Saturday, June 28, 2008 at 5:52AM 
Woke up to rain so now what?
Can't romp on the beach but maybe mommy and daddy can wait till the stores are open and bring us down in our arms anyways? Maybe it will stop raining though they say rain all day today and tomorrow.
Go figure - it's the weekend.
More later...
Friday, June 27, 2008 at 7:13PM 
Fiona Says:
Daddy - it was nice hanging out with you today and hanging on your back just like Katsuro does.
Someone told me that we are on an adventure tomorrow as mommy has been working way too long of hours and you and mommy and Abs and I are off to the place called the Beaches where dogs are plentiful and I get a lot of that socialization stuff. Sounds like way fun.
Think we can go to dog beach or Ashbridges park or the dog store so I can get yummy snacks?
Well, the day is almost over and mommy is waiting till the sun to go down so we can all go on a huge walk. Are you coming daddy too?
Thursday, June 26, 2008 at 1:12PM 
This is Abs yesterday when she got out of the pool.
She was a gal on a mission.
Get me out of this crazy Talemaker Havanese place.
Sure, I can swim and even like it when I do but convincing me before and after I get out - well - maybe if I learn to dive like Kat.
While Abs was dripping wet, Fiona was laying in the muck in the very back. She's a gal after my heart - a gardener - ROFL
Well - we have Coach and Sassy coming for a visit today. No swimming. It's WAY hot but daddy has been out for business and mommy took us out to weed a little bit but she's been working.
The camera goes back tonight so back to the slow mo version. HA! Thanks for sharing, Yvonne!
Tuesday, June 24, 2008 at 3:54PM 
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...
Saturday, June 21, 2008 at 2:58PM 
Well, we have had some real fun today fitting in pool, grand kids, shopping at the Village Market and standing in line for a Wii Rock Band that never came at both Best Buy and Toys R Us. Are we nuts or what? Well, Nathan had the grand kids and the dogs all swimming and I had the lineups. Who had the better deal? I ask myself that all the time. I hate traffic and line ups but the pool I can handle.
Anyone who knows Havanese knows that all it takes to get a Havenese in full on play is to get them wet. They pounce, run-like-hell and have all sorts of fun. Our two youngest was doing just that.
We have more photos to come and more stories to tell later today but we have to hit a pool store before we wake the neighbours due to our pool cleaner. Long story and go to Shoppers for my fave dog deep conditioner. Yes - that's right. I use a deep conditioner that is for humans in the dogs - especially on the show dogs so they still have life - full on play and can still be shown. They aren't as pristine as those segregated show dogs but hey, they are having an amazing time building tales to dream on.
More later as life gets a tad quieter or it starts pouring and we can't do the outside thing.
Well, it's later and the dogs did have a grand time. As you can see in this photo, the youngest duo was having a run-like-hell game that lasted for close to an hour. Usually it's short spurts but that wet again tends to invigorate them.
Ignore the weeds as they are many with this lovely weather we have been having.
It's hard to believe I used to be on the garden tour - well my yard was.
It's the dogs or weeds and guess which one I pick. ROFL
Well, the duo ran under the deck, over the deck, up the walkways, behind the pool house over and over.
I do believed this pair is totally bonded but Katsuro of late has been teaching them, playing with them and really investing his time with them rather like he did with the pups.
It's nice to see this side of him - that gentle soul. Kat not only jumped in and swam with Nathan today but also with the grand kids.
Nathan also took in our old lady retriever who seems to be losing the back legs again.
If you followed us last summer, you will remember that the pool exercises got her walking again. We are hoping for the same this time but we also have to realize she's aging.
She's unable to pull herself out of the pool so Nathan had to help her but perhaps in a few weeks she will be. We shall see.
Wasabi has just finished her false pregnancy. I guess she enjoyed motherhood that she wanted more pups. She's starting to get back into the funk of life and playing again. It's genuinely great to see.
Here you can see her doing the play bow to the rest of the pack - come play - come play!
It does my heart good to see Wasabi back to being full of life!
Well, the gang had a glorious time and so did the grand kids.
We are off to see Yvonne, Alex, pregnant Lola (our Katsuro is the dad) and Mags, Flora, Fiona's sister Downey & resident large Havanese Beardie Britney.
You can click on any photos to see a larger version.
Fun will be had by all, I am sure!
