Snow Faces

We have all heard about snow angels and Havanese do them but Risa spends a great deal of the time just cooling off her head by sticking her entire head into a snow pile.

Then she pulls it out and shakes and here is what she is left with.

I often wonder why she finds it fun to not only stick the head into the snow pile but at times she leaves it there. I wonder how the hey she is breathing and just when I go to pull her out, she does it herself, shakes and almost smiles as if to say this is so much fun.

I do believe it is a game and now she has Shoshi doing it!

Knots Inbetween Toes

We have been busy today but this is a reminder, if you live in cold climates, we do get cold. Pay attention to us lifting our paws. It means it's cold and I need snow out of my pads or to come inside.

If you are getting a cold weather alert, a quick out and in is best for your dawg and for you too.

Be sure to check all pads and cut out any knots in-between them. They can be mighty uncomfie and it's not often that we tend to think about that spot.

Brrrr I's Cold Out There

Today was a wind down day though we had a visit from Coach and Sassy we couldn't go out too long as it is colder than bleep outside.

So we tried to visit inside.

I managed to ice pick the ice under the gate to get it to close properly before the dawgs could go out and its a no walk day as its simply not safe out there.

Where is Nathan whem I need him - Darlah with a pick ax is dangerous.

Our visitors had their paws up immediately and I felt like lifting mine.

Off to snuggle them and head to bed early as we have a vet visit tomorrow.

Marathon Washes

We are down to the last week of Fiona's pups making their debut so I did a marathon of washing the adults. I have yet to wash the Spice but will tomorrow. I ran out of steam.

When I wash, I cut the hair between the pads as winter time brings snowballs and when the havanese tend to bite them out, they also can create mats between their pads that are painful. Some people use a clipper and I use a pair of curved scissors but also my dawgs lay on their back and let me do it. I have yet to achieve this with Spice yet so with her it wil be a two person job, I imagine. We shall see as I will try.

My goal is to get her to lay on her back so I can find any mats in her armpit area and it also allows me to groom her underneath. It's a true bonus to get them to lay on their back and I always work at having that as a goal. It's just conditioning and trust that is a factor.

I also use grooming time to check their ears, clean around their eyes and just simply make sure they are knot free with a comb. I don't pull out the mat with a comb. I just either hold the mat in place and pull it apart with my fingers after spraying it with grooming spray or I use a brush to break it apart. Then I go on the hunt again with the comb. If you are this thorough at bath time, your job in-between is much easier even at the once in a lifetime 'blowing coat' stage.

PS: they don't blow their coat but actually they get their undercoat and due to the different lengths, it creates mats more easily. That is why so many choose to cut the hair during this time to even it out and let it all grow in one length reducing the struggle.

Besides, hair does grow back says I with my long hair. ROFL!

Snow Faced Fun

 Fiona is down to just a little over a week till the pups make their debut and are we excited. But till then, she is having fun cooling off in the white stuff.

She's slowed down sleeping more, which is quite the usual. She won't jump off the couch. I believe this is intuitive now. Before this stage she had no issues with ups and downs. Now she takes the stairs and then wants you to carry her down.

Fiona has always been our true princess. She likes to be coddled but she is independent as well. Put a fancy bow in her hair and I swear she knows it and prances around. She likes to be clean, freshly brushed and she finds long naps in bed the best. She also stays clean the longest where Wasabi mucks up her hair and anything you tried to do in a manner of minutes. They are all unique.

We are really excited to see her pups and have high hopes of keeping one if she has gals. Watch - she wil have all boys. Life is always such a ride - is it not?

Daddy Talk

 Nathan has conversations with the dogs but when they are pregnant, he has these long conversations asking how they feel and playing with them to get them to relax. Their state of mind is important to us.

I do the massages and grooming and snuggles - he does the playing, conversations and snuggling. It all counts.

I can't believe she is due in a little over a week. How did the time fly?

I always yearn for spring but spring is when pups go home so this time let me yearn for living in the moment and treasuring it!

Shall We Dance

Have you ever wondered what they are doing in this stance?

It is simply an action of advantage and Spice is learning this well.

Spice is independent like her mom and they seem to be two peas in a pod. They still play all day and at night Spice crawls up next to her canine mom in bed and settles in. We keep hoping she will settle in next to our head but the attraction of mom is too great.

That doesn't stop her from walking all over our bodies, jumping as if we are trampolines meant to be pounced on till we go woah! We love the enthusiasm and she seems to get this at bed time in spades but just like your dad little Spice you aren't going to attempt to walk up our bodies.

But on the positive front she is hitting the pad always or outside. She doesn't hit the bell except to say outside yet again. But we are working on it. She's been to PetSmart twice cause it's a close exposure. Her class has been delayed a week due to snow but guess who is joining us in class - Frannie. Now how fun is that?

PS: I can groom Wasabi and Spice and 2 minutes later they look like the cat dragged them through the brush. Okay something dragged them. This will make showing a challenge.

Fiona's Getting Big

Nathan and Treasure was playing with Fiona tonight when I captured this photo. I *had* Fiona nicely groomed and thenNathan plays with her pushing her hair 5 ways to Sunday cause guess what, he doesn't groom. hahahaha

Next week - midweek, Fiona goes to the vet for her x-ray. Then we will know if we are on track for Feb 14th - the day of love.

Treasure has not had her bath as we felt it was more important for her to be with the babies. I am hoping for Sunday for hers.

