Sophie's Travels

Here are a couple of videos from Sophie's vacation on the Canadian shore (PEI).

Red Point

Camping

Bath Tomorrow

Sparky, Socks, Tia and Cody are having a ton of fun literally. What a fun group.

Going to give Sparky a bath tomorrow. He simply can't wait till he gets picked up. Don't worry Mary he will get another. :-0

I just find clean hair knots less so he's at that point. Sometimes I can go longer - sometimes not. It truly depends on the type of the hair. Clean hair means less work for me especially since I line comb each bath. It can last for DAYS if you line comb clean hair.

Treasure had a bath today. It's been a month for her. Why so long? I guage the need when the hair starts knotting or when it simply looks dirty. Hers lasts the longest though hers looks greasy when it is dirty.

Most are about every 2 weeks. Logan is a once a week. If I don't do him once a week he will have serious knots. I can go 10 days at the max but I like him going clean for a weekend to mom. This way mom doesn't have to be fretting about his hair and I don't have to take knots out. I like him looking at me adoringly vs. giving me the evil eye.

Most people won't do a once a week bath and on a dog that has dry hair you can dry it out more if you wash it too frequently creating different types of knots. Crazy, eh?

Coating it and giving deep conditioners on dry hair not every week but every 2 weeks actually helps dry hair. Using a good grooming spray matters.

Tomorrow I wash Cody, Sparky and maybe Shoshi. We shall see. Cody for sure as he goes home. It all depends on my stamina and the weather. Good weather means outside with pups and grand kids. Inside means more time to wash.

Fiona and the pups get a wash on Friday to get ready for their visitors - puppy owners and Steven and crew after that. We are going to try to get Steven's crew in the water. Let's hope the weather cooperates.

Today's Update and Lynda's Picnic Photos

Socks and Jazzy have been hanging outside with Sparky. The boys just can't get enough with playing crazy games outside and who can blame them.

I am so late in updating as I had Truffie and Spice to wash today and the rest to brush.

Jazzy just came to play and will be going shortly. I am hoping his exit is before the rain comes so he can look good for his mom and dad. No bath for Jazzy but he is clean and handsome and I would like to keep him that way.

Sparky looks at his food and says - is that all there is? Yes, we feed him a bit extra but he is still saying - is that all there is. hahahaha

Sparky loves to lay on top of you while you watch tv snuggled into the blankets you have on top of you.

Socks and Sparky seem to be playing tag team with Roxie or Abigail. Abigail is not thrille with it and is now telling them off but Roxie thinks they just LOVE her and well I think they are just having fun with her. heh

Here are a few photos from the picnic taken my Lynda on her iphone.

Jane Waring's Picnic Photos

Here they are.

Steven and Mays Picnic Photos

Here they are!

Too Tired

It's not often that I say I am too tired to blog and do photos but I am.

I can't stop from yawning. I feel a knot or two coming in on Spice but no grooming, no photos - nada.

It's one of those days that I am totally spent.

I need to play recovery.

So until tomorrow, here is Scruffy all cleaned up after the picnic and Sophie who is heading back home to Ct after her trip to the Canada shores. Sophie looks like I feel and I wish I could be doing!

2012 Annual Picnic Shot

2012 Annual Picnic Shot - Click for Larger View

We came, we survived the sunshine, the rain, the swimming pool bathers (Kobe and Roxie). We had great conversation, food, marvelous times with the dogs that looked like wet rags going home. Each year we take a shot and never manage to get everyone in as they either leave too early, come too late or just don't want to be in photos and I GET that!

Thanks goes to Steven and May that are wonderful taking these photos each year so we can share with you. Without them I certainly wouldn't be in the photo and would be clicking instead.

Thank you to Yvonne and Alex for opening their yard, the home to all these wonderful dawg people and I am proud to say are part of our dog families. The way I see you connect with the dogs with much love actually does my heart good. It's the reason we can do this.

Thank you for all that brought yummy food! Kobe beef - wow!

Watching Maxine and her parents running around like Nathan does and playing with the dogs - WOW. Gerda coming all the way from Alberta and saying she would do it again - WOW. Scruffster's parents - the interaction and the smiles you gave me laughing about the two step dancing, Heather those clothes you wear are amazing and you and Fred's sense of humour - priceless plus Marlaina's gentleness with Risa... WOW Carol's dancing with her two dogs - Coco and Doozie - AMAZING - and I could go on and on but I would bore you I imagine. All of you - each one of you I have to say I am so happy you are a part of our lives.

Those that visit us - special. Daisy squealing in delight at Nathan and I - priceless - here I go again - enough - I may have not mentioned you but that doesn't mean I won't but let's spread the stories out and share with each other the fun in the comments so those that didn't come know what was missed.

