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.

Entries by Darlah (5580)

Tuesday
Sep242019

Eating Outdoors

We had a day today. We ate outside as we had to redo our baseboards after years of dogs and puppy chews. The baseboard I stained - al bleepin 6 pieces - 10-12 feet was the wrong size. So off to home depot I went and then after it was installed it had to be stained so dogs outside. We played, hung out and ate outside. I do not take any chances with stain or paint. It is best when you do it when you have the dogs outside and you air out the home in all directions, which we did.

Here is the gallery.

I combed out Jesse today and he was not happy with me but I was gentle and persevered.

Cinnamon is getting HUGE. It will be interesting to see how many she has this time. Both Leti and Raven are getting round but Cinnamon takes the cake. She was first to be bred so that is part of it.

Baseboards are done. I am no longer embarrased by them. TV room is done though I need a loveseat recliner - non powered leather. If you see one on sale, let me know. I need curtains. I have a sheet on one window.

Dennis is building a shelving unit so I can start organizing my puppy stuff. This will be a huge job.

Tomorrow's project is find cheap rubbermaid containers so I can put blankets, pads etc in them or baskets. I have not figured it out but like the idea of sealing them up. I also am building 2 shelves for my grooming room inside the closet. I need to organize all the shampoo and conditioner. It is semi organized now.

Dogs enjoyed outdoors as it only got up to 21c. Tomorrow 27c. Oh swimming day again! Thank you!! It means I may not get things done but oh well. I need time to figure out a system and how to organize everything. I so feel like quitting.

Everyone is combed out. Irrigation is shut off. Someone is telling me it is Fall but I do not want to hear it!

Off to tv room, watching tv smothered in dogs. Now that is the best!

Monday
Sep232019

Fun Day

This is Shlomo. He surely needs a bath. LOL He laid on the steps of the pool when I went in and this is how he air dried. I had combed him out this morning. Shlomo departs tomorrow - after his bath, of course. I love a dog that has fun.

This is Mickey, Stone's brother. He was the only black and white in the litter.

Here is the gallery.

Charlie was here and as you will see in the gallery, she had black coming through everywhere.

She also has some snazzy eyebrows.

Today I stained the baseboards and I am hoping the handyman can repair the ones that got damaged from chewing.

Tonight I had planned on working upstairs but Nathan is in bed with a headache so we shall see if I can get it done tomorrow. Still have to organize the 2 rooms - tv room and front room but I am running out of steam. This daily - every day is too much but the dogs can;t help so they are having a blast. LOL

Sunday
Sep222019

Updates: 2 Blogs today

Chloe

Chloe is a Cinnamon puppy. She seems to smile all the time much like Cinnamon. She was here for a bath and cut and play.

Shlomo is so happy the tv room is back. I think we all are!

What a wonderful day - high 80s - 31c. We got out all our items in the garage that needed a heave ho and then I swam and anyone who wanted to join did. There are no photos as Nathan was napping and Dennis was so trying to fix a broken tv stand that occurred when Nathan was painting. We may have to buy a new one when we can. Need something that fits a 65" tv so if you see something on sale locally, please let me know. Nathan also washed the curtains and they sort of shriveled up. I guess I need new curtains too. He is so trying not to open up the other room but tomorrow we will figure it out. I told him we will slowly condition him.

The baseboard repairs begin on Tuesday so that may kill the bank but must be done. It means I must stain a second coat tomorrow. I have a full day of grooming so I hope that doesn't have to be done after everyone goes to bed. This is killing me.

Nathan is sitting in the tv room as I type. It is done. Hooray Nathan - us newbies to this stuff conquer the - what did you do and how can we fix THAT. As Nathan says he is dangerous with tools but he may be fixing the pool house himself. We shall see.

Here is today's gallery.

Dennis tried using my mirrorless camera outside when it was pitch black. Works well but he has to practice holding the camera steady. He is really enjoying my camera. LOL  I am glad as he needs to learn.

I did get everyone brushed out but wasn't able to do so till tonight. Pool took my time during the day. I so apologize but wow we may not see this heat again till next year and this is my holiday. Nathan has a trip with his pals each winter. So, when he wants to shut the pool, I remind him of that. This is my holiday, dear!

Today, many of our own dogs went in as I did laps and Nathan napped. He earned the nap today as he had heavy stuff to take to the dump. Even Jessie gor soaked so now I have to do a huge raking of his coat. Felix was fascinated with the pool but his hair is so gorgerous, I didn't want to take him in. Carmen takes such great care of their hair. Interesting enough Felix and Misty play really well. Misty is so - I am here so she doesn't take no for an answer.

