Saturday, June 27, 2009 at 7:01PM 
Stay tuned for a report tomorrow with pix (Yvonne's pups) and all the rest - and maybe something about Wasabi...
Saturday, June 27, 2009 at 6:25AM 
Ah...pool life - we have it so ruff...
When Daddy dives in the pool, so does Kat but there is a whole lot of activity going on when he does this.
The dogs run around like banshees till he hits the water and then they still run around till he surfaces.
Risa jumps on the diving board with him but never goes in till invited.
Every now and then another dog spills in or shall I say jumps in but not in the fashion Kat does. For him it's a passion.
Diving or jumping in even for human young ones is not always easy.
You have to be fearless about it. Not all of us are like that. Some need to work into it.
Then the crew watches as everyone comes out.
Doesn't Treasure fit nicely under Terra?
Well - is today the day Wasabi delivers? Daddy is trying to feed her..she panted though not badly all night - she's tried to nest under the deck - all signs...but follow us at Talemaker Puppy Life to see when they make their debut.
We will be posting photos and telling you how it all went.
Friday, June 26, 2009 at 12:35PM 
Can it happen twice? What do you mean?
When gals are intact, they come into heat usually every 5 or 6 months. Well, not Fiona - she's back in heat after 2 months.
What timing. See what you are missing? NOT!
It is what it is....
Wasabi is still in waiting... I am hoping for Sunday morning after much rest. ROFL
Again... It is what it is!
We will be posting everything puppies when they come on the puppy area at.....Talemaker Puppy Life
Just know - we are waiting too!
Thursday, June 25, 2009 at 7:37PM 
In watching Risa, I realized that she uses her tail as a rudder.
I am not sure why I didn't notice it before but Kat does the same thing.
Not all the Havanese do this but those that do tend to glide in the water as if they were meant to be in it.
Risa is on a mission to lose weight so she now has a daily ritual of swimming in the pool and now that her hair is shorter - still love long hair but short isn't so bad - well I can get Nathan to brusha - brusha - brush!
One thing I notice about the dawgs is all of them have a grand time and you can see them smile.
It's hard to explain but if you look at the photos - you can see Shoshi smiling and I have another of Kat doing the same.
They also love our dawgs and visitors alike the game of running around the pool to bark and get excited to watch Kat jump in and it is a game. All Nathan has to do is put his glasses down and they come running and Kat jumps in.
It's never a dull moment and we love it!
Wednesday, June 24, 2009 at 7:35PM 
Today was a hot, hot day that hasn't started to cool down yet. We decided to pool it and the human mom will work tonight. This is how we survive - heh
Treasure, Kat, Shoshi, Fiona and Risa all went into the pool today.
If you haven't taken your Havanese swimming yet - well it sort of gets them in high drive - the wet skin and all.
Treasure was running around like a banshee up and down chairs and all around.
You can click on the photos to see a larger version, if you want.
She's not the only one that loves the wet and now that Risa and Shoshi has a haircut, well the human mom can ask the human dad to brush away and it only takes him minutes.
The mom still had to dry Kat, Fiona and partially dry Treasure but cutting out two sure saved me time. These short haircuts are nice...heh
Wasabi also hung out at the pool and did her usual snoozing. Check it out here. When will she deliver? We are taking bets....heh
After the pool was done, we pressure washed the deck now that all the weeds are gone - well gone around the pool.
We still have to weed the rest of the yard but we aren't looking if you aren't.
We are getting excited about having new little ones here. We haven't had any for a long time.
We had much to get ready but now it's all done. Even the video camera is charged.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009 at 6:00PM 
Shoshi was hanging out in the backyard pondering the meaning of what Mommy said about it's haircut day.
What does that mean, Mommy?
Well Daddy took Shoshi and Risa downtown to Val's while Sylvie watched how she cut the duo. This way Sylvie gets to watch 2 Havanese get cut. Sylvie is feeding her passion - learning how to groom. Our dawgs get cuts - so win/win.
I am a fan of long hair but Shoshi and Risa have thick hair. Shoshi's being cottony and Risa's silky but way profuse so we decided to cut them down.
I brush out everyone daily and this will actually help me in my grooming load. Is that why I did it? Partially but not really. I know that doesn't make sense. I like long hair - what can I say but the thickness of their hair mixed in with swimming made the decision easier. This way they can swim, shake off and I can do minimum brush out and all that hair won't weigh down Risa.
