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! 

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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.

Monday
Jun122023

The Rain Came

I think I just can't get the hang of these clips as 5 minutes later she always looks like this. Oh Meadow... LOL

Here is the gallery.

It rained and I mean rained most of the day. I had sopping wet dogs and finally we ok - I just said enough blow drying and combing. But get this Cassie once again went in the pool. She didn't fall. She jumped in. You will see her in the gallery wetter than wet on the chair. Blowdrying and combing her out daily - well... She is something else. 

The dogs are not happy about the rain. It has finally stopped but everything is mighty wet and they still get wet. Tomorrow more rain....

We do play with the dogs inside. We also have a cockapoo here and she is doing well now. She was a little nervous at first but the dogs are mighty welcoming. 

Sunday
Jun112023

Grass Wet Grass Not

Here is the gallery.

We had a wet day off and on. We also had so much play and well wetness so groom groom groom. Pups, adults and all had a ton of fun but Cassie - oh boy right in that pool. What a spirited dog. LOL

Noah and Zoe arrived. Boo, Raven, Maizy, Tiger, Nori and Nika departed. It truly was a fun day despite it getting wet out there. Tomorrow Chloe, Tuppy and Nava come for the day. We have more departing tomorrow. 

Nathan is fasting so he can do his bloodwork 1st thing. Then we wait for results.

They say 100% CHANCE OF RAIN TOMORROW - JOY NOT. Yes, it cleans the air but we have to make do with runs in the halls. We will still have fun!

Saturday
Jun102023

Pups Have It

Here is the gallery.

Cassie is a water dog. She plays in the water bowl and she jumped in the pool not once, not twice but 3 times. She's trouble - ooops adventurous. LOL

Check out the video of her playing in her water. Nathan never got the swimming pool antics captured but he did have a camera to capture her swim found in the gallery.

The dogs are massively having fun. The air is clear. The play is wonderful as its not too hot. No one went into the pool including the humans but we did manage to hang outdoors.

We have a full house today.

As this was my day off, Sherry was kind enough to take me to the Village Thief where decadence abounds. We also found out that Sheridan is no longer on highway 7. Closest is Scarborough. Go figure. Thank you, Sherry for a very nice outing but best of all we got to play catch-up. 

I could go on and on about the antics today and poor Rebel having her very first heat and being really upset about it but I won't. It's my day off. Just know every single dog is having fun!

Friday
Jun092023

Oh the Clear Air and Play

Here is the gallery.

Yoshi, Polo and Opus have literally been playing non stop over an hour - more like 2. They are going to be exhausted.

The dogs are celebrating this rain then clear air and then sun today. It stayed cool but oh boy you could breathe and make no mistake, the dogs celebrated with a ton of play. 

It was Nathan's day off but no swimming for him as it didn't get warm enough when the sun arrived. The sky is a bit hazy but nothing like yesterday. Tomorrow a hot one then rain again... oh well. 

Last night I woke up from a dream that I was suffocating. No wonder as Sky was laying on my face. I am not sure what that was about but I hope she doesn't do that again.

Time to go outside with the dogs and catch that clear fresh air! The dogs - well they are having fun. Sadie - hair too short to tie back. LOL She will survive.

Thursday
Jun082023

Really Campfire Atmosphere

Here is the gallery.

We had the dogs out minimal today. They say this day will be the worse. I keep hoping for rain to cleanse the air.

We exercise them indoors and they are happy. Even they go out and hang out for a small amount of time and head back in. 

Nathan and I went to Longos. It smelt like a campfire. Everyone was talking about it.

Good news, Longos had some baskets on sale - nice one half of the cost of other places. A huge planter on sale was had for $19.99. Most were 34.99 and the very large ones similar to what I saw at the farmer's market was less than half the cost. 

Ollie was visiting so we had 3 brothers with different length hair. Ollie's dad was happy to see them together. He really loved Lachlan's hair. Mom wants it shorter.

Bailey is still playing. We just had 6 dogs arrive - 4 from one family and 2 from another. 

Day 2 no raccoons. I celebrate. Who needs bad air (Dennis has asthma) and raccoons. LOL

The dogs are looking forward to tv time. Dennis and I are watching Silo. What are you watching?

Wednesday
Jun072023

Orange and Messy Times

Here is the gallery.

How can you tell you are having a good time? Messy hairdos. LOL They do have the time  of their life. Chubby was even smiling. He's sitting up against Dennis while he plays a game on his day off. Life is good while on holidays. Then we return home and well - there is no place like home.

We had a full day but no running outdoors due to the air quality. We run the halls upstairs and into the rooms and back again. They love it!

