Chico's Settling In

Chico is a pup from Wasabi and had an accident this past week. It seems he swallowed a knee high nylon and had to have an operation.

Luckily it was in the stomach so he won't have any issues with his bowels but he will have this cone head for bit.

We were hoping that he would be able to sleep with our son Jonathan but he has huge tests in university so it looks like the guest room for one of us. heh

We are going to strive to get Chico to be all he can be till we find him that 'right' forever home. It doesn't look like we have too much of a job and that's nice.

Usually when you get a dawg back, you wonder if there was something else beyond what they tell you so it is hard to understand. You want to understand so you can help the dog be all they can be. For Chico, his family never owned a dog and between this operation and feeling guilty that he was home while they both worked and the kids went to school - well now we are looking for a new home for him. Chico thankfully had the stocking in his stomach vs. the bowels.

But first, we will be allowing him to heal, (no medical issues will remain from this except learn from it all) getting his staples out, taking him to obedience (yes we signed him up to be in Coach's and Fiona's class. ) and we will be sprucing his coat up and enjoying him.

What I can tell you is he is very people, kids and dog friendly. He is adapting to this cone head but our little ones reacted way funny as if he was from outer space. It's good conditioning for them as they learn to accept something they are unfamiliar with. Coco really couldn't figure it out at first but it all worked out, as you can see.

I am waiting till he settles totally in and then will be grooming him up, giving him tons of snuggles and in a few days maybe he will get to meet Coach and Sassy again. We shall see. He already has Sebastian here so it's almost like a reunion.

Yes - it's less than 2 weeks and Nathan has to whip Abs to 'just perfect' state but we will love her even if she can't get over her exuberance on a heel. Handling classes for her tomorrow and training today for her and the rest of the gang. Will I fit in a shower...ROFL Yeah when Nathan gets home. Crazy dawg life but how can you help but love them.

Havanese Deck Vegging

Okay, we let the dogs kiss us after they have been known to - fill in the blank and then we lay outside on the deck, reading a book and chillin' with them. Life couldn't get any better.

Nathan is on the deck surrounded by two of Wasabi's 6 month pups lovin' it!

Take a look at their latest video so you can catch them in action.

Nathan always shakes his head at all these moments I capture but they are moments to be remembered and saved always. Ah...nothing like the Havanese!

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!

Remy Graduates

Well, we just got back from watching Remy at class but they finished early. Arrrgh - wouldn't you know it!

We were told he did everything perfectly and we expected he would. I do believe that Wasabi is proud of the little ones and we are too!

It's amazing hearing and watching their milestones.

It was great seeing the entire family. It was also great to see Katsuro out and about with a distraction.

We will have to connect after Wasabi comes back from her lazing in the snowdrifts at Yvonne's place. Maybe we can convince John to bring the fierce-some twosome over as well.

Talemaker Havanese Memories

Talemaker Havanese: Happy Valentine's Day

If you click on this photo (you will see a larger version - my quickie photoshop job - really I am capable of better but it's early), the theme of this is - snow isn't the only thing you need to protect your little ones from but on this Valentine's Day, when chocolate abound, be sure to heed this warning.

If you want to know how to reduce the snowpiles on extra wet snowy days, put on a jacket that covers the under carriage. If you don't, place them in a sink. Have someone else hold them. You pour warm - not hot water on them and brush. The brushing part is important as it will reduce any knots. You will be glad you went the extra mile here.

We, at Talemaker's are going to have a low key day. Sassy is off for an adventure tonight on the long weekend. After she is gone, the dawgs, human mommy and daddy are going candlelight (yes those candles will be out of harm's way) and watching some sappy movie, eating, lovin' and spending time with the furry pack. They make any adversity we face easier -I tell you!

Have a very Happy Valentine's Day and give your fur pals extra hugs. They deserve it even when they drive you C-R-A-Z-Y!

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...

Talemaker Sibling Get Together 17 Weeks

Part of Wasabi's pups were over for a visit and Nathan had a hard time following them with the camera. He was able to get Chico, Sassy and part of our crew (Shoshi with the ball) plus Remy for a bit. We think Remy was schmoozing with the new gals at our home. We can't blame him.

