Still Icy

Still icy out there. Our pool gets opened the wee of April 14th. It seems we had paid last year for a shut down and opening so we had a credit. The guy was calling us to find out what date. He said he wanted to get those that prepaid scheduled as they are suddenly going nuts with bookings as people want to entertain their kids - or so he said. This means I may get a swim before pups arrive. That would be a bonus.

Here is today's gallery.

Maybe I will manage garden cleanup before my focus is consumed. Let's see. Here and there I am going to decorate my outside pots. That is funny but the cutting machine can do it after I figure out the design. Then my pots will be unique. We shall see. Thinking about silly stuff but it is important to have something to look forward to.

We are deemed a necessity service now due to those on the front lines needing care for their dogs. Dennis is OCD about cleaning with disinfectant hospital grade. I even clean the memory sticks for the cameras as he has me so trained. Enough with that.

The dogs are enjoying quiet times. They are playing, lounging and exploring all over the place. It's a dog's ;ife and well they deserve it!

Happy Birthday Plus More

Willow is saying happy birthday to me. Isn't this cute? I got it in the mail today!

Thank you truly for everyone who thought of me today. Dennis keeps sending me doom and gloom over Covid articles. I said thank you for the thought and present. LOL

Here is the gallery.

Dogs are great. It's 639 and I want to go to bed. Maybe I should. hahahaha

Thank you again for everyone who thought of me. Tomorrow groom, groom, groom.

Snow, Rain and Isolation

Pablo knows what to do when he is in isolation with his hoomans. :-) Look at all those words he thought up all by himself. LOL

Here is today's gallery.

We have had snow, rain and well isolation cause who likes the rain - cold rain? Well, Jesse, Misty, Tempie, Hallie and Stormy does. Oh boy. They think I do not have enough to do.

The dogs here are trying to see who is boss here now that Kat is gone. Willow thought this may be the time to tell everyone where they go, what they can do. Okay, it's not that bad but she certainly is attempting to be the one in charge. Who knew as she is usually super mellow. Let's see if she pulls it off. Yes, she is pregnant so the hormones are going crazy. heh All 3 gals are having a tough time eating breakfast. Breakfast ends up being about noon time.

Tomorrow Nathan is making noise about getting takeout for my birthday. We shall see.Will the have takeout tomorrow?

We placed a ton of blankets all over the chairs and couches - need more waterproof ones as they are saturating everything. It feels cold indoors but I think it just feels damp. They are hunkered down, ignoring the outside door opening and cuddling and watching tv. Nathan says the dogs act like wet blankets. That doesn't sound good, does it? It is what it is and well rather have them snuggling than not.

I refuse to look at tomorrow's news. Instead the history channel is on.

Shall I stay in bed tomorrow or shall I spend the day learning as time allows? We shall see. I am still working on a banner for each of the whelping boxes to make them more Talemakerish.

Quiet

It's very quiet here. Only Jesse, Murphy and Elvis here since this afternoon. Jesse and Murphy won't be doing till the first week in April when Momma gets back from Australia.

I got half the dogs combed out.

Here is the gallery.

Think it is time to watch movies. Play with dogs, learn something new. So much righteousness and doom and gloom with nothing else but in news, Facebook, twitter etc. Maybe its just my feeds that are dominantly that. There is no escaping. In some ways I think social media is toxic for mental health. I suggest everyone do the same and only connect and visit areas of upbeat nature. I am going to try to give balance here by talking dogs. Despite that we have lots to worry about, we must have balance to get us through. My limit was when someone attacked me for taking Kat to the vet then in a further message they were out walking their dogs and was chatting to their neighbour about the state of things. Huh Do as I say, not as I do. This experience sure brought the good out in some and the real nasties in others.

I really appreciate everyone caring about Kat. I keep hoping I wake up and not miss him so but that will take time. I spent the most time with him. Nathan asked how I was as he was worried about me. I said I miss him. He said - me too. He said he was your dog. He is right - other than swimming - a true passion they shared and can't be discounted, Kat was my dog. I miss his snuggling with me at night. I need to get past this - truly. I need to be positive in these crazy times.