Friday, June 20, 2008 at 5:23PM 
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....
Friday, June 20, 2008 at 8:35AM 
Fiona often poses for her photos and Abs - well she just is hard to catch in action. It's different personalities. But here Abigail is shaking a toy and Fiona is wondering what the sense of that is.
After going outside and getting all wet in the grass, we came back to play a vigorous game of retrieve with the duo pouncing when a toy was thrown. It's the funniest sight you ever did see as they don't run but do this run to a pounce as if they are attacking the toy and they both do it.
How did you start YOUR day? I hope it was with just as much of a laugh and fun and just the way the day should start. If not, well do something about it. It only takes a few minutes and it can put a smile on your face. More later.>>
Thursday, June 19, 2008 at 8:37AM 
We put down - well Nathan puts down 8 bowls each morning. He's the food giver so he gains and retains the allegiance of the show crew. I have stopped doing snacks even when I brush or train and rely on them going to him after I finish.
We have only started this a few days ago but the pack has already changed ever so slightly. They are sleeping and hanging out with Nathan more and me less. Is that a good thing? Well for the show dogs it is but I miss them so I realize I was also filling my own needs. But if we are going to get the show dogs to be all they can be, they must be totally reliant on Nathan. We will fill you in from time to time to tell you if it is working or not. Time will tell.
If you look at this photo, you can tell a bit about each of the personalities. Yes, we feed all 8 together without issue except from time to time Risa wants to steal someone else's or Abs or Shoshi. But we monitor and correct and all works. Abs tends to put her face in her bowl and savour each drop without taking her head out till done and Fiona is constantly looking around seeing if anyone else has something she doesn't.
Last night Shoshi tried to sleep with me and Fiona growled her off. It's not that Fiona wanted to sleep with me. She wanted to at that moment but as soon as Shoshi went up on the pillow, the challenge was not there and Fiona moved. Cute...
Came across a photo of Sebastian and Abigail. Boy have they changed. Take a look.
Last night I walked all the dog in a pack of 2 at a time - 4 walks and had an incident with a loose sheltie who bit my pants - connected with skin but no breaking of the skin. Have no idea why it happened. I had Shoshi and Abs with me. But when I reached a certain part of the road, the sheltie turned around still barking its fool head off. I am going to go back tonight with Nathan so I do not get fearful of such an incident. I tend to think it was a loose dog that lived in the neighbourhood and was just being territorial. Did the owner let it out as a usual ritual or did it escape from the yard or? Tonight may be telling. Still, a dog that bites - not good and loose.
More later. Have to get to work.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008 at 7:58PM 
Benny came for a visit with his owner, Olga. I was a tad busy building pages and after this, I am going to get back to it. Lots of work these days - building lots so Nathan took camera in hand and snapped away.
Taking a photo of a black faced dog is an art as it is hard to see the face. But, I didn't think he did half a bad job. You can see Benny's somewhat.
Well, not much to report on today. Lots of brushing. Mommy/Daddy's tummy is upset so no walks and not sure if the dogs had training today. It happens but Abs has a show soon so we got to get back to it.
We get to go to Yvonne's this week and visit and see the preggie Lola. Knowing how pregnant woman feel - she may take Kat's head off. We shall see.
More tomorrow and we are hoping work is less and stomach cooperates. Nothing else other than work got done today. It happens.
Sunday, June 15, 2008 at 4:53PM 
Today we only got reserves but that's okay. Daddy and the Abs looked good together and we were able to meet another Havanese owner, Deb. How cool is that?
Then we went shopping at that plant place. What is it - garden centers but mommy likes them as they are cheaper than the city and good quality too.
Then we came back and two of the sons cooked dinner for the human dad for Father's Day.
Well we are going to get back in shape - mommy, daddy and the Havanese and retriever crew so we will be getting back to walks. That means every time daddy gets those leashes out, mom is in for the walk. You hear that daddy? Oh my the dawgs are going to love the walks pre-puppies that they had and Abs and Fiona are in for a treat. Not that they haven't gone on walks but there are walks and then there are walks. We will be back to the latter.
Saturday, June 14, 2008 at 4:43PM 
We had another day that was a bust but we came home and had a roaring grand time. But that man - he does claen up well but shhhh don't tell him THAT!
