Havanese Calendar On Sale NOW!

Over 75 photos of beautiful Havanese
resting, playing, having fun
and doing everything that Havanese do best!

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You will recognize many of these dogs. It's a delightful gift for the holidays and will provide year round enjoyment. Proceeds go to the Havanese Fanciers of Canada, the national breed club for the Havanese. Both Nathan and I are members. Nathan is actually the Ontario Director.

Buy one today! If you are living local to us, visit and pick it up personally. You will get bonus kisses from many Havanese and if you bring a dog or two with you everyone wins. We call that PLAYDATE!

Funny Havanese Games

If you click on this photo, you can see a larger view. In it you will see Treasure sticking her tongue out at Abigail. These two gals have a face down all the time.

It's not Abigail. It's Treasure who wants to be top dog and Abigail says - who you - not you - couldn't be. hehehehehe

Treasure is a strong personality. She's fun. she's lovely and she will make you laugh but she needs boundaries. She's the kid that you say don't cross that line and she is edging her paw out seeing if you are looking.

This type of dawg is a huge ball of fun but you have to be boss and they have to understand that when they cross the line - no matter how cute you think it is, you have to set boundaries. Dawgs thrive with rules and boundaries - just some have to try to see what they can get away with and if allowed...well they will end up testing you to the point where you are not happy.

So, instead of playing recovery - set your rules and give positive reinforcement. Try not to laugh when they do something bad that is equally funny.

Your dawg is what you put in to them. They are worth it!!

Our Visitors Have a Great Time

When Do You Say Enough?

It's rather hard when one of our canine pals is dealing with illness or injuries. When do you say - it's time. It's different for everyone. That's okay but sometimes when you are in the thick of it, you can't see.

We would give our last meal to our dawgs. We adore them so. We fall hard for all our visitors too. It's just us.

Terra had a cruciate operation and has grade 4 hip dysplasia - not good. The vet said most would have put her down. I asked -will she be functioning again? Seeing she has 2 legs to do - he said there's a good chance but won't know till we see if she can strengthen her back end. She absolutely has atrophy from not using her leg. She must be walked around the block 3 times a day steady slow pace. It takes about 20 minutes each go around. Today she is in for her first rehabilitation on the underwater treadmill. I asked Nathan to take photos. I am hoping she does well.

Are we doing this for her or us? To be honest - both but if she had to live with constant pain, I would rethink this process. She will absolutely have arthritis. Perhaps be on Metacam all the rest of her life or maybe not.

She so much wants to be running like Treasure here and we can't blame her.

Before you read this as such a downer - it isn't. It's something we are all faced with eventually in humans and canines.

I do believe Terra is behind in her healing but she is also dealing with a hip and another bad leg - rather a tough one but if you saw her face when Nathan took just her to the car - well priceless.

Our big dawgs are a key element here - socializing the smaller sets to the big dawgs so they find that they are larger but just as friendly. That's important. Of course not all big dogs will be friendly but they must learn size is not a factor - it's about the dawg.

Gad, in our neighbourhood the dawgs must learn that even humans can be afraid of them. We try to get people over that but not always successful.

The puppies that will be 10 weeks tomorrow climb all over Terra and Whitney. They kiss them and snuggle with them. Plus the Goldens just truly know how to be a part of the Havanese pack.

We may never get a Golden after Whitney and Terra but we will always have some big dawg in our lives if we can. For us, the socialization element is critical and it is critical for people to expose their dawgs after they leave and have had their shots - to all sorts of things from dawgs to elevators to balloons etc.

Treasure the moments you have. Make the most of life and enjoy the laughter the Havanese bring - and they do - if you allow.

Always Changing

This photo begs the question, will Nathan be laying on the ground in the snow with pups? Time will tell.

The puppies start going on Friday. We will then be down to 3 till Monday when another goes and on Tuesday yet another. Then we have a boarder coming then the last one - the first born gone. Gad..no more puppies.

But come December we have boarders that will keep us busy and hopefully we will hear stories and get photos and hear all about their new adventures.