Now to make my list of grooming and chores for tomorrow. Think I will have a gin and tonic. Carmen and Max gave me aviator gin. I earned relax time tonight. So - till tomorrow.

Sunday
Sep222019

Tchibo Update

Tchibo is back from Russia and he now has a human baby playmate. Check out these videos.

Tchibo and Max 1

Tchibo and Max 2

Tchibo and Max 3

Tchibo and Max 4

It was a pleasure to see him again.

Saturday
Sep212019

Oh What a Day

This is Felix. he lives with Ines. I think he is the smallest boy we ever produced. He's a beauty.

Here is the gallery.

I do not think I got  photos that wasn't blurry (Dennis was trying out settings) of Murphy gal.

I finished the back door after removing tape. I did this at 10pm. Then they told me I really needed to do the door jam - is that what it is called so I did this but that wasn't pretty. One really needs to take teh doors off to do that but it is what it is. I am so done with doors. I still have staining baseboards to do but that will be easier. I am getting practice. About 1 pm, as I did 2 coats, I climbed into bed.

This morning, I woke up and combed everyone out. Nathan painted. It is a learning process for us both.Then next is organizing puppy stuff and getting rid of things that are broken that I thought I could fix or blankets that are frayed.

I did my regular grooming schedule and Tchibo came to visit. He is lovely. His parents are too. I will post a video of him playing with his human brother when they send it. It is too adorable!

Charlie was here - thank you for the tip!!! He played and played and played. I think he is going to be exhausted tonight. His mom also bought a calendar. We have them for sale!

Now we are off to a party and Dennis is home with the dogs. We never stay late. Even New year's eve is a bust. The dogs know when it is 10pm.

Hoping I get swim time tomorrow!

Friday
Sep202019

Still Warm in September

Chester decided to go in the pool and I let him air dry. Look at those lovely waves.

I didn't get to brush anyone today till just after dinner time. It's been a crazy day. I scraped the paint off the door and chipped some paint that I shouldn't so I will be touching up tonight.

I am also getting complaints that the door jam in the front is not painted so I am doing that tonight.

Today I sorted through downstairs in 2 bedrooms so we can do a dump run today but the son didn't show up so tomorrow is the day.  Oh boy. I had things from Tracy and the gang and our son Tal. I figure if you don't come for it when I warn you and its been here for so long - out it goes.

Nathan also painted the tv room but needs another coat. if the light is off it looks done. LOL

This is Coco, a Leti's baby. She looks so much like her mom. What a beauty!

Dennis did a lot with the dogs today. He did a game of hide the treats all over the place. They found all of them. Such great noses.

Here is the gallery.

Mia went home today and I believe they have completed their move. I was in the pool when Mary picked up. Thank you truly for the big tip. Most appreciative!

I groomed a bunch. Tomorrow is a hot one - hooray - I so appreciate days that pool time is in the cards.

We get to see Tchibo tomorrow - how nice. We also get to see Felix and Ines.... wow what a fun day!

Then tomorrow night we have a party for our son as he is moving away on October 4th to Nelson, BC.

Sunday night we take Jon and his girlfriend out to Akasaka for his birthday.

Then Monday is crazy busy and that garage and puppy stuff has to be organized somehow - at least started. Will I get done by months end? Just think - no more household renos talked about - just puppies. That has to be better!

Thursday
Sep192019

Another Warm One

My blogs won't save. I am so frustrated. I have to put in a ticket as this is infuriating to write a huge post and not have it show up.

Here is the gallery.

Cooper was the only one to see a possum. Well, besides me.

This blog will be short. We have warm weather for the next 3 days.

I got roped into organizing the pool house AFTER my shower as Nathan was napping and the dump closed at 430. This was his job. Oh boy!

I am going out with a dear friend who is between chemo and radiation treatment. May we laugh. No matter how difficult life is, we need laughter.

I did manage to get everyone combed out but it won't look that way in the gallery. I combed, I clicked, I combed etc

Mr. Ollie was visiting us today. What a cutie!

Door is done. Well mostly. Need a few touchups. one more thing off the to do list. May the rest get done.

Wednesday
Sep182019

Blog is Here

We had sun today. No dogs went into the pool but I did and got burnt. LOL

Here is the gallery.

Tchibo is back from Russia. We are excited as we will be seeing him Saturday!

Tonight I paint the back door after the dogs go to bed. This way it will be dry by the time they get up. I am hoping for 1 coat. We shall see.

We had Desi over. Nathan was having a grand time with him as you can see above. 

I put a braid in Spicy's hair and it kept sticking up. It was so funny.

Not much to say today except all the dogs played and played and played!