The crew went swimming and Katsuro and Wasabi laid on top of mommy while she laid in the pool on a mat. It was a sight for sore eyes but sorry - no camera.
Now daddy is out with Abs visiting jazzy and picking up Chinese food. Mommy might even do a glass of wine with raspberries in it. Yum. Now that will get her to sleep tonight.
Pray for no storms. Due to so many - Whitney is not doing well. Mommy is not either as she is not getting any sleep. Oh well, there is tomorrow late morning and afternoon to chill and we may - in that pool.
Friday, June 13, 2008 at 4:50PM 
Well, no points today but Yvonne's Flora won big and we are hoping Downsey did great in the sanction match. Woo hoo!!
It would be easier if they gave you a report card. geez!
Well, another day tomorrow and an early one at that. We also have the puppy sweepstakes if we hang around for that.
Mommy - can I just play...please?
Thursday, June 12, 2008 at 1:14PM 
Oh, there are days when man and dog is in synch and this is one of those times. Nathan is running and Abigail is allowing her human daddy think he can outrun her. Of course she gave him a head start.
Tomorrow is a show and just showing up means you are a winner of sorts. You made the commitment. You put in the time to train and the love of the dog comes through if you are in the right mindset.
Going to be interesting if it's rainy times. We will fill you in after we experience it. Till then....more later!
Wednesday, June 11, 2008 at 9:02PM 
With everything, if you are having issues with your Havanese, slow conditioning does wonders. You just have to be consistent and persistent.
Every moment is an opportunity to teach and reinforce. You can always practice 'come', heeling on walks, sits, downs, stay etc
Use the opportunity even if it's at home. Never give a free treat or a hug or - anything when you can use that moment to continue learning. Well, don't make a habit of it - heh!
Abs is having an issue with the grass. Although she had her morning and afternoon show training in it, we want her to think that the grass is fun as well.
So, off to the park we went with Shoshi, daddy and me, of course. I have to take the photos, you know.
Well, you can clearly tell Abs is a puppy not just due to the length of her hair but the relentless deaking (running and swiping) she did with Shoshi to get her to play. Shoshi needed it too.
Shoshi's favourite place is the park behind the school. It's not always quiet so we have to know when we can do off leash work and when we can't. We have excellent recall with both of these particular dogs so they have earned their off leash play. But Nathan uses it as an opportunity to get them to 'come' for a treat. They count on it!
They also played fetch the ball but Abigail would touch it to claim it but hasn't quite figured out to bring it back. This is OUR problem as we should have been teaching her fetch. It's a great game that Shoshi knows so well. We are hoping that Abigail picks it up from her as she is in for many more park plays. Doesn't she look thoroughly happy and in the top photo, exhausted too?
See, show training can be fun too. How was this show training? We were showing Abs that grass is fun and I do believe she believed it today.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008 at 9:18AM 
It's important that you practice when you have a show. It gives the dogs the exposure to other dogs, scents, sounds and getting mad handled by the judges.
But last night was almost fruitless in getting anywhere. We had Fiona with us as we were thinking of placing her in a sanction match. Well, between that distraction with both - the instructor being totally distracted (usually is good) as the class was too large and that grass - well we left early. It made us realize that the pack mates Fiona and Abs look to each other and distraction was magnified. We are going to have to do them one at a time until we are up to the challenge and have $$ to throw away on shows. As I feel both would be a wash if last night was anything close to reality.
Today, practice and more later...
Tuesday, June 10, 2008 at 8:51AM 
Well, another steamy, hot day in Havanese land. We are wet from the thunderstorms, steamy heat and just plain strange weather. It's hard to get comfortable.
Our heart goes out to a certain Havanese called Lexi that has had no air conditioning for the last couple of days.
Our friends at Chicadoro Havanese has some tips on how to deal with this strange weather.
Katsuro is just hanging out in one of our beds just trying to get warm. He's a rather wet boy. Some Havanese love the rain like him and others like our Shoshi go - oooh wet feet - yuck. Shoshi I have to pick up and put her in the middle of the grass when it rains to do her business and Katsuro would stay out there and get soaked to the skin. He also loves diving in the pool so that says a lot too. Water seems to be a friend of his.
WE are off to handling class tonight. Abs has so much conditioner on her she could slide out the door - hahahaha - yeah I am trying to be funny but its now starting to feel that way. Bath for her come late Thursday or 4am Friday before show - yikes but this rain may wash it away. Who said these dog shows are for the weak at heart or body - well they aren't. Ha!