When Shoshi came home, I tried to get a photo of her and all she would do is shake her body, rub it and roll around like a banshee.
It's a tad hard to get a photo like that but as you can see, I captured her in action.
Treasure just stared at her like she lost her mind.
Oh Shoshi, can't I see how you look?
Yes, Mommy - okay - Val and Sylvie did a fine job. I have less hair. I actually look smaller though I could lose a bit..tsk tsk but as Daddy would say - it's all muscle - really it is!
Risa was a bit more accommodating letting me capture her new look before she rolled into Daddy's office and found a cool spot on the floor.
Risa really needs to lose weight but now that I see her without her hair, I realize Daddy is doing a great job getting her back to her svelte self before kids.
All of you that have had kids - especially multiples know how tough that is but we try and now without that hair, pool exercise is in the cards daily as long as the weather cooperates.
Are you cutting your Havanese down for the summer?
Monday, June 22, 2009 at 5:34PM 
The crew was swimming today - well the humans - the son that is on furlough - his wife - our daughter-in-law, our daughter and grand kids and the dawgs...
Today Terra our retriever jumped in belly flop and all - Wasabi cooled her tummy off (she's almost due to have puppies) - Kat jumped in a ton of times and you know that game eye spy x?
Well Treasure saw a noodle in the water and wanted it so she jumped in and we didn't let her have the noodle but it gave us the opportunity to show her how to get out.
We do not let our dawgs out alone without us when the pool is open. But would they go in without us - no. They wait till we get in - or more they wait till Nathan goes in. But we are careful and one never says never as it is better safe. :-)
The dogs had a roaring grand time wet after the swim and before I got to blow dry and brush them out. Daddy ran around like a banshee and they went chasing him.
They also played roll over wet style - jumping all over each other then playing the chase game. They love it!
The crew love the wet games and then Mommy ruins the fun and dries them off. I think they much prefer the air dry look but only Treasure gets that as she can. The rest rub all over the place and I have to rinse them off to get the dirt off of them.
Good news - the weeds around the pool is done - I think - now the walkways. It never ends.
With this heat wave - did you expect us to be any other place?
Sunday, June 21, 2009 at 4:51PM 
Well, to all you Havanese Dads - a wonderful Father's Day. We had the daughter and grand daughters come up early and we took a walk to the park. A man in front of us had a white shepherd that he couldn't control - jumping on him and trying to get at us. We kept our distance.
Can I say - get that dog in obedience class please....
Well our grand daughter Danielle was throwing a ball and Treasure took off on a mad dash to get it.
The dogs ran after her but couldn't catch up. It was getting hot and only the crazy Kat and Treasure seem to keep on going despite the weather so you have to control it.
We recently saw a dog at a dog show that was getting sick from the heat. It happens - so we are really aware. Please note that we are in for a heat wave this week in Toronto. If you do not have air - I have some tips on how to keep your have cool - just ask if you are not aware of how to accomplish this for you and your Havanese.
She just loves being at the park. It usually takes us 10 minutes to get to the park where they run their little legs off and just enjoy the outdoors but she's not the only one.
Kat, Abigail and Fiona just played their hearts out too. It was great to watch. When it gets cooler, we will get the crew out again.
Our Father's day was a good one. The weeds around the pool are halfway out. Shhh..if you saw some of our photos some were a foot high - oh my...okay we have better things to do but I know - it's about time.
Our son who is heading to Iraq is home on furlough and his wife - our daughter-in-law is graduating this coming Sunday. Then we have Wasabi due anytime and oh my - so many moments to create.
We have exciting times ahead...and we hope you do too... Give your Hav a hug and treasure that dad of yours.
Saturday, June 20, 2009 at 8:02PM 
Treasure got to see the Kat/Lola pups this weekend and she was wondering - what are these little ones about.
She best get used to it as she will have 6 little ones from Wasabi to play with soon enough.
Yvonne and Alex was gracious as ever and we really appreciate their hospitality.
Tomorrow is a busy day...and photos and Hapy Father's Day going out to all you dads!
Friday, June 19, 2009 at 5:59AM 
Shoshi is a heart dog. What does that mean? She managed to capture our hearts the first time we laid eyes on her. It's crazy - these emotions but we still love her as deeply even after adding a number of playmates for her.
More than one doesn't mean divided love. We know that well with 7 kids - now grown up. We love them all.