Tuesday
Sep172019

Three Updates Today

Argh I am having issues with updates. I wrote a large blog and it didn't show up.

Let's see if I can remember what I said.

This is Raven's puppy, Willow. She was here for a play date and a bath.

Crosby was madly in love with her today.

I stayed up till 1am doing taping and doing 2 coats of primer on the back door. It is still bleeding through but I think its good enough to paint. I had intended on doing it tonight but I am trashed. It is dangerous to paint when you are exhausted. 

Here is today's gallery.

I was also up at 4am and then had to get up at 7am. To say I am exhausted is an understatement.

So, tomorrow starting at 945pm, I will paint the door. I have to do it at night due to the dogs.

I will be glad when the painting is done but I will be touching up baseboards and door frames with matching stain after the baseboard is replaced where the dogs chewed it. I am getting someone else to do it. I do not feel confident enough to cut tight fittings. 

I also need a system to put shelves in two closets for dog products. Anyone turned a closet into a sea of shelves and if so, what did you use?

Nathan started outlining the tv room with paint. I am so happy that's not on me. He is going to do the tv room and the living-room attached and we will open up the french doors to make it all one room. The dogs will love it and we will too. 

Dennis was off today so while Nathan was painting, it was me and the dogs. Then his nap time and then with no tv room, he is sitting outside with his computer watching a tv show with the dogs. LOL I hope it gets done by weeks end. The dogs love the tv room so. Then he can shut the french doors and do the other room. 

After that, he says he will be doing the emptying of the pool house, organzing and doing the roof? Really? It has to be done but my hubby is a computer geek, like I am but hammers, repairs are all foreign to him or so he likes me to believe. 

I will be organizing puppy stuff and dog supplies. Less than 2 weeks left. Then rest.

Dogs barked like crazy around the pool today or they swam. It was one or the other. I did get into the pool with the dogs and had a blast. I was going to lay on a raft and fall asleep till Nathan started painting. Then Nathan came in and wild and crazy running occured. It was a blast.

They say warm weather all week. I surely hope so. One needs the pool for a break. Glad it is not closed as it was last year at this time.

Tuesday
Sep172019

Happy 5th Birthday

Holly wishes all her siblings a Happy 5th Birthday! Can’t believe they are 5 already!

Ella says happy birthday to her siblings, Rusty, Hugo, Tiny, Holly and Teddy! Hope you are getting all the extra love you deserve today!

Tuesday
Sep172019

Hugo Update

Happy birthday, Hugo! We can’t believe you are 5 already.

This is a follow up to the video I put together for his 1st birthday: https://www.facebook.com/mezart/videos/10207768877840094/

Follow Hugo on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hugothedivo

Monday
Sep162019

Rain Yes Again

Mabel is getting out and about between the rain sprinkles. The dogs are growing weary about this weather. My to do list is growing.

Tonight prime back door. Tomorrow paint door. I can only do it after the dogs go to bed as the door gets used too much. 

Here is a small gallery.

Considering we will have walls painted, backsplash in kitchen, new sink, desk, my closet - what else? Nathan to do the tv room, livingroom combo. We still have the pool house to do, Eaves troughs. Nathan mentioned the cabinets - not a chance this year. What else will we do? It seems we are consolidating. We will organize a bedroom downstairs with all the dog stuff for puppies - oh boy. Now it is in 2 rooms upstairs and they want it all placed neatly in a bedroom downstairs so we have our guestroom back and the puppy area they go into upstairs completely organized. I think this will be worse than my closet. My goal is to finish by end of the month so I have 2 weeks without lots of things to do before pups arrive. 

I always wash my own dogs just before pups so everyone is clean before arrival plus my usual grooming. So - not totally off but no more daunting summer off - must get done projects. We will also have to bring in plants - order more lights - yikes! I need to put my trug to bed and all my strawberries and green beans that are still producing. Yum!

The dogs think I am nuts. Thankfully I take many breaks to play with dogs and Dennis, Jon and Nathan playing with them when I am doing crazy projects. Today we tested sit. Oh boy.... some immediate. Some - are you serious - okay I will now if you treat me. 

One has to laugh when the dogs think they can pull the wool over your head. I know they all know sit. We will try it again tomorrow. Then we will move on to other things. I like to do something daily to work their minds. It is why we do find the treat, hide and seek etc We also do mind games to see who can figure out how to get treats and where they are. Running also expels energy and we do a lot of that. The dogs love it and we do it inside or outside depending on the weather. It must get them tuckered out as they come inside and take a nap. Nathan too. LOL I think its good for them. 

Jessie and Kat is really feeling this rain. Nathan too. Murphy, Kat's brother plays and plays all day without a sign of arthritis. 

