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.

Saturday
Jun252022

Good Days 

Emmy had a good day today - tail up, playing. This week we happen to have a full house plus relatives, kids and all that jazz. It has been a crazy house. Tomorrow it starts emptying out. I thought she would loosen up when that occured as she wasn't playing much though would lean against Harlow or Oakley or Mr. Bean. The odd dog that hadn't been here for a long time due to the pandemic was also cautious but eating. Emmy ate with the crowd.

It's like getting invited to a party but you don't know many and finally you connect. This process is good for the dogs as they gain trust. It bodes them well when they meet dogs they do not know in the future. 

Here is the gallery.

People ask about swimming. Sometimes we take the dogs in and sometimes not as I always have to comb them out after to avoid knotting and dry them. It takes time. We had way too many humans in the pool this past 9 days. Tonight we are feeding our grandkids and our son and daughter-in-law are doing errands. They decided to drive back tonight. It is now 545pm and they were supposed to be back at 530pm.

So, tomorrow we have a 70% chance of rain and I have a full day of grooming for the dogs that are departing. We will miss the family but we may not have to hold our eyes open after days of exhaustion. Nathan plans to stay in bed till noon. Tomorrow is his day off and Dennis and I will handle everything and bonus if it rains Dennis doesn't have to water the plants. 

The dogs will have more room on the bed come tomorrow night and I will yearn for Tuesday to rest these hands and body. 

The dogs are fascinated with Hallie's pups. Jamie is a riot as he tries so hard to play with them but they are not old enough. All the dogs seem to be enjoying seeing them. Something magical about pups. 

The dogs had a fantastic day today!

Friday
Jun242022

Full House and Adventure

Here is the gallery.

Pingo decided to take a swim and literally no fall in - let's swim. It took me forever to comb him out. He was a dawg on a mission. LOL People do  not get that swim is fun but comb out not so the more that swim, the more I comb out. It has been an exceptionally bad week for my hands as I have had too many with knots then combing out as the usual and relatives... but we are hanging in there. Sunday Nathan takes off. Tuesday I may stay in bed all day as it is my day off so do not ask me to make an exception. I must have a day off!

Harlow gave this face when I said it is your turn. LOL

The dogs are having fun. It is a crazy exhausting house but so much fun to go to bed and be covered with dogs. Yes, they sleep with us. 

Life is but a dream with dawgs and I say that affectionately!

Thursday
Jun232022

Dennis' Day Off

Here is the gallery.

I try to think of the dog's perspective. A new dog will come in not sure of his environment then loosens up over time. It is wonderful to see. Dogs that come regularly know the dogs and environment and have familiar faces. It's like being invited to a party with long lasting friends or finding yourself just meeting everyone. Every dog finds their enjoyment as all our dogs are quite welcoming. I love that about them. 

I think Nathan took a video of Misty, Elvis and I think Mr. Bean - 2, I believe. I will upload them in a few after I do this blog.

It was really hot today but the dogs enjoyed going in and out. I hosed the deck and tiles many, many times so their feet was always cool. 

There is one dog, who will go nameless that I am combing out a couple of times a day as they keep going into the pool. We are ALWAYS out with them so it is not an issue but he's a water dog and well it is hot!

I put a ton of ice cubes in the bowls and they LOVED it. Of course the water went every which way but they had fun pawing it and trying to grab the cubes. The dogs love creativity. I do too as I experience it through their eyes. 

Tomorrow we have the family here at 730am into the night and on Saturday we have the grandkids here till 10ish as our daughter is throwing a birthday party and we are babysitting. Then early Sunday they depart, I think. Then we resume our regular schedule. That means I won't feel totally exhausted. Imagine that. I have gained perspective on what exhausted really means. LOL 

Wednesday
Jun222022

Another Hot One

Here is the gallery.

Long day today grooming so Dennis took photos. Nathan chilled with the dogs and I am majorly exhausted. I think family departs on Sunday. 

Dennis said the dogs had a ton of fun. I am sorry I missed it. I so need 36 hour days without feeling fatique.

Sorry folks - this is all I could muster today. Just know the dogs always have fun! 

Tuesday
Jun212022

Too Hot to Stay Outside

Here is the gallery.

This is Harlow motoring around in the pool. She is a strong swimmer. We took her in as she was running around like a crazy dog barking at those swimming. It was a riot. As we have guests here, we can only take in dogs that can air dry. As Nathan took in a few of ours and it was my day off, he literally combed those that swam out. 