Poor Nathan - each time we head outside, I send him out first to see if any raccoons are there. They seem to be gone. Our next door neighbour has a garden on the ground so guess what they are scavenging through. <sigh> They are cute but still.... 

Ronnie bought a doublesided waterproof blanket off Amazon that is actually soft for Nathan' birthday. We had a couple of visitors that would try to relieve themselves on the couch and since it has been on, no one has tried. I have to say that I hope they don't do it at home. Come Fall, we may put it on the couch inside. May not ever need it but it feels protected with one on.

Nathan was out of ground meat so he was fretting. I said add chicken - so he did and everyone ate. So there - going to the store all the time is not necessary.

Tonight blankets and tv time with the dogs. Snuggles are delightful!

Tuesday
Jun062023

Yikes Smoke

Here is the gallery.

We had a lot of smoke this morning. It was getting better but it's back. I guess it depends on which way the wind is blowing. This morning we had this haze and no sun. We do have sun now. But we are being careful with the dogs outside. They go out - they go in and we make sure none of them is showing any distress. So far no issues. 

Sadie, who you see above needs her bangs cut. Her mom was asking about her. She is enjoying. Sadie is the dog that we placed as she appeared she was going to stay small and then when she came back for a visit - she grew. Got to laugh but this was meant to be. Her momma adores her!

I am off to class with Yoshi. It seems I missed Chai's last class. sigh... It is what it is.

We are thankful for the air. I hope the rest of you are surviving and thriving!

Thank you, Dorothy for the delivery of the plants. They were cheap too. All planted!! It was great seeing you.

Monday
Jun052023

Monday Monday

Here is the gallery.

Chubby and Yoshi ponder the outdoor real estate. Shall I go - shall I not?

Apryl and Oreo departed. No hang out pal on the outdoor couch. 

Chai and Nathan are off to class. I can't go as Ollie will be departing after dinner. I will go tomorrow when Yoshi goes. That works.

The dogs were pretty quiet today.

We had the pleasure of Ronnie and her daughter, Elana come and spend sometime with us. Ronnie and Elana brought Nathan's best lunch desire. Thank you! It was great to take time out from grooming to spend it with you!

Sunday
Jun042023

Lots of Pals

Bria and Apryl became great pals. Apryl goes home tomorrow and Bria just departed. Bria was taking out her food to spread it all over and then eat it. We had to watch as Apryl is on special food. 

I had a lot of grooming and do tomorrow as well as when I have a day off, I get additional the day before and after. LOL

I proceeded to comb out the dogs today and they proceeded to say nah nah - maybe I do not have knots but I am going to get as messy as can be. 

Bailey and Amy goes home shortly and so does Ollie the Coton. I need to put the screen and curtains up on the gazebo as the blood sucking mosquitoes seem to be out. LOL

Looks like the racoons that were in our yard was from our neighbour chasing them out of his garden. He called a service and they want 500 dollars for the service call so he called the city and they are coming out tomorrow for nothing. hmmm They are not in our yard and I check so much that it is bordering obsessive. 

Hope you had a great day. The dogs are still having a day. I love their fun!

Saturday
Jun032023

Full of Play

Here is the gallery.

Bailey was so full of play today. 

The dogs all were. I think they were celebrating less heat. I even stayed outside. I moved plants to bigger pots. I cleaned out my trug and planted lettuce and chives are in there from last year. Veggies are hard to find here - herbs too. I am not sure why. I like to grow veggies as it lacks pesticides. Tough year - at least here for growing. My usual Farmer's Market I overheard them say they are just concentrating on flower pots as that is what is selling. I looked at a lovely arrangement they had but passed at 239. Really? I am disgusted with the prices at the moment.

Tempie found 2 kits. I hope they have moved on. We do not see them. Maybe momma realized this is not the safest yard for them.

What a Saturday but we are out with the dogs always and Dennis, if he sees them will make them uncomfie so they move on with sprinklers, noise and such or we will call a service. So far they seem to be moved on. No wonder the neighbourhood had trash strewn all over. Seems they are working the neighbourhood - joy.

Friday
Jun022023

Mini Update Today: Plus Ruth and Katie

Here is a small gallery.

If all goes well, Katie will see her mom today for the 1st time in over 5 plus months. We hope it all goes well or we wouldn't drive down in this heat etc. We also hope it doesn't rain as she will be seeing her outside in the garden. They will move her outside for a visit. 

No one is swimming as it was a long day yesterday rinsing and drying and combing out. We take a break and enjoy other things today. 

Dogs are having fun. Maybe rain today and a cooler Saturday. We shall see. If the thunderstorms come, it will cool. All I can say is the dogs are enjoying the air conditioning. Thankfully that is working. 