Now you know my dawgs are not always looking their best. We do have a life - or so we attempt to.

If we have a 14th delivery, I will be giving them temporary names until their owners give them their real names cause it will just be fun to have a love theme and I need some fun.

Whatr's This White Stuff?

The snow keeps coming and that human keeps shovelling these things she calls paths so we can run like banshees all over the place having a roaring grand time.

Yep, it's a lot of work especially when the white stuff keeps coming but it's also an amazing amount of fun.

I like to stay out and started playing the 'come chase me' game but those humans won't play.

Maybe they are smarter than I give them credit for.

Life...

No sleep for the weary... so updates tomorrow if you please...understand!

Snow is Coming

They say the snow - lots is coming so we are bracing for a killer storm.

Be sure to keep warm and teach recall to your little one.

Do you know how?

Hiding Strategies

Digging for treasures. I know what's under there - a hacky sack or a treasured toy or...

Yes, they take them outside, bury them like the sqirrels all to dig them back up again.

Well, we are trashed. Off to bed rather early tonight. Our son has the night shift with Treasure and he will sleep all day - what a life.

I am glad we have him to help out so I can feel normal.

Spice and the Shoshi spent serious time treasure hunting today all in time for a huge storm coming or so they say.

Shaved Tummies

Did you know you can shave your Havanese's tummy to eliminate those tangles and mats?

If you have a neck warmer hanging around and you want to keep the belly warm. just place it over the midsection. It's cheap. It works and it looks cute.

You can also clip the hair in the arm pits.

The hair even with all this shaving and clipping can still appear long but reduce most of the work through the blowing coat stage that they only go through once.

Early Update

I am updating this early just incase I can't update it later. With Treasure's temperature dropping, her wanting to be with me 24/7, something is up.

Our son is hanging out and playing with the crew and I am going to concentrate on the Treasure.

But I still managed to capture a moment with Spice's eyes saying oh my Mommy want are you doing.

If nothing happens, I will go back to normal as nathan will be home for the weekend from work too.

Wouldn't it be nice if she accommodated him? Personally, I am still hoping for Sunday.

By the way, the Spice adjusted to sleeping on the bed just fine. She also thinks she is one of the big guys.

We are teaching no bark as she feels the need to invite play this way. Ouch - my ears - but we are making progress.

Low Key Day

Today we had a lot of snuggles, yard investigations, walks and we are taking it easy otherwise.

That human mom is being lazy not doing photos. She will tomorrow but she is getting ready for pups.

There is simply a lot to do to be prepared and make sure you have everything in place.

So, we are playing, cuddling and enjoying but otherwise, we are chillin'

A Little Crazy Dawg Play

Jay dropped in to have a good play with the crew. It was a riot to watch as you will see if you check out today's photos on Talemaker Puppy Life.

Even Spice got into the mix cause she thinks she is one of the bigger ones these days. It happens fast.

I am really looking forward to hearing about Red's reunion with his human siblings. They have been away and I hear a huge reunion is in store tonight so do fill us in. I want to see photos.

I miss the Red but hey I miss them all - the big suck that I am.

I just love action photos of the dawgs. They always give you something to snap - don't you think?

A Lil' Red in One's Life

Red is heading back to his forever home tomorrow and his family is excited to see him.

It was great that he came for a visit as we really miss the guy.

Treasure, as pregnant as she is still enjoys him and it's nice to see.

It's going to be an emptier house without him.

Let's hope the weather warms up and the white stuff flies so I can go back to taking photos after much rest.

Off to sit in the recliner and get draped in dawgs.

Boody Cold Out There

Extreme cold weather alerts today. They say if you have open skin for 10 minutes you can get frostbitten.

So PLEASE be careful about the dawgs. You do not want anything to happen to these precious beings.

Instead of longer stints outside, we went outside many, many times and right back in. This way they can do what they need to in a fast manner.

Yes, I go out with them too. You can't be lazy about it. It helps you to know the weather, what is going on with their body functions and you can clean up.

You can also take photos like I do.

What's it going to be like with Frannie gone and Spice in bed with us and Red home.

Well, one thing about this dawg breeding stuff, us humans have a lot of conditioning to falling in love and letting go. It's not easy. But it can be rewarding on the other hand.

Too Tired, Too Busy

Wanted to get photos up today but guess what, I think I overwrote them. It's one of THOSE Days.

But we will regroup tomorrow and figure it out. We have company coming shortly, dawgs to be brushed and then I think I will fall fast asleep.

Everyone is doing great except Nathan and I could use some serious sleep.

So look for everything back on track TOMORROW!!

No Class Dogs Again

Raylan is sitting on 9 points and needs 1 point. Yet again people don't show or pull their dogs and as you can see my face...what is that about?

If Raylan gets his point then he's done. So let's hoping we at least have competition tomorrow.

Otherwise I will have to put my mug up again and you don't want me to do THAT - now do you?

On a good note, we had fun with the amount of people that loved him. He is such a happy boy and so lovey to everyone. That's what a Havanese should be but tomorrow I have to get up at 5am, wash him to do it again.

I am sooooooooooooo tired. Maybe I can sleep on the way. We shall see.

Just keep me away from the vendors will you?

The hubby hands me $$ and its not enough. What can I say, I needed some stuff including a new brush.

The hidden items you have to have to show - the tools...the products.