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 (5576)

Tuesday
Apr182023

What Happened?

Here is the gallery.

The pool was opened today but they have to come back tomorrow to finish. Water is too low so we are adding water and its not so green this year - bravo. 

But we have to be careful with dogs that are not aware of the pool. We always go out with them but I don't want anyone falling in with these temps. I am sure the water is cold too. What does this all mean? Pool should be ready when warm weather returns. Last year we had a late opening and many repairs so we had a short pool season plus I didn't get much pool time. This year I hope to.

Nathan was stuck at the dentist as a crown fell off and now they are saying root canal and lots of work. But they need to talk to his cardiologist 1st so he just has to deal and take pain relief. Joy...

Tenshi and Amy departs today.

Tomorrow the Collie Robbie, havanese Murphy goes home and Brodie. The dogs have adapted to Robbie the collie finally but they have their moments when they go what is that. LOL It's not as bad as the first day - the reaction and it has been good for the havanese to adjust. Murphy and Robbie will go to a new abode and that will be fun for them. 

The dogs actually really enjoy this freezing weather. I know I do not. We have not put on our heat yet again but maybe we should or I need to pack on the blankets. Everyone has winter jackets on. I just went to the mailbox with a sweatshirt. If I had to stay out I would have opted for a coat again. 

Here's to swimming i n warmer weather and no dogs jumping in the pool.

Tomorrow we will also get to see Daisy who we haven't seen for quite sometime.

Monday
Apr172023

Lots of Newness

We have a gallery.

We have Robbie a Collie over (till Wednesday) and to be honest, it has been an experience. Many boarders reacted to Robbie as he is a larger but quite docile and a great dog. But it told us how many do not expose their dogs to large dogs. We experienced barking from the time he arrived till this morning - yes all night long boarders barked at him and he just ignored. Add the fact that we had a thunderstorm and Robbie was not happy, we had mega stress. He was pacing so the boarders reacted to that. We literally did not sleep. Nathan got his nap in. Me - nothing. Robbie got his naps in too. 

The day started out with Dennis having a day off so it was Nathan and I. The dogs were still crazy loud and barking. I must admit I yelled STOP and they did momentarily but everytime Robbie moved they went nuts. I braced myself for a long day and then come later in the day, they stopped. Oh they bark here and there but not nonstop like they were. They are being conditioned to a large dog and other than me losing my mind, I am doing the boarders that are not happy a favour. By the time Robbie and they go home, they will be conditioned. Me - I am not sure what I will be. Music - loud helped. But I am now hopeful we are better now. Not entirely there but better and that better is welcomed. 

Weather started out cold but no rain any longer. I had pups out - dogs out and they enjoyed the cooler. I would have liked it warmer. It was and is damp cold. I had a coat on outdoors. Now it is raining again but no boom thunder so we are good. Dogs just finished eating. Nathan added Stella and Chewies toppers. They all loved it! Toppers come in all different flavours and we haven't found one that they do not like.

We are glad that the dogs are pad trained as it is pouring. It is a good thing to have them trained for pads and outdoors. Hoping the rain departs today. I will try to play a run game with the dogs upstairs. Usually Dednnis does that but its my job today!

Sunday
Apr162023

Not Many Photos

Here is the gallery.

Sorry we didn't get many photos today. We had our morning kitchen play and we clicked and then the morning puppy visit then dogs departed and some came. Robbie the collie and Murphy Safi's sister arrived. Some of our boarders went absolutely nuts over a big dog in the house or even in the yard. Most have settled down but a few are on guard. So, no more photos. LOL

We then had our afternoon puppy visit and tonight we are going to expose Robbie to the pups through the xpen but no photos as we want to concentrate on that. Maybe we will do it again tomorrow but tomorrow is Dennis' birthday and I may be extra busy due to that as my present to him is a hard drive and taking over his chores which are numerous.

I am hoping by bedtime everyone has adjusted to a big dog being here otherwise no sleep for us. 

Me, I am waiting for a new cord for my ipad as it won't charge. I am hoping it's the cord as a new ipad is not in the budget. LOL

We, at Talemaker hope Sherry and her sister has a smooth move without rain. Murphy is following Robbie around where she usually spends time with her sister Saffron. It's funny. Robbie doesn't mind any of the craziness. No drooling - nada - just a chill dog.

Saturday
Apr152023

Hot Day Who Cares?

Here is the gallery.

The dogs are outside now as it is starting to cool down somewhat and Dennis is sitting out with them. 

Tomorrow, Dolly and Trouble are groomed 1st thing as they are departing. Lucky, Jay Jay and Tenshi depart. We have a few dogs arriving and puppy visits. Then Monday it is Dennis birthday and he gets a full day off. That means I need to do everything he does normally. We do that for each other but I am tired thinking of it So laughing.

