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.

Tuesday
Jul312012

Wet, Rainy and Chilly

It's wet, rainy in a big way and it has become chilly so the dawgs are hanging out with Nathan in the TV room - well most of them.

This one took over the entire recliner and only in this house can you spread out and get comfie in the chair that the humans like the most.

I started grooming and gave up. They go outside and come in looking like wet rags and we put all these blankets all over the couches, on the chairs, in the crates so they can get real cozy.

It's a tough life, you know. They cuddle in and catch some serious zzs.

If the rain keeps coming the pool is going to overflow for sure. No photo galleries today. It's just one of those days but besides chilling we also play a lot of games that expels their energy and gets them tuckered out - us too. heh

Tuesday
Jul312012

Envious Update

Here's a photo of Envy practicing his stack in the grass!

Can you believe how long his hair is?

The photo was taken yesterday.

Monday
Jul302012

Scuff's Adventures

Hi D & N,

Just though we'd share some of our photos from the Elvis festival in Collingwood.

This was sooooo silly, but I swear it was so much fun!  It was the first time Scruffs was in a large crowd and we were so proud of him.  He did a great job!  There were lots of booths set up with a variety of Elvis and non-Elvis items.  We bought some fridge magnets for our parents that read "we heart our GrandDog".  Really cute :)

He also truly loved the cottage.  He got to play with the two Dachshunds next door, Ashtown and Spangle. He also met a Cocker-Bichon named Rocky and they became best buds :-) He loves the outdoors and the company of both humans and canines alike.  He got to dance with me - he likes when I hold him and sway - and listen to us crazy humans singing karaoke.  A neighbor even heard us and dropped in for an impromptu guitar play along.  We did Hotel California.....it's the only song we all mostly knew the words to. LOL. He even got to blow out my birthday candles with me. Scruffs was an extremely polite houseguest and won the hearts of everyone there, so he will surely get another invite.  He smiled and smiled and walked around with an extra spring in his step.  His happiness was unmistakeable.  He is now thoroughly pooped and sleeping like a baby.

Doggy Elvis....who knew?

-----

Below is today's update from the rest of the crew!

Monday
Jul302012

Run, Run & Play

The fun is in the run and in the play or capturing it, I suppose but for the dawgs it's the doing.

Roxy (not our Roxie) arrived and is playing up a storm with Rocky who almost looks like her twin except for the length of their ear hair. They also play alike. Sadie jumps in and says what about me? Simba says, are you kidding - game on. Then Coco joins in and Doozie says hey not without ME!

It's been a fun-filled day just watching!

Here's a few of the photos.

Sunday
Jul292012

Full Day

Be sure to check the post below for an update on Biggie and Kobe.

We had a very full day. Simba, Roxie, Rocky, Sadie and Coco went swimming.

Let me explain why we do x dogs on a given day. Before they go swimming I thoroughly comb them out as mats will turn to felt. We swim and after swimming I again comb them out after brushing them out fully. It's a big process but worth it but sometimes it takes me a bit to get all the knots out when one comes to visit. You DO NOT wet a dog that has knots in them unless you want to damage the coat or you want a lot of work for yourself.

Tomorrow if the weather is good I will go swimming minus dogs. :-) I haven't been swimming in days as I have been grooming. hahaha Oh, it is worth it but every now and then it is MY turn. :-)

Cooper went home after I had him looking PERFECT. Did he remain that way for his parents? Well semi so. He rather loves the play and who can blame him.

Rocky went swimming and did rather well with it but did he want to go back in after the 2nd time? NO. So we will let him have a break from swimming and see if he invites himself in a day or two. This happens more time than not and then they go oh that was fun let's try it again. We never push the experience. We want it to be fun.

Sadie went swimming and ran around like a wild child. I swear her haircut suits her. hehe I think haircuts should suit the personality of the dog.

Simba had a glorious time swimming as if he's been hanging out in a lake or something and then played like a wild man with Roxie.

Coco was great at swimming but stayed away from the pool for days. Today she decided this was the day to go and she swam and swam. Doozie, her sister said NOT I! Coco is really coming into herself even telling Doozie, no, I don't think so. Usually she says if it is important Doozie, that's okay. Doozie is accepting of this new attitude Coco. It's obvious they love each other.

Just like us dogs like to swim when they want to swim not to entertain us. :-0

We got everyone brushed and combed out and dried and now they are all hanging out watching tv or catching some serious zzzs.

Is it bed time yet?

Take a look at the photos.

Sunday
Jul292012

Puppy Updates

People were asking about Biggie and it seems he is doing wonderful.

He got a new hairdo and it seems he is still a character.