I need to get back to visitors and swimming and hey did you order food - what are we eating chants. I didn't organize this so who knows.

As it is too hot, the dogs have been out and in many times. We have hosed the pavesr so it is cool on their feet and the deck many times. Cooler weather is coming Thursday they say. 

Dogs are truly having fun. But I got to finish blogs and entertain.

Monday
Jun202022

Run and Play Before Heatwave

Here is the gallery.

All the dogs get along nicely. They have been running and playing most of the day. Hot weather sets in tomorrow. We will have to have short play outside many times a day. I suspect they will want to stay inside with such high heat.

I am exhausted. I think some of the dogs are too. The grandkids - who are here while the rest go out to eat tell me that we are having a pool party tomorrow. Time - who is coming - really? LOL 

I spent all day with breaks grooming. It was really too much grooming today. 

Thank you, Pippa for bringing Nathan a wonderful present for his bday/father's day. He so loves Golden Palace egg rolls!

Short blogging - sorry but the dog are truly enjoying!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

day as the cool weather set in. Tomorrow deep heat and they will not play like this except indoors with the air conditioning. Yes, they go out for short spurts when it is very hot but its not good to have extended time out in high heat so we take them out frequently. 

I had a ton of dogs to groom today and just finished before blogging. A number of dogs depart tomorrow. It will feel quieter. 

We also have family coming over to swim - who knew - out of the mouths of grandchildren. I have no idea who or how many.

Sunday
Jun192022

Father's Day

Here is the gallery.

We are short blogging. It's a busy day and well I almost fell asleep sitting up - actually I think I did. Dennis said I thought dogs and pups were exhausting. I had to laugh and agree. I will sleep tonight.

Dogs were having a blast. They loved having the extra people. They are exhausted too. LOL The dogs stopped barking at the coming and goings of the grandkids. One granddaughter asked if we train the dogs to be extra friendly. 

Enjoy the gallery. I must get back to company. 

Hope everyone is having a wonderful Father's Day!

Saturday
Jun182022

Almost Father's Day and Relationships

Here is the gallery.

Mr. Bean is hanging out with his buds and this is one of the dog's fave spots. It's sort of chilly, which is too bad as the relatives will be arriving - well we do not know as they took a detour - whatever that is. They will get here when they get here.

We have a full house with dogs.

I made what I thought was a soft and cool shirt for Nathan. He said I am not his child and it is passe. huh? I tried. Anyone want a medium Father's Day shirt. Yeah - I am laughing. Hope he is more impressed with the kids intentions. We will start festivities not till 5ish. Our son already mowed the lawn. Why is it 5? The daughter, her husband, his 2 kids, her ex and their 2 kids are going to a Blue Jays game. I asked the daughter if she was sitting inbetween. LOL She actually said yes. She said they were doing this for the kids. I applaud them but not sure Father's Day will be a great Father's Day for the dads and I thought it was THEIR day but it was her idea. They should all be dogs. Dogs do not care and well the ones that hang out here all saddle up to each other. 

Dennis moved his tv for Joe and family so he will be without for a week. I assume they will be visiting people and doing fun things too so just hanging here is not what they had in mind but we best have warmer weather so we can take the grandkids swimming. 

Buddy departed. He had a great time before he left after his bath. Ollie arrived - Ty departed. Dogs are itching to go back outside. They love this weather. Me, I have a long sleeve jacket on. 

The dogs are all enjoying each other. Maybe a run game is in the cards before the son arrives. This way the dogs will be in the zone. LOL

Friday
Jun172022

That Muggy Feeling

Charlie was hanging out with tongue hanging out wondering where those ice cubes are. We have a huge cold bowl that holds water and we put a ton of ice in it. The dogs love to play in it and drink. Yes, dogs do like cold water too!

Here is the gallery.

We do have a full house and tomorrow family arrives. Sunday everyone that can come arrives. Wish everyone could come at least for the day. 

Dogs will have lots of humans to snuggle with and hopefully we will have pool time on Sunday. We shall see. 

Happy Anniversary to Bonham's mom. He has departed. 

Mr. Bean is an eveready battery and then he drops and naps. He sure loves everyone. I must say all the dogs are enjoying each other. 

The wind has picked up here. Trees are bowing down. Dogs hair is flying and well I still have lots to do. Just know they are thoroughly enjoying! That makes me happy!

