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
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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.

Sunday
Oct012023

Still Warm

Here is the gallery.

Nathan had a haircut. I made a mortal sin. I did not say it looked good. It's not that he didn't. I guess I didn't say it when he thought I should. LOL Everyone tell him he looks good when you see him so he can tell you I didn't say it. Yes, I am so laughing. 

This dog and his partner in crime waits for breakfast scratching me as if to say - why are you so bloody SLOW? Well, I have to put out all the water in every room you know. We also change it many times a day. 

Lulu is here and got a shorter do. She's an amazing doll. You will see her in Nathan's arms. He keeps snuggling with her. He says she is so much like her momma and she is.

I can't believe this weather. It's amazing! Come Friday a huge drop and Fall weather, I suppose.

Still haven't found a turkey. Maybe I should cook a prime rib roast. Why not. We shall see. 

Dogs have spent a ton of time outdoors and so has Nathan and Dennis. I groomed for a bit and got outdoor time too - more than the usual. I think the dogs feel like me that warm weather is delightful. 

Saturday
Sep302023

What a Day

Here is the gallery.

Can you believe this weather? By Tuesday it will be in the 80s on my day off. Jamie loves the outdoors. He thinks it is a bit of heaven and so do I.

Many of the dogs played in and out. The day is not over though many have departed. I need to do comb outs as there was lots of play in the yard. 

I am short blogging it today. 

Friday
Sep292023

There is a Reason

Here is the gallery.

Despite it being warm, they played in and outside today and the day is not over. 

It is Nathan's day off and he has been swimming and sunbathing. I still have 2 dogs to groom. 

Dennis is cooking now. I can smell it and hear it from where I type. The dogs love warm ground beef added in. We have dogs departing - dogs arriving.

Each morning Trigger thinks I am a scratching post. Not Levon - he waits patiently for me to snuggle. He is polite.

Dash has been crazy playing with Olive just now. Olive is very lady like and picky but she gives him the time of day. I think he is charming so of course he wins her over.

I am on the hunt to find a large butterball. I want a 10-12kg - 22lb to 25lb butterball but no one seems to have. If you see one, PLEASE please let me know. We are only seeing small and locally we looked at Loblaws, Longos, Fortinos but we are not seeing big. Last years was way too small and the dogs only got 1 meal with leftovers. If you see...

Thursday
Sep282023

Applause! - Two Updates Today

Hi Nathan and Darlah: Very proud to let you know Louis is now a therapy dog visiting at Sickkids. 

Thursday
Sep282023

Fun and Play

Oh the fun play today!

Here is the gallery.

Last night Benji went into the pool just before bed time. So, Nathan went to bed and an hour later he was dried and combed out. That's how I ended last night. 

I had a dog today = that will go nameless. Not his fault but he bit me hard - bruised but no breaking of skin. I screamed and screamed - a human reaction. I was flushing out his ears as he had an ear infection and I guess it was painful. He was also doing the whirling dirvish thing. He really hurt but I guess he really hurt. The  point is, check your dog's ears always - a couple of times a week. 

Dogs had fun today. I had a long day grooming. It's only 6pm but feels like 10. I may sink into the couch with dogs and never get up. 

It is supposed to be warm for the next several days. It means swimming - oh boy!

Dogs have been having a great amount of fun. Harlow stole someone else's meal after she ate hers. Well, she didn't get it all but she was hungry, I guess.

Charlotte has been especially busy playing today. 

My brain is a bit brain frozen and Nathan called me for dinner. So - not much to say - sorry about that.

Wednesday
Sep272023

It's Been a Day

Here is the gallery.

This is Ollie jumping up while I am attempting to take a photo. Battery was almost dead too. Still have grooming despite one cancelling due to an emerg and one coming that wasn't planned. Tomorrow will be busy too and so will Friday so short blogs. Bear with me. 

Dennis has a serious migraine so is in bed.

I have a machine I want to get to know but may take me till late tonight to unbox or till my next day off. Who knows. 

Dogs are having fun. They are playing. They are sun bathing. No hunting rabbits today. We can't do the same thing each day. Can we?

The blog is short as I still have much to do but just know fun is to be had and they are taking advantage of it. Nathan will make it happen as I will be grooming.

Tuesday
Sep262023

Meeting of the Dogs

Here is the gallery.

Ever wonder what dogs are talking about when they appear to be having corporate meetings? They smile at each other. They have body movements that are telling. It is fascinating to watch.

This was my day off so no grooming but did end up doing one. 

