - well she may have found that forever home. So, we are still looking and enjoying the lovin'

Then when Nathan got back from handling class, he ran around like a mad man and got the dogs going, including Risa - who you may or may not be able to tell is jumping up but what you can't see is the squirrel - the flat one that Nathan had.

All it takes is a few minutes to enjoy your dogs and they will love you even more for it. Plus you get the smiles.

Havanese Chillin' on a Cool Day

Oh my, those humans love the heat as they love that big wet thing they call a pool but I like the cool breeze blowing through my hair and chillin' on the deck. Life is good.

Do you want to do training with a dog? Take them for a walk. When a dog goes for a brisk walk, it creates bonding time, and when you return home to teach that new trick or command, they are more amenable to it.

There's nothing like a walk for you, and for them.

But Risa - well, she loves chillin' but we still get her walking and when she does - well she loves it. Try it!

Competition and Tsk Tsk Oh No Havanese

Yes, you are seeing this photo right. Kat has competition big time now from the Fiona.

She gets so excited, she jumps around on her back legs not being able to contain herself. She's an absolute riot and then she jumps in and I actually managed to capture it with my camera - which doesn't do action shots all that well.

This isn't the first time but it is the first time I managed to catch in on digital.

I just adore her enthusiasm. Does the girl swim right out? No - just like Kat she swims all over enjoying herself before getting out, shaking herself off.

She's not a stupid dog either cause when she gets tired, she hitches a ride right on human daddy's back. That was her idea.

You have to love this tiny little thing filled with enthusiasm. She's going to be a riot in the ring - I tell ya!

I think I have the key. Take over the top personality - mix it with excitement and - well you get fun in the pool and I wish I had captured her strutting her stuff so proud of what she did. She is indeed a 'look at me' dog.

Well, everyone knows that we stopped walking dogs during puppies as it is too easy to pass things on to the so - Risa got - well there is no other nice way to put it but - wide in the berth or mid-section or all over. ROFL Well, the gal is on a diet and exercise and she thinks he throat has been cut. She's not a happy camper and she sometimes sulks and whines and Risa never whines about a thing till this - food.

Well, Risa is perfectly behaved - never has anything she does wrong except get grouchy at times but today the smell of lamb chops and daddy leaving the room was too much for her to handle and when daddy got back, the lamb chops were mostly eaten and she was munching away on the table. Needless to say - Risa understands she did something wrong and she actually realized it when Nathan came into the room and I suppose even before she got up on the table but as I said - hell hath no fury like a starving woman. ROFL

Havanese Pool Life

There are days that we can hang out at the pool and not get wet but those days are far and few between and then it's RAINING!

Miss Abs has handling class tonight as she will be at Lindsay on July 1st - her human daddy's brother's birthday and a celebration of this fine land. We opted out of going to any of the rest at Lindsay as its during the week and work - well mommy needs to work.

Mommy is borrowing a camera tonight so she will be taking many photos at handling class. That ought to be fun and then we are heading to Walmart to get a sun shelter for some of those outdoor shows. It's not that mommy and daddy need shade but the dogs do.

Then mom gets home and needs to work again. So much work lately - building lots of home related stuff such as clutter buster and hey no article is going to help the human mom on THAT subject. But I am sure it will help some of you that are so inclined.

More later...

New Havanese Haircuts

Well, Daddy decided that Risa needed her hair gone so she could swim every day and get into shape. Between spaying her and not being able to walk her while we had pups, well - she got a tad chunky and she's ever so good at working the house.

So, now Daddy is the only food source treats and all and he's taking her for marathon walks. Next is swimming when the weather cooperates.

As you can see Risa's beard, front hair was left long and her body actually is short but done in layers.

When she stands up, she has some length hanging but not much. This way her hair is thin.

She can get fit and Mommy doesn't have to worry about all those knots. With very thick hair, and shows - well she was getting some when the gal never has before. Oh well, that middle age spread and age thang.