Cinnamon is getting fat, Leti is rounding out - Raven to a lesser degree but she was the last to be bred. All have had morning sickness. Raven still, to a degree. It all unfolds!

The dogs have had a great day despite the weather!

Sunday
Sep152019

Rainy Sunday

Holly joined us today. It was great to see her. She played and played and played. 

Here is the gallery.

I managed to get a photo of Cooper before he messed his hair up. He has been playing like crazy. Spicy has been busy rolling and playing and chilling.

If you look in the gallery, you will see Murphy in a series of photos getting her barrette off. Why try? Spicy did keep hers in longer - much longer.

Murphy is off on a plane trip. I am always excited for her and her mom.

I heard Tenshi was busy at Pet Expo running the course. Bravo, little one. 

Just got a photo of Meadow getting arrested. Oh Oh - what did you do?

We just got a series of photos from Tegan of Pingo. This is only 1 of the photos and not even the best - well they are all best!

Tomorrow I am painting - taking a day off and it is our son's birthday - Jon.

Till tomorrow. Tonight washing door with TSP.

Saturday
Sep142019

Saturday in September

It is so interesting at how bonded some dogs become. This is Cinnamon and Ella snuggling.

Here is the gallery.

We went to Pet Expo. Not much there but reptiles - Dear Mint that I love I stopped by to get my own and Spicy and Murphy some hair ties. We also stopped at Wheatley Wares that I love. Otherwise we could have skipped it. It made for a fast experience. Then up to Stouffville we went to get paint. Nathan decided he likes the door. I guess it is growing on him as he wants the same colour on the inside backdoor. The paint experts tell me I need to shellac it.  So, I will. They told me my back door I have to sand. Lots of work. Glad for the tips for this newbie. As it is a metal door, I have to add some stuff into the paint to allow it to adhere properly. Still need to get shellac to do the front door and they say the door has to stay open for 2 hours.

The lady was talking directly to Nathan and he said she is the one that does this stuff. She said oh... and told me. I laughed. Nathan still needs to do those two rooms.

So, to shellac, this will be a trick. I also need to do this twice. Front and back door needs to be done. It means the dogs can't go in the hallway but instead in the family room, tv room and kitchen. It will work, I guess. Better than when it is cold. She said just sit outside for 2 hours. Yeah...

I brushed out all the dogs. I put pretty bows on the girls. Spicy was the worst. She had that tie out and her hair a mess as fast as I could blink an eye or so it felt. I wanted to take cute photos with bows in it but instead they said - fat chance.

Magic's human sister brought over a present for the pups to be - a unicorn bed. It's adorable. Thank you!

Murphy is back to the crate at the end. Imagine that... 

Everyone has been playing. The boys are tackling each other and having such a splendid time. Do they know it is the weekend? Not that it matters here. 

Brady, Murphy, Adele and River depart tomorrow. Velvet and Mabel arrive. 

Shlomo was laying in the tv room couch with his legs up in the air sleeping. Talk about relaxed. I went out to the kitchen to get the camera and he rolled over. It drives me crazy missing moments. I keep thinking I need to carry the camera around with me but that sounds a tad ridiculous. I know somewhere someone does this - yahoo channel stars but really....

The weather is windy but nice. I ate fish and chips and feel sick. Nathan too. Too greasy, perhaps. I need a couch and dogs all over me. That's my weighted blanket.

Have a great weekend. Can it be swimming weather, please?

Friday
Sep132019

Painting, Rain and All That

My project today was to paint the inside front door. I still have the back door and a desk. I used Fusion Mineral paint. Dry in 2 hours - actually an hour and it was cold today. Nathan dislikes it as he says it is too dark. Guess he can paint it lighter if he doesn't like it. He hasn't done the 2 rooms he said he would so.....

When will I get the desk and backdoor done? Seeing Nathan wants a lighter colour on the back door, who knows. I have to go to Stouffville to get it. So, timing is up in the air. I am hoping to get paint come Monday. painting back door maybe Tuesday and desk - we shall see but done it will be.

This is a non toxic paint so I do not mind using it with the dogs. I actually appreciate that quality.

I didn't paint the door jam or whatever you call it as it was so cold and didn't want the door open till it dries. We shall see when that gets done. I am making progress with this summer off. 

I said to Nathan you have till the beginning of October as mid October we will be having pups. He said what - really? Think time is slipping by so a gentle reminder is a good thing. We will get the handyman at the end of this month to fix baseboards. I wanted to touch up stain the rest of them but I doubt that will happen this year. LOL

It rained today. It is damp cold. Nathan said can we close the pool. I said it is supposed to be warm all next week. He said right... The dogs and I are sure hopeful!

