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.

Wednesday
Mar152017

So Much for Storming

It's March Break. We were promised snow. We though tunnels, and paths and well snow fun. All we got is a dusting. We didn't even have to clean off the gazebo. Is this the last storm? What do you think?

The dogs have noticed its dark when we get up and light late. As I am typing right now the sun is interfering with me seeing the keyboard. I do believe this is the preferable time but keep it like this all year round, please. It's time.

Here is today's gallery. 

March break is still in full steam. We played a mad game of retrieve and I think my face was going to fall off. It's cold out there but tell that to the dogs. If I am too cold, they come in. Nathan was out of town so it was Dennis and I. Nathan is now out getting food add ins. He buys ground turkey, beef, veal etc The dogs eat well. 

Adele and River are gone till Sunday. The reno is going slow but they figure total move out will be after my birthday this month. Her goal was before. Renos are like that. They still have floors to put in and then paint.

Then Trouble has a new home after her heat subsides. Lots of changes.

The pups are having a blast. 

Tuesday
Mar142017

Just a Dusting

The siblings got to play and boy did they have fun! Well, everyone had fun today but so much for the big snowstorm. Here is today's gallery.

Blog is going to be short tonight as I want to get to tv dog draping time. 

As it is March Break it is a busy house but a truly gut wrenching laughing experience as there is always someone doing something to make you laugh. What could be better than that!

Monday
Mar132017

Lickity Lick

The dogs are so hilarious at times. As you know, it is mighty cold outside. We all sit waiting for snow. Better than mud, sticks, twigs and all sorts of things the dogs bring in. Dennis washes the floors at 10pm after we go to bed and by 9am it looks like he never touched it. He got so frustrated that he says I am NOT sweeping this floor again. So bring that snow in. 

Here is today's gallery. 

Had a great day with Sherry today. Sorry that Nathan didn't clean Murphy's feet. Guys... :-)

Tomorrow I get to play catchup with grooming. Hands are still swollen. Oh well... quit complaining. 

Dogs were happy to see me. That feels good. Nathan got his nap in. 

Dogs were in and out all day but just a bit ago the were lifting their paws. It is getting too cold. Time to snuggle and watch tv and forget about grooming just for today. :-)

Sunday
Mar122017

Oh My Time Flies

With the time change doesn't it feel as if the day went by too fast? It did for me. Tia got a haircut and went home. I brushed everyone out as I knew I would be out tomorrow. Grace, Tucker, Fitz and Buddy arrived. Grace departs tomorrow. 

Clarity and Farley is the winner of the eat so fast experience. Check it out here.

We had a dusting of snow. We managed to stay in bed till 730am. We went to bed at 930. Dogs didn't mind. 

Here is today's gallery.

Is it bed time yet? hahahahahaha

How did you survive the time change?

Saturday
Mar112017

Really Stormy

Daisy is looking at Stormy as if to say - really?

I have a video of Stormy eating. It's rather noisy. You see Risa barks for her supper and then soon others chime in but this will give you a comparison between Stormy, Thyme and Raven. 

It's mighty cold out today. Dogs are having fun. We are trying to get to bed at 9pm. But we have a pickup it seems at 9. So, maybe I will go to bed and Nathan can wait. hahahahaha

Tia dropped in over night. Holly joined us. We have a truly fun crew. 

It's spring forward time tonight. Will the dogs survive? Will the humans survive? We will let you know tomorrow.

Till then, enjoy the gallery.

Saturday
Mar112017

New Stands

My daughter was looking for bowls for Adele and River and I shared this one place with her on Facebook. Angela saw it and went and ordered. Here are the results, If interested I am sure she will share the info with you. Do the bowls come with it too? 

On another note we are looking into acquiring another slow bowl. It seems Stormy has reached the point of needing one, burping as she is eating too fast then still looking for more. She bites hands fir treats so you have to close your hand around the treat and allow her to calm down before she gets ut. It is working. She is too food motivated and this does happen. Where Raven says unless I have the great stuff in it, no thanks. Raven is eating out of her bowl now but needs a low rimmed bowl to do so and of course added treats crumbled up. 