Monday it turns cold. `Guess I will have to cover plants too. After vacuuming the backyard, Dennis needs a day off but I hope he runs with the dogs that day as it will be cool enough to do so.

The question of the day is what day will they open the pool?

Friday
Apr142023

Hunting and Having Fun

Here is the gallery.

Dolly so enjoys creeping up on the birds and watching them chattering. As it has been so warm, the birds are out in full force. They are celebrating the warm weather too.

Next week our pool will be opened and the weather will be cooler. Dennis is already frustrated that his birthday on Monday will be downright cold again. I laugh as I tell him it usually snows on your birthday. What are you complaining about. LOL He is looking forward to sleeping in. I will be carrying his load for his birthday. He is looking forward to dogs watching him play VR games.

The dogs have enjoyed the outdoors in a huge way. Dennis was throwing balls and the dogs were going nuts. They were so tired after playing that you could see many sleeping soundly - taking their nap like Nathan does.

It has been a busy day washing, doing pads, nails etc of 16 pups plus Frannie going home. Tomorrow starts our visits. 

As I am typing, Harlow is screaming for her dinner. I am so laughing cause really she is! She is not the only one either. I think they expel so much energy that they are HUNGRY. 

It's a noisy house but a fun one!

Thursday
Apr132023

Enjoying the Day

Here is the gallery.

The dogs enjoyed the heat but I bet if the pool was opened and warm, they would have enjoyed that more.

We have the air on. I know it will get cooler but it's on auto so it will shut off when not needed. 

Ever sleep with a lot of dogs all over you and it's hot? We did last night. 

So, today the dogs lazed out in the heat much like Nathan and then came in to cool off. I say smart doggies - don't you think?

Wednesday
Apr122023

Hot Day

Here is the gallery.

82f 28c today - wow. It is some hot day. Dennis spent it with the dogs raking, vacuuming and hosing off the decks. 

Pool will be opened sometime next week when it gets cold again - just watch!

Many went home today. A couple arrived. All that arrived and departed were excited. 

Nathan made steak for the dogs today. They ate it in minutes. Something about steak. 

Dennis took a break from cleaning to do a game of many fetch. What is many fetch? You have to have many toys to throw with a number of dogs. LOL

Dennis also got the water feature in front cleaned and working. WSe are starting out with the best intentions.

As I type, Dennis is making dinner for the dogs. Nathan is laying out on his gravity chair with the dogs and I am blogging and attempting to eat.

It feels like summer but without the pool. 

Tuesday
Apr112023

Hot Day Out

Here is the gallery.

They say we broke a record on temps today. I still have windows open and we have a lovely cross breeze. Brewer decided he loved the breeze coming through and lazed in front of the open door blocking anyone from coming in. LOL I so laughed.

Dogs came. Dogs departed. I groomed most of the day playing catchup. 

The dogs - well they had fun and now Nathan is lazing outside with them. 

Monday
Apr102023

Love From the Dawgs

Here is the gallery.

Such a warm day out. Little by little I am playing catchup grooming everyone. I should be totally caught up by tomorrow. We have some new visitors today so it has been a ton of fun. Dennis cleared excess water off the pool cover so the dogs are loving running across it and they are not getting wet. We need to get the pool open soon.

Last night we had burning wood and poor Dennis was going crazy. He was looking everywhere. We didn't see smoke nor did we hear sirens but we smelt the wood smelling experience. I suspect someone was burning wood in one of those outdoor fireplaces but it was interesting we didn't see the smoke. We actually set up everything in case we needed to evacuate. We still have no clue where it was coming from but the smell went away in the wee hours. Didn't give us a solid sleep but glad that is done.

Dogs and Nathan have really enjoyed the outdoors. As I said, I was playing catch-up on grooming so other than going to get the stick out of the camera outdoors, I didn't enjoy. Dennis was pumping off the water so although he was enjoying warmth, he was working. He did run with the dogs.

I should head upstairs and open my upstairs window to get fresh air. Yep - think I will do that and then I have Harlow to groom as she is heading home.

The dogs - well they had a great time today!

Sunday
Apr092023

Fun Times

Here is the gallery.

It's warm out and Kirby had just a bit of time to play so play he did. He was a challenge as he wanted to lay down while I groomed him. What a riot.

I realized we have decks to sterilize. People coming to see pups on Saturday and Sunday and I have 3 moms and 16 pups to wash. Oh boy... Crazy times but we will figure it out.

Dogs are so enjoying the outdoors. Nathan is too. I got to stand out and look around today and go oh boy. LOL

At least we are not dealing with an ice storm like Quebec has.

The dogs - well they are enjoying this warmth. I hope you are too!

Watch Tenshi at the pet show running the course. Way to go Tenshi!