We feel like we are always in a flux of change around here but that's okay. Change is fun and good and different and it's life. :-)

Just got back from a walk with all the dogs - 2 at a time - Nathan does 2, I do 2 and so we go on multiple walks. We try to change the routes to make it interesting. Dogs and people get bored with the same old route day in and day out.

Clothing and Face Furnishings

Look at what these humans do to me.

Okay, I don't seem to mind - I just look downright funny but my face stays cleaner for the show.It's boy stuff putting my face in all sorts of places it shouldn't be...not neutered boys.

That's okay, winter is coming and Mommy will put these jackets on us when the snow is extra wet so we don't get ice balls. Yes, we get a very cold snowball tummy but if there is a jacket covering that tummy, well only the legs get it. It has to be certain type of snow and it can get washed off easily but for us its an assembly line dressing everyone.

Why are we talking about snow? It's coming - eventually... Best be prepared.

Baths: Gidget

Gidget got her bath today as she is going home tomorrow. We are at a show for part of the day while our son plays with the crew so instead of having her owner wait till after I bathe her tomorrow, I did it today and if I need to freshen her up, I will tomorrow.

Gidget is not white as some of us thought but rather a wonderful creamy beige overtone. I washed her with a whitener shampoo from Pure Paws and then conditioned her with their ultra conditioner and threw a couple of capfuls of silk in and then did a silky rinse and her hair came out wonderful. I hope it lasts till tomorrow.

Looking at this picture, one wonders what she is smiling about. Is it due to getting away with rolling all over and messing up my handiwork?

Of course it is and what a delightful ball of fun. We will miss this gal. Gidget goes home tomorrow afternoon and now I will try to keep her clean till then...right.

Off to take the puppies outside...

Frazzled Play

We had visitors over while Shanty was getting picked up to go to her new home and as you can see, the Tibetan Terrier - who won big yesterday was playing up a storm with the Bichon. She was also in the show but didn't fare as well.

That's the show world for you. You never know...

We are back at it again today - and home earlier.

Gidget goes home tomorrow and I will miss her sleeping in and cuddling up in our comforters after everyone else has decided it was time to be up. She is a comfort gal and I don't blame her and she wil be missed.

Then we are down to just our own dogs. Can you imagine that?

More later...>>

Long Day

It was a long day today and the Talemaker crew is so tired.

Kat took breed today at a show. He had to be washed yet again tonight as he goes to the show early tomorrow. I wanted to just wash his feet and call it a day but I didn't.

All dawgs got much play, groomed - loved and got to platy with a tibetan terrier and a bichon.

The humans want to sleep and it seems like the dawgs do too. I can't wait till it's time to snuggle and let the zzz's overtake us.

Sometimes there are days like this...

Shanty's Visit

We just picked up Shanty and she will be staying with us overnight.

She's fitting in really well and no worries, Paula. She's a great puppy.

The dogs are wearing her out so she can get some sleep tonight and so can we. :-)

Messy But FUN

No matter what you do at times, the dawgs look messy and that's okay. Today is one of those days.

It's busy day. They all got brushed but today we had Terra going to the vets, getting ready for the show, walks and play, play play with the pups out back. They are exhausted. I think I am too.

I am not sure if you still have leaves on the ground but we have a ton and Nathan has raked a ton. The dawgs ADORE rolling and running in them just like kids. It's a joy to watch.

The older crew really enjoy the younger set. They really help to exhaust the puppies who are fast asleep.

Here is Gidget walking step in step with KitKat... yep that's the pups name. I can see that Gidget must have been a wonderful mom. She's been really enjoying them here.

Her mom comes home on Sunday and she will leave us. We have really got used to her adding fun to the mix but she will be so excited to see her human mom. They all do and then when they come back, they have fun too. It's quite nice.

Looking around the house, the crew is completely laid out after an exhausting day getting rest till we do our night play session. They play hard and sleep deep.

Cool Brings Out Fun

Things are looking up.

It's getting cold.

You say that's looking up?

Well, us Havanese rather like the Fall chill and when we went for our walks today, everyone from Risa to Gidget was having a exuberant time. They were jumping through the leaves like no tomorrow!