Our oldest daughter is going to be x tomorrow - well shhh we won't tell you how old but the moment I set eyes on her - well she captured my heart and as each one came - they did the same. You end up going crazy with somethings they do and loving them for them being unique.
Each Havanese also have unique personalities - similar in some ways - different in others.
They are amazing - truly and we love them!
Thursday, June 18, 2009 at 2:11PM 
It's a day of all days here - so much rain and so many Havanese - especially that FIONA that won't leave me alone - play play - play all day and then they can't figure out why I sleep with my head up against the wall.
Then Mommy has to take a silly photo of me.
It's the day before I get shown - maybe as a special and oh-hum - it's way too much. They said I have to show out in the rain.
Mommy says - thankfully I have great structure as this wet conformation contest wouldn't do but mud..what about that?
Someone did tell me that on spa days they do mud packs all over the body but I envision something entirely different than this.
Well it is what it is...and pray for Mommy's sanity as she will be doing the clean up.
Wasabi also went to her appointment and you will have to see how many puppies they saw. She has her own blog for her and the pups you know...
Wednesday, June 17, 2009 at 2:45PM 
Kat's just started going to handling class. He's not ready for the show yet but we may take him soon anyway and use it as show conditioning. He self stacks himself but he's had a few large dogs growling at him in class so he tends to care what is behind him. That's okay - he will finally figure it all out and be great at this.
Kat had a dog pull out his head hair so he has had to be patient for his turn as his hair grew back.
The point of this is to let you know if you drop the ball doing conditioning with lots of dogs in close proximity, you may get a reaction. It's not the end of the world. It changes the more you do it.
With a number of our dogs finishing their championship this year, Kat wasn't the focus. He got out to the park, on walks, swimming - all the great things you do with a pet but he didn't get his fair share of handling class as there was always a show that someone else needed the time slot. Now it's his and Treasure's turn.
We can only handle 2 dogs in a class at once.
Will he pull it together and do well? We believe so. How do we know? We know our dogs well. Kat is special.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at 6:14AM 
If you look real close you can see Kat's reflection in the pool. Click on the photo to see a larger view.
As you can tell, he's been having fun in the pool. You don't have to coax him in - it's the other way around - getting the Daddy to come in.
Last night I played a fun game with Abigail and she adored it. Okay, I know when you go to bed - you should go to bed - no TV - no distractions or you are asking for a sleep that is anything less than satisfying but I can't help myself. So, when Abigail was laying next to me, I blew at her head and she started twisting and turning then coming back for more. She loved it. Treasure tried to get the focus on her and Fiona was miffed but we played and played til Daddy started playing with her in the same fashion then he watched TV (in our room - I know) and I went to sleep.
At 4am Treasure decided it was time to get up and play. Lord knows she had enough exercise for even the most fit to feel tired but nope - let's get up, Mommy so I said NO and rolled over - put the sheet over my head as she tends to lick your face and she laid down. I said - hmm okay this is good though once I am up, I am up. But 10 minutes later she did it again and then 5 minutes later so off we went downstairs. Nathan came too - usually it's just me and he went back to bed and here I am deader than a door nail typing and the crew is sleeping on the floor.
I think the Treasure should play retrieve before bed tonight and wear herself down even more and she needs to know 4am is NOT it. Why this happened last night - I haven't a clue but we will be doing everything to make sure it doesn't tonight.
Maybe it was my silly game with Abigail that set the stage for her wanting to get up sooner or later...my bad!
Monday, June 15, 2009 at 6:41AM 
As a Junior puppy still - the Treasured one gains her Canadian champion - with Nathan - of course.
This one loves the shows and we will be enjoying life in and out of the ring with her.
Treasure had taken a swim the night before and I ran out of steam and didn't wake up at 5am to wash her. Her hair was wonderfully soft from the pool.
I should air dry her from the pool more often. ROFL
Photos from the pool later and more about the rest of the crews antics.
Although we are doing the show scene - we firmly believe the dogs should be dogs and embrace and enjoy life. If they have to be left in playpens and segregated to keep their hair then what about their minds? It's a difficult balance.
Sunday, June 14, 2009 at 5:58AM Just thought we would share some photos with you on the first day of this season back in the pool. We also have a video we have to convert which is better than the photos but still - I think I captured some hair raising moments. Kat, Wasabi and Treasure - Treasure's first in the pool moments. Yes, Kat jumped in the pool but you wil have to wait for the video for that. Treasure not yet and Wasabi - well she is too big to do that - please!