It is an exceedingly hot day and Katie and Ruth had their time together. Katie and Ruth got to spend quality time in the garden area at Sunnybrook. We are glad that we could make this happen. Good for Katie and good for Ruth. We will have to do it soon again. 

Can I say that traffic to and from Sunnybrook is downright terrible. Thank you for air in the car. Katie was hogging the vent. LOL Smart gal!

Thursday
Jun012023

Nathan's Birthday and Heat and Swim and Pups

Here is the gallery. I want you to know I had to rinse and dry every dog that swam. But Nathan wanted the dogs to swim so it's his birthday so it is what it is. LOL

Hallie adored having Jax and Tuppy here. She was over the moon happy!

It was so hot out and still is. 

We sprayed the deck - all around the pool to keep the dogs cool and we kept shuffling them into the air. God bless Apryl - she would stay out on that couch with me every second but she needed cool so we shuffled her in and out many many times a day. She wasn't the only one.

I groomed dogs and they stuck their faces in the cold water. We have cooling bowls and we added ice. It was a riot to watch the sopping wet faces.

I also groomed Katie as we are going to see if she can see momma Ruth tomorrow. I am still juggling grooming so it may just be Nathan but I am going to try to go to help.

Amy has been spending her days here as her human dad is in hospital from a mini stroke. He is getting better. I am so glad!

Nathan took his nap today with puppies. It was such a hardship - NOT! Nathan asked Lachlan if he wanted to go too and he went the other way. I am having too much fun and you want me to NAP - really?

I am waiting till the sun goes down to water the plants. 

Coco has departed and she hogged the vent today. Good smart gal! Jersey and Roger was caught playing with each other. Dash just goes and goes and goes in a fun way. He departs on Saturday. Lily is so enjoying... Nathan is watching Korean soap operas - yes he enjoys them and Lily is asleep on his neck.

It was a good day despite the heat. Nathan gets tomorrow off. Jersey gal departs tomorrow. She is a creature of habit. She goes from place to place to claim all the coveted spots as her own.

Wednesday
May312023

The Heat is On Sizzling

Here is the gallery.

Alexa keeps telling me we are in the midst of a heat wave and tomorrow will be hotter on Nathan's birthday. We have 2 pups coming on his birthday so no birthday meal till Friday. He doesn't mind as he gets puppy time and relax time and do not have to do anything time for 2 days in a row. His birthday is tomorrow and Friday is his normal day off. Lucky guy!

As you can see Apryl loves the outdoor couch. I think she thinks its a dog luxury to hang out on it as you will see in the gallery.

Mr. Dash went swimming today - not intentionally so no camera but he cut the corner too short and can he swim - yes no problem.

Ms Sadie, Bria, Jersey, Bailey and Roger arrived. Maui departed. Logan and Panda will depart shortly. Ollie the Coton departed.

We have had a ton of ice cubes in the cooling bowls outside and when it gets too hot for us, the dogs come in with us. Nathan is out trying to heal is side in the pool. I had my exercise (laps) and pullups on the diving board and leg lifts. It was refreshing.

We are cooling the patio stones off and the deck so the dogs are comfortable and they are! Despite the heat, they are enjoying and chillin'. 

Happy Birthday to Sherry on Friday. An interesting tidbit Sherry's birthday is a day after Nathan's and Murphy's birthday is a day before mine. 

Tuesday
May302023

Chewed and Hot

Here is the gallery.

What do you do when someone chews your ear hair off? Safi says you wait patiently. You may look ridiculous but you keep the length on the other side. This way when you look on each side she looks like a different dog. LOL By summer's end we will even it out.

It was so hot on the cement that we had to keep hosing. The one that noticed it the most was Misty as I just cut her hair on her pads. Sorry - sweetie. She is who made me realize it was hot as I was walking on my barefeet and it wasn't too hot for me.

We have class with Yoshi today. 

Apryl waits for me to go out back and up on the outdoor couch she goes. She is happy as a clam. Tomorrow i will make sure Dennis gets a photo of her on the couch. 

Dash - well Dash is as happy as can be. I hope his mom is doing well after hip surgery. He is supposed to go home in 2 days. I hope he is not too crazy for her as he is as active as can be here. He so loves the activity. 

Lily found the shade today and got mighty comfie in Nathan's chair so much that he didn't dare moving her as she appeared so happy.

Murphy, Oakley, Lachlan and Ollie found some magic today. In the morning they were running in the grass. This afternoon the son came and mowed and said Happy Birthday - early for Nathan. His birthday is the 1st. I guess it was his present. We are keeping the dogs out of the grass as Apryl already has green feet. Can you imagine Lachlan with green? 

Monday
May292023

Hot Day

Here is a small gallery.

