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.

Monday
Jul222024

No Rain Day

Here is the gallery.

Perfect weather. No rain. A ton of play. Back aches due to dogs sleeping up to Nathan closely due to nap time. It's a dawg life. 

Dawgs had a ton of fun today. 

I am having issues with saving a blog. This is take 3 and I keep getting shorter and shorter but hopefully 3 times is a charm. We shall see. 

Lots of grooming today so I am keeping it short. Let's hope this works this time.

Sunday
Jul212024

Happy 2nd Birthday!

Rosie would like to say hi to her parents (Tempie & Truffie) on this special day and wish her siblings (Maggie, Frankie, Dash & Theo) a very Happy 2nd Birthday!


This gorgeous little sweetie brings infinite joy to us every single day! She is so smart, curious, funny, well behaved, loving and happy.  Thank you Darlah & Nathan for the happiest 2 years of our lives!
Cathy, Stephanie & (most importantly) Rosie! :)

Sunday
Jul212024

Longish Daze

Here is the gallery.

Sorry - today was another 11.5 hour grooming day and I am eating my 1st meal at my desk as I do this blog. Tomorrow I am off. I didn't see the comment regarding Astro. Apologies.

Each time I brought a dog back to get another, I saw the play. No swim for me. Nathan had a swim. Dennis had his chilling outdoors. 

I think I am going to eat breakfast out tomorrow. Thank you, Sherry. I pray it is warm tomorrow so I can swim. I haven't even looked. 

Vivi is doing well though she wants everyone else's food. LOL Neesi has departed. I need to get her swimming videos up. 

A dog ate my long grooming jacket that I use to protect my clothes from hair and water. It seems I had it on the chair with a treat in it and it is destroyed and I mean destroyed. Whomever it was grabbed it off the chair. I had to order another and it will be hung up from now on. Who knew. Costly mistake. Live and learn. People laugh at this jacker as it almost hits the floor but as I said no hair on the clothes and that is a good thing.

Mr. Fudge and Finnegan departs tomorrow. Some more depart tomorrow but my brain  is literally not thinking. It happens after a long day. Obviously it is partially working. LOL 

Dogs had fun. I am glad!

Saturday
Jul202024

Pool and Hang Out

Here is the gallery.

Only Neesi swam. I do have videos but that will go up later. I have an insert I must paint so it is dry tomorrow. I see Dennis did not take many photos. 

When we complain about heat a reminder is that it is wind blown sand and 54c in Kuwait. That is to give you some perspective. Birds are literally falling from the sky due to heat. I read that and went oh my. I will take our heat any old day.

Dogs hung out a bunch outside. All 3 of us was outside at one time or  another. I tried to get more dogs in the pool but no desire. I also didn't try too hard as it meant baths. Neesi is going home tomorrow but not sure of what time so she had her bath tonight.

It was a good day. We are waiting for Vivi to arrive. Fudge just came. I need to paint and eat. The sun when I was swimming was elusive. It came, it left etc. Now it is blazing sun. LOL I am not going in tonight. Got that painting to do and nathan said they were out of the textured spray paint in the colour I required. Of course. But I need this grate so it must be done. I have 3 other things to stain but that is for another day. :-)

Friday
Jul192024

Getting Play On

Here is the gallery.

I am tired. I just finished grooming. It has been a long day. It's 715pm and I started at 7am. 

This will be a short blog. No pool - exhausted and now I hope for bed. LOL

Dogs had a terrible time today - playing, eating and having a blast. Coco screams for her dinner and won't back out of the fridge when it is open. She's hungry. She's not the only one. 

It is Nathan's day off but no ones tomorrow so I am hoping for a swim. Nathan gets a swim every non rain day. I wish I was him. LOL

Short blogging it - sorry. I must.

Thursday
Jul182024

Can This Be Comfie?

Here is the gallery.

Dogs do get into the most amazing positions leaving you with - is that - could that be comfortable?

Today I got to go to the mall with Sherry - eat tepanyaki - get Purdys and not swim. It simply was not warm enough but it didn't rain. Due to this rain, my cannas are HUGE. It seems the plants like the rain. Me - not so much. I think we have had enough. 