Looking forward to puppies, fresh air, swimming pool, - even if that brings memories and maybe weeding. Last time I checked, garden shopping is not an essential so not sure how that will affect my garden pals. I feel for them. We will see how it all unfolds but we will have pups playing, enjoying and loving each other up. Now that's special no matter what the world is doing.

Dogs did have a run today. They LOVED, LOVED, Loved it and that means Dennis is starting to get back to normalcy. I did training with the pups. We played a hide and seek game. It felt good to play treats with the pups and a snuffle mat. 

Tomorrow brings more grooming. Winston comes for a spruce up and play. We are looking forward to it!

I am slowly learning sublimation. I am converting my Epson. My goal is to put puppy names on bags to go home and if I can figure it out but I am keeping my mind busy. What are you doing positive during these isolation times?

I should organize my cabinets - nah. hahahahaha

Our grandson in North Carolina - its his bday tomorrow - mine is on the 24th - my fathers was the 25th. We were talking about what to do to celebrate. His idea is he should play video games and I can watch online and cheer him on. I can do that! My daughter, the groomer is still grooming at the vets and is busier than usual. She is thankful she has an income. She said even non tippers were tipping. That gives me hope that people care. They get dogs from cars and message people and use alcohol and disinfectant to clean money and wash hands. 99% of people pay only with cash around her. Gyms are still open. I was surprised. Store shelves are empty especially organic items or vegetarian foods. She eats clean. What was the most interesting thing she said was people are lined up to buy guns. She was serious. She ended the conversation saying - I think I am stuck in crazy land and can't figure out how to get out. She says I may be the only person without a gun before this finishes. Do I need a gun, mom? I said no. I do not live where she lives but I hope it was the right advice.

This daughter loves the dogs as much as we do. There are dog lovers and then there are dog lovers and the dogs will get her by. For that I am glad. I am ever so thankful for the dogs - our own, those we bred, visitors - all of it. They each bring something to your life that is unique. Without the dogs life would be empty.

Till tomorrow - sorry about the rambling. Time to groom some more.

2 Day Fun

It's strange this social distancing. The dogs know nothing about it. Their world has not changed. For us so many things have changed.

Today, Anne notified me saying they sent me something for my birthday that occurs in a few days. They said it was in my community box since Thursday. I had not checked. I was immersed in Kat. Purdy's cherry cordials - how wonderful - thank you! Our son in B.C. said what are you doing for your birthday. I said I do not know. Everything is closed. I haven't a clue. I got a ping today from Helen and Suzie saying we left something at your door. They brought lasagne, garlic bread and pastries. How nice. So unexpected. Kat used to make sure Hugo behaved. Many memories with those 2. Ozzie has now departed. His mom and dad gave me some gin to really get tanked. Do they say that phrase any longer. One thing about gin is it surely will kill the germs. It tastes terrible, imho unless it has lime and tonic water.

I groomed all day today. Not sure I was up to it but I got to snuggle each. Bonus!

Thank you to those that tipped - most appreciated. Thank you to everyone. You are all so golden!

Here is a gallery of the last 2 days.

The dogs are oblivious to the emotion here. We try hard to make that so. Dennis wasn't up to his crazy run but he did throw toys here and there to see who would bring them back. Only some did. They like the run game more. He appeased them with treats feeling bad for his lack of running. Tomorrow he says...

So cold after such a warm day yesterday. Tomorrow is a new day. Tonight dog snuggling and tv. Who will watch it with us? Not all dogs do.

For Kat: Nathan's Words Added

Today is a tribute to Kat. I apologize and will play catchup with a gallery tomorrow. We lost Katsura today. See his bio.

He was a magnificent dog who produced some equally magnificent pups. We will miss him. We are so incredibly sad. To take that drive to Brighton was a mighty difficult one.

Kat and his mom, Risa.

Kat's after swim run. He also used to dry himself on a towel. It was a riot!

He always waited for Nathan to swim. It was something only they shared.

He was the first havanese to ever dive into a swimming pool. He was great at it.

At the end, he only wanted to be with me. It didn't matter if I had to groom or had to go to the bathroom, as sick as he was, he had to be with me.

He is one of a kind or he was. Not sure how we will swim without him.