I did get my clippers fixed - cheaper than I expected and did get 1 of my fave curved scissors adjusted and sharpened. Long drive for that but had to as I have a full day of grooming tomorrow.

Someone asked if I was selling my sublimation stuff for the holidays. Everyone knows I do generic stuff but I also do photos you send me on anything from glass, acrylic, vases, christmas ornaments, slate, tumblers, coffee cups, blankets, signs. It is how I support my grooming staples and more crafting stuff etc. Getting ready for the holidays. So, on my day off I am mocking things up - samples so to speak. Is this fun? It can be. LOL

The dogs have been lazing outside on this cooler weather. Not sure we have anythiung warm. Pool closes just before the Thanksgiving holiday so dogs will be running across the cover having fun. It is very safe but that first timer that does it sometimes a bit of time to take the chance but when they do, they never look back. It makes the yard so much larger too. Yes, we have a large yard but closing that pool makes a difference.

Our closing and blowing out the irrigation guys are offering a new service of picking up leaves and we are taking them up on it when they fall. I will mow one more time maybe this week. We shall see. The dogs love running through leaves all to bring them inside and scatter all over the place. That's why we have vacuums. 

The pups are hysterical today. We have Tuppy, Nes and Yoshi never stopping. Emmy is the boss but Olive and Bria think they are. So laughing! Charlotte thinks it is her right to say no that is MY spot. Jamie - the schnauzer - okay the Scottie - just teasing - he is a Scottie is still as excited as the day he arrived. Bailey just arrived and Coco the Maltese hogging Nathan's lap outdoors while he reads has departed.

As I said, it was a good day.

Monday
Sep252023

Got to Get a Mess

Here is the gallery.

Harlow is a smart dog. She stands very still in the back to wait for the birds to swoop down to the bird bath. But today Nes said hey what are you doing in his usual exhuberant self and interfered with her on guard stature. You could see Harlow was not impressed but Nes being the puppy that he is, didn't have a clue what she was doing. It's okay. She can try again when Nes is indoors. It seems to be a daily thing - a sense of - can I - shall I - then what experience.

I had to take a drive to Deboers grooming today as my clipper motor seems to be going and my most used curved scissors was not cutting right. We will see what it cost tomorrow (pickup is tomorrow) but I need them both for grooming. If anyone needs anything as I know they do not take small orders, let me know and I will add it on to my bill and you can pick it up here.

Olive above placed her head in a cool bowl of ice filled water giving her an interesting look.

Emmy saddles up to Dennis every chance she gets to watch tv with him or those video games. She is such a snuggler!

The dogs are enjoying this weather. Mr. Pablo departed. So did, Logan, Panda, Chloe and Mr. Thunder. 

We look forward to Mr. Tuppy arriving tomorrow.

Sunday
Sep242023

Change of Guards

Here is the gallery.

I am going to tell you that Jamie, the Scottie arrived with his havanese pal in crime Charlotte and he was over the top excited. Sure Charlotte was too but he was crazy excited. I think she misnamed him as he seems to be a Cassanova. He so loves the girls. It is a riot.

We had a number depart and a number arrive. Everyone gets really excited when many go and new ones arrive as it means new dogs with different personalities. It's like a party!

It was a good day. I did climb in the pool but without sun, it wasn't fun getting out. We shall see what tomorrow brings. I may have too many groomings. I have not looked at the calendar yet. 

Okay, looked at the calendar and we have someone I have to wash to trium tonight as she departs at 9am. LOL One should always look at the calendar but....sometimes you simply don't. 

I see Pablo is going at 11 and Thunder and Logan and Panda. So, more dogs departing. Who knew. Think I always want them to stay especially the crazy players as they make me laugh. Fudge departed today and I think the pups miss him.

I could go on and on but seems I have to do a dog. The dogs did have a blast and well Harlow claimed her bed and she's back after that rabbit. She never gets it but she does manage to get muddy if Dennis waters. I said to him it is time to stop watering. lol

Saturday
Sep232023

Warm Still

Here is the gallery. 

This one is fascinated with the birds not the rabbits. Harlow is back at it tonight. I laugh. 

We had the smell this early morning of a skunk. So, Dennis went out ahead to make sure it was safe. Who wants to deal with skunk cleaning. It seems it was in the neighbourhood but not in our yard. Hooray! Haven't seen any wasps since the neighbour erradicated his wasp nest. His was right in the entrance to his house. Joy...

It wasn't warm enough to swim but maybe tomorrow. I had a very full day grooming. Dennis and I are going to watch the latest 'Wheel of Time' and relax with dogs. 