From his mom:

Biggie spent several hours at the 'spaw' this morning and came out with this new do. Not sure about the blow out (I like his hair in its natural curl better) but its nice to see his eyes again ;).

He seems pretty happy with it.

----

Now for an update from another.

Kobe, one half of the twins mommy sent us a photo.

This is from Kobe's mom:

Hi guys! How's your summer going? I am home with the pups and it has been great! Kobe went for his first swim last week and after I brought him in once he jumped back in on his own! He seemed to enjoy it and especially liked running around wet!

Then we went to the beach and he was initially scared of the waves but later was lying down in them! He is just the best! Looking forward to seeing you all soon!

Lauren, Vince, Shilo and Kobe

Saturday
Jul282012

Strange Weathered Day

It was a better day today than yesterday - not for the dogs but weather wise. I still didn't swim but Nathan took Zack and Coco to swim before they head home shortly. If I was washing, may as well swim don't you think?

The weather got hot, got cold - it was strange so instead of taking more, we just gave up and decided outdoor running play was best and less grooming for this arm that was aching today.

I had someone stop by the other day and I was showing some tips on grooming but had to give up as my arm just is a tad more sore than I imagined and now even more so without meds. Oh well, it will be fine. I did manage to groom everyone. Just the arm could groom all the swimmers TWICE so forgive me.

Cooper goes tomorrow morning, Zack and Coco tonight. The room on the bed - well there will be tons. hahaha

Cooper is moving to Huntsville so when he gets picked up he has an exciting adventure in store. He has a new house to explore and he may be confused for the first day as he won't be going to the old one again. But he's smart and will figure it out.

After all his playing he is going to be a mellow guy, I imagine. Keeping him clean in this wet weather has been an interesting venture but I think after some cleaning under and feet he's more than fine. Let's see what tomorrow brings.

You will get to see Simba in the photos. He's visiting and well being Simba. I rather like his cut - an in-between looks now that it is growing in. Lori - YES I LIKE IT!

Also, Sadie who is not one of ours but we have known her since she was a wee pup. She is a play monkey and adds fun to the mix. I believe she is friends with Rocky as it is home week with those two.

I didn't catch everyone but I will try to play catch-up tomorrow.

Look at how Treasure's hair is getting long. So pay attention folks, hair DOES grow. Do what is best for you.

Check out the photos.

Friday
Jul272012

Not Many Photos

Nathan took photos today and I thought he was taking Simba, Charlie, Cooper, Sadie and Rocky playing up a storm as this is what happened outdoors an hour ago, he got instead some artistic shots.

So, sorry I thought I had a potential gallery but I do not. He was having fun, what can I say?

Flora is gone and although Kat watched her leave he is still looking frantically for her - so sad. I hope it clicks in. I guess its that wishful thinking.

I heard Lori dropped by and Nathan and I was at ribfest while Jon and Dennis was here watching the dogs. We were gone for an hour and got these WONDERFUL butterfly chips. It was good to get out even for a short period of time. You should go if you can. It's free and the food was great! We did a takeout. So sorry we missed you - a rare thing especially with me as its Nathan that runs the errands.

I managed to get everyone groomed and tomorrow I have baths as some go home. It's going to get quiet again and I do hope that the weather gets better. Looking like rain again.

Off to watch the Olympics surrounded by dogs. I can be sure that Coco will lay behind me with her head on my shoulder. This dog or that will be in my legs, on my lap, on my side and then they will shift. It really is like poetry in motion in the making.

Thursday
Jul262012

It's Been a Day

Cooper and Scruffy was playing up a storm as if they are related. Wait, they are!

Scruffy is now home and I bet you he will be snoozin' as he played hard today despite the lack of a pool and despite the rain they still manage to go silly crazy. It's nice.

I did manage to groom everyone. Molly and her mom dropped by and we did hair talk.

Coco and Doozie rema funm fun, fun with their antics and we are still learning all their commands but it is fun trying.

Yvonne just missed seeing Coco and Zack. Coco waited for her turn for grooming. Now that's new. Hey I see you are giving out treats when you groom, lady. So groom me next!

Rocky came in the place looking forward to the fun and is really settling in well. (more photos tomorrow of everyone) Just more difficult taking photos in the house in tighter quarters so I am hoping no rain tomorrow. We shall see. Plus sitting is not so easy still.

I lined combed Cooper but he doesn't look like it. Rain and play - what can I say.

But we are managing 'some' play outside but much grooming after that!

Flora is visiting till tomorrow as she is breeding to Kat.

We signed up Roxie tp Citizen Canine in Ajax starting August 1st at 8pm. Class is almost full. Ty and Scruffy wil be joining us. It's going to be fun!

More photos tomorrow... just know fun is had by all despite this rain that has come and they say is still coming.

