Costs

Unfortunately starting in the New Year, our costs will go up. Please contact nathan for updated costs.

Picnic Photos & Details

The picnic date took place on August 17, 2019 from 12pm to 5pm at Yvonne's place in Brighton. Check out the details here. Photos from the 2019 picnic can be found here. Yvonne's place is NEXT DOOR to her old place. I will try to put a havanese flag out front. Hope you can join us. Directions are here. The house # is 25. There is no picnic in 2020 due to COVID but hopefully in 2021. Stay Tuned!

Grooming 101

Want to see how I get a smooth coat and what equipment I use? I am continually learning and perfecting but I created this video Windows version) and for you Mac apple folks - here's a conversion. - not a professional one, to help you get a head start and perfect your own skill. Got questions? Ask away.

Want to know how to create a bathing machine that will save you time, product and wash your dog better than ever before? Check out Dick and Irma's instructions on how to create your own machine for a fraction of the cost.

Woofstock Is Back

Meet us at Woofstock. Dogs are welcomed. We meet at the restaurant across the street from Woodbine Park. Here is the location. Meet up happens on June 22, 2024 at 9:30 to 945am. Rain date is the next day. Look forward to seeing your havanese there and the humans too! Don't have your havanese yet? Well join us anyway! 

Award Photos
Friends & Associates
Blog Archive
Certified Pet First Aid

Walks 'N' Wags Pet First Aid is a recognized National Pet First Aid Certificate course for dog and cat professionals and pet owners. Talemaker Havanese now has that certificate having taken and passed the course.

Monday
Jul092018

Blogging and Dawgs

I was trying to remember how many years I have been doing the dog blogs. I think its been 15 years. I used to do them on blogger and now here. I have never missed a day. Sometimes short. Sometimes not saying a heck of a lot but still posting. The family thinks I am crazy and should do a blog a couple of times a week. Can you imagine? What happens to capturing the dog that is only here a day or 2? Nah that won't work. 

Here is the gallery.

The dogs are really curious when we take the pups out. They whine to get in. They jump on the sides and they give kisses through the xpen. It is good exposure for the puppies and for the adults.

Ozzie is truly smitten with Ella. You see she smells of milk and that must be a good memory for him. 

It is interesting what dogs relate to as good memories as you can see them reacting in such glee to certain moments that you know remind them of something.

Tomorrow night we are going to Wicked so the blog will be extra short. Our daughter bought her dad Nathan a ticket and I bought myself a ticket next to him so he had company. LOL I hope we like it.

Today is Dennis' day off. This allows him to just do what he wants without cleaning, feeding and all the crazy things we do in a day. It is something each of us look forward to. We just started this and its hard to get my day off due to groomings etc I do try.

I have yet to do the patio area in the middle garden bed. It's amazing I got what I got done. 

None of the dogs got seeds on them today - thank you, Dennis!

My green beans are growing like crazy. I am adding them to salads and I have to start researching some recipes. My berries are yum edible now though the raspberries are just starting to fruit. I miss a certain dog that used to eat them before I got to them in years past. 

What a hot season so far this is and well the dogs they like it cooler. heh

Unless I am in the pool, I like it cooler too.

Sunday
Jul082018

Very Short Blogs Today: Check Out Safi's Blog Too

Don't you love it. You get them freshly groomed and they always have that sensational unperfect - but what's your complaint look. Here Murphy has her hair across her nose.

No one wants to come swimming these days except Willow who you can't get out of the pool. She has found a passion - oh boy. Now tp convince her she can't swim when no one else is swimming. Yes, she knows how to get out but - Willow....

Here is the small gallery.

Poor George had seeds all over his face. He was not a happy boy. It took Nathan a bit to get them off his face. Dennis has been out trying to hunt them down to eradicate the bleepin weeds. They are evil as they stick to the coat. So, other things have been distracting us. 

When our 2 gazebos were damaged beyond repair in the wind storm, we had a solar gazebo light on one that smashed to smithereens. I tried to find the same one and no one had it as it tends to light rather well considering it is solar. Finally found them on closeout - the very last one and Sherry was able to pick it up for us. I am so jazzed. it's sort of like fave shoes - you love them, they wear out and then you can't find them again. It was half priced and I am excited to have light out there again. Not sure why they are not selling them anymore. maybe they work too well?