Remember you can click on the photos to see a larger version always.

All the dogs sniffed up Risa as if she was a brand new dog in the pack.

She indeed feels thinner and Audrey (our groomer) says that she will be able to swim without mats. That's good as we are a swimming house here.

Audrey comes to your house and I rather like that. She used to own 'Dogs in the City' and found she can make more $$ this way without the overhead of rent.

Well, then Audrey started in on Shoshi and she was so bad. She just struggled with her on her feet. It seems she really doesn't like them cut so close so she moved and moved and moved.

This is Shoshi on the table in my laundry room just before she was done.

Ignore the mess. I had just finished doing Whitney before she came. Whitney takes so long to wash and dry and oh my that hair that comes out. Retrievers are like that.

Audrey did the haircuts and I hesitated in a big way in cutting Shoshi due to her heavy ticking.

She also brought her grooming arm as she likes hers better and I can see why.

You can't see the ticking as much here due to the angle but boy does she have heavy - all over the place spots.

Take a look at this photo to the right where you can see how bad the ticking really is.

She looks like a spotted....

You don't notice the ticking so much till it is cut short and voila - the distribution is different with each dog.

Some have it throughout and some don't appear to be.

What is ticking? A parti coloured dog (black and white) with this gene will have flecks of colour throughout the white coat, giving it a salt and pepper appearance. Dogs without this gene will have a white that stays crisp and pure. In the canine world, the correct term for this is "Belton"

Not all Havanese have ticking. Actually some other breeds have ticking as well. But if you are interested in colour, check out Suzanne McKay's site.

Take a look at the left to see another view. Look at how heavy it is all up and down her legs. But the gal has straight legs. hahahaha

Well, none of us are perfect but each of us have perfection within. it's different for each and imperfection is true perfection.

As soon as Shoshi got off the table, she rolled and rolled so it was challenging to get good photos of her without her hair sticking up but at least you can see the ticking.

Well, Shoshi's out of here. She has things to do, places to sniff and fun to be had. If the weather holds up, I am sure she will be in the pool. Let the summer fun begin!

More tomorrow....

Dog Heaven Week

Exciting times at Talemaker Havanese this week. We have Bailey, one of Risa's pups coming over tomorrow to stay till Sunday. We also have a relative of Miss Abs - Little Dickens coming. The dogs are going to have fun this week.

Then we have the biggest celebration for dogs - a must see event once a year called Woofstock and it's happening this weekend. It's a must to go to. You can bring your dog. You can even eat out on a patio of many of the restaurants with your dog.

No where else in Toronto can you go shopping for your dog and with your dog to so many places at once. It's a feast of a dawgie celebration that you really should attend. We will be!

To Wash or Not to Wash

Look at this photo of Fiona and her grandma, Risa.

Fiona is already for obedience school with hair back in a band. Nathan and Fiona just got picked up by Coach's parents. It's class time and now to decide - pack for tomorrow for the show or wash Miss Abs or?

More later after Fiona's class when we hear how everyone did and maybe a report that the Abs is sparkling clean. Last time I washed her too early, she romped with Zack and I had to wash her twice.

Havanese Mother's Day

Well, it's Mother's day and here I am - the Risa hanging out. I am the oldest Havanese here so it's MY CELEBRATION too!

Let's see what has happened so far. We went back to bed with mommy as she thinks this is HER day after her human son Tal greeted her and the dad made pancakes and remembered coffee.

While we were taking a shower, we heard - 'quack quack' on the deck and daddy tried to get dressed fast so they could chase the ducks out of the pool.

It's a fun thing that Shoshi likes to lead the pack on. By the time they got downstairs - well no ducks so they are waiting for their return.

No harm ever happens - just a fun game of chase them out of the pool and sometimes even with Shoshi standing on her back legs - well they go to the middle of the pool and ignore her. If it was warmer, Kat would simply jump in and surprise them.