Monday, June 9, 2008 at 1:26PM 
Mommy, mommy, mommy - I don't have to share Abigail any longer - what fun!
Fiona was in an interesting mood this morning as suddenly no visitors and no competition to play with Abs. All the visitors and new dogs play with Abs as she is a play monster with a calming projection about her. Fiona is a boisterous play monster who pounces, seduces and takes advantage. hahahahaha It takes the new comers a bit of time to 'get' that.
But Fiona thinks there is nothing like a little Abs in her life or is that a lot of Abs in her life. As I type this, they are side by side and usually Abs doesn't do side by side except with the human daddy but with Fiona - well she allows and even seems to enjoy.
Last night we had a rip roaring storm to come through - their first one and the pups reacted. Fiona started barking her fool head off and Abs just sort of slunk behind and away from the noise and flashes of light. Of course we have a golden that doesn't do storms too well since we got her as a rescue but we have managed to slowly condition her crazy uncontrollable behavior out of her. So, as determined as I am to not allow such a fear to set in, I took Fiona out in the storm (yes to me the barking was - I am unsure of this ruckus) and I had Abs beside me. I said 'silly girl, silly girl' which is my code word for - 'I have this handled and therefore there is nothing to worry about'. I then took them inside and they didn't react any further. It worked so their fear did not get into a deeper level where it would have taken more conditioning to get it to work.
I am proactive in conditioning them out of fear issues. Today I have a blue tarp over the picnic table and the Abs was nervous about it as it was flapping and making sounds and going every which way. I was cleaning it for the show this weekend. I took her over to it. I actually put her on top of the picnic table where the tarp was laying on and said 'silly girl, silly girl' - there goes those words again. I then placed her under the table - had her walking on it and although she didn't totally trust it when we were done, she was able to go past it and walk on it.
Our dogs go through fear periods and it is our job to help them find coping skills. By being proactive, you can eliminate or reduce the fear they may have with new things. It doesn't mean there is anything wrong with your dog. It means they are normal. It's how you handle it that matters. Coddling only increases and validates the reaction. You can help them more by small exposures in a positive way even if you firmly place their paws on the item, talk calm and positive and even if you are fearful - do not show it - get empowered and it will work. If we can reduce the fear in our retriever by 95% - and she was a total mess when we got her, think of how you can help a dog where fears have not been so solidified that it becomes their coping skill.
All humans and canines alike have fears. Think about it. You may or may not have any clue how the fear settled in but it did and if you had no choice and slowly was conditioned to whatever you were fearful about, the feat would dissipate. The unknown is always a concern but once you learn coping skills, you look forward to the unknown. Some even relish them.
So, do your part and help your little ones find solutions and skills so they can be balanced.
Sunday, June 8, 2008 at 3:14PM 
The Abigail thinks its way too hot to deal with outside so here she is lazing in her new bed she got at Woofstock. It's mighty comfie and she's been nesting in it so the pillow isn't laying real flat but that is the way she loves it.
We were lucky enough to have Gidget and Audrey over for a visit and even managed to get some video. I have to convert it but hoping it comes out.
Where's the thunderstorm that was supposed to happen all day? All I see is sun. So - eating and back to the pool as this is sweating season for sure!
Yeah gad and that means I have to brush Katsuro yet again - oh no.
Well, our visitors will be going home tonight. We are sure they had a wonderful time.
Miss Abs is lounging before doing a show on Friday. More later>>
Saturday, June 7, 2008 at 6:58PM 
Well, Fiona and I are off to Woofstock but Daddy had to buy into the combined government and big oil robbery by adding gas to the van. Oh - but how else could we go to our much enjoyed Woofstock. They sure have us by the ...... fill in the blank.
Fiona wasn't sure of it all at first. She had her tail down trying to survey all the dogs and people and - oh boy there were a ton of those in this sweltering heat. But after meeting other Havanese and getting used to the meet and greet, her tail went up and so did everyone else's.
This is GREAT socialization for our guys if you are proactive in watching the signs of dogs that aren't friendly.
Woofstock can be a tad overwhelming for those that haven't seen this many dogs at once before. This was Katsuro's 2nd year so he wasn't ruffled in the least.
