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
Blog Archive
Friends & Associates
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.

Friday
Oct262012

Update from Coco and Doozie

The girls had a bath at Valerie's today because I had to come to downtown Toronto and it was too long to leave the girls.  It took us 3 hours and ten minutes to get home.  They were really happy to see their Dad.

Love to all

Carol

--------------

Tomorrow we are updating you with Tre...

Now on to the crew...

The rest of the crew here had a blast today. They got so well dirty... It's damp out there and they did the fastest run-like-hell game I ever did see. It was so much fun to watch but then I looked and went good thing Logan is getting a bath.

Logan is bathed and waiting for his Mommy and Daddy to see him all fluffy and beautiful just in time so he can hang out and be the only one at his home. Panda is at Tradex - got 2nd in her class - no points thus far but showed beautiful. There are 80 something dogs - it's tough competition and there are a few more shows but I am just glad she showed well today.

I am having a terrible tummy ache so I may climb on to th couch, watch tv and have the dogs sit and sleep on me. That will make me feel better.

Thursday
Oct252012

Down Day

We are truly having a low key day.

Scruffy came in the door with a mad flurry of fun and now he is just enjoying vs. playing hearty. After relax time I am sure the crazy play will begin again but until then I can update you on the blog.

Simba is always fun, fun and more fun and his best pals are recently Zoe and Cody. With Simba - each time we see him it changes. He seems to find the fun in everyone much like the Scruffster.

Nathan is off to the specialty. His plane will land anytime and then they have to drive to Abbotsford. I am envious but look forward to hearing all about it.

I hope Ms. Panda survives the plane ride. I am sure she will but Nathan tends to be the mother hen so I doubt he will rest. :-)

Wednesday
Oct242012

Getting Ready

It is almost that time again. What time is that? Halloween - of course.

Remember when you buy a costume - if you partake in such a thing be sure not to cover their line of sight.

Here's a photo of Meeko and Andy in their stylinh clothes for the holidays.

This is some of the best kind as you can wear then at other times too.

Tomorrow we will update you with Tre's photos and let you know how everyone else is doing.

I brushed everyone so thoroughly including the Coop but they don't look like it. What happened to the supposedly dry weather we were supposed to get?

Well, in a few hours we will see Paula and Tracy. It will be busy but fun!

Tuesday
Oct232012

Instead of ....

I decided to share something Lori has just acquired and what she has to say about it. I figure this may help you decide if you also want to go this route. Tomorrow will also be a short update where I will share Halloween costumes from one owner. This allows you to have something useful to read and me to pack Nathan even though he says he can pack himself. It was me who spent the afternoon washing Truffie and then getting all the dog stuff for the show ready and then Logan and Panda groomed up - Panda to go to handling, Logan to go home.

Tomorrow I suppose I will be packing for Nathan with his non dog stuff.... hmmm... so hoping you understand. We also have Paula and Tracy dropping in so I also got 2 rooms to make cozy for their sleeping.

From Lori:

Ok, so today was a great day! Scruffs had loads of fun and so did we at the playdate, then he got a bath in his brand new tub and with brand new products, and then the Patriots won in overtime (despite playing miserably). Hooray!

Sent you some photos of the booster bath so you can see all the elements it has - the nonslip mat, 3 point restraint, fan nozzle, shampoo caddy and there is a drainhole with a flexible hose attachment to drain the water.

It is quite stable even with it being half in/half out of the tub and I just put some towels under the two outer legs to even it up. Scruffy took well to it although he keeps wanting to hang his head over the side which didn't make it easy to wash his head!  The restraint doesn't prevent that, so I still needed Roger to help since that's the part Scruffs hates the most. Much better on my back overall, but it could be a bit higher I think.  I may just put some blocks under the legs to boost it a bit more. 

It feels like it was made for a kid's height because I'm really not that tall but I still feel like I'm bending. It actually works well sitting half out of the tub, otherwise I'd have to lean over too much. 

Roger was quite pleased with it, likely because he had to help a lot less than usual. LOL.  Then again, I did "accidentally" spray him a few times and he wasn't so pleased with that :-) Oh and it was also super easy to assemble, only a screwdriver, and mostly just snap, snap, snap.  I did the whole thing myself, so it's idiot proof !

I also used the Pure Paws brightening shampoo plus Pure Paws conditioner today.  He feels so amazingly soft and much less knotted than he would have been otherwise. It's like he just dried knot free without me having to do anything! 

He is actually the fluffiest Scruffy I've ever seen.  His hair is so soft and silky that his ponytail came undone 10 minutes later.  Goes to show you what a good product can do, it's not always just a marketing scheme. And maybe his colours are more vibrant but I'm not sure.....he has pretty good colouring to begin with so it's hard to say.  I do think his head looks really shiny black in the photo below, but that being said, I barely did his head with the brightening stuff because it has a warning about getting it in the eyes and that made me really paranoid. 

Anyhow, thanks for having us over today.  See you Thursday Darlah and good luck Nathan with the specialty.

Lori

Monday
Oct222012

Outside Play

Roxie is starting to play again. She even managed to take out Panda's hair tie - sigh.

They are really, really close. I do believe Panda was excited to have the old Roxie back finally being out of heat. She can now hang out with the rest and is really happy but there were perks to being away from the crew too.

I had a no grooming day other than Logan and Panda. Logan cause he is going home and Panda as she is getting shown. Otherwise I am taking 1 silly day as a break and starting again tomorrow.