Thursday
Jun162022

Coming and Going and Play

This is Stone and Bonham playing.

Here is the gallery.

We have dogs coming, dogs going and it is hotter than hot with watches in the forecast but I think we will be fine. I still have Pepper to wash as she departs tonight with Mr. Scruffy. He was already done. 

I have had major grooming to do and guests arriving in a couple of days and no time to get things in place. I groomed past 11pm last night. I am in crazyland. LOL

Dogs dislike the heat. It is that hang in the air - need to catch my breath weather. So we are doing short periods of playtime outside many times a day. Thank gad for air conditioning.

Mr. Bean arrives soon - from the last litter. Now that will be fun! Puppies always spice up the crew.

Wednesday
Jun152022

Despite the Busy-ness

Here is the gallery.

Sorry it is extra busy. I took a break between grooming and will be back at it till 10pm bedtime. Thought I would be done at 8 but have to really work on a dog. 

The dogs are doing well - having fun but I must short blog.

Tuesday
Jun142022

DaY Off Mess

Here is the gallery.

Hmmm when I take a day off, no one seems to be brushed out. It means I must play catch-up tomorrow. I did tell Nathan that Tenshi needs to see. LOL I think he is allergic to grooming.

The dogs are enjoying themselves. Tomorrow we are going to get whomever wants in the pool. It ought to be fun.

I am off in a short bit to go to dinner. Short blogging but everyone is having fun!

Monday
Jun132022

Busy Week

Here is the gallery.

We have a busy week. Our son, daughter-in-law and grandkids are coming to visit from the states. We have to get a sleeping area created for them. We have food to buy. Paths to cleanup so they have in and out access. I already scrubbed their bathroom they will be using. They will be here 10 days and arrive on Saturday. On Sunday we have family coming over with takeout of some sort. We will have pool time and as many are going away for the Father's Day weekend, we have dogs and grooming and if you are not already booked for this weekend in regards to grooming, I can't do anymore. We can watch. I just can't be grooming while everyone is celebrating so please understand. It's been well over 4 years since I saw the ones coming up from the states and I must create memories with them. Father's Day must be a no groom day so any scheduled for pickup Sunday will be done Saturday. Sorry. 

Dogs are having fun. Jamie is highly interested in the pool house and likes to squash my daylillies. 

Tomorrow I head out to Ferovia's with Ronnie and Elana. I am so looking forward to it. 

Sage jumped in the pool today. I may get a few of the visitors in tomorrow or Wednesday. We shall see. Sage was not supposed to jump in but she saw daddy and well...

Dogs are really enjoying this weather. Me too. I did manage to float on the raft for 10 minutes and then had to weed a path to the downstairs for company. With little time, I have learned to hate gardening where I used to have a passion. Funny what a lack of time does to your perspective. That's okay as the dogs run through the wild stuff, stomp it this way and that and my motto is - if it survives, it is meant to be. 

Sunday
Jun122022

Only Morning Photos

It was raining so we only got morning photos. We did have dogs arrive this afternoon so very sorry they are not in the gallery but will be tomorrow. Actually, I think Jamie and Charlotte is in the gallery. Coco was here for the day and is here overnight. 

It was raining off and on this morning till early afternoon but now the sun is shining bright and it is steamy outside. 

The dogs are having fun though some were not sure what Jamie was but he won them over in a huge way. 

Well, have to go. Coco the maltese will be picked up in a few minutes. We just finished feeding as Dennis and his foot is going slow and the dogs think his toe is a target. It would be comical if he wasn't in such pain but he thinks it may be improving.

Saturday
Jun112022

Relationships & Pool

This is Sky and Winston. I combed Sky this morning. This is what Winston does to her. I want to so laugh. He digs at her hair, lays on top of her and he is so enamoured with her. I have to laugh. Get this - she seems to like the attention too.

Here is the gallery.

Dogs are really enjoying each other. 

Pool heater is still working and its up to 87f. Nathan may swim after his nap. I think I will wait till Monday when it starts getting hot. 

No running games with Dennis for a bit. This morning my laptop fell on his foot and well it is not in good shape. He said I put it hanging off the table. I tell him - no - I am extra careful with my laptop and I am. He insists. Can't be that he pulled a cord or something. Nah - can't be. Must be me. :-) Neither here nor there, he is barely walking on it and well we have 6 days till guests arrive so I gather I now have to do what he was slated to do. Oh boy... I told him he needs bumper pads around his foot as the dogs see it as a target.