Update on Saturday, March 21, 2020 at 4:05PM by Darlah

We will always, each of us, have our memories of our Kat. Reading some of the notes in response to Darlah’s post I thought I’d offer these few thoughts of my own. Thank you all for your kind wishes. We appreciate each one.

We all learn at some point in our lives to deal with death. The world is falling apart around us with a global Pandemic and here we are mourning the loss of a dog, our Katsura. For those that are not dog people, stop reading now. You won’t understand our grief. I’m writing this to our Talemaker families and to everyone that shares their lives with a dog as a beloved member of their family.

Yesterday afternoon we did the last good thing we could do for the dog that has been a part of our lives for so many years. We put him down. Writing, you cannot tell that tears are falling from my eyes as I type. You can but imagine (if you’ve been there yourselves) the pain and grief Darlah and I felt as we cradled him on his last journey at our side. This was our Kat. We shared so many wonderful memories with him, so many firsts.

He was a champion show dog that loved to strut his stuff.

He was a champion swimmer and loved leaping into the swimming pool with wild abandon so that he could meet me the second I surfaced.

He passed his Good Neighbour certification during a Rottweiler Specialty surrounded by that power breed and couldn’t have cared less as he pranced in, around and between them to come to me on the other side of the ring.

He was always the first to know when any of his girls (and they were all his girls as far as he was concerned) were coming into season and when they were leaving it because he was a stud!

For years he played magnificently with puppies, many of them his own, until one unfortunate time one puppy mistook that thing hanging from his body as a nipple and tried to feed. After he landed back down on the ground having teleported to the ceiling, he never again frolicked with the puppies but always kept a close watch on them out of the corner of his eye.

He loved us all unconditionally, as dogs do, and we love him back the very same way.

May he rest in peace.

Oh the Fun Of It

Tchibo is visiting us. What incredibly gorgeous eyes he has. He just looks at us as if to say - give me a hug and then he does. What a softie and sensitive boy.

Here is today's gallery.

The dogs enjoyed running their fool heads off today. Tomorrow hot and rain? Really?

Blog is short. everyone is having fun. I must sit with Kat. Hope you understand.

Fun and Corona

Well fun and Corona should not go in the title together but it may of grabbed your attention.

Pippa brought her baby to share with us today and you can see her in front of Tempie and Hallie enjoying her time. I must say Pippa is doing something magic with her hair as its delightful to touch. Bravo!

Here is the gallery.

Thank you goes to Sylvia and her husband (who forgot to tell her how much I liked them - hubbies)  for the gorgeous bows that I get to share. Deepest appreciation. We will miss Tenshi this month. Sylvia is doing the nurse thing - wow bravo - and Will has been told to work at home. Thank you goes to Ozzie's mom and dad who brough me Purdy's cherry cordials - oh my gad so nice and brought Ozzie despite not going away. Thank you for the tip! We have been deeply hit financially due to Corona and so this title Fun is one of being feacetious. Thank you to Dorothy, the 2 hairy ones (yes Pixie and Leo are hairy due to Dorothy's grooming skills) and her husband for lightening our load when we were drowning is stress. Deepest, deepest appreciation.

This was my day off and off and on I spent the time with Kat in my arms having laboured breathing. Now he is sleeping soundly and he ate a small amount of food and kept it down. I waffle between its time and there is hope. I wake up each day - as much as I can sleep not knowing what the day will bring. Not trying to be dramatic but accurate, I am afraid.

The dogs are really having a blast. I make sure they have fun no matter what is going on and they do. They are like children oblivious to whatever as we make sure they are. Therefore they make us laugh no matter what and that's a win/win.

A shoutout to those that went away early on before this craziness and are now stuck somewhere. I went outside and played with the dogs in a light jacket just to feel alive. It is still cold but boy just standing outside feels good. Tomorrow I groom all day with my window open. I don't care what the weather is. We need an exchange of air. It gets hot in the grooming room.  Soon spring and perhaps all of this will be over. Here is hoping!

We have 3 moms pregnant. Not tested yet as its too early but now Stormy has started eating half her breakfast in the morning. The other 2 not. But they are a bit later than Stormy. So, we are all on schedule for spring puppies. May it be warm by then!