Sky was a mess today taking tips from Harlow getting into the hidden areas in the garden. 

I was dizzy today. Not sure why. Actually had to take a nap to get past it. I can't and won't get sick, I tell myself. 

Our pool closes just before Thanksgiving. Want to make a turkey etc for family. We shall see if we can fit it in. Our freezer is full at the moment. We need room before I buy a turkey. I like large for family and well for leftovers. I love turkey and stuffing sandwiches with a side of cranberry sause. The dogs love leftovers too. Can you blame them?

Oh well, it is a good Saturday other than feeling like I need a couch. Hope yours is too!

Friday
Sep222023

Short Blogging Today

Here is Yoshi and Nes playing their hearts out.

Here is the gallery.

Long day and still got grooming in but the dogs are playing and hanging and enjoying.

It is Nathan's day off so he was sun soaking today with some dogs. 

I have several dogs departing after grooming - 1 more to do then another. Oh, I said one. LOL

We had some interesting couch play earlier. No matter what the weather or time, they manage to enjoy. Nathan also took quite a few for his daily nap. Nathan calls them for the nap. Some choose to go - some not. It's funny!

Thursday
Sep212023

Who Knows What Happens

Here is the gallery.

It was my day off so no one got groomed. We play catch up tomorrow and they love that. hahaha

We had Ms. Murphy over for a day visit while her mom and I went out. I went for a swim when I got back and Nathan took in Misty when I said I will play catchup tomorrow getting her combed out. He just knew he didn't want to. I want you to know he USED to groom too. I keep asking why I am getting all these extra jobs. That's okay. He went out and got me Japanese. He is forgiven.

The photos we got in the gallery was thanks to Dennis. I never know who he fancies to click. It depends on who is doing what or not, I suppose. 

It was a warm day - not hot and that's okay. The dogs are truly enjoying themselves. 

I am looking for orchids to have in my room where we have pups. I love the idea of nice ambience so if you see any, let me know. Take photos so I can know if I best get out there ASAP. I am getting ready to bring flowers indoors so I can feel like I can make it through another winter. I so hate cold. 

I consider myself lucky as I have 4 more hours off. When it is bedtime, the dogs tackle me and well so much for room but I wouldn't have it any other way. 

Wednesday
Sep202023

Messy As It Is

Here is the gallery.

A messy dawg is a fun dawg, I say. This is Pablo after I combed him out.

This is Rebel after her comb out. LOL

This foursome is watching the silly play. Oh, they got into it but let me think they were not. I put the camera inside and away they went. It is Murphy's law. Drives me crazy but life.

I do not think the rabbits are gone as they are hunting still. We heard a lot of activity last night too. Sorry I can't get a good photo as it's underbrush and darker. But I tried.

Nathan tried to get me to swim. I think I will tomorrow on my day off. We shall see. The fall weather is coming. A friend of mine says it may snow where she is this weekend. Leaves have not changed. It will come.

Tuesday
Sep192023

Look Who is Playing

Here is the gallery.

Ali and Pablo was playing up a storm. Dante departs tonight. I just finished his bath and I am about to do Jax who is a terminal play monkey. He departs tonight. I need to fix Tenshi's head hair before Jax. Busy night. 

Tomorrow is a busy day grooming then Thursday is my day off. Hooray! I need some easier times.

Today Harlow decided she wasn't interested in the rabbits or they have moved on. I didn't see them.

I took a few laps in the pool but I do not think the temp of the wayer was sufficient as it felt cool. They say 70s this week so perhaps the pool will be turned on 1st thing unlike today.

Dogs have been playing a great deal. Life is good to be a havanese. 

Monday
Sep182023

Cooling Down But No Rain

Here is the gallery.

Bailey had fun with her momma and Dennis actually caught a few photos. They continued to play even after going inside to get the camera. Now that in itself is a miracle. They usually stop when you go to grab the camera.

It is a very quiet day here. 

Dogs are playing but not wild - can't get enough. They are playing the respectable play. LOL Don't ask me what the difference is. 

I have Dante going home today in my calendar but he's not done so we will have to play that by ear.

Pablo found the rabbits under the brush. He didn't reach them but bet mom moves them. He was a dirty - blow out that dirt dawg. He is here for another week so I don't want to wash him yet. He is challenging me. At least he knows how to have fun!

Sunday
Sep172023

Change of Guards

Here is the gallery.

Ty and Pablo messy as ever despite a comb out earlier. It means they are having fun!