We have all types and with visitors we see a variety too. All are eating well except the boys Truffie, Kat and Stone which happens when the girls are in heat. They eventually get extra hungry and eat, of course.

Friday
Mar102017

Crazy Cold Play

I love this photo. What fun emotion caught.

Here is today's gallery.

I have had way too many demattings to do so my hands are toast. None I had to do today but finished one late last night and it affected my hands today. I was scissoring today and at times my hands would not allow me to close the scissors. I went oh boy but I need to do this. So, I kept trying. I did what I could. Got to rest the hand. Now I get why some shave vs dematting. Oh well tomorrow is a new day. 

Kona departed today. 

Thank you Kathy for this lovely towel and thank you Thank you Ronnie for the popcorn - yum!

Rocky was here and got to play with his sister Stormy. He had a blast and so did Adele and Stormy. It wasn't long as he had to have a bath and shape up but he managed to get some. Stormy and Rocky look so alike. 

I am tired and still have a grooming to do. 

It's March Break. We play hard, work hard and have fun and sleep deeply some of the time.

Thursday
Mar092017

Muddy, Then Cold Then Baths

Don't you wonder what Saffron is saying with that look?

It's March Break and we are busy but it is fun.

Poor Kona gets a bath 2 days in a row. Today he thought it would be fun to roll in mud and off to a bath he went. I started cutting his hair and then Coco and Zack showed up and he was whining to head out to play after he jumped all over Zack and Coco's dad. I will finish the job after the bath so Kathy don't have a heart attack if you see a partially done job. I have to say he looks good anyway he is. I can't believe he departs tomorrow. He has fit in really well. 

Red also arrived today. It's a fun house today. 

The weather has taken another drop so no more mud. 

Here is today's gallery.

Girls are hanging out with me. It's a girlfest every night. How lucky am I?

Wednesday
Mar082017

Charge Mom

Tenshi was over for the day and she jumped every which way with mom. I am letting Saffron's hair grow out from the pups and then I will trim her up. The pups really wrecked her head hair. I am finally able to get some up in a band. She was thrilled to have Tenshi over but Thyme tried to take over.

Here is today's gallery. 

As March break is coming up I an trying to give baths to my own dogs so I have time to do everyone else's. 

On Monday Sherry and I are going to Canada Blooms. I am excited. 

The daughter is moving the end of the month now as they are running behind. They want me to cut River's hair short. So many changes...

Ella is officially in heat. How can we have March break and girls in heat. Crazy times. I will be glad to get out Monday. Only someone who has boys and girls gets this. 

Someone hit the son's car so its in the body shop for a  week. He's having a good week. The car (he's not covered for collision as its not an expensive car) 1,000 later he will get it back. He also went skiing and had an accident with the ski mobile and there goes another grand. He's not having a good week. Poor guy but the skiing was good. 

Oh well - everyone had a great day. Scout and Coco came in an adjusted right away. 

I have Roxie and maybe Saffron to wash. Maybe Saffron tomorrow as we also have a club meeting online. 

Tuesday
Mar072017

2 Updates Today: Happy 7th Birthday!

Here we are at class.  The people had cupcakes and the dogs cookies.  Happy Birthday to the siblings too!

LOLTA

Carol

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This is Coco, Breeze, Raylan and Finnegan's 7th birthday!

Tuesday
Mar072017

Time to Eat

Hey where is the food says Logan and Brewer?

Hey, you didn't hear me? (hahahahaha)

It was truly warm but wet outside. The dogs hated it. I hated it. I was washing like crazy. That is why I am so late. You see washing legs was on the agenda ALL DAY LONG. :-)

Here is the gallery.

The boys going crazy is driving me nuts. Sleeping with just the girls is interesting. They love it. 

I never had dogs walking up and down me all night long trying to mount each other. Yes, that is what the girls do. I think I am exhausted. I think I am so tired I can't think.

Till tomorrow.

Monday
Mar062017

No Gallery Day

Tucker says hi. We have class tonight and to be honest I am rather tired. Way too much grooming. We have heats galore. Panda is back with us for 3 weeks. Dolly is playing like a silly monkey with Kona. 