Saturday
Apr082023

Play Play and Playing

Here is the gallery.

The dogs are really enjoying the play. We have a full house with the holiday weekend. The weather is decent and they are playing in and out. Dennis even did the run game today. It was fun to watch.

I am better than yesterday. I am eating food and it is staying down. I am falling asleep often but we are getting there.

Nathan made some steak on the BBQ for the dogs and they ate it YUM!!

It's been a good day!

Friday
Apr072023

Crazy Times

Here is the gallery.

Short blogging and yes, getting tired of it. Not feeling well still. Got told my brother (unexpected) died yesterday. I have lots I am dealing with. 

We have dogs coming - going - grooms - none of it I am up to but we are dealing. I so enjoy the dogs. 

Ruth is still in hospital.

Every single dog that is here is having a great time.

Happy Passover - Happy Good Friday and Happy Easter - Happy Ramadan - whatever you celebrate may it be an easy one. Not sure if Happy is the right word but just know the intent is good.

It is nice to have sunshine - isn't it?

Thursday
Apr062023

Warmish Day Outside

Here is the gallery.

Each time I groom, it sets me a bit back and I need to rest. So, short blogs yet again. Dogs are enjoying outdoors. Weather is finally refreshing and ice on the pool is almost gone.

Fun, fun fun is to be had from the dogs despite how I feel. LOL

Wednesday
Apr052023

Rain Rain

Here is the drippy wet gallery.

It's raining outside so I am not sure how much of a gallery we will have but when I know, I will post it. It is now up.

Brodie has arrived. It is delightful to see him. Nathan and Dennis is napping and I am better than I was yesterday. I have to look at getting food delivered. I am pacing myself and am watching junky TV. 

I am playing catch-up grooming 1 dog here and there. :-)

I just came from getting more water and I see a bunch of dogs is all over the couches and recliner all over Dennis napping. Rainy daze and naps - perfect!

Tuesday
Apr042023

Run and Play

Here is the gallery.

Run, play and living to have fun. That is what dogs should do and this is what they are doing.

Everything seems to be melting away. Could true spring be soo

Monday
Apr032023

Rather Warm Today

Here is the gallery.

Kinsey is out of heat and delighted to play with all comers. The play was fun today. Although not there yet in the sick department. There is hope. I am also holding down food. I may gain all that weight back. LOL Wouldn't it be nice to wake up tomorrow and go wow I feel okay. Here's hoping!

The dogs don't care. Chiclet today had a dog on the tv in the tv room and he went to attack the screen. I guess he could see the dog clearly.

Mr. Lachlan departs tonight. He's been magnificent. He is such a happy dog like his momma.

Well, till tomorrow. Know the dogs are having fun - enjoying. 

Sunday
Apr022023

Cold But Clear

Here is a mini gallery.

Rocky, Majik and Oreo has departed. Missed already. It was so nice to see Rocky and he was such a good boy. Lachlan is here now till tomorrow. Cori, Chiclet, Hugo, Ali and Joey arrived. Everyone is so enjoying each other. Dolly and Trouble - having a blast but they always do. Trouble has reclaimed her tv spot and Nathan too. LOL

Kinsey and Sage are out of heat - no breeding. Sage just had a litter and Kinsey is a baby. We celebrate.

Me, not well yet but seeing small signs of improvement. Maybe tomorrow more - we hope!

Saturday
Apr012023

Pace Oneself

This is Rocky. He departs tomorrow. As he needs to be groomed and I am not well at all, I started doing him here and there. 

Here is the gallery. Most I didn't get to comb out but will be trying tomorrow. Certainly those departing will be done. I am cancelling grooms other than boarders. When sweat is coming down your face, you keep running for the bathroom and you are dizzy as all hell and add sweats in, desire and capability don't often mesh. I am trying.

Dogs have been laying outside today on a stunning warm day. They have enjoyed. I went out to take some photos as Dennis only did a couple. I think the dogs were truly excited about this weather. They say cold again so this is just a tease. Go figure... it is April 1st.

Ruth is still in hospital but Katie is enjoying. 

Friday
Mar312023

Still Sick

Here is an oldie but goodie. I am sick so I am crawling back into bed. Just not up to this but I have never missed a day so... hoping tomorrow I feel better as today is not it. 

Dogs are doing well with Nathan and Dennis care. No worries.

Thursday
Mar302023

Sorry

I am not feeling well - no not covid - yes I have tested daily cause why not eliminate that but I was really really careful when I went out with the daughter  so short blogs and no gallery here. I need to lay down after Nathan takes his nap. I had to do a dog that was departing today - cancelled the rest. I almost didn't make it through. 

Dogs are enjoying and having fun. I am not. So, if I am short blogging and cancelling grooming - please understand.