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.

Tuesday
Sep152020

My Day Off

This was my day off and Nathan only combed Stone. So I get to play catchup tomorrow. The price we pay for a day off. After this blog, I am going to watch a video on contouring. My idea of a day off. I need to learn.

Here is the gallery.

Between pups departing and coming, we have to do our garage. That means dump runs and sweeping and organizing so we are ready for winter and possibly parking inside a garage. Each year we say this and never park in the garage making extra work so this is the year - why not. Instead of down time we have chores to do. LOL

According to Dennis the dogs enjoyed not getting combed out. I bet they did. I am not sure when the pool gets closed but the dogs truly enjoy the extra running space. I suppose soon. It is really not swimming weather and the heater doesn't work. I bet my friend Christine is swimming still.

Dogs had runs in and out. They napped and I got snuggles. Life is good! Oh and Harlow thinks teh pups are gremlins except for Nami.

Monday
Sep142020

Monday Monday

This is Monday. Parker and Ms. Murphy departed. Nathan has class with Nami.We miss the guys departing but so happy they get their family time.

Ellie comes weekly and plays her heart out with Nami and the rest too but she so loves Nami.

We have the eaves troughs - gardener guys here so this is a no photo day. Apologies.

I brushed up Harlow and I placed her down and went oh forgot her treat. She got one. The rest did not as I treat for times like grooming or a reward otherwise they would think the treats are there for just existing. I want them to understand reward. Plus free feeding of treats make dogs fat and I need to clue into that myself. LOL I am so much better with the dogs than myself.

Dogs had runs in the hallways. Some even managed to take flying leaps on to the bed. It is a game of excitement and I do not take photos or videos as I am participating. It's my time with them or Dennis' time with them and I believe they appreciate the fun. Besides I do it strictly for them.

It's been a good day though we truly miss Parker and Murphy. We hope they are cuddling with mom and enjoying down time.

By the way who today was the leader in the pack in running? Brewer and Harlow. They leap ahead trying to gain an advantage and most times it works.

Sunday
Sep132020

Morning Time

We roll out of bed at 7am and take the dogs downstairs and outside. Then Nathan goes up to get the puppies while I place 8 bowls of water down as I believe they always need access to water no matter where they are. That includes outdoors.

While I am doing this, the dogs are playing like crazy waiting for breakfast. I also expedite the puppy food as they have little tummies and need to eat.

Harlow and Parker barks to invite play. We try to practice no bark. Sometimes it works - well most times - sometimes not. Harlow barks for her food. Her dad says she is a picky eater. Here she eats as if she is starving. The beauty of lots of activity and it is good for them. I could learn a lot from the dogs.

After breakfast and yes they eat all at once without stealing, they go outside again. Nathan gets leaves out of the pool. Picks up on site and the dogs get fresh air - Nathan too. I eat my breakfast. Sounds unfair? I have grooming most of the day and starting at 8pm till 10 pm we clean and sterilize. I say we - it is Dennis and I. Dishes - all those waters I put out has to be clean, floors, etc. Laundry from the dog pen has to be done (2 loads before bed). Dennis plays with the pups. Nathan sits and watches tv with the dogs.

Inbetween all of that we head outside many times a day and if it is raining we play games in the house. Hugs are never optional - they are required. Not sure I could go without dog hugs.

We do about 6 loads of washing a day. We like clean beds for the dogs and we have the downstairs, upstairs pens and outdoors. Let's not forget about normal laundry. Towels also get washed due to grooming and we had swimming but that's gone.

It is a busy but really fun day. But every now and then I wish I had the luxury of reading a book, watching a movie, going out so as the pups get older we each take 1 day off a week. Mine is Tuesday and it is amazing how much you look forward to it. But blogs still have to be done.

Parker departs tomorrow. He will be missed. His human mom's mom is getting better now so tomorrow is the day. He has been with us 5.5 weeks. He has changed. He was always a player but a bit reserved. Now he is the guy who says welcome new one. He will miss the play but there is no place like home. He may sleep for 2 days but maybe human mom will need to lay down beside him and do that too. Till the next time.