Nathan is off to the doctor's tomorrow. Today, I transplanted plants and groomed. Our server was giving us fits so I was unable to get online earlier than now. Dennis was having so much fun - thus the reality that he only took a few photos.

I keep my bigger pots so I can transfer anything I get to bigger pots so they can grow. Plant pots of size are expensive. I had a couple of strawberries that Nathan picked up at Loblaws. Today, I emptied out a pot and a mouse jumped out in the direction of me and I fell over and it scurried away. The dogs came running once I fell as if to say WHAT!? I think I am still playing recovery. So, I am a bit off kilter and need a stiff drink - so laughing.

Nathan is supposed to bring Chai for class tonight but he's not sure he is up to it. I washed Chai before I knew. I could have taken her in the pool. Could have, should have...

Hope you all are enjoying this heat! May you all have air!

Sunday
May282023

Hot One and Yoshi 1st Swim

Here is the gallery.

I think Nathan backwashed wrong so we have a cloudy pool. He is frustrated but it is clean enough to swim for our dogs. Only Misty, Ella and Yoshi swam. I was not up to combing out more after a swim. 

Check out the videos.

It was a hot day today - still is. 

My tree peonies are in full bloom so it best not rain. 

Nathan is in agony - his side and hasn't a clue why. I put a nag in the calendar to call the doctor. Will he? He is soaking in the pool. 

No photos as she was finished when mom and dad came but for the 1st time I made Magic 4" shorter per her mom. Her mom loved it but me, I am adjusting. LOL

Apryl loves outdoors. She loves the couch and hanging in the  shade outdoors. Daisy and Chester said no to swim. Lucky and Opus departed. Miss Vivi was here and it was a hot one. Tomorrow another hot one, they say. 

I think it is time for a gin and tonic and tonight I am having one. LOL

Saturday
May272023

What a Warm Day

This is Mocha and there is a Yoshi under there! Mocha was here to play and get spruced up.

Here is the gallery.

The dogs are loving being outdoors today. We have most of the furniture out. I have to find a waterproof blanket for my outdoor couch as a visitor peed on it but luckily I had a waterproof cover on it but not comfortable to sit on. So, now we have a black xpen around it to avoid this happening again. But I would rather not have one. 

Dogs have had an amazing time today. They have played. They take naps and well simply enjoy. Dennis has had them playing with an arch of water coming out of a hose. 

It feels like summer!

Friday
May262023

Making Most of Rays

Here is a mini gallery.

The dogs are enjoying this warmer weather. By Sunday it will be hot and hopefully pool time though I have lots to groom that day. LOL

We will eeek out sometime.

Lily, Opus and Lucky arrived. Benny and Coco departed. Yoshi is still small enough that Coco can tell her what to do. It is a riot - seriously! It is actually quiet here. Nathan on his day off is lazing at the pool. Can you blame him? 

 

Thursday
May252023

Oh my....

Here is the  gallery.

Dash, Riley and Lachlan arrived. Dash is remaining while mom gets hip surgery. We wish her a speedy recovery. Riley was here but didn't get any photos of her as mom came to pick her up as I was finishing. Lachlan needs a sprucing up before he heads home. Benny gets his full groom tomorrow though I have been working on him here and there while he had combouts. He will be missed. He brings a party atmosphere to the dogs. LOL

It is Nathan's day off. Mine is Saturday. Heat is coming. Can't wait for the pool. Foot is getting better. Nathan is making me BBQ wings on the barbecue. Yum! He loves his bbq all year round. 

Yoshi is getting pretty cheeky especially with Dash. She wants to play and play with him. For some reason she is highly smittene

Wednesday
May242023

Puppy and Adults

Here is the gallery.

First thing this morning we had Tuffy arrive - lots of barking in the house (it's Dennis day off) and he was so well received.

Then a bit after lunch time we had Lulu arrive. Play was in the house. Nami was delighted. She actually looked for her after she left. Think she was confused. But that is okay. It was nice for her to see one of her pups. There are only 2 videos that made it intact. Catch them here.

I bathed, clipped etc Tuffy and then Nathan took him outside after Lulu left and in the pool he went so an additional bath was required. Such a lucky boy. LOL He then went for a nap with Yoshi, Nathan, Bailey, Benny and a few dogs. He just now departed. 

Nathan fed the dogs. Dennis is playing games as you will see in the gallery where the dogs are laying all over his 

Yesterday, Nathan was in class with Toby. Thank you for the cute bottle of Hendricks. I love it! I was told - couldn't go - that Yoshi and Toby was wonderful. 

We had a fun day today. Chester arrived. Bailey will depart and so did Amy. Play occured everywhere. Love to see the dogs happy day in and day out. It is how it should be!