Very Short Blog

We had fun. Dogs had fun. I decided to go out myself to the store as we need dog food etc. I need a change of scenery but will practice safety.

Here is the gallery.

Kat ate a tiny, tiny bit but no vomiting, laboured breathing at times then dead asleep. We are indeed not there but holding things down. I am rather sad at this - everything - covid, business down, Kat - so crazy.

Ozzie is coming tomorrow. We celebrate.

Charlie's humans are happy to see him, I am sure. We will miss him. No matter how much I brush Lola, she gets to be a huge mess.

Tomorrow is my day off. I need to resume my course. Not that its fun but it does have a goal in mind. I thought i was old as this course has been exceedingly difficult and then others chimed in that they wanted to quit. So - now I feel less than stupid and maybe the mind is functioning after all.

Nathan is watching in Korean The Good Doctor. The dogs sit all over him and some watch the tv too.

Dog classes are cancelled till who knows when.

The 3 moms to be all have questionable desire to eat till lunch. This is normal.

Till tomorrow...

Changing Times

Tia departed, Charlie departs tomorrow. It will soon be really quiet. The world is crazy as we all practice isolation of sorts. Someone asked me what I will do for my birthday on the 24th and I said perhaps nothing as nothing will be open. It is crazy times but the dogs do not know it. They are having a great time.

Here is today's gallery.

Short blog of sorts as I need to cuddle with Kat. This is not a good day for him nor us. When it rains - it pours!

Still Snow

Yes, most is gone but we still have snow or really ice.

Here is today's gallery.

The dogs are enjoying quieter times. Not that they don't love the craziness of march Break but they can stretch out and covet their spots. We noticed dogs that come frequently always have their fave spots. They make noises when someone thinks it is their spot. It is funny. We have a large house so there is room for everyone but that spot on one of the couches or recliners or the beds up on the end tables is the best until a human sits down and the descend on your lap. Now that's the best spot!

Nathan went out to Brunos yesterday to get meat for the dogs - not us - really for the dogs. They had steaks on sale so he cooked some up and the dogs had a yum treat added to their dinner.

Today he picked up broth for Kat and shelves were empty at Loblaws but Loblaws put out a statement that toilet paper is made in Canada. There is no shortage and we will be replenishing the shelves in an accelerated fashion. There is no reason to hoard. Please shop when you usually do. We also deliver free of charge. Brunos had plenty of food. We are not hoarding. I want to go to the Village Grocer called so fondly by us, the village Thief due to their prices. They have the best frozen food and oh my gad the very best potato salad. Maybe I will go on my day off. I need to go out or my day off turns into a day of - can you do this or that and no day off at all.

Kat started throwing up last night but no blood. Today no throwing up. He is sleeping. He ate a bit of mousse which is the first in days. We remain hopeful.

Girls are all out of heat. Leti has shown signs of I do not want to eat but Willow wants to eat everyone else's food. Finally the heats are done. We needed that. Too many stressors all at once.

Hang Out and Play

They play, they rest, they play and play again! It is a good day for the dogs.

Here is the gallery.

Even Nora was getting way silly with the play as you will see. Everyone has engaged in play at some time or other today. Dennis captured some - some he didn't but we enjoyed seeing it.

Figure I will update you here on Kat as many are asking in mail. Thank you... He held his meds down. He is not eating but the vet is not worried yet about that. He is no longer vomiting blood or vomiting anything. He got up and wagged his tail at some visitors. He is sleeping a lot. He is drinking. I am optimistic now. I am afraid I was not yesterday.

The reason why he can't be operated on - one its his age and for some reason his heart slows down with anesthesia to the point he must be revived. He never had an issue with anesthesia till he became a senior. That is why you usually avoid operating when old. He is on Sucralfate, Gabapentin amd Omeprazole and Pedialyte. We hope the Sucralfate and Omeprazole work their charm and protect any adhesions. the gabaentin is for his nerve endings and joints from sports related damage. No more metacam for him. If he gets through this we need to look at another plan of action. So thank you for asking. If you come by for any reason, please don't ask to see him. He is not up to it. He is in the hall. He has become animated but he is not up to interacting. Hoping that is not the case in a few days. We remain hopeful and that's good today. I need the weight to lift not come down like a sledgehammer.