Here is the gallery.

We had rain, sun and nice warmth. Hoping it stays.

Saturday
Sep122020

Happy 8th Birthday

Harlow is not one of ours but is a regular boarder here and we love her to pieces. We wish her a happy 8th birthday today!!! She gets a special treat today as she is visiting!!

Friday
Sep112020

Lazing Between

As you will see in our gallery, the trumpet vine has lifted and damaged the eaves troughs so we called a placed referred to us. Here the dogs are lazing outdoors between their work.

We cringe around here when things have to be repaired especially when someone says they are cheap. Well, it turns out they do hedges, garden cleanup etc. They gave us a quote dirt cheap (half what we paid in the past) to even out our hedges and they threw in the eaves trough repair minus parts of the eaves troughs for free. He even shaped my Japanese maple. Then they surprised us with weeding our walkway for FREE. They are back tomorrow between puppy visits to top off the hedge and repair the eaves trough. He won't know the parts till he gets up there and as we have a walkout, they need an extra tall ladder. But we are mighty impressed and would refer them to anyone in a heartbeat.

Well, other than the dogs only being able to go out during their breaks and of course after they go home, we had running sessions indoors and the dogs managed to have great fun. They also enjoyed lazing outdoors. It was Nathan's day off.

Our pool heater is truly dead and Sunday is supposed to be 30c but it will have to wait till April to be repaired. Oh well. Gives us time to save up and maybe get an early spring deal. We won't talk about the dentist and we worry about little boarding due to covid but the dogs lighten your soul and water will no longer pour on our windows from the eaves troughs.

They will be pulling down the trumpet vines but they will grow again and we will have to cut them back when they start heading to where they create damage. You can't get rid of trumpet vines but we won't have flowers next year - oh well. I will miss the lovely trumpets this fall and next year but a small price to pay, I say. The work they did today was really wonderful. I wish I could afford them doing the entire garden but maybe next spring, covid will be over. People will be travelling and we will be boarding so these things can be considered. Here is hoping.

Dusty arrived today and so did Harlow. We so appreciate the visitors. Here's to the weekend, puppy visitors, lovely families getting time with their puppies, dog visits and all that it brings. Time to snuggle with the dogs.

Thursday
Sep102020

Happy 8th Birthday 

Magic was here for a bath and trim before her 8th birthday - today!

May the crew have a fabulous day!!

Wednesday
Sep092020

A Day Of Course

We didn't have a vet visit so I am grooming very late today with the last dog coming at 4pm. He is coming tomorrow so I am juggling that day too. LOL

But its a cool day. We took everything outside and tested the outdoor heater and then took it all back inside. Tomorrow we get to do it again. Test runs are productive - aren't they?

Above is Willow out of Raven. The Willow that lives with us is out of Jeannie. Did I confuse you?

Magic is coming to get spruced up for her birthday tomorrow. I will get some after bath photos so I can post her birthday.

Here is a mini gallery.

The dogs - well they have been playing.

Tuesday
Sep082020

Not Much Today

Very few photos today as it is my day off.

Here is the gallery.

Murphy has departed. Parker is running his body into deep fun. Above is mom and daughter together. Aren't moms the best?

I think it is time to shut off the air. I feel cold in my own home and well Nathan is into deep freeze this year - lucky me. The dogs will love it as long as they have blankets. I may need a coat inside. LOL

More tomorrow.

Monday
Sep072020

Cold, Rainy and Well That's Okay

Very few photos today as I was mostly grooming all day and I mean all day. Nathan hardly took any and I took Charlie, Teddy and Ollie. It is Dennis day off. Sorry.... I usually can multi-task but sometimes I can't. I did get the pups as I eeked out a session with them and even got some slo mo videos. Should have taken them of the adults but no time and still have 1 more dog to do.

Here is the gallery.

Everyone is late today due to the traffic coming back from cottages. We don't dare let out anyone that was just groomed. It's about to rain again. If the pool heater has to die, at least its now cool. LOL

Everyone has been playing in a huge way - indoors, outdoors. Though they looked at the rain and went - no, I do not think so especially Murphy. I just love that dog. I would have said no too.