As you will see in the gallery, the dawgs were either lazing and enjoying the outdoors or playing. When Harlow is gone, no one seems to look for rabbits or baby squirrels or birds. It is interesting. 

We had dogs go - we had dogs come and it will be the same tomorrow.

I look around and simply put - it is a dog world here. They are happy and that makes me happy too.

Wednesday
Jul172024

Play Fun

Here is the gallery.

Above is Ollie and Neesi playing for hours today literally.

I had a long day of grooming as my day off is tomorrow. I am about to crash on the couch with a bunch of dogs and maybe take a 5 minute snooze. Everyone has departed that was supposed to. 

The dogs were playing in a huge way today. 

This is a short blog as my brain is fried. Just know many of the dogs are STILL playing.

Tuesday
Jul162024

Stop Raining, Will Ya

Here is the gallery.

Muddy floors, muddy feet - life is so good when you are a dog but can I train them to wash their feet? I think not. We are going through so many pads. I truly grow tired of the rain. 

Yesterday I was grooming a dog and someone on pickup thought I was killing the dog. Is that dog okay? Yes, he is fine. I had to call them in to watch me so they saw what I was doing. I was embarrased. If I picked up his foot, he screamed like he was dying. I do not think he likes his nails done. Nathan did the same with a dog today and it took both of us to do it. Now that first dog the person who came in to watch laughed and laughed. I told him to lift his foot and he did it for them. I never hurt a dog. I so love them but some are either drama kings or queens or they love controlling what you are doing. One dog that I do doesn't like me to shave the hair on the bottom of his feet so one holds and I shave. You adjust to make the dog comfortable with what you are doing. So, if you are doing this at home, be aware they are trying to get you not to do it but if you don't they will slip and their nails will curl over making walking painful and difficult. I tell you this as you need to know if you are holding their feet and they are screaming, you aren't doing anything wrong. Dawgs are funny.

Harlow was in the cedars today after a baby squirrel. It was a baby. Not sure where mom was but it was crying. I went back out when the rain stopped again and it was gone. Hopefully mom moved the lil one. Harlow was curious. She was just sniffing. Benji joined in and it wasn't as if they wanted to hurt the baby. I think they wanted to help him/her.

Hazel is a spirited pup. She was jumping on Socks, then Jeannie and then Neesi, Rain and Hope. She was expelling energy. She was having a blast. The older dogs tolerated her craziness but Neesi, Hope and Rain was delighted. The 4 pups have a spirited amount of energy. Tomorrow Coco will join the puppy fun. It's going to be a blast for them. I have a lot of grooming tomorrow but hopefully it won't rain. We shall see. 

Nathan made me steak, mushrooms and asparagus. So, I need to get to it and finish off the blog.

Monday
Jul152024

Oh a Wet One

Here is the gallery.

This is Petey and Socks hanging outside.

It is a rainy day off and on. Not everyone wants to go out but some do.

Dogs napped with Nathan and have been playing like crazy ondoors. Tuppy was almost a mess before his humans arrived as he was playing so hard.

Ever notice the plants are growing really well - so are the weeds. LOL Is this summer? Heat or rain.... Is this what is in store forever for summer?

We watched a funeral online - another family member of Nathan's. Getting to be too many, I tell you. Downright sad. We all have our timelines but it is not ever easy. Be good to each other!

Sunday
Jul142024

It's All About the Rain

HALT! Stop taking photos and let us in - will ya? The rain came and boy pelting heavy rain and the dogs wanted in fast. Thunder was loud. I sat outside to eat and got drenched literally. I am sitting with a bathrobe on and freezing feet. I need slippers. LOL

Here is the gallery. 

I cut Coco down and tomorrow I will bathe and finish her. She departs tomorrow. This way I can get everyone done.

A few departed today. Murphy arrived. The big thunder got her looking and she looked around and was more than fine. Remember dogs feed off of other dogs and your reaction. The thunder sound was huge today and someone was having a party closeby so when the skies opened up, the kids were screaming - not their dog - just the kids. LOL

As a sidelined I made Monday till Sunday, Morning and Night decals for Nathan's pill boxes. It was at his request. This was instead of buying new. He liked it better than the original. I also made Dennis a shirt and he said thank you. wow

Tomorrow I get the ipad back. I think I am going to put on two mismatched socks on as I am too lazy to go upstairs and who will notice? Not the guys here. 