Life is good but I need a nap. Catch you tomorrow. Wish I was able to get a nap in too. :-)

Sunday
Mar052017

Out With Friends and In

Sorry but this is late and not much to fill you in. Dennis said the dogs were great. Benji, Chase and Murphy departed. Teddy Thomas (we have 2 Teddy's here) is departing either late tonight or tomorrow depending on the plane.

We went to Rens at first to pick up a present for our friends dogs. Stormy was I am here and Raven was curious but more reserved. When we went to our friends it was the same. But they wandered the house. Slept and relaxed. A dog will not lay down, relax and fall asleep without a level of confidence that they will be okay and safe. Would you?

Raven wasn't sure about bouncy Hugo at first but she told him off and then all was good. How did she tell him off? She growled at him under her breath to get him to stop jumping in her face. He was persistent. A dog must be able to say this to another dog. This is how they communicate. Stormy instead had Hugo growling at her and she was the persistent one in his face and she didn't listen to him. Two different types. Stormy needs to understand dog language and respect that if someone says no it means no. Each has to be conditioned in different ways.

We now have Panda in heat. No Leti connection yet (still early) and no Ella in heat yet. 

It's Sunday.... Hope it was a good one for you.

Tomorrow class 2. 

Saturday
Mar042017

Cold but Fun One

Dolly and Inula in a dance - how grand. Too bad for us that Dolly is now home but good for her family. She gets to rest. Does she rest? hahahaha

Here is today's gallery.

It's been bitter cold outside so much so the dogs were lifting their paws. It is important to listen to your dogs. When they are lifting their paws it means they are too cold. You need to get them in. We had MANY outside adventures but as soon as those paws were lifting, they came inside. Some will even stand there with their paw up not moving so we pick them up and carry them indoors. 

I am groomed out. My hands are tingling. I have had too many demattings so tomorrow other than those departing, I am not grooming. We are also heading with the 2 pups to our friends for a brunch. We will only be gone for a few hours but Dennis will be here with the crew. We will see how Raven and Stormy do with Hugo and Milo. 

I am hoping class goes well on Monday. Raven is really getting this heeling thing at least here. We shall see what class brings. 

Still no connection from Leti but it's still early. Jeannie is in heat too so they hang out together in my office with me. Jeannie is not being bred. 

Dennis took all the photos today. I was too busy. 

Friday
Mar032017

Dusting of Snow and Play

Sorry grooming late tonight. We had a dusting of snow. Dogs were totally invigorated. They had a blast. 

Here is today's gallery. 

Tomorrow Dolly, Daisy and Gracie departs. We will miss them!

Teddy got into the play fast. Kona was laying on his back with his feet up and Ella was laying next to him. I grabbed the camera and they moved. ARGH. I have never seen Kona sleeping on his back up against Ella like that. You do not know how many shots we miss as it is impossible to carry a camera around all day long. 

This is going to be short tonight as I am TIRED.

Thursday
Mar022017

Words and Cold

Kona is having words with Ella. I wonder what he is saying to her. She seems to be saying - really?

Daisy and Inula seem to be having a great amount of fun today! It's cool outside and I swear they get invigorated with this weather.

Chase and Stormy are truly enjoying each other's company. She seems to truly like the pups this trip.

Here is today's gallery. It's not much but Dennis had a bunch of blurry ones. Not sure what happened. 

Did training with Raven. She is getting this thing and is no longer bothered by the collar. She wants to sit down and she bounces like a hopping happy gal but she is heeling. She is now doing beside me, sit, heel and look at me. She does not appreciate down. That one will be a tough one but she has made huge improvements and this is only Thursday. I get my fanny pack out and her collar and she now gets mighty excited. I am also able to stand vs bending over and leading her with a treat. 

I have no clue if Nathan is training with Stormy. Me, even if they are doing well I like to do these short sessions as it creates moments that are to be treasured. Nothing more rewarding than getting a puppy to enjoy the sessions.