Till tomorrow!

Sunday
Sep062020

Starts in the Morn

The crew gets up and while they are waiting to eat, they head out then come in and play.

It's rather nice to watch first thing.

Here is the gallery.

The pool heater is indeed dead so goodbye using the pool this year. Oh well... whwn it rains it pours. Pool heaters are not cheap. Dentist now and pool heater to save up for. What's next.

Tomorrow is a very busy grooming day and departure day. It is the end of the long weekend.

Tomorrow Benji, Frosty, Teddy and Charlie depart and Thunder arrives.

I am taking classes online so if boarding goes to a complete halt again, I can try to make money in another way. This covid is crazy. Trying to eeek out a window to learn is interesting. I so try. It's like a day off and you stay home. You are treated as if its not a day home for the most part. Got to laugh.

Dogs love this warm but not hot weather. It seems to get them running and playing even more than the usual. Soon we will be bringing in plants and weatherproofing and all that fun. Not looking forward to white stuff. They say this weekend they may be getting some white stuff. Really?

Soon tv time and I will try to invest an hour into learning. Till tomorrow.

Saturday
Sep052020

Busy Week

This is Teddy and he's so funny. He checks out the xpen where the pups is inside and wants to go inside and then he wants right out. Am I a little puppy or am I a big guy. He plays wonderful with both but seems to be saddling both sides of the age group.

Here is the gallery.

We had a lot of play today. It's a coolish day and that seems to invigorate the dogs.

Harlow, who goes home tonight barks at the other dogs to engage them in play. She also barks for her breakfast. She's so funny and has conversations with you, I swear!

We have a busy week coming up. I have a fair bit of grooming and some challenging. Dennis has an eye appt due to his daily migraines. We have the vet visit. Puppy wash again time and more visits.

Watched Mulan last night and rather enjoyed it. Yes, I know some activists are boycotting but I found it beautiful to watch - the scenery - all of it. Too many streaming services though.

Every now and then, I get to watch tv blanketed with dogs. It is hard to etch out time that feels unproductive but fun. Still hoping for warmer weather or we will be hauling in plants yet again. Do you let your plant pots die or do you bring them inside?

Friday
Sep042020

Not As Many

We usually have more visitors on a long weekend but we are blessed with what we have. Just miss the busy-ness. So many we are not seeing. I hope all of you are well. This is Tenshi after her bath, pads, nails, tummy and a shape up. Personally, I think she is adorable.

Here is today's gallery.

She cleans up nicely. She departs tonight.

Now this was Saffron today.

This is Saffron after a comb out. The 1st one makes me laugh.

We have Harlow departing tomorrow. Goldie went today. Charlie, Teddy and Frosty arrived.

You will see photos of such grand play in both the Raven blog and in this gallery. Some were playing with the pups.

Thursday
Sep032020

Not All Play

What do the dogs do between playing? They nap, here, there and everywhere but their most fave spot when it is warm is on a lawn chair. Bailey naps then plays and naps and plays. Naps are important when you are playing hard no matter what your age. Nathan will tell you that too. LOL

Here is the gallery.

Bailey and Murphy has departed - both had a grand time. Coco will depart tonight. To confuse you Coco #2 arrived today. 

Everyone played, sunbathed, napped and had a great time. It was a magnificent day to be outside. We hear cooler weather tomorrow.

Tenshi gets her spa night tonight. :-) She has taken over Ella's bed and looks at Ella as if to say - what? It's a riot!

Wednesday
Sep022020

Happy 2nd and Play

Happy 2nd to Parker. We tried to put some cool glasses on and a tie. He wasn't that patient about such craziness. Neither was Nami who seems t be the one he loves the most.

At least Parker held his head up with Nami kept trying to whip them off.

Happy Birthday, Parker!

The dogs had a lot of fun today. As it is Dennis' day off I never made it into the pool. It means I get to do everything Dennis does. Oh boy.

Here is the gallery.

The dogs seem to really enjoy the pups though they can be in their faces at times, they are learning from this experience and so are the older dogs.

It was a good day!