Wednesday
Jul252012

Never Thought

Never thought I would see the day when someone else tuckers Cooper out but Charlie did just that.

Cooper jumped on the bench and said I have had enough for NOW.

I knew they would click and when Zack gets here it will be Zack and Logan joining in.

Dennis has been busy having fun trying out commands on Coco and Doozie. It's a riot. He's so good with the dogs and they love him so.

Me, I am in pain. I wasn't so bad this morning but two tylenol 3s and I can walk but sit and climb over or get up from a sit - yeouch. Hoping tomorrow is better so althugh I washed Kat (Nathan brushed the rest) as Flora is coming to get bred, standing for that length of time was not a good thing. He feels so wonderful though. At least he is squeaky clean for the deed. :-) Yvonne should arrive anytime. :-)

Kat's a lucky guy. :-) He sort of gets it but says where's the gal?

Wednesday
Jul252012

Ringo Videos

Ringo has a few videos found here. Check them out. Thanks Steph for sharing. Stephanie is still looking for a ride to the picnic. Is anyone coming from the city?

Cooper has arrived and Charlie is in heaven. hahahaha Cooper sure makes a splash! Safe and smooth move... to the human parents!

Tuesday
Jul242012

Changes

Benji had a bath before he went to his uncles house and I have to tell you I didn't know if I should put his hair up or leave it down. He can see either way but its us humans that can't figure it out.

He flies out with his uncle on Saturday to see his family and have another holiday. Such a lucky guy. I lined combed him every which way in hopes that he lasts till Saturday but I have my doubts. We will wait to hear.

I will tell you everyone misses him but especially Charlie. But that's okay, Charlie needs a rest today and as he has the Cooper coming and he will keep him on his toes for a couple of days.

Got Logan cleaned up and brushed before he headed home. Nathan did Panda. This body is mighty sore so I let him. I will do Panda tomorrow. Although Panda is a show gal and needs her hair taken care of extra hers tends to be wonderful so it is Logan that needs the extra care for now.

Today Nathan was practicing down and twirl and all the commands Carol sent us with Coco. It was a riot and she knows them so well she does them in a crowd.

That's a testament to her mommy Carol, I am sure!

Coco and Doozie are such amazing dogs due to what Carol puts into them. They do dance and several levels of obedience and it shows.

Doozie has found that Abigail and Wasabi is a lot of fun. Unfortunately when she perked up to play with Wasabi today Wasabi said not today. By weeks end I am sure Wasabi will be back playing again. Till then, Coco and Doozie play like sisters as they are both sharing the same dad. They also live with each other so no surprise. Abigail, Spicy, Roxie and Panda play with both so getting tuckered out is a usual.

Till tomorrow...

Monday
Jul232012

We are Home

Wasabi is now home. She seems to be doing rather fine. It's been a very long day. She's eaten a big meal.

It's sad that we won't see anymore Wasabi pups but its time and Spice and Envy at Paula's will carry on the line.

It was a very hot day. Nathan didn't swim I am told. He did brush most of the dogs and played with all of the dogs.

Me, I am exhausted.

Benji gets bathed first thing in the morning as he leaves. He will be missed.

I got home and Coco, Doozie and Rocky ran to give me kisses. How special is that! Sure Fiona and the rest did but I like it when the visitors do.

Till tomorrow...

Sunday
Jul222012

Pool Time

We had a very busy day today. We had Linda drop by and take Roxie over for a visit to her house - nice! She's never been for a playdate so this was extra nice for her and for Panda and Logan. She brought some lamb kebobs that was to DIE FOR! That woman is such a sensational cook.

We had Helen and Suzy come over to tucker out Hugo and Milo. Suzy has had an operation on her foot so she was unable to swim but she got to sit and watch.

Kat jumped in the pool over and over and Hugo jumped off the stairs - bravo!

As you will see in this photo Kat even jumped over Helen.

Anything to get to his Daddy.

We had Maxine and Ziggy leave. <sigh>

We had relatives drop in.

We had a mad rush to get the stuff out of the rain outside.

Tia arrived and is leaving tomorrow at noon. A bath for her. Tuesday Benji gets a bath and leaves too. Although Nathan would like to think Benji snuggled with him at bedtime he was attached to me in a good way all night long. As he is on a trip this week we have been testing him in his Sherpa bag almost daily to make sure he finds comfort - conditioning but it appears his parents did that too.Good one on them!

Charlie remains a fun loving dog. Since his first visit he has become more and more comfortable and is so fun to have around. He runs up to me and gives me kisses like none other. I love it! He also plays nonstop with everyone. It is so nice to see!