Dogs are barking for their dinner. Safi and Murphy are laying on the back of the recliner. Sisters that still love each other. 

I also put a "Do Not Ring the Bell" on my bell outside. The dogs go crazier when the bell rings vs a knock - go figure.

Happy Birthday to Ellen and thank you for the pie - yum!

Saturday
Jul132024

Queen and King Dawgs

Here is the gallery.

There are dawgs that have this attitude that they deserve everything. That is Jeannie. You noticed she is laying on the cot but no one is up on it with her. Oh, they try and she just looks at them and they lay down off the cot. In the house though they all say I am up on the couch too so there! Everyone likes this cot and I bought it off marketplace for really cheap. It came with no instructions but we managed. 

It was a warm day today. I almost took Neesi into the pool but being lazy as that would mean bathing her too. We will try closer to going home.

My tomato plants are working on overdrive. I have been making salsa, adding to salads. I even made a tomato sauce. Got to do something with them - ideas?? I have cherry and beefsteak tomatoes.

Dogs have been lazing. They are eating now. Then they will head back outside to hang out with Dennis. This is so much better than rain. Rain is a lot of work. Our son and daughter-in-law and the 2 grandkids are coming up the end of August. He wants to celebrate his birthday with us. Should be fun but exhausting too. You know what that is like. Our daughter-in-law just lost her dad and Nathan just lost his aunt this week. Sad times for all so the distraction of a visit should be good. 

We get to see Ms Murphy tomorrow for an overnight. I am excited!

Ms Harlow found the soil Dennis laid down so I took my forced air dryer and blew it out of her. I am starting to be creative after rain, soil etc. We learn after all these years.

Friday
Jul122024

Cloudy But Warm

Here is the gallery.

Neesi, Lachlan and Herschel hanging out on the deck. I have been grooming most of the day but Nathan got his swim in and the dogs got their play on. 

It was a good day for all. 

My ipad may be fixed tomorrow. We authorized them to do it after they finally gave us the estimate. This is an ipad Apple said was not fixable. 

We found if Dennis is outside with the dogs and I lock the door on his request due to Herschel opening the door, I forget to let him in and Herschel gets miffed that the door won't open. I don't know what my reaction is about this but we are working on solutions. 

Tomorrow more dogs going - more coming -same as today!

Monday is very busy so Tuesday is my day off. It best be a nice day!

Thursday
Jul112024

Not Much Rain

Here is the gallery.

It was a better day today with little rain. Yesterday was a wash as we had to use pads all over the house and in the bedroom. Most refused to go out even at bedtime. I hate torrential rain all day. Today they were able to play outdoors. They were happy and so were we.

Nest and Maki were like peas in a pod. Where one was the other was. 

Today I have a headache that won't quit that is sitting behind my eyes. I am trying to keep going despite it. I don't usually get headaches like this but Dennis does. 

The dogs played and played today. Harlow was hunting the rabbits again and chasing a butterfly. I tried so hard to get her captured chasing the monarch butterfly but grabbing the ipad, I got the butterfly a bit blurry but not her. My excitement and all. Still, it was fun to watch. She so loves animals especially when they move.

Think I am going to close my eyes and try to get rid of this headache. 

Wednesday
Jul102024

Another Rained Out Day

Here is the gallery.

Harlow says, I am MOT going out in that and so did many other dogs. I changed so many pads, it was unreal. Hope went out and looked like a dead rat. She looked at me as if to say - what? Harlow looked at her as if to say - you are nuts child. I am with Harlow.

I combed out Beau then started on the rest. They say rain tomorrow? I hope they are wrong. Good news no plants needed to be watered. It is Dennis day off so I got the photos I could indoors. As they say - it is what it is.

We had a short reprieve with the rain and Nathan shoveled them out. Harlow gave him what I call - a really moment and laid back down. We did get her out.

The rest played and played indoors. Other than rain - it was a good day!

Tuesday
Jul092024

Gardening Day

Here is the gallery.

Herschel and Jax eating - ooops gardening. Dennis is busy putting soil down around the trees and the dogs are busy dostributing it in and out of the house. They can't help themselves.