Saturday, June 13, 2009 at 5:41AM 
Well, one thing we stick to is we tell you the real story without flowering it up. Treasure has been trained to go outside - in the grass and yesterday was her first outdoor show. So, as you can see in this photo, she took a break and did her business.
She's a puppy and this is her first time ever having a break midstream but the judge laughed about it especially when it looks like she has the largest bladder for a dog of that size.
She still managed to get winners bitch and that now puts her closer to that championship. She's almost there.
Today's another bath day, more competition and a sweepstakes. Then win or lose - if Daddy - (Nathan) can remember to crank up the heat in the pool, we will come home and Treasure will have her first swim and Kat will have his first dive of yet another season. He's been patient but he certainly wants in.
Me - before I swim I will have that video camera going and perhaps a photo or 2. Then another bath for the Treasured one for that show on Sunday then a Woofstock break.
Friday, June 12, 2009 at 7:05AM 
What do you do on an overcast and rainy day? You hang out on the deck, read a book under the gazebo and get some love from the Havanese as Nathan has figured out.
Today we have a full day and when we get a chance, we will fill you in. Til then..have a great one...the start of a weekend...whoo hoo!
PS: Woofstock is in Toronto. It's an amazing event. Do go. We will be there late morning on Sunday. Let us know if you will too. We will have the Treasured one with us!
Thursday, June 11, 2009 at 12:05PM 
One would look at this photo and say...hmm a dog sitting under a chair resting in something or other. But a picture doesn't always tell the entire story as it doesn't here.
I had just grabbed my camera and was clicking away. I couldn't figure out why Treasure wasn't moving.
Well - SHE knew.
Then she had this funny smile on her face and then had this tongue licking thing going on.
What's this all about?
Treasure is a mischievous thing. She loves to play games.
She adores egging others on and she rarely backs down. Oh, all of it is done in fun but she's the kid that steps over the line and has to try something that you shake your head and laugh about but sometimes you have to contain that laugh.
What was she up to? She was sitting on Fiona in the soft house and not letting her up and when she complained and managed to wriggle out, she went after her leg - all in fun. Fiona returned the favour.
Fiona's such a small thing that one wouldn't notice she was in there except for the noises coming out from under Treasure. Got to love these two but even if you want to laugh - when they do something you think is adorable or funny or whatever - and you do not want them to repeat it, you must keep the laughs under wraps. Still - with the antics of the Havanese - well that's a tad difficult to do many times but we surely try.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009 at 7:56AM 
Oh, we all know or SHOULD know that taking classes is a safe way to expose your Havanese to all sorts of fun or strange dogs - well strange to them. If the class is good, the trainer has control of the class, it becomes a safe slow conditioning to all sorts of dogs big and small.
Sometimes people cringe and say - oh my but that class has only large dogs. I know - we have mulled it over in our minds too. Just last night we were at handling class with tons of large to really large dogs and one other small dog as you can see in this photo.
The other small dog was a tad hesitant but curious where Treasure - well this is the usual for her - the land of large dogs, it seems and a smattering of small. She is better off for it.
Realize that just bringing your Havanese to class is not enough. You have to bring the right attitude - an attitude that exudes - we are going to have fun as that attitude will run down the lead. Your Havanese are very in tuned with how you feel. They may know you better than your partner, husband, wife - mom/dad, significant other etc. when it comes to your emotional state.
But classes are not enough. You must follow through on what you learn even for a few minutes each day. By teaching your Havanese new skills, you not only create an amazing bond but you build your Havanese confidence. You are on the road to having the Havanese you want to if you follow through.
Right attitude - classes...big dogs - no problem!!
Tuesday, June 9, 2009 at 8:36PM 
Should you create the moment or capture the moment? It's really something any photographer thinks about.
When coming back from handling class, Nathan said, I will drive down the street and you try to get a photo of them with their hair flowing.
No, we don't allow them to hang out the window but I have to admit I wanted to see what it would look like.
Kat and Treasure seem to compliment each other in personality. It's quite nice to see - each being as adventurous as all get out.
Now daddy, can I drive the car I swore I could hear the Havanese mumble. ROFL!
Folks - get out there and capture moments - create moments and Treasure them!