It is cooler and the dogs are enjoying even though it is 71f outdoors, it feels cooler as there is hardly any sun. 

Out of all the days in the year, I do believe the dogs appreciate Fall with no rain days. I may be wrong but most are not fan of rain and well snow... some do and some don't. Frigid is another story. When it is too cold - well it is too cold for us. That is the weather I am not looking forward to. 

Harlow was miffed she didn't see anything to chase. Though she looked and Daisy was her partner in crime curious as to what she was doing. 

Jax, Pablo, Dante, Velvet and Mabel are chilling and enjoying. Nica is like a crazy dog enjoying. We did her nails and pads and tummy and she made me laugh. Nica leaves tonight and so does Ty. Opus - the man already departed. It gets quieter again on Monday. Seems weekends this Fall is busy and week days are less so. Kids - school and all that stuff. 

We have our son, Tal visiting so we are bout to eat. Hope you have a wonderful evening.

Saturday
Sep162023

Time for CombOuts

Here is the gallery.

The dogs played hard today and I am about to comb them all out. Nathan used to help with this but it is rare that he does so I have all the fun. I may comb out with my grooming clothes on one by one while watching tv. That's how you should do it too.

Josie went home. What a wonderful puppy she is. So, full of fun.

Coco met Kandoo in Winners. Who knew you could take dogs into Winners. How fun is that and they are related. I am so ecstatic when I hear people meet each other.

It made it up to 73f today and I swam laps. I am still trying to figure out the math. I am a bit fried. A pool lap is 40 feet. My pool is 36 feet. I swam up then back 30 times. How many laps did I do? My legs and arms are sore. I wonder if this is the last warm day. I hope not. We shall see.

The dogs sat around the pool watching me go back and forth without stopping. We shall see how I feel tomorrow.

Ms Daisy and Pablo was playing. I caught them from my side glance while I did laps and thought how interesting. Those 2 don't usually play with each other. Then it made me smile and got me swimming more. I thought of getting out to get a camera but by the time that happened, it would have stopped. I need a camera out back that just films always. Yeah right...

It was a great day for the dogs. Me, the burn is already arriving. Call me crazy.

Friday
Sep152023

Out in Sun Play

Here is the gallery.

Pups are having a tremendous amount of fun. Jax, Josie, Yoshi and on and on.

The sun is warm but not enough to swim. The dogs love it!!

Josie departs tomorrow. 

Dante only cares about Sage and Sage loves to tease.

King Kong and Panda departed. Ty, Logan, Panda and Mabel arrived. Nathan sliced up steak that he almost burnt for the dogs. They were in for a treat. Lucky dogs.

Shana Tova - Good Year to all those that celebrate!

Today is Nathan's day off and tomorrow is Dennis.

Thursday
Sep142023

Fun Moments

Here is the gallery.

Josie, a Misty baby remembers her momma well. They play considerably together and they have the same fun personalities.

Dante has arrived today and he bred with Sage. See her page. He will stick around for a few days till she says no more. Right now she is bloody excited. 

Jax will be dropping in soon. I bet you Josie and Jax will get along just fine. Mr Ollie is departing tonight. He is a true player. Mr. Pablo arrived - another crazy player. Maui, Daisy, Coco and Lachlan - all day visitors departed or is departing soon. We had a full house with the day visitors today and a full house means a ton of fun. 

Harlow went after a rabbit in my middle bed that scurried under some overgrowth and couldn't get out. She didn't get the rabbit but she had to wait till I cut some branches down so she could get out. It didn't stop her any as she was back out this evening looking for it. She is so funny these days.

Wednesday
Sep132023

It's Cool You know

Here is the gallery.

We stopped turning on the pool unless we get a heat wave. I am in deep mourning. It is my escape. Oh well!

Dogs like this cooler weather. I am glad someone does and if it is dogs - even better.

Harlow no longer goes down the ramp from the couch. She will cry so you can place her down. She doesn't seem to be in pain but she sure does like to be babied. Who doesn't. Can I get some of that?

By Sunday we will be extra quiet. Can you imagine that? I miss the dogs that depart. You get to share their lives and poof they are excited to be home. That is the best of both worlds.

Daisy was coveting a toy that Saffron thinks is just hers. I think Daisy was enjoying driving her crazy. Saffron is a little silly about toys. She takes one to bed too. It's okay, I gave her an old toy - as she prefers the tattered ones and she was happy again. Dogs are like toddlers sometimes.

Dogs are having fun but when aren't they? I want to be a havanese playing here too!