Wasabi gets her snip tomorrow and it is a bit more when they are older in cost and recovery so we are hoping for a speedy one. I will be out there all day as she can't come home till 4ish. That means I will be home around 6ish. So no updates till probably 8ish.

Saturday
Jul212012

Photos Taken Today

Maxine and Shady went a swimming and also both had baths. It will be a miracle if Shady stays perfect as he is playing up a storm with Charlie. He does feel wonderful. Maxine plays but not like the rough and tough duo. Besides I can spruce her up before she leaves.

Life is back to normal after heats. Coco and Doozie - oh my are they lovees and I can't wait to watch tv with them as I get the snuggles in a big way.

Here's the photos - just a few of Maxine, Shady and Charlie. The rest I will get to maybe tomorrow. But just know everyone is having a GRAND fun time.

Saturday
Jul212012

Oh My

Charlie and Benji like to muck it up where the gals, Maxine, Coco and Doozie like to stay cleaner. What's that about?

It appears the weather is cooler despite them saying it will be warm, warm, warm.

Gals are out of heat. Wasabi goes to get spayed on Monday. Yvonne's Flora comes to get mated with Kat but we don't know what day or the timing for that as it depends on progesterone testing. <heh> More than you want or need to know.

Shady is keeping Shady and is here chillin. He will have a bath and then go home later today after we click a few photos of him. He is such a puppy, puppy so full of fun energy. Boy is that nice to have around.

The day is unfolding...

Friday
Jul202012

Simba & the Crew

Simba came for a visit, a grooming/bath and to have fun and he did.

He got to play with his brother Benji. I can't believe how much Simba's hair has grown. Between Phantom and Fiona, they have super hair. Fiona's hair grows very fast too.

Everyone had fun today but each day we take turns with the pool so I am not brushing my hand off. It works and they all get their fun with the exception of Ziggy who goes in on the step no matter what.

It's always MY turn don't you know?

Maxine, a Treasure pup is here as well till Sunday. She will go swimming before she goes home so you can see how she does. Ziggy also leaves then too. Coco, Doozie and Rocky decided today was not their pool day and they were happy playing silly games with Dennis as he tried to figure out all the commands they know.

Panda went home with Logan - heat over - hooray!

Here are a few photos from today.

Thursday
Jul192012

Pooling It

We had Coco, Doozie, Scruffy, Ziggy, Panda and Roxie in the pool. Tomorrow or the next day we are hoping when Charlie visits we get him and Simba in the pool.

Check out some of the photos today.

We had races between the brothers Ziggy and Scruffy and races between Panda and Roxie. We couldn't get Coco and Doozie wanting to go at the same time but they loved the pool. They were more interested in that run like hey game that the Havanese are so famous for.

One time Ziggy won, one time Scruffy won. Panda I think won both times - old age, I forget.

Let's just say we had a really fun time despite it not being that warm but now I am off to get a few knots out from a dog so this is going to be a short update. The photos will show the fun!

Wednesday
Jul182012

Penny Departs

Penny was picked up at noon and said wow that Benji guy isn't coming too?

I may sleep for a week. Oh, and Ziggy isn't coming as well - more sleep.

Those two guys kept her going. I had a pretty butterfly clip in her hair and she refused to keep it in. I tried. :-)

Here is a photo of Lucy from Wasabi's last litter. Isn't she adorable?

---

Hi Darlah and Nathan,

Lucy has brought such joy to our family! She has grown so much since you've last seen her, she's now 7 pounds and still growing. She has grown into a routine and is going outside on a regular basis. We've been taking her on long walks once a day, sometimes we can fit in two, and she just loves them! Lucy has been meeting several other dogs, one of them being a Westie who is very gentle around her.

As Lucy is growing we notice more black markings on her feet and around the spine when we groom her. She's getting cuter by the minute!

From the Caruso Family

Tuesday
Jul172012

Too Hot Out

Honest, I brush all the dogs every single day with an odd exception and Benji WAS brushed before this shot was taken but I am laughing my head off looking at him.

I think he has been Ziggy-cized and Penny-cized.

We had the pups outside and the crew got to peek but not touch or get too close so to speak.

Penny, Benji and Ziggy was HIGHLY interested. Coco and Doozie thought they were Martians and although looked ....

Well, Coco and Doozie walked outside and walked right back inside after seeing what the commotion was about. With it feeling like 43c who was the smart ones?

Tomorrow Penny gets a bath and heads home and she will no longer grace Nathan's head at night where she loves to sleep. She will be missed. Simba comes for a visit - yeah fun. Scruffy comes for the day on Thursday along with Rocky. It's turning out to be a fun, fun week for all. Not a single soul is laid back. They are all in the thick of it having great fun and that's nice!

Hoping it is cooler tomorrow so the plants aren't frowning and we can get the canines swimming again.