Ducks leave a tremendous amount of cleanup just from a 15 minute stay and the same pair always come back to swim, leave their deposits and just enjoy their holiday. ha!

Kids are out cleaning (well some) the garden and dogs are inside with mommy. We are waiting for Yvonne so she can clean up my mess on her blog. I posted there by accident - yikes

Off to Rens today after Yvonne comes and then hanging out in our new quality sunshade (a joke between friends)

Zack and Katsuro went for a walk. Zack will be going to Rens with us for socialization and the rest - throughout the day. Let's hope the rain stays AWAY!

Well from the Talemaker crew to yours - may you have an amazing Mother's Day!

Havanese Moments

The puppies are coming into their own vying for everything and that is usual at this age. It does get better as they get older but may not give you as much laughs as it does now, depending on your mindset.

Dear old Miss Abs is sitting in wait with her mind churning trying to figure out how she can get what's in the dish. Now Miss Abs has already eatened but she would have Risa's and anyone elses if she could just figure out how to maneuver that without getting told - not on your life.

We feed the dogs pretty much in the same spot but we manage to control who eats what by our presence. They know the ultimate bosses are us but that doesn't stop the mind calculating the next move. Please Risa - can you spare some food?

As you can see, Risa managed to eat the whole thing!

Well, the human here is trying to get motivated in training the crew and taking a walk with them in a bit.

Hope you are more motivated than we are. Funny how the weather affects everything.

Handling Class, Wind & Havanese Play

We captured a windy moment out back filled with much ice and mud and muck, sticks and leaves. These are all things the dogs love. heh

The puppies adore the wind and so does Risa. The pups would stay out for hours if allowed. I want warmer and dryer before I move the portable out there.

Miss Abigail is off to her first handling class tonight to see if we can get her ready for the Lindsay show this month. Human mommy is not going in case I am a factor in her motivation and she's going hungry. That's right - we are starving her. ROFL Well - for an hour later than her usual dinnertime so she eats there with treats - chicken, liver, all good things - yum. We will report tomorrow how it all turned out but no photos as the camera person - the human mommy won't be there.

Today the puppies were really full of it as you can see Miss Abs flying through the air getting ready to pounce on Fiona but don't you worry - Fiona gives it back.

Miss Fiona gave me trouble with grooming again. She's not all that crazy about it but when I really get mad but she does stop. :-) It's that look - you know.

Oh - more later....and videos when we have Sebastian, Coach, Sassy and Cocoa. I promise!

Grandpa Mojo Agility in Action

We have some climbers here and some jumpers. You can see Fiona climbing up Whitney without a care in the world but we don't think Whitney thought it was all that fun. Still - she adores the little ones.

But the king is Risa's dad, Katsuro's grandpa and Fiona's great grandpa - the Mojo. Check out Mojo practicing his agility with Willard.

More later as the crew does their thang today!

Havanese Benny & Canine Mom Mixing It Up

Just had to share a couple of photos of Risa mixing it up with her son Benny (Katsuro's Brother). They were playing non-stop.

Benny came to us way hesitant with mixing it up with the pack and that's unusal around here so we were hoping by pick up, his owners could hear how great of a time he had with us.

We strive to give the dawgs the very best time while they are here. Having them find their balance is really important to us. If they are happy - well it surely makes us happy.

Yesterday Abigail was mixing it up with Benny and this fine morning, Miss Risa - who doesn't play unless she really feels she likes the dawg was having a roaring good time with him.

Here's a shot of Risa pouncing at Benny getting him to engage in play. She's flying through the air at him. They did this nonstop and it was a back and forth and I do believe Benny was really having a grand time, as was Risa.

It's hard to get good photos with my camera with lots of movement but we try so ignore the blur and enjoy.

Did you ever get that camera, Beth? If so, gad I envy you. To get clean photos in action...ah well. Nathan's going to tell me to stop whining and I deserve THAT! ROFL

Well, we try. These are Nathan's attempts at capturing these really special moments and they are to us. Woudl have loved a closer photo of Risa in mid-air but you still get the point.