The cool also brings out the play in the Havanese and Risa was no exception. The crew just had a total blast with and without the smaller set.

Click on any of the photos to see a larger view.

I put this photo up as I found it delightful. Gidget really has fit in nicely here and she always does.

She loves the puppies too and even tolerates Treasure. ha!

Gidget gets you laughing when you most need a laugh.

Well, tomorrow Terra goes in to get her stitches out.

I am not sure the leg is healed in any degree. When she toes down, she does something strange in her movement but we shall find out tomorrow.

Here's hoping for the best. We need some good news around this place.

Collision Fun

The dawgs often play a collision game all in fun and now the pups are running in trying to join in the fun. It's a riot.

It's quiet around this place with only Gidget as a visitor.

Terra, our golden with the operation tries to join in but she can't but in her mind she thinks she can. Thursday her stitches come out and her rehabilitation begins.

The crew has been wonderful with her. It's just Terra that has no patience.

Well, back to play and grooming and walks...and what about you?

Marathon Bath - Or Not!

Took a photo of Abigail pouncing at Fiona and went - ooops look at her feet. She's been mucking it up with the little ones for sure. But I had Rocky to wash, Kat to wash and Shoshi.

Tomorrow it will be Risa, Abigail and maybe Whitney. We shall see.

We have a busy show weekend so the Kat is wrapped again. I took the silly wraps out when we had company. I think Nathan thinks Kat looks so silly but his face stays cleaner that way so in they go till Friday.

Shoshi's hair is starting to get long so it's getting at the stage of knotting. (she has a cottony coat) She's a pet and our only cotton coat thus far. It gets a certain length and you go - cut it or deal with the knots - which shall it be. I usually end up cutting it as she is a snowball collector in the winter. We shall see how long I last. Good thing about her hair is I can take the thinning shears to it and cut into any knots and brush them out - way easy and you would never know as her coat is thick. So, I may go that route. We shall see.

Rocky, who went home today wasn't crazy about the Bathing Beauty. He was the first dog that was not happy with it sitting in the sink with him. I haven't figured out why yet but he calmed down and the washing part wasn't bad..just could tell he didn't want to be in the sink.

It's quiet around here without Rocky but I tell you, if Gidget has her way, it won't be. She was even going after Risa today. It was a riot.

If you click on the photo, you will see Gidget with her tongue hanging out.

Gidget is with us till Sunday and then we will be down to our own till December. Imagine that!

Change of Pack

Bailey is going to be picked up at dinner time. Rocky goes home tomorrow.

Bailey was a bit hesitant about so many dogs.

We did a one on one greeting like we did when she came for a visit before she boarded here.

This way they connect with someone and it all works. No matter how long it takes, we find a way to make it work.

I am so proud of her as her tail went up about an hour after being here.

She started playing with Abigail, then Treasure then as you can see in this photo. Above, she is greeting Gidget.

This gal slept in her bed, right next to my head and settled in getting snuggles from me every now and then till she fell fast asleep.

She had a bath today and didn't squawk a bit about it. She even managed to enjoy the massage and kisses I gave her while drying. There's a method to my madness. If I make the grooming enjoyable, they will look forward to it.

By next Sunday we will be back to just our crew. Then in December, we get new visitors.

Just in case Rocky's human's parents are wondering what he is up to, well he is tuckering himself out bigtime.

He goes from one dog to the next but this isn't his first time here so he knows who will play back Rocky style.

Treasure is indeed one who loves mixing it up in that way.

Fun Filled Day

We had great weather and an amazing amount of fun. Rocky, one of our visitors was mixing it up big time and Bailey one of our other visitors is running out with the pack, playing with Abigail and has her tail and head up. It means she is gaining her comfort level. She is also a mass cuddler and so is Rocky. Gidget... she stirred things up, as she often does.

Here's just a few pix of today. No time to upload anymore 'cept here and on the puppy pages as we are still playing.

Paula's pup is still available and ready for a new home. Look below for a photo and contact info.

Enjoy a portion of our pix and check out the puppies on Talemaker Puppy Life.