Tuesday
Sep012020

Warm September 1st

It was pool weather, folks and okay I was the only one to swim but they came to watch me do laps.

Here is the gallery.

This is Parker, Pablo and Bria. They were playing a lot but I didn't get it all as I was also taking photos of the pups.I think they will close their eyes tonight and sleep deeply. Pablo thought he had died and went to heaven as he came in bouncing and left that way.

Bailey loves the pups and she was inside playing with them. Shlomo and Nami seem to be a team today. What one does the other does and it is as if they are each others shadow.

It is Nathan's day off. I got to go to the dentist as a tooth is loose and infected and if I smile you can clearly see the tooth. Got an estimate. I  need either a bridge or an implant and it is crazy expensive so it will have to wait. I am so unhappy. But we will save up and get it done and I get to eat on one side. LOL

I have had a ton of fun with the dogs. Nathan has stayed upstairs and watched movies. Good for him! That's what a day off is supposed to be. No work - just enjoyment.

Dennis day off is tomorrow and mine is Friday. We need to do this every now and then so we can feel human.

It was so lovely to see the dogs enjoy this weather. It was lovely for me to enjoy it too. LOL

I would have to describe this day as - It was extra fun in the house. I am smiling and forgetting anything upsetting.

Here's to all those that are sending their kids to school. may they stay safe and your concerns end up unnecessary. Anything we can do for you - let us know.

Monday
Aug312020

Monday Hanging

Spirit ala nautural just hanging out. This storage box that holds all our cushions is one of the most desired spots to hang out outside.

Here is today's gallery.

It was a no swimming day. Dog's start playing when they get up and off and on they do throughout the day. We had Ellie and Tchibo here. Well Tchibo departs tonight and he was snuggling like crazy with me. We had so much fun. Ellie was such a good girl letting me comb her out and trim around her feet.

We connected with our grand daughter in Las Vegas for her 7th birthday. Wish they lived close but I am so thankful for Facetime!

It was a good day!

Sunday
Aug302020

Departures and Play

Rocky came and went but still managed to have fun. Murphy and Tenshi departed = so missed.

Here is today's gallery.

Cold day. Lots of fun today but short blogging. Need some downtime. :-)

Hope wherever you are - it is warmer and you are enjoying! Time to watch tv with the dawgs!

Saturday
Aug292020

Inside Outside

Here is today's gallery.

They play inside and outside. Everyone played their hearts out today. Goldie arrived and found her fave spot. Tenshi was playing like crazy. Parker - well you know Parker. Harlow decided she was referee today. It was a riot! Murphy decided she wanted to say hello to the visitors today - so she did - at least this morning. It was as if she said - yeah I want to join the party.

Me, I am cold. My feet are like ice and can't figure out why but it best be warm tomorrow. I have sweats and a sweatshirt and socks on and well Nathan is making burgers on the BBQ. I will be done the blog early.

Sherry and I traded vinyl. I so wish we could shop again. Oh well... patience. Can winter stay away till January please?

Friday
Aug282020

Two Updates Today

Lucky was here to play and decided to go in the pool. No photos of that but I was going to groom him just before he departed and he had other things in mind. He played his heart out with Nami. He took a nap with Nathan and Nami. He was excited to see his mom. I do have a couple of videos of their play that I will upload in a bit (thought I had more) but due to Raven puppy baths and creating galleries, I am a tad behind.

Here is the gallery of the play of all the dogs including Lucky.

The dogs played like crazy today. Zoey departed and she is missed! Brewer is staying over as his dad is sitting in emerg. Thoughts are with you!

It is TV time with Nathan. Me, I am blogging. Tomorrow puppy visits. Let's hope for no rain.

Be sure to check out the update below. It's happy birthday time!

Friday
Aug282020

Happy 4th to Saffron Babies

Hi Darlah and Nathan

I hope you folks are doing well and have been enjoying the summer.  It sure has been a crazy and difficult time for many.

I just wanted to wish all of Sadie's littermate - Chester, Amy, Tenshi, Ollie - a happy 4th birthday.  Sadie continues to bring us joy every single day.  I am so very thankful that she is part of our family.