We still have snow and ice in the backyard. So many have shared clean, snowless yards. It has stuck to us like glue. That's okay. Jesse with his arthritis enjoys laying on it. We allow short term numbness till he needs it again. Jesse has been amazing with his socializing with the dogs. He is indespensible.

Me, I have to finish grooming.

Blustery, Cold and Well Quiet

Five more left to cancel and then we are done. What a March Break that wasn't - or how it will be remembered.I could cry. Oh well.

No one was groomed today except a full groom for 2 departing. With the blustery wind and the ramifications of March Break, I didn't have it in me. That's okay too. I lied, I brushed out Kat who saw the vet and the 2 girls in heat. Everyone else had the windswept look till tomorrow when I comb them out. They like a break too.

Here is the gallery.

We await test results tonight to see if Metacam is damaging his stomach lining or affecting his kidneys. Joy not. Something else... I could cry. Sorry not meaning to vent. Apologies.

The dogs had this love/hate with the wind. I stood out there and it is the type that goes right through you.

So much for spring - a tease mother nature is and always is during March.

Dennis got something he has been waiting for over a year and half for. I am happy for him. He has something fun in his life.  It arrived today and he says he is too tired to try it out. Really?

Off to feed the dogs. It's that time!

Just Saying Plus Gallery Added

I am thankful for those that are cancelling trips at the last minute and still bringing their dogs for play, socialising and boarding. A small fraction is - but that is something and I so appreciate you! On top of all the scary posts online, many of us have to worry about the financial implications which doubles the worry. We need positivity, folks. I looked at Facebook and not a single post was positive. We are going to pull people into a deeper depression and business' and us will get hurt. Concentrate on solutions as that is what is needed. Venting is important but when on overload, as it is now, it only dismisses the effects we are having on others. Help each other where you can as many are one pay check away from being in the streets and this reaction will help that reality come true. Scary in its own right. Just a thought. Yes, we are deeply worried about the financial hit too.

Update on Thursday, March 12, 2020 at 8:13PM by Darlah

Here is today's gallery. The dogs are a motley crew. We keep pumping off the pool. The dogs brushing them out - just finished and I bet you tomorrow morning they will look like a disaster but they are having fun!

Dennis has been waiting for a VR headset for over a year and it is supposed to arrive tomorrow. People get on a list and actually wait for these things. Will I try it - yeah but its his. He is so excited but driving me nuts on wanting to move furniture, hang things from the walls but his excitement is ever so nice. I need that oh my gad I am so excited experience around me. 

Dogs are doing TV time. I was so exhausted today that I literally fell asleep eating. Lots of grooming does that. Soon bed and snuggles and tomorrow is Nathan's day off.

I have the calendars up on Stormy, Leti and Willow's blog.

Small Packages

Tenshi is a small gal and so is Olive who is visiting us now.

Here is today's gallery.

Kat's not doing well. He is dealing with arthritis. NATHAN CAN RELATE. The price you pay for sporting damage. Vet comes on Friday to see him. He is now off Metacam for the week and he is downright miserable. I am little by little shaving him down as it is unfair for me to have him on the table lifting this or that except minimally. Poor Kat... We are hoping for the gabapentin to work its magic. Hoping the swimming in summer loosens him up. It usually does.

The dogs have been having fun today. It feels chilly to me and that ice is not going.

Abby and Zoey are going home tomorrow. They will be excited to see their humans.

Cinnamon almost caught a chipmunk. What a fast runner she is. The rest of the crew chased along with her but she was in the lead. I wish I had the camera and video camera out there. It was a riot!

The dogs - well they always make you go - look at THAT!

Dogs have been having fun.

Still Ice

Despite the warmth of yesterday, we had a blustery, cold wind descending on us that felt bitter cold. It is still winter, I am afraid. Funny, the dogs thought it was invigorating. Me, not so much. 

Here is the small gallery today.

It was my day off. I went to class with Sherry and learned yet another thing. I am really getting comfortable but have a lot to learn. let's see, I need to learn how to use Adobe Capture, Inkscape and whatever else. It will come.