Sibling Get Together

Three of the siblings got together today. We had Remy, Chico and Sassy Lassy plus half sibling Miss Abs all playing together. Fiona played as well at first but it was a tad overwhelming with the craziness of siblings who despite the dipping temperatures and the windy chill, still managed to have a grand time running around. We are hoping we have a video I can put up from it. We shall see. Nathan was the camera man so it all lays on him. hahahahaha

We also had Chico's human siblings and Remy's human siblings here as well as their parents. It was a full house and we realized how much we miss the guys. I have to admit, there is nothing like the play between siblings. There's a bond like none other. The sniff - say - hmm I know you and the fun begins. Even Wasabi got into the mode of playing momma and correcting the fun lovin' crew and she also joined in on the play. They are all tired now. What fun for all.

Thanks for sharing them with us. Next time we also have to get Sebastian and Coach over at the same time and wow it will be fun to watch. Thanks...again!!

The Big & Small: Eating Together

Sometimes things are better with friends - even eating.

We had a full day today. Beth Obrecht came to visit to see her Miss Abs and visit for a bit.

We also did training with pups. Oh all I can say is class will be interesting. We are getting there but C-Bass best be ready for the gals to rule! Heh

Mommy is heard screaming this primal scream that makes dawg barks seem like gentle raindrops as she keeps crashing. She's working on that dog show video and I gather its too large for YouTube. She'll keep trying.

We played a game of retrieve the toy and they all got into that. That human son of my parents - Joe - well he was hanging out here. He loves the dogs so.

Two more days till Miss Fiona gets here. Crazy dawg house at Talemakers - and we can't wait!

All you Wasabi pups - practice, practice, practice. Stardom can be yours - just get that stay down.

Havanese Comforts

Well we are off to a dog show today to see all the dogs strut their stuff. I promise to bring home lots of photos for you to see. I best remember the camera and I best remember to take it out.

Our beloved Fiona - is that what you are calling her, Nathan? Well, she's coming on Thursday after her Baer and Abs gets her Baer then too. Monday we have 3rd shots and we can rest a tad easier.

Our home is really for the dawgs. We create comfort places all over the place. Here you can see Wasabi sitting under a table on a bed. This gives her a birds-eye view with the comfort of a perception that she is in a den. The dawgs LOVE things like this. It doesn't cost you hardly anything but a pillow under the table and it all works for them.

We try to give our dawgs a sense of really having the cush life and they do.

Our son came in from Japan and that was way exciting. Today is Super Bowl time and all I can think of is yeah Havanese - not yeah football so virtually shoot me all you Super Bowl fans but we are off to the dawg show and will be lovin' it seeing old faces, new faces and getting into a positive state of mind. More after we come back.

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!

Talemaker's Coach Visits

Miss Abs got a visit from her half brother Coach - one of Wasabi's pups. Wasabi was delighted to see Coach but this photo was taken just before he was going home. The kids were still mucking it up and Wasabi looks as if to say - kids - do they ever stop playing?

You can click on all the photos to see a larger version.

The crew had a wonderful time. Look tomorrow for some priceless photos of the gang in a slideshow.

We hope Coach sleeps tonight. We know Miss Abs and Wasabi will. Thanks, John for bringing him by. It was a real pleasure. Surely made our day!

More tomorrow>>

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.

The Trios First Class, Visit to Yvonne's

The Havanese Miss Abs Vs. The Leash

Well tomorrow is class time and are we ready? Do you hear mommy laughing hysterical? The strong willed Miss Abs has decided even with daddy treating her, well - you want me to do THAT!

Me thinks daddy is going to have a challenge tomorrow but by next week, she'll be more than fine - just watch. Try to get lead time in, getting acquainted with the house and bonding time in and expect amazing things - well good things come with those that practice patience.

Let's see what she has accomplished so we do not concentrate on what she hasn't. She's only been here now for the 5th day. She runs up and down the stairs now and when she first got here it was as if to say - howl - you want me to go down all those stairs? No problem now.

She wriggles her entire body when Nathan or our youngest son Jonathan comes in the house. She swan dives off the deck out back and I mean swan dives right into the snow. Strangers come to the house and she is WAY friendly to them.

She plays retrieve nicely and does it 100% correct. She also comes to her name.

She will settle for a bed on the floor in our family room but she prefers the couch and gets it. She loves the beds under Nathan's desk.