Even the huddle wet rag experience was interesting!

Few Photos

Not every photo but a few - too tired to do them all...

Promise I will get to the photos by Monday. Today, I am so exhausted! Late for daughter's party too and not sure I have energy to drive there. :-(

Havanese Picnic 2012

Brushing, crazy rain outside but we are off to go to the picnic and if the dogs get wet - that's okay. We hear no rain in Brighton so maybe that far away equals dryness. We shall see.

It's really going to be fun either way!

Washa Washa

Roxie is washed. Got Logan, Panda and Kat to do as soon as I finish typing. I am posting a photo of Roxie as she won't look this way tomorrow.

Yes, the picnic is on rain or shine but we are arriving at 10am for setup so I expect my dogs to look like ragamuffins by the time everyone comes.

So, why am I washing?

Logan Just Washed After a DrinkWell, haven't figured out that one as they will surely need baths on Sunday. hahahaha

Sparky arrived and is smitten with Roxie. He is doing really well enjoying the other dogs.

Photos of the other washed dogs later cause as I said this is the cleanest you will see them.

That's okay, they will have a grand time.

Here you will see Logan just washed and after a drink so he can wet his face don't ya know. Dawgs....

Risa and Abigail was washed yesterday. They will get brushed at 6am tomorrow as we leave no later than 8am tomorrow.

 Panda Just Washed

Update on Friday, August 10, 2012 at 9:55PM by Darlah

PS: Sparky has been brushed but he arrived clean so no bath till he gets picked up. I have a funny feeling I will be bathing Sunday. hahahaha Off to bed - and no everything is NOT done.

Crazy Long Day

It's a crazy long day today. I have to start washing a few dogs to go to the picnic starting today. Risa is first. We have Sparky coming to visit and we are so excited and Scruffy coming in a few hours - fun, fun, fun!

See Sparky links to get to know who he is.

http://www.talemakerhavanese.com/talemaker_puppy_life/2010/12/27/sparky-the-havanese.html

http://www.talemakerhavanese.com/talemaker_puppy_life/2011/11/1/sparky-agility.html

Here are some more class photos before I start washing. Plus here is a fun video of Treasure's pup playing with the baby.

Class Tonight

Got to brush 3 dogs - Panda, Logan and Roxie before class so updates will come later tonight if I just remember my camera and stick this time.

Remembered my stick but too tired to update you other than to say it went well and everyone is improving each time. It is an amazing class - so much fun.

Update on Wednesday, August 8, 2012 at 9:57PM by Darlah

 Have you seen a more attentive crowd?

Quiet House

Simba is now home and will be truly missed. His family had fun at Disneyland and Simba had his own form of Disneyland here. :-)

His hair is so silky and thick but I find it easy care. With all that he plays I am amazed he has hardly any knots. I think he had NONE daily from a thorough comb out daily.

What a good boy - I am so impressed!

Rocky also went home and Rocky is not one of ours but he has managed to go from shy to playing like a banshee.

He does a fabulous rollover too even in the middle of the rest of the crew. Can we say he got a confident boost from last to this time. These exposures are great in helping them be all they can be.

No swimming today. Just grooming, playing and Nathan had a vet visit and now he is out with the Panda at handling class.

Logie is home loving his visitor.

Ah...life is quiet and who knows maybe we will dip the pups in the water tomorrow if it stays this hot.

Anything is possible!

Remember When?

Here is a photo of Kat and Wasabi. It brings back so many memories.

It's nice to look back at old photos and remember some of the things they did and how it drove you crazy or made you smile. The stuff that drove you crazy now makes you smile so eventually....

Wish they were young things again!

Exhaustive Day

Panda, Logan and Tiger Lily went home and that meant 3 baths, lots of grooming and today I am tuckered out.

I am not sure why I am feeling it but maybe too many full bath days in a row and come Thursday and Friday I will be doing another marathon for the picnic. If I don't sound coherent at the picnic just smile and give me that knowing look. hahaha

Tomorrow Simba goes and Tuesday Rocky. Wednesday I swim - just me - no dogs to groom - Nathan best do it.

I was out of my Panegenics so I used some human stuff on Logan and oh my am I jazzed with the feel of him. I will do it again on Friday so you can feel him at the picnic.

Tiger Lily had no patience for nail clipping.

I think something posessed her when Nathan clipped but he persisted and it got done and when it was done it was as if she said oh - that's all you are going to do?

I am literally falling asleep as I type - so sorry...

If I don't make sense, you know why.

Holiday Fun

I gave a bath to Coco and Doozie and they are smart enough to know that means Mommy and Daddy is coming to get me.

Now those of you that used to think they don't have memories are clueless. It's amazing how much they remember and what they associate with what event.