I am trying to get tv time in tonight so short blogs it is. 

Saturday
Jul072018

Siblings and Fun

The 3 siblings were together having a great time especially with Nathan. LOL

I was so extremely busy today, I hardly had a chance to get a glass of water but watching the trio was one of the highlights of my day. 

Here is the gallery.

Being silly wit the dogs outside was another. Now I am blogging.

Harlow and Murphy boy arrived. They got right into the play. Everyone is enjoying not having the extreme heat - only 27c - yeah only. Hot tomorrow... 

Brace yourself. hahahaha

Friday
Jul062018

Waiting for Pups

Some of them lined up to watch the puppies outdoors. The puppies are not old enough to play with them but it didn't stop them from looking and trying to kiss them through the xpen. I have to laugh as the adults were so excited.

Here is the gallery.

It was a cooler day out. Tomorrow things heat up again. 

I ran errands - wanted coleslaw at the Farmers market but they didn't have any - for shame. I noticed all teh garden places at the grocery stores are tearing down. It's only July, folks. Oh well less to take indoors come fall. 

It's been a low key day but a fun day and we are about to take the puppies out again!

Thursday
Jul052018

Today Was the Worse

It was so bloody hot. Rocky, Tenshi, George and Murphy refused to go in the pool early this evening before the rain came. Well, it started while we were out there so everyone came in. We do not mess around with lightening. It seems it hit several times close by. I hope everyone is alright. Storm is over. Everyone is doing tv time waiting for me so blogs will be short.

Everyone is having a great time. 

Check out the gallery. 

I want to do TV time too and get draped in dogs. Can you blame me?

Wednesday
Jul042018

Still Hot Dawgs

Rocky is saying - are you joking? When I water my plants, I water the tiles to cool it off for the dogs. They appreciate cool water on their feet but still no one wants to get into the pool except Willow.

Here is the gallery.

Saffron is in heat but we are not breeding her. She is completely isolated and at night she heads downstairs to sleep in the cool basement with our son and Murphy goes running down with her. Personally I think its too cold downstairs - basements are always but they cuddle into Jon, the blankets and go to sleep and he loves it. Me - I miss sleeping with them but I like that Murphy wants to keep Saffron company. She's an amazing sister - truly!

I got everyone brushed early and turned around, looked at Stone and he looked like I never touched him and I swear he said - so THERE! He's part of the reason Stormy and Cinnamon's coat got like it is due to his rowdy play but they so love him and a coat is not as important as the 'it makes them happy down to their soul' play. lately dear old Raven is playing like that too. Stone has such an amazing fun personality. 

Elvis is enjoying Rocky and Stormy. They have this tag you are it thing going on. It's something new. I have to catch it in action. I take out the camera. They stop. They look at me. Then say - what? They are not the only ones to do this. I can't begin to tell you the times Nathan says get the camera and they stop midstream when I go to click or they get so close to me, I can't take a photo as I have the telephoto lens on. Try doing this with your dog and you will see what I mean. Some do pose - some - you wish you had a camera planted on your head. lol

We are still under a heat warning. Very hot even more than this heat tomorrow and we may get thundershowers but not enough to cool it off. It's tough to weed. I try first thing then I give up. Oh well, in 4-5 months that white stuff will fly so I need to shut my mouth. I remind myself to try to make the best of it as we have air. Virtual slap for having the audacity to complain.

Tuesday
Jul032018

Crazy Busy Day

This is Goldie and Harper. They were playing and playing. This is a no gallery day. Here it is 925pm at night and I am blogging - yikes. 

Goldie departs tomorrow and as you can see she had a blast. 

Everyone has been playing. They are enjoying the weather when it gets to 8pm. I think they are getting tired of this heat. Everyone must be.

Despite seeing Dani, picking up Elvis - we had a good quality day. Dani is doing better. At first she had some issues but that has passed. Now to healing and to the next surgery if healing goes well. 

Nathan is doing tv time while I type away. Oh boy its almost cleanup time, cleaning water dishes, and taking dogs out before bed time. I best get the blogs done. hahahahaha

Monday
Jul022018

Hot as ----

This is Magic after her bath, She proceeded to step backwards looking for a treat and sat in the water then walked in the water with one paw. I had to redo her before mom came. Got to laugh. 