Nathan closes his office door with him in it so she can eat in peace and quiet and she howls to get out. That howl is way funny too.

She prances and I mean prances when she walks - way nice! She's also a MASSIVE snuggler and we noticed a significant difference on day 5 on how relaxed she has become as if she now knows this is her house to rule. HA! Let's see if Miss Risa allows THAT!

We have a busy day of getting things ready for class and a sleepover at Yvonne's. We promise another update tomorrow and not another till Sunday night filled with photos and fun things we did including revealing tidbits about how the 3 Havanese did in class.

Yvonne still has 3 pups available and they are now already 8 weeks old.

Oh - and Coach's parents made us a banana bread and it's 3/4 gone - YUM and I mean YUM!

We are really getting excited about seeing Sebastian and Sassy Lassy. Can't wait!

Hoping Chico and Remy are having a grand time. Ah puppies - miss that Wasabi crew and she does too.

Hey - Havanese Gal Wake Up

Sebastian says to Shoshi - hey - get up - I want to play! gad these old guys - all they want is their beauty sleep and to play with me in bursts. I guess that's okay too!

I guess I can learn PATIENCE but hrmmm food is calling me. Hey human - stop the exercise - oh is that supposed to be - stop the presses? Whatever....feeding time. I can smell that food already!

Talemaker Havanese 13.5 Week Reunion

This is Talemaker Sassy and Talemaker Sebastian is visiting till early next week. Talemaker Coach came to visit and the fun began. Just wish we got more video. Next time. The pups are now 13.5 weeks old - wow. We miss them already!

Havanese Sibling Socialization

The siblings had a meet and greet session yesterday that was an amazing amount of fun and we wonder if Coach slept afterwards. Sassy crawled into bed upstairs after he left and said enough is enough - I need my sleep. She was completely exhausted. Sebastian decided to stay downstairs and nibble on Terra's ear trying to get her to play. He was wide awake until after 11pm.

They all slept well last night and had no jockeying for position but Sebastian still had Risa's pillow at the top of the bed for a portion of the night- imagine that. He laid across the pillow with his body stretched out and up against Nathan's head. All was fine in his world getting top dawg position for the 2nd night in a row. Katsuro snuggled then decided the floor was cooler. Sassy doesn't seem to get preoccupied with proving any of that stuff - rather like Risa, so one wonders if they remained in the same house who would be true alpha. Only time would tell. Personally, I think a submissive position is easier than controlling the universe.

Interesting enough, Coach is also an alpha want to be - so 3 alpha want to be's getting together to play - it was actually fun. They wrestled and play growled and rolled around and ran and had a roaring grand time. Here's Sassy yanking on her brother to get him out of the tunnel. Hey - you can't escape me - you just think you can.

This get together was great. It was great distraction for us. Thanks, John!

Here's a photo of Coach and Sassy and I am putting this up as Sassy was shaking her head midstream while I was taking this photo trying to dust herself off from the antics of her siblings. It looks a tad funny but that's what she was indeed doing.

Sassy was the target at times but she held her own and then some - but it was all in fun. If it wasn't, we would have ceased the behaviour but she kept going back for more and playing with all comers.

You can click on any of the photos in this site to see a larger version.

I remember when the dogs couldn't reach this water dish and had to put their paws up to drink. My, times have changed. They have really grown. Rockhurst's Buster and Wasabi really made nice pups and Wasabi and her body structure, balanced nature and Buster and his - wow. I can't say enough and they remain ahead of schedule, smart as ever and pretty dawgs. Ok, we aren't supposed to say pretty about the males but they are...rather nice features and everyone says that. They have this cuteness factor thang going on.

The siblings had a blast. I have yet to find time to look at the video but it was a futile attempt to capture. They were running and running with excitement. But - maybe - something. We will find out later and if so, we will upload. Our still photos were just as bad. Amazing how fast with excitement they were moving. We must do this again.

Havanese Morning Stroll

This is Sebastian and Sassy coming in from their morning stroll out back. They love the layer of snow and Sebastian hasn't stopped making that tweety sound yet with that stick we can't find anywhere. I may hide that toy and Sassy wants it back.

Off to do breakfast. Boy are they full of it this fine morning.

More later...