In this case they went to the gate and said - hmm Mom, Dad - why aren't you here yet?

This is perfect. They get excited to come, excited to go and have fun while they visit. To me, that's perfect. That makes me feel good when they feel good!

Coco and Doozie are amazing and I mean amazing in all the commands they know. They are practicing a sister act of dance and Carol showed me a little of what they are working on and it is FUN! She'll be at the picnic if you are interested in dance - well talk to her about it.

Ty also had a bath and had some training sessions while he was here. He's in class so it's been busy, busy, busy. Ty is amazing in his obedience training. Sit, down, stay, heel he knows it all without even thinking. He just gets overly exuberant when he sees other dogs, tail wagging and vocal so we were working on that. Distraction with obedience training worked well especially when we had a loose pitt bull in the neighbourhood. This is why obedience training is so good to have solid as ever. It can help you in most any situation.

PS: the pitt bull is very friendly but shouldn't be off lead.

I am glad we are doing another class as Roxie is saying speak to the paw at times. Oh, she is her mother through and through. Abigail also found obedience BORING so we are incorporating fun into the equation and her attention holds longer. We shall see how class goes on Wednesday.

Panda - well she was unbelievable - of course. Two siblings - so different but fun in their own way.

Here are a few photos of Ty before he went home.

Tomorrow Tiger Lily goes home and by Tuesday it will be awfully quiet and then Sparky comes to visit and he will attend the picnic minus his parents as they are road tripping. Sparky's parents are interesting and talented people and he is a cartoonist. See Aislin. His mom Mary does some amazing watercolours. They do agility with Sparky. It's been awhile since we have seen them and can't wait!

Wet & Soggy Day

I posted this on Facebook but I know some of you are not on FB so I am reposting here.

I don't know who else gives baths and blow dry to other people's dogs but today I had water dripping off me and all I can say is this dawg should have been called Havanese Wild Child. If I had anymore like this I would need to place my brushes and combs anywhere but on the table and wear waterproof clothes. The end result was nice but oh to get there - I laughed and laughed and I could tell she wasn't used to THAT reaction.

Meet Sadie. :-) She visits us off and on since she was 16 weeks old. She may be coming to the picnic and she is FUN, FUN, FUN. You will like her parents too!

Roxy also went home and I really hope she visits again. She was like a flower opening up - getting better and better and enjoying the fun. She was a delight.

Tomorrow Coco and Doozie will be heading home. I will miss them immensely. You will see them at the picnic too.

Today Angie dropped in and I was taking a shower while she was here. I came down and I was too late.

I had no choice. I had to take a bath.

Everyone was thoroughly brushed by me. I did some training today, exposed Ty to a Pitt Bull but with the added training - no photos of everyone. So sorry but maybe I am spoiling all of you. hahaha

Boys Day

Here are just a few photos of Rocky, Simba and Scruffy playing.

I am very busy today. So I won't get to more photos but I will try to tomorrow.

I can't believe Coco and Doozie are going home Saturday. They have been a pure delight and the Coco kisses for me are the very best. Sadie and Roxy heads out tomorrow and will be missed. Almost empty nesting.

Ty is hanging out here while his family moves. Maybe Cooper's mom can offer some tips to Julie on making the changes easier?

Here's the boys...

Be sure to see updated photos of Tre and Stella below!

Latest Photos

Hi Nathan/Darlah:

I have some updated pictures from the park.

Stella has a big girl haircut for the summer.

I will let it grow again.

Wait till you see her, and no you cannot have her back!!!!!

Regards Valerie

---

From us: Stella, I think you are cute no matter what haircut you have.

If this is easier for Mommy and you, then go for it!

You really turned into a totally beuatiful silver beauty.

-----

Gerda also posted photos with Tre chillin amd what a lucky guy he is.

I do believe he has Abigail's snout, nose and mouth. :-)

Can't wait to see if the twins look like twins still. :-)

Updates with the dogs here later. Roxy (not our Roxie) is heading home tomorrow in the morning so I am washing her last thing before bed. Sadie also heads home but not till night so she will get bathed in the afternoon.

Class Tonight

It's going to be fun, fun, fun again! Roxie, Ty, Panda and Scruffy are in class tonight. I just can't believe it is an 8pm class - oh my...

It means we get home and roll into bed.

Still want to do a Tricks class....

PS: We will have 2013 havanese calendars at the picnic, Nathan's magazine in printed form and for rescue the t-shirts. Calendars are limited so if you want some you best order from Nathan soon as we ran out last year.

Update on Wednesday, August 1, 2012 at 12:12PM by Darlah

No update on the rest of the crew. Just know they are having fun and the sun is shining. With class and grooming and bathing - well time invested in playing with the dawgs is more of a priority than photos but we will get back to it tomorrow, I promise.