Here you can barely see Benny reciprocating doing a play bow back. He was full out and out playing with the grand dam - his canine mommy. It was fun to watch.

Rememember you can click any photo to enlarge them.

This photo of Benny was taken by Nathan through our window. We had just came back in and they wanted to stay out and then the play began and we didn't want to interrupt it. So, we got the photos we did and the memories - well are keepers.

So, some play last night - Jonathan becoming his person and Risa engaging him in play. All is right in Benny's world and therefore ours.

Katsuro's Brother Was Over With Olga

Benny, Katsuro's brother and his person, Olga came to visit. Benny is getting reacquainted with the crew and will be staying with us a week from Friday.

We are excited and are positive Benny will have an amazing holiday while his person has hers.

Benny loves to pose for photos. It's nice. I don't have to worry about when this camera will actually click to shoot the picture. He waits for the camera. Can't ask for a better subject.

Remember you can always click on the photos to see a larger version.

Then we have Sebastian and Louis coming - different dates but sleepovers none the less.

It's always a crazy Talemaker Havanese house around here and we love it!

Havanese Friendships Abound

Ah, the play of the Havanese - nothing quite like it. This duo - as the days go by - are becoming the best of pals. I think Miss Abs will enjoy Fiona when she gets a tad bigger even more but still - they manage to mix it up and Hav Joy!

Fiona still loves high places and there is still much jockeying in the bed. I think Fiona moved around the most last night and curls right into the crrok of your neck and fits there - and one wonders how it will be tonight with Gidget.

Miss Wasabi Woo and Risa had the brains in the house. They took over the extra twin bed attached to our king and claimed the entire thing as their own. Now who's the smartest?

We will tell you how it all works out tomorrow. Till then, we are watching Westminister, freezing our ahems off to get the dawgs to do their business then off to bed. More tomorrow...

Havanese Nights

Hey - daddy went out with Sassy tonight to go play with Coach at his house. Daddy didn't get any great photos but here he is after getting home pretending to exercise. What - you don't believe it? They were all exercising. Exercising what? Their best stare- hahahaha

Dear old Abs gets comfie in the best spot - on high.

The crew is upstairs so I have to finish this off. Usually some of them wait for me but tonight it's only the Shoshi. I guess that means that the crew is way tired. Sassy came back and played her heart out with Fiona and Miss Abs. She sort of had no choice as they decided 'tag' she was it. I imagine now she is fast asleep. One wonders if Coach is flaking out too. Watch - I will go upstairs and she is playing with Abs...heh

This is the lone photo that Nathan got of the two playing. I can hardly tell who is who. They surely look like siblings. Can't wait to hear all about the adventures tomorrow unless the Sassy deigns to whisper in my ear tonight and tell me all about it. Wouldn't it be nice if they could? I certainly think so.

Well Westminister is on tonight and tomorrow on OLN they say. I missed tonight so can't wait to hear the news. Hope the Havanese are showing well. Let's hope for the miracle....yes Beth's miracle. :-)

Two of Katsuro's Brothers (photos)

This is a photo of Katsuro at 6 days old. Below you will see him this past summer. We chronicaled the pups that were born here daily. For us this is interesting as havanese can change even in adulthood.

We just got an update from two of Katsuro's brothers (Risa's last litter). One is in a puppy cut and one is a half stage growing out stage. One of them retained his black and white and the other has gone to a steel grey. For those that are interested in doing a puppy cut, this will give you an idea of what one will look like.

Can't wait to see them up close but I suspect the steel grey one also has some colours on the coat like Katsuro - who also has beiges and browns. Check them out.

They CAN change in colour. They may retain their colour. It depends on the genetics in their line.

It's one of the visual things about them that also make them so interesting.