Scruffy and Pepper are here. I look forward to Saffron's hair coming in like the Peppers. Stone and Scruffy really, really enjoy each other. Pepper seems to be having some bonding moments with Saffron. She doesn't mind Raven but she finds Stormy can be irritating and she is telling her. Bonus Stormy is starting to listen. It's interesting how each visit brings different relationships. 

Everyone is having a blast - truly!

Wednesday
Mar012017

Very Warm Wet and Muddy

This is getting to be a theme. One would think it was spring. It is now raining and they say the temps will continue to drop. Dogs are not a fan of the wet but they did go out a bunch today between the rain. 

Saffron's hair is starting to grow back in after puppies. It's a mess in this photo but it's the theme for the day. She was actually combed out hours before this photo. 

Chase arrived today. Kona is laying on Nathan's neck as I type. I know as I was just in the tv room talking about what we will be watching in a bit. 

Leti is still in heat - no connection (think its too early) but she is madly flirting. The boys think Jeannie is in heat and n we are not breeding her. Have to laugh. Didn't she just have pups? Nathan says yes 5 months ago. If that is so, she is a month early. Just because they think it doesn't make it so.

Kat is still sleeping with Dennis. I have the girls and Nathan has the boys. The joys of heat but no headphones when watching the pad. That's a bonus. This will pass till the next is in heat.

I decided no bathing today with this weather. I rinsed feet off etc. It's a futile process.

How are you dealing with the wetness?

Here is today's gallery.

Tuesday
Feb282017

Messy is What Messy Does

When I say the dogs get muddy, I mean muddy. Needless to say Tenshi had a bath as I couldn't in my right mind send her home like that. 

Here is the gallery.

We had dogs depart and dogs come. It's been a truly fun house but I am off to groom Scruffy and Pepper before they depart and give Rocky one more brush as he already had his bath.

Everyone had a blast. Some got dirtier than others but I am busy, busy cleaning everyone up. 

It's a dawg's life!

Monday
Feb272017

Oh Yikes

Cutting corners today. Here is the gallery.  I got less than 3 hours sleep last night. Kat was a pain to all the girls and Roxie told him off so I placed him in a crate. He barked till 3am. The girls needed a break from his trying to mount them. Nathan had no sleep the night before so he opted to sleep in the guestroom with some of the dogs. Wise move as he got sleep even though he says he didn't get any sleep.  You see Kat knows someone is in heat. So, he barked till 3ish am. Then the daughter came in at 6am and the dogs barked.

Today I had groomings. I had dogs getting dropped off, picked up and well no nap for me but I need it badly. Nathan took a nap.  You see we have classes tonight and the grand daughters say they can't come so that means no photos and I am on lead. I am not quite sure if I am up for it. 

So, tomorrow is a new day. If we only had 1 puppy in class, it would have been a stay at home for me day. But we have 2. So caffeine is my friend? I am not sure.

Oh and Tenshi is a mud pile. As she is here tomorrow, I will just clean feet and under carriage. I have Brewer, Logan and Panda to get ready for departing then dinner feeding. 

Sunday
Feb262017

Watching Play

It is interesting to 'watch' the play with the dogs. This was early morning play. That means no one was brushed yet. I thought about taking a day off but I didn't. Still have Saffron to comb out.

I put up a dance that Stone and Leti did on Saffron's blog.

Here is today's gallery.

It turned cold today so no mud - hooray!

Murphy was running her body off today. They all did. It was nice to see. I truly think they love the cool weather. 

Tonight we are going to watch the Oscars. 

Tomorrow night we get to take Raven and Stormy to their first class and neither has been on a lead. Oh boy.... No photos as both Nathan and I will be on leash. 

I am told in 10 days the grandkids, daughter and Adele and River are moving out. Oh boy. Life will change and puppies, warm weather and well swimming again. Life sure moves fast.

Hoping your Sunday is a grand one! Still working on that Ty and Kona photo. Have to get it in before Ty departs tomorrow.

Oh, and Amelia and Emmy are coming for 10 days while Judy moves starting on Tuesday. Judy says Amelia is very active and mischievous. She will fit in with Stormy well.