Dogs are really explosive today. I say that in a good way. They are leery of the ice but get inside - they are wild childs. Till tomorrow.

Happy Two Years Old Plus Update

Hello!  Just wanted to share this pic from yesterday - Marcie’s 2nd birthday!

I’ll need to send her over for grooming soon.  Will be in touch!

On his birthday, Felix says: "Hooray! I am turning two years old today! Cause two is twice as much as one, and that means I'll have twice the fun!

Have a super duper Birthday, my sistas!

Thank you so much Darlah and Nathan for given us this wonder boy!

Carmen, Max si Ines

-------

Happy Birthday to Max, Bo, Mabel, Charlie and Marcie. Did I miss anyone? Hope it's the best.

The couch surfing crew says here is today's gallery. I just finished grooming - started ay 7am. Stood outside and felt the warmth for 10 minutes - heaven but couldn't find time for anything more. Till the next warm day. Tomorrow cold.

Meltdown Begins

Poor Murphy needs a bath - Monday night for her. We still have much snow but all along the pool is a lake and Dennis is busy trying to pump it off. I do not like standing water and the dogs think it is ever so much fun to run through it so I try hard to eliminate the possibility of creating more work. LOL

Here is the gallery.

I didn't get out today but last night I created all my cut files so I could cut between groomings and finish at my leisurely. It is called multi-tasking. I so wanted to get out the door but now it feels chilly. Tomorrow is another day and then it gets colder again. Oh well. It's not spring yet. Snow will come again and I will be able to capture the last snow of March with the dogs. Hoping April stays snow free but we shall see. I still need to book the pool opening.

We were lucky to not have any ice damage or wildlife damage this year. Some of our puppy people were not so lucky. We feel for them.

The dogs ran, stood and got mucky today. I washed blankets and put new ones down a number of times today. I even thought about putting dryers circulating to dry them but I did it the slow way.

We did have the windows opened today to get an exchange of air. It felt wonderful especially with the dryers going.

I have to figure out how to get Jesse in my bathtub to give him a bath. He can't fit in the sink. I will figure it out this week. I will also be fitting on Zoey this week.

I put hair bows on Ella, Roxie, Leti and Spirit and not a single one has them in now. I guess they are real havanese. Laughing hard...

Off to comb out Scruffy and Pepper before they depart. Then maybe I can convince the dogs that 9pm is te sleeping hour.

Oh the Smell

Dogs have acute smelling ability. When one gets a bath the rest smell them up. It's a riot!

This is Roxie. She had her bath today. I so love Roxie. She so loves the swim and hugs.

Here is the gallery.

It's not warm today but for the next 2 days, it is supposed to be spring like weather. Oh the tease and I hope it keeps teasing us.

Tomorrow I suspect the snow will disappear and we will have puddles all over. Maybe Monday it will dry up. Today I am bathing too many dogs but I must.

Looking forward to tv time, dogs and Nathan - not necessarily in that order.

Such Jazzy Fun

The siblings are playing like crazy! We have a lighter than usual March Break boarders. I will have time to get puppy stuff ready for moms to be. Yeah think positive. Doesn't pay the bills but it will be fun!

We had fun in class and now the duo must learn down. I was tired in class. But Hallie and I did well.

Here is the gallery.

The dogs had an amazing time I am told today.

I was in class with Sherry and learned an amazing amount of stuff. I am in information overload. I love, love, love photography but this Cricut Maker stuff is certainly fun and I have so many ideas for my puppy loot bags etc. Learninh Inkscape - vector art is - well daunting. But I persist. I love to learn. This crafting business is too costly - I tell ya. I need to groom more. Yes, I am laughing! Sherry - what did you do to me. I know my fault!

Nathan said it was quiet around here without me. Maybe I need to go out more?

It was windy. It was cold. It was damp cold.

Tomorrow I have to do a bunch of dogs - full grooming and play catch-up on mine. When gals are in heat they mount each other, create knots and slobber on each other. Yuck but true. It means they need a lot of work daily. But now I have time?

Lots to look forward to plus warm weather. Can you get here?