Puppy Available

This Puppy is SOLD
A friend of ours that lives in Sudbury has a puppy available. I know, not many like to drive so far but if interested, we can confiscate the cutie and you can see it up close and personal at our house.

Besides, it would give us an excuse to get another puppy to play around here.

Last time we did this for our friend, Lil' Man found a home with the most amazing couple of gals we ever got to know. So, win/win for us. We get another puppy to play with. You get to see her up close and personal and bonus, she's ready to go to that forever home now.

If interested, send Paula email. She'll answer all your questions. Let her know you heard about this cutie here.

New Visitors & Changes

Rocky is visiting us for the first time in a long bit and we did the one on one introduction again.

He remembered the crew and was rather smitten with Abigail jumping and running and having a grand time.

It was quite nice.

When that wasn't enough, he moved on to playing with the rest of the crew.

Take a look at him play bowing with Treasure.

If you click on the photo you can see a larger view.

Gidget is still here mixing it up. She'll be here till next week.

Then we got a new visitor Bailey and she's a sweetheart. She got the rest of the crew playing in our underground patio section.

She spent the first half hour getting acquainted and then relaxed. As you can see, her tail is up already and its been just 30 minutes since she got here.

She also seems to have a real passion at watching the TV tonight.

We have the grand kids sleeping over and the dawgs are getting so much attention with so many of us and Bailey decided to cuddle up on my fave chair and watch the TV with me.

Here she is saying - well are you going to stop taking pictures and come sit with me or WHAT?

Well, Bailey, it will be my pleasure and we can watch from our chair while Rocky wears himself out with the grand kids and we can cuddle. Rocky will get his cuddle time at bedtime when he stops playing.

Gidget, well she plays, she rests - she plays and she tells them who is boss. hahahaha

Never a Dull Moment

It's hard not to have a roaring grand time around here if you are one of the dawgs.

If someone doesn't feel like playing, there's always another ready to step up to the plate.

Today the dawgs seemed to be invigorated as you can see with Treasure running along the pool cover.

She wasn't the only one.

The entire crew was running like they got a new lease in life.

It was great to watch but I admit flurries in the sky was not my idea of fun.

The pups at 8 weeks also join in the fun.

They seem to get out of the way when the large dawgs collide with others and they do this on purpose - a game of fun.

You can always click on the photos to see a larger view.

Abigail did this with Gidget and Gidget looked at her as if to say. "what do you think YOU are doing?"

If you go out with your little ones even if you are not a fan of the cold like me, you can truly laugh and enjoy and forget the cold - well almost. Just dress warm. heh

Are you having trouble dealing with the time change? I am. The puppies are too. They want to get up an hour earlier - yikes but we are being persistent making sure they make that change.

Our resident Golden is collar bound and Nathan is carrying her outside.

She is toeing down - meaning resting her foot on the ground and we are hoping by next Thursday when the stitches come out, she will start using it slowly building it up. It's going to be a very long winter for her and us especially with Nathan carrying her through ice and snow when the next leg gets done. What a guy...

Time Changes Everything

Hi, my name is Gidget, formally Paris. I am visiting at Talemaker Havanese. You can't tell by this photo but I am sitting on 3 pillows stacked on top of each other. I am a gal who adores comfort. I also love to snuggle at bedtime with that human female here who grooms me each day even if I think I don't need it.

I settle in immediately when I visit and so does my son Louis who also visits at times. He's visiting over the Xmas holiday.

I am the only dawg that gets away with jumping on Kat's back. He doesn't seem to mind a bit though he gives me the look - like what are you - crazy gal?

When I come, I tend to take the top pillows. I figure I am one of the leaders around here and hey I am also a party gal getting the rest to run, chase me and play like never before except maybe with Teddy who doesn't think he is boss but brings new meaning to party guy!

I am hanging out, playing, taking walks and having an adorable time putting Treasure into her place when she thinks she is all that. I am here till the 15th then my owner comes home and someone else will have to vy for the boss position.

Well, the winter holiday schedule is starting to get filled. If you are thinking of going away over the holidays, let these humans know as spots are filling up fast.