Talemaker Coach Visit & Snowy Days

Miss Abs & Coach got along fabulously. Coach was more gentle with her than with his canine mom Wasabi. Miss Wasabi Woo was delighted and it's a joy to watch her excitement when seeing the pups. A great time was had by all. Now it's snowing and we are also including the photos of that - snow covered dawgs - such fun! Another grooming day...hehehehe

Snow tends to invigorate the Havanese. Enjoy the slideshow below!

Havanese Monday Blahs

Nathan and Miss Abs did their class homework. Did Sassy Lassy and Sebastian? We will find out come Saturday - hahahahahaha

Just to update you, I am a bit under the weather. Not sure why but feeling chills. I usually only feel that in other places. We are still working on the video of Abigail making her transition and the video from Yvonne's house but it may take me till tomorrow. Still hoping but want to crawl on the couch. Also, Yvonne will have some photos up on her blog and I will put a pointer here when she does from the weekend. Look for it soon.

By the way, Miss Abs has totally made the bridge. She stole a tug toy from Risa and played with her. She plays with Wasabi and Shoshi every chance she gets. She hangs on Katsuro's back and on and on. But for those that know Risa - stealing a toy from her - well the gal has guts and she has made it completely. ROFL

Wasabi even plays with Abs just like she did Sassy so that gal has real get up and go. Oh my! What fun to see.

Havanese Changes

The crew is a bit off today as Sebastian is not here and neither is Coach but they are working it out.

It brings up our observations that whenever there are changes, there is always an adjustment. When we have visitors, the dogs get so excited and then when they go home - they go - now what?

Havanese are a highly sociable dawg. It's not that you can't just have one but 2 play differently with more enthusiasm. It's just a fact.

Now one would say but you have all those dawgs - but puppies bring a high level of enthusiasm to the mix and that's what the crew is missing. We know this is a temporary thing but as we are so in tuned with our dawgs, we watch and digest what is going on. Changes are always a 'good' thing. It helps your dog adjust to life as life is not stagnant.

We suspect by tomorrow, the crew will be back to themselves and Miss Abs will find her own needs met by the adults learning what she can get from which.

On Saturday, we are going to visit Yvonne's crew and stay over with the dawgs this way Miss Abs can really mix it up, deal with another change, have yet another car ride (we are giving her as many as we can) all with the goal to be very balanced so she can deal with anything life throws out at us.

For now, Miss Abs is playing with Nathan, trying to play with the Shosh and Katsuro and even trying to get Terra going. They play but not with enthusiasm. But as we know from experiences in the past, this too will pass and we will be back to crazy Havanese times.

So do, follow our journey.

Mischevious Havanese

Sassy: it's all about the game type, missy - chievious personality, intelligent, balanced, caring, special heart, quick thinker, likes the game - whatever games she creates and is now 4 lbs 15 oz. She loves to eat too.

Now if she wasn't going to the people she is, well I think she would never be going ANYWHERE.

There are times after all the fun and games, the dogs just conk out and sit next to you and all is right in the world. This was one of those moments yesterday. Here you can see Maggie - the mom of Yvonne's latest litter who happens to be our very own Risa's daughter, Sassy and Flora Dora - well Flora from Lola's litter - Yvonne's litter just before this one who happens to have Wasabi's brother as the sire. No wonder they look similar.

Oh, Havanese can be quite amusing. Our adult dogs minus Katsuro who had his topknot/ponytail gnawed out of him by another dog - well they wear hair ties to hold the hair away from the eyes. Typically, Sassy now has a hair tie or two in her mouth from Wasabi's head or Shoshi's that we have to take away from her.

We have to catch her in the act as it is way cute but a no no when you have a show dog that is the recipient of such antics.

As time goes on, Sassy has been learning how to effectively communicate with the other dogs, get the best of them if she can help it by playing these fun games and she delights in them. We are going to miss such spirit around here but she's like her mom so the new owners are going to have a life of interesting times woven with much fun and personally - well that's what makes Havanese so special. This litter - well I must have done something right to have them in our lives.

More later after Sebastian comes.>>