Here is the gallery.

When it wasn't raining, the dogs lounged outside. 

Murphy has selected a new crate to lay in. We have a series of crates under our kitchen table all without doors. It's their spot to snooze and get away, if they so desire. Murphy always used the last in the row. Today she was in the center. 

Ty, Elvis, Meadow and Marco all departed and Murphy arrived. Parker also arrived for a play date and play he did. He is resting now. 

Tomorrow morning we have Pet Expo then potential puppy visitors. Due to this rain despite giving baths to many, they look like - well ungroomed dogs. We shall see if I have time to groom but at least they are cleaned. Cooper gets brushed out daily and then goes through the bushes. The bushes are wet. He gets wet and the grass is less than dry. Spicy tends to not like getting wet here. She takes every elsatic out of her head but she remains looking dry. 

We already miss the fun of Meadow but I tell you, any more time here today, she would have been a wet rag. I think she has the Misty disease.... any fun is good no matter what it does to your hair. 

Shlomo has taken over the recliner as his. Too bad, Nathan. You have competition for your seat. LOL

Everyone is having a blast. Short blog tomorrow as it is busy. Longer on Sunday - I hope.

Thursday
Sep122019

Run and Run

This is Cooper and Elvis. Elvis was doing that run like crazy thing they do and Cooper cut him off in the pass and played and played.

Here is the gallery.

The dogs have had a ton of fun. I gained control over my insanity and realized I could not paint the door today. We shall see what tomorrow brings. It must get done. 

Ty, Marco and Elvis leaves us tomorrow. Such tremendous fun leaving us. Saturday morning we head to Pet Expo. I have an order from Pet Expo to pick up. LOL The dogs get most of my money. It's a dawg life! That's what happens when you love them so. Parker comes for a play day. 

Spicy takes over the cushiest spots. She has taste. 

Wednesday
Sep112019

Warm Day

It was pool weather today but not everyone wanted to go in. Good thing as it saved my arm from blow drying all and I would have to as Nathan had the air on. Can't have wet dogs in air conditioning.  Last night we had a rip roaring rainstorm but the dogs were good. Sounds like we are going to have another storm tonight. Cooler weather returns tomorrow and rain will go away. Saturday it starts warming up and maybe while it is cooler I may get the inside front door painted. I already used TSP on it. We shall see.

Here is the gallery.

Dogs had a ton of fun today. I just finished grooming the last dog. They will look good for bed.

No news on the missing Tuesday. <sigh>

Ollie has been playing his heart out. Mind you, everyone is playing. Some just play and play. It all fills you with smiles! Dennis had them running after him like they used to run after rock stars.

It was a great day for the dogs!

Tuesday
Sep102019

2 Updates Today: Happy 7th

Hi Darlah and Nathan,

Magic turned 7 today and we thought we’d share some pictures with you. Magic wishes all her siblings a happy birthday!

Caitlin, Bill, Phyllis, and Magic

Tuesday
Sep102019

Busy Day

As you can see with the update being so late, its been a busy day. I am still sitting in my grooming jacket. 

Here is the gallery.

This is also Leti's birthday. Leti, Cinnamon and Raven are still queasy in the morning so they eat later. Cinnamon is a nutcase as she takes a toy and wags her whole body in bed and hits me with it. She is playing look mom, I have a baby. She has done this the last few nights every hour or so. Raven is also acting pregnant. 

No results on Tuesday. I am going crazy contacting everyone. I am rather sad. Not sleeping all that well but Cinnamon is also helping in that no sleep journey. 

No one swam but me today. Hoping to get a few in tomorrow, if possible. 

Sorry... dogs had a blast. They did hide and seek with Dennis. Lounged on the couch. Hoping they get wet but not so many that I groom till midnight. LOL Anyone that wants to is welcomed. 

Monday
Sep092019

It's a Day Too

The sisters have been playing NONSTOP. See the gallery. We also took some photos yesterday at our daughter's home. 

I went out this morning to get some Fusion Mineral paint but lets see when I can fit in painting this week. It looks like a CRAZY one. We will try. First day possible is Sunday. Laugh everyone!

Mickey arrived. Harlow departs shortly. I put a calendar event in wrong as I was so upset. It seems Tuesday (Ella baby) got out of his home in Mississauga on Saturday and is still missing. I found out today. I have been busy making sure info is everywhere and even paid for a service. I hope he is found. 2 days is a long time. I am so upset. So, if this is a mumble mess, please understand.

Everyone is playing and is a wonderful mix of dogs. 

It is cold today. Hoping tomorrow is a pool day though I have a ton of grooming to do. LOL