We were able to hookup with Yvonne, Flora and Downsey. We didn't see anyone else from the Hav group.
You can click on any photo to see a larger version.
Downsey is Fiona's sister. Flora is from an earlier breeding of Yvonnes. You will see her at the Orono show and you will also get to see Miss Abs there.
Well, we were lucky enough to bump into a really nice lady that had the 'Rens Pet of the Month' photo of Abigail. Please post and tell me your name. Silly me for not getting it. I want to thank you SOOOOOO much for bringing it. I need one more copy - if anyone has one so I can send it to Miss Abigail's breeder. Thanks ever so much again.
It was Havanese heaven of sorts and we kept bumping into a number of them but I didn't get photos of all. Sorry. But, one was a deep red colour so I wanted to share it with you and no that cutie in the back is not a Havanese. ROFL!
We got a ton of samples from shampoo to treats. Let's see - to cover a small sample, we got 'Barking Mad' natural treats, Benny Bullys (small packages of 4 different new types and we also bought some, Natural Planet Organic dog food, to training pads, poop bags, to Doggie Dinner casserole - frozen and much more.
Poor Fiona loved all the treats so much that she came home to a tummy ache - loose bowels - sigh. See - even someone who knows better needs to remind themselves that Havanese normally can't have so many variety of treats at once and she loved them all. Katsuro was picky and didn't eat but a few.
We also saw some really cool jackets and collars and I mean way different ones from molded what have yous growing from the coat - hahahaha. You have to see it to know what I mean.
Talking about red Havanese, we saw a red sable with a puppy cut called Jasmine. It had such a tight curl that I imagine it is much easier to care for in a shorter hair-do. It reminds me of my Shoshi who is from teh same kennel.
All of the Havanese were friendly. We only saw a handful of non-Havanese that were unfriendly but they came in all sizes. The owners were proactive though - all but one.
We talked to a guy that had a Havanese that was manning a booth. He just adored seeing more of these guys.
We talked to people that were waiting for a puppy - to those that had just acquired one and the list went on.
The colours all varied as you can see in this photo. It was fun to see so many out and about. I wish I could go back tomorrow with 2 different dogs but how many samples can someone get. hahahaha
What will you see at Woofstock? Many, many vendors, lots of dogs, tons of people and maybe a ton of Havanese - if you are lucky.
What was missing this year? The Wellness booth, the spraying thing guy, the greenies booth unless we missed some of the show but we saw many new ones as well including a shampoo company up from the states. I can't promise I will try it on Miss Abigail for the show but I may try it on someone else and then try it on Abs when she's not needing to look her best. Each shampoo reacts on each dog differently thus - the - we will wait on her. More later when we try it.
If you are going to Woofstock tomorrow, be sure to bring water for you and your dog but one of the vendors had ICE cold water - yum and we gave some to the dogs whose tongues were hanging down to the ground in need of refreshment. Just check out that tongue on Katsuro. Hey, mom - it's downright hot out here - you know! We probably gave them something to drink every 10 minutes throughout our visit. It was that hot.
Many vendors gave away frozen yogurt for the dogs. Our dogs weren't a fan of any of them.
We did manage to get some great beds for a CHEAP price. They are way soft and I will tell you the dogs loved them. I also bought a cooling coat for Fiona but it was actually too big and was hanging down on her. It fits the Miss Abs perfectly and that is what she will have on her during outdoor shows. Ten minutes before I can just fluff her up and she will be ready to go and she will stay cool. We have another one coming in the mail as they were running out of the toy size FAST. Anyone who does outside activities in the heat should consider one as they are light and stay cool for a long time. I got home and ours was still cold.
What else - well I know this is not a Havanese but it rather sums up the day. It was a DOG day for sure in so many ways. You should head to Woofstock tomorrow. You will be glad you did.
Saturday, June 7, 2008 at 6:21AM 
It's going to be a sweltering hot day today here in the Toronto area so use caution with your furry pals. Make sure they stay hydrated. Use cooling devices if you have them but you can also make some home ones - such as wrapping your ice packs that go into your cooler.
We are off to Woofstock this morning and will be hitting the St. Lawrence Market when they open and going home before the crowds get too busy and the dogs get too cranky.
Then we are back for the pool and then to our grand daughter's party at a movie theatre and then back to the pool. Do you hear a theme here?
POOL......