Check out the gallery.

We are off to the hospital to visit Dani tomorrow so blogs may be very short. We shall see.

It is so hot, the dogs simply want to stay indoors. I am even finding it a bit much even with the pool. I should not complain. It is better than snow. heh

Dogs are doing really well despite the heat. Zoe, Benji and Magic head home - hopefully to air conditioning. Tomorrow, Benny, Harper, Clarity and Farley head home. It is starting to get quiet after the long weekend. Now cool down so we can get the puppies outdoors. :-)

Sunday
Jul012018

Happy Canada Day

Spicy and Cooper wishes everyone a Happy Canada Day!

As this is a holiday and we have been extra busy, we do not have too many photos. 

Check out the gallery.

The only dog that went swimming with me was George.

Tomorrow may be a small gallery day as Dennis, Tal and Jon, our 3 sons are heading into Ottawa to see their grandpa. Then on Tuesday Nathan and I are heading to the hospital to see Dani. It is busy times.

It surely is hot outside. We get to spend 5 minutes here and there in the pool as we are afraid we will get burnt. The dogs have common sense. They head outdoors and then want right back in. That's okay. There is play in the house and tv time. I swear after playing all day, they all enjoy tv time.

Hope everyone is having a good holiday weekend. 

Saturday
Jun302018

We Are Busy

Way too hot to be outdoors for any length of time. So the dogs are doing a lot of playing indoors. we do take them out many, many times but for short periods of time. I walked outside in bare feet to be sure the tiles were okay on their feet. The crazy things you do for the dogs but best to be safe.

Here is the gallery.

As you will see they bit a hole in one of my cushions. 

Got 2 more dogs to bathe, do haircuts on so blogs will be short. Taking a break to feed the dogs. Is that a break? LOL

This is Sage's sister. She got her first haircut today. She is so bloody cute. You will have to see the gallery for the before look. I am adding the photos of the play now.

We ended up having Nathan's brother - my brother-in-law and sister-in-law over. I picked lettuce, green beans, onions, chives, tomatoes, kale, cucumbers - a variety of herbs to make a salad dressing and made a salad, egg rolls etc. I have not stopped today except to do this blog. heh

It is a busy weekend but the dogs are having fun!

Friday
Jun292018

Sure is Hot Out There

We went swimming today and Willow jumped off the side for the 1st time. She did it so quick, I didn't have a chance to capture it but once they do it once, they do it again. I was very impressed. Even though she is a Jeannie baby she certainly has that swimming gene similar to Ella.

Here is the gallery.

Ella also went swimming after she fed the pups. After she swam, I gave her a bath and rushed to get her dried. I think I was fretting in case she was late for a feeding but when she came in to see the babies, they were sound asleep. I think I was fretting. Ella was not. Go figure. Kat also joined in. I tried to get others to come in but nah - air was what they wanted today. I must admit, 10 minutes outside you get that feeling of too much heat. Tomorrow more of the same, I suppose. 

Hope everyone is surviving this heat. It's even too hot to weed. Well, that is my excuse!

Thursday
Jun282018

Hotter than Hey

As you can see the dogs eat in close proximity without issue. Facing the camera is Magic and Dusty. 

Here is the gallery.

It is really hot outdoors. It isn't going to get cool at night either. Thank gad for air. I can hear the dogs say that otherwise we would be taking over Jon's room as the basement is always cool. 

Today the dogs went out then back in. they are not fans when it is this hot. I watered the plants and they already look like they are drooping. Tenshi and Murphy chased the hose around and would drink each time I put it down. We have water with ice in a bowl outside always and nah - give me that hose. 

For some reason I thought today was Friday. Have to laugh. 

Wednesday
Jun272018

Rain, Rain, Rain

This is what we look like when we go outdoors to do our duty and its raining. This is Amy that I just clicked. I need to brush her out again - 3rd time today and I have a heavy grooming schedule today. 

We do not have a gallery today. It is getting way too busy. Sage has her last puppy class and she will start another in August. 

So many are going away for the holiday weekend last minute. Could it be that it is supposed to be warm?

Dani gets her surgery tomorrow. I am told no visiting as she will be on morphine and Tracy our daughter will be taking care of her. I said we will go when it gets quiet. Otherwise we will show her the dogs on facetime as Adele and River are here. 