Dogs are having fun. I combed everyone out and Scruffy and Pepper - well yes before I took their photos, I did comb them out. I am laughing as they are as bad - well almost as Sky. 

Nathan decided to run with the dogs - of course when the camera was inside. 

Harlow decided to look and cut them off. 

Everyone is having fun - believe me. 

Added pool photos of Nathan, Ella and Sage. After grooming all day, I didn't take anyone out plus it is not that warm. Hoping Monday or Tuesday.

Friday
Jun102022

Visitors and Good News, I Think!

Here is the gallery.

Robbie, Murphy, Sherry and her sister Bonnie came for a short visit. Robbie was checking the place out as he will be coming to stay in a bit. He is going to be more than fine. He even got to see the Hallie pups and so did Bonnie and Sherry. Extra early to see them so it is a treat!

What is the good news? The pool heater was replaced. They did a new flue and created 2 more venting grates to suck out the hot air. So far it is still on and is quieter than the last. I do not want to jinx it but 2 months after opening, we may have the heater working in time for the son, daughter-in-law and 2 grandkids to arrive. Here is hoping. Much to do before then. Who has time?

Amy dropped in and so did Lexi, Leo and Oakley. Amy is going home soon and Brewer was picked up a bit ago. 

All the visitors are doing well though Pepper looks at me cross-eyed when I comb her out. 

Can't wait to try some of the visitors in the pool. It is supposed to get hot next week and so we can. Now that will be fun!

As you can see it was a better day today. I still have combouts but I am awake. It's still early and the pool is still getting heated. Miracles...

Thursday
Jun092022

Sorry for Lateness

Sorry - just finished grooming and now have to create galleries etc. It's been a long day. 

Here is Lachlan as happy as can be. He always has a great time.

Here is the gallery.

When I take a day off, I often groom till this time. I have not eaten today. Dennis is making me a hamburger and chips. 

Dennis tells me the dogs had fun and even made weeding event-filled. LOL

They had their run and fun and well sorry - I am short blogging. I vow to do better tomorrow. Just know that even if I am crazy grooming, the dogs always have fun with Nathan and Dennis when I am caught working. I do not call them working as - well they are fun. :-)

Wednesday
Jun082022

No One Except 2 Are Brushed Out Yet

This is Buddy and Scruffy. Scruffy arrived today and Buddy is going home sometime tonight. Polo is here for teh day and Benjamin and Tia head home today after staying here for a bit. They staged their house and it sold the 1st day of showing. With sales heading down for some homes, it is impressive.

Oakley, the dog I put on the blog yesterday is incredibly agile and I mean really really agile. He always gets excited if you come back into a room - tail wagging like crazy. He is 8 months old out of Sage's last litter. 

Here is the gallery.

After I blog, I will continue to comb out the remaining dogs. I bet they think they got a reprieve. LOL It is Dennis day off and I thought of running around like Dennis does but I haven't decided. My luck I would run into the diving board. 

It's a nice - not hot and not cold day. The dogs have played hard all morning. They play, they rest, they play - well you get the cycle and we always have down time here and there so they can rest and be all they can be for their next round of play. Of course a few dogs think - nap - who needs that. 

The dogs are fun!

Tuesday
Jun072022

Rainy, Pleasant

What a spirited one he is. He is tiny but mighty. LOL

Here is the gallery.

We have family that we have not seen come in the day before father's day. It has been 4 plus years since we seen them. Cross your fingers for us that the pool is working. 

By the time they arrive, the pups will have already had exposures to outdoors. Wow. It will be different with just 2. 

It started out rainy once again and then cloudy but pleasant weather. Dogs did a fair bit of running around and now they are tired. Me too. 

Monday
Jun062022

Rain and Clouds and Well Rain

Ellie and Shlomo was playing and playing today. Ellie comes once a week and always manages to find someone or 2 or 3 to play with.

Here is the gallery.

We had Shlomo, Astro and Ollie depart today. Rue is heading home tomorrow. We are still waiting on a date that we will get a heater and well where is that good weather. The verdict is out but I can sort of figure out that many don't like the rain. 

There has been a tremendous amount of play today. I call those truly great days and I think they do too. 

Nothing like lazing and tv time after such a physical day. Can you imagine that your job is simply to have fun?