The dawgs are having fun. Our floors was washed early today. Just like the dog's hair - it doesn't look like a thing was done. That is okay. They are having fun!

Monday
Jul082024

It's a Hot One Today

Here is the gallery.

You can always tell its my day off when the dogs aren't brushed (did yesterday but who can tell) and there are hardly any photos taken - thanks, Dennis. He has an excuse as he is laying down soil. Nathan says why do we need to do this? Oh every 10 years or so you have to add soil and add fertilizer - just because. 

It's really hot and a few of the dogs joined me after my swim. It was a lazy afternoon. After Astro gets picked up, we have to head to Shoppers for a few critical things and figure out dinner. 

It's a try to do next to nothing day. Wed all need that.

Did visit a friend and drop off my broken ipad to a repair shop that we have used before. No call yet so I think they can't fix it. Apple couldn't but want this place to try. We await a call. 

Dogs are happy we are inside. It is cooler after all.

Sunday
Jul072024

Heat is On

Here is the gallery.

The heat is on. I managed to get in the pool for 15 minutes and got burnt. I still have 2 dogs to do tonight that are leaving early morning. Tomorrow is my day off. 

I need a break. :-) 

The dogs had fun but mostly indoors due to the heat. Dennis is feeding now. Nathan is upstairs reading, I think and I am typing away at a blog. I am brushing dogs here and there between full grooms.

The dogs woke us up at 6am... well one dog and wouldn't go back to sleep so an early start to everyone's day. Dennis slept through it. 

Dogs are no longer distributing soil in the house from Dennis putting it around the cedars. He says we need 40 more bags. LOL I see dityu floors in store for us over and over and dirty dog feet. I am now letting their feet dry and brushing and combing out. Better than washing and washing.

Hope you are having a fantastic Sunday!

Saturday
Jul062024

Long Day

Here is the gallery.

It has been a very long day today. I got 9 dogs fully groomed today. I am not sure how I am functioning - seriously. I have many to do tomorrow too. Still trying to figure out my day off this coming week. I think I did 7 loads of laundry too - bedding, etc. 

Nathan made me 2 lamb chops, corn and a half of a potato. I so appreciated.

The dogs really like this cot that I got on marketplace really cheap. I am glad. I am happy when the dogs are happy.Most are outside chillin with Dennis as I type or in the tv room with Nathan. Me - I just want to sleep - seriously sleep. 

That is it for this blog. I think my brain is lost in fog. Forgive me. 

Friday
Jul052024

Before the Rain

Here is the gallery.

Coco and Jax really enjoy each other. 

Looking out the window, as I type, it appears rain is coming. Dogs played in and out. 

Dennis put soil all around the cedars in back and then he will put fertilizer stakes. We do this every few years but just the back cedars he placed 20 bags all around them and had no more for anything else. Oh boy. The dogs couldn't help themselves but they ran through it and made a mess. Dennis was miffed but they had fun and then they dirtied all the floors and I mean all on this floor. He had to go outside and scream then he was done and got into cleaning floors. I cleaned feet. It's been a long day so short blog.

Shhh I swear some of the dogs was smiling. 

Thursday
Jul042024

Strange Weather

The bros are here - Ollie and Lachlan and their mother Misty was telling them what to do. Mother's will always be moms. What can I say.

How come everything is supposed to be cheaper at Costco but you always spend too much? That was me today and thank you Instacart delivery.

Here is the gallery.

Nathan is swimming and it is his day off tomorrow so no swim for me (his napping today) or tomorrow his day off. 

My beefsteak tomato is happy now that I transplanted it and put a box support system around it. Hooray. 

Got Bria cut down today and I wash and finish her tomorrow. I did others but tomorrow is extra busy. Got to do that prep work ahead of time.

It's a strange summer weather wise. 

Dogs are playing. I got this flapping lobster which they are fighting over. Who knew. 

Late night for me as Dennis is off. That means I do everything he does at night - water bowls, washing floors, pads etc It's my to bed at 1130 weekly night. Nathan always gets to bed at 930. hmmmm 

Dogs - me and tv before cleanup and I am looking forward to it!

Got any polyester shortsm pants blankets what have you and don't want? I need it to test my sublimation.