That's it for today!

Tuesday
Jun262018

Lazing

This is Magic sitting on her chair. Her parents were afraid she wouldn't eat as she can be rather picky but no concerns as she is licking her bowl clean. Magic is rather comfie here. She sits up on the chair in case Dennis sneaks her a treat. He thinks we don't know.

Here is today's gallery.

As a matter of fact EVERYONE is eating rather well. I guess its all that energy they are expelling. Somehow it creates an appetite.

The dogs truly love this weather as they are able to enjoy outside moments to just chill. Then it starts getting warm and they say - air conditioning please. Oh they prefer outdoors but not when its gadly hot. That gadly hot heat is not here yet. Hooray!

Murphy decided to sit on my lap and jumped up quickly blocking Saffron from leaping up. I have to laugh. Yes, she did that and then looked at her as if to say - guess who the winner is!

The puppies and Farley have found the dirt under the Japanese Maple. I guess its cool, secluded and well messy. So there!

Monday
Jun252018

Entertainment

This is Nathan running with the dogs. Have to keep them inspired to have fun. It's warmer out but this is Dennis day off so no pool for me. Tomorrow - and maybe someone will go in with me. Dogs are truly enjoying this.

This is the gallery.

This week blogs may be short. We are playing it by ear. Our grand daughter goes in for her surgery this week. 

The dogs are truly enjoying this warm but not too warm weather. They say a feel like 43c by weekend. Now that is scary. It will be too hot to run outside with them. That's okay. That is why we have halls etc. I may also get some pool time if we are not at the hospital during the weekend. We shall see. We have yet to get a schedule. That's okay - as the kids say - we can be fluid. LOL Well - to a degree.

I got everyone groomed and Nathan did errands today. I went to pull weeds and well... should have done it in the rain. Sage thinks weed pulling is fun. You pull a weed and she grabs it and runs away with it. The others just look oh so tiring at her as if to say really? They just wanted to sunbathe while I attempted.

Everyone eats around here. No picky eaters despite what they do at home. You see they are so active, they need to eat. heh Now that is a good thing. I suppose that is why you can catch them sunbathing between craziness.

Sunday
Jun242018

Another Rainy Day

The dogs are tired of the rain - us too but bonus no watering plants. LOL Now that it is getting to be the end of the day, the sun is trying to come out. I have had 2 days of no watering. In exchange -  a heck of a lot of grooming. heh

I do not think any of the dogs are fans of the rain and can you blame them?

Here is a small gallery.

We have started getting bookings for the winter break season - Christmas - Chanukah, New Years. Be aware that we limit the amount so if you are intending on going away, let us know soon. I know that sounds crazy but some book a year ahead. 

Here's no a rain free day tomorrow.

PS: Everyone is playing indoors despite the weather. As I type, they are all tuckered out from running with Dennis - yes, running with Dennis. They love it!

Saturday
Jun232018

Cold, Rainy But Summer

Despite the off and on rain, Sparky managed to stay dry - hooray and not totally messy. :-0 He is now home. We miss him already.

Rocky arrived and I listened to his dad say he doesn't play with anyone. Rocky's not one of ours but he has been visiting us for quite sometime. They have an outdoor wedding to attend - poor them as they are certainly going to get wet and boy is it damp. Well, back to Rocky. Rocky has been playing nonstop. I didn't even get the best of his play sessions but he even plays with Stone. Sometimes I think we live in a magical bubble as the dogs always end up playing here even if they are nervous at first. I feel good that they have a good time. We cultivate it, introduce them to dogs we feel they will enjoy and do one on ones. It works.

Here is the gallery.

Think about yourself. If you are on holidays and the holiday is going simply terrible, you most likely miss being home. But if you are having a great time, eventually there is no place like home but you had a great time and created great memories. You most likely will want to go back. If the dogs are not having fun - well I am not. So, we make sure they are. 

I hear - does he sit at the door and worry - does he ever want to come back home?

There is no place like home but holidays are pretty darn fun and that's okay for you and for them.

Today it was wet off and on. We have gone in, gone out. Magic was sitting on the top of the cushions outside that I have piled up. I was sitting with a tv tray table out there with water, chips and my ipad. She jumped on my table to get down. She knocked over my glass of water and chips. Chips went flying. water and ice cubes everywhere. No broken glass as we have a wood deck but the dogs went yum chips. hahahahaha

Magic didn't miss a beat and didn't even react. it was as if she said - oh - what a mess - you should clean that up. So, we did and then came inside as it started to rain yet again. 

Nathan is home and we are looking forward to tv time. He even brought egg rolls - best in Canada. Nathan and his dad spent real quality time together. It was worth the craziness I had to deal with here so he could have that time. I had expected him to stay longer but he thought the dogs missed him - yes, I am laughing. He probably thought I was working my magic with the puppies. 

More rain tomorrow.

Friday
Jun222018

Sibs and Pals

No matter what goes on, Murphy and Saffron are tight as ever. They are sisters through and through. They mutually get excited to see each other and as you can see they body hug too. It's a genuine relationship and its great to see.

Here is the gallery. 

As you know all night long I got to sleep with all the dogs by my lonesome. I had 3 pups tucked in close to me. I had Farley between my legs, Mia on my head and the rest up and down my body. I couldn't move. Inula decided the bathroom was easier. heh

I managed to get everyone brushed out early then they proceeded to say nah, nah and messed themselves up royally. 

We had fun. I had 10 minutes in the pool in the afternoon when Dennis woke up. The dogs helped me water the plants. I have wonderful green beans and yellow wax beans. I have been eating them raw. Have to save some to cook. heh

The dogs love the new path. They are forever investigating. They seems to be excited about more space for them. I so have to finish it but not now. :-)

Rain tonight - rain tomorrow - rain Sunday - joy - not. But we will still manage to have fun!

PS: 1 year ago Spicy moved to Montreal with Anne, Russell and Cooper. It is hard to believe it has been a year. We are quite pleased with the love they give to this pair!

Thursday
Jun212018

Juggling Fun

The dogs think I am nuts. We juggled a lot. I finally got them all groomed. I stopped them barking at Angelo working on his shed. Over and over again a few barked each time he used that nail gun. Here I was trying to keep them quiet so Dennis could sleep. 

Here is the gallery from not done yet to done - grooming that is.

This is, of course a no pool day. Not that it wasn't warm enough. I did get all the plants watered - front and back. I did get several dogs washed and cancelled those tomorrow as the term impossible comes to mind. Tomorrow Amy comes and Finn departs. Radar and patches are here till Saturday. We hope Angela feels better real soon!

I need to finish the blogs so I can help Dennis, finish laundry, get ready for bed. LOL

Wednesday
Jun202018

Two Blogs Today

Elvis is off to go home anytime now. Someone cut his hair I believe with a razor as it was all split ends so we are clipping the ends each time, shaping it up so the hair comes in nice again. His hair growing in is gorgeous. He's back to being soft and looking good. He is such a good boy.

This blog will be short today.

Here is a small gallery.

It's our last class for Sage tonight and we signed up for Family dog at 7pm starting on August 9th. I hope you can join us.

Nathan is making a run into Ottawa to see his dad first thing tomorrow. He thinks he will be there for 2 days. We shall see. Six years ago they diagnosed his dad with inoperable cancer and gave him 4 months to live. His tummy has twisted on him at times and they can't operate. He was told by the siblings to come in. So off he goes. I wish I could go too but someone has to hold down the fort. Hard but maybe we will do facetime.

I am hoping the daughter comes over as I have a present for her as it is her birthday but I am not home till 730. We await a verdict.

Dogs are doing well. I put down flagstone in my middle bed and just about killed myself while the dogs laughed. That is my way of dealing. I have to level some and put some stones down between but I want to shoot myself and Dennis thinks it looks like junk as it is too wide. That's the point. He said you want me to lie? Nathan says nice - much better than the weeds and opens it completely up and gives the dogs more space to hang out on. It's not done but a start. Nathan has a rotator cuff issue so he can't do it, so it's me. I say, if you don't like it - do it yourself plus I really want it wide as I want room for the dogs come fall to hang out. More room the better, IMHO.

Tomorrow I am it till Dennis gets up in the afternoon. The dogs will have to watch me groom as that is on my plate. We will make the best of it and miss Nathan. 

Oh and poor Leti is having morning sickness. Poor thing.

That's it for today!