I think Simba, Zoe and Penny are recovering from crazy play yesterday and early this morning as they are enjoying watching tv with Nathan. What's wrong with this picture. I should be watching TV and Nathan doing all this crazy stuff. :-)

Cha Cha had a bath this morning too and went home. She was a delight. But - I am playing recovery so no photos today.... sorry...

Sunday
Oct212012

Fun Crazy Busy Day

It was a busy day today filled with a lot of chatter and dog play. I think Roger's smile says it all.

Here I am doing the blog late. I didn't get the xpens ready for the Teaser pups or Treasure's impending pups. Oh my - well tomorrow is another day.

I didn't get enough photos of Kobe - got tons of Scruffy and Simba - not enough of Colby and Ringo but I realized I was just clicking on the pool cover for the most part so I apologize. I did get some - just not like the play monkeys in the middle of the pool cover.

Did manage to get Cha Cha playing after some left.

Here are the photos. Now can I go to sleep? Oh yeah - got to finish the other blogs.

Saturday
Oct202012

Fun Even When Busy

Sparky went home to Montreal today just staying long enough to cuddle, get loved and bathed.

We also tried these Poochtini jackets on him and he is stylin' don't you think?

Yes, it's that time of the year that some think about winter jackets. These are the very best jackets as they are truly waterproof and lined. Many say they are waterproof but they truly are not.

Daisy was here for a quick play and bath. She looked beautiful but did I remember to click a photo - no - silly me.

Zack and Coco are hanging out while their humans do some sports. They will get to play at the play date tomorrow. It best stay rain free.

I will post if it is raining what we are doing right here.

As I said, it best NOT rain.

Cha Cha arrives tomorrow and she will also be at the play date by default as she is here for an overnight so Timmy if you want to play with your sibling at 11 head out to our place if it isn't raining. Watch this area tomorrow if the play date is on.

Simba is also here so he will also be here to play his fool head off. I say his fool head off as he is a Scruffy in a different hairdo. What a play session this will be and photos I will click!

Here are a few photos from today. Lots of Fiona as she was being plain silly and I love that about her!

Friday
Oct192012

Crazy Long Day

It's truly been a long day. Let's see it started with washing and drying Kat, washing and drying Kona then on to Logan, then Panda then the 4 puppies and then Sparky and I wanted to do Roxie but I am out of time so she will wait till tomorrow after guests are not here. I am VERY tired.

But here is my highlight. My clothes dryer has died and I have towels, blankets and clothes hanging all over my house drying. They can't come to fix till Monday and my laundry is already piling up. :-(

Kathy came and I washed Kona and he was such a great boy. Kathy made my day bringing a wonderful crate bottom she got at Winners that I used for the puppy baths and she gave me a tip for Kona's bath. Usually I wouldn't mention it but it made my day plus having someone to chat with was wonderful.

I washed Kat as I believe Roxie is out of heat but I take no chances till Sunday then its guarded. Scruffy will be pleased to have his gal back on Thursday.

Boys mark outside non stop and dribble on their legs when gals are in heat and they stick their faces where they shouldn't. Yuck but when there is no gal in heat it is as if a lightbulb goes off and they return to the sweet boy they are. When a gal lives in the same house and they can't have her, its really hard on the boy so they do this marking to cope and to say she's mine! If they lived elsewhere and came to visit to breed - no issue. It's a strange set of affairs.

I also had a great time for moments - Nathan and Dennis had more watching the crew play outside. Cody and Shady were playing ever so well.

Cody is now home and Shady goes home anytime.

Zoe also played very well with everyone from Jeannie to Cody. Zoe is a total delight who sometimes tries to sew her oats but takes correction fast and well. She's a very well trained dog.

The pups also had a bath and you can see on Abigail's blog how they turned out.

Logan and Panda always get bathed each Friday. For some reason Logan wasn't happy about it but he did give me kisses at the end. Panda just said give me treats and I will do whatever you want.

Then I started doing Sparky. Sparky when cleaned up looks a lot like his father Katsura. I washed him today as his parents come to get him early tomorrow and we have an extra busy day tomorrow and Sunday so I will freshen him up in the morning.

Like I said - very long day...look forward to bed but thanks Kathy for the visit!

Thursday
Oct182012

Busy Day

Shady and Cody dropped in and so did Sparky. Will take a photo of Sparky after his bath.

Sparky's folks (his dad) is in town for a skit with Rick Mercer at the Toronto Public library at Bloor and Yonge. Nathan went in to watch.

I had a ticket to it but didn't feel right not having a blog done, having the Scruffy here and getting picked up at 8. Sure Dennis is here but I am who I am.

Plus I have Cody and Zoe visiting and well - I just have been totally to the dawgs - so what can I say. It is what it is. Terri says they are taping it so I hope I see it.

Tomorrow Kona comes for a visit and a bath. I have Logan and Panda to wash as its a regular every Friday for them. I also have 4 pups to wash and if I can fit it in Abigail as well and as soon as Roxie is done a heat (Saturday night) I get to wash Kat. I may try to do Abigail tonight. We will see how updates on the blogs go.

I have had a long day. I will say hello to Lori, wash Abigail, I suppose and play with the pups and dogs before hitting the bed. It's a very busy weekend.

We have news about Treasure, Spice (who is using Wasabi's old blog) and Jeannie but I will post those on their blogs after I get done here.

Zoe who is not a havanese has been getting on famously with the rest. She seems to be smitten with Jeannie and you will have to read about it on her blog. :-) She even gets along with Sparky and not having had enough time today for them to interact to assess, that is also why I am at home and guess what - they rather enjoy each other.

Wednesday
Oct172012

Poor Nathan

I was conditioning the dogs to the shower. Read more about it on Abigail's blog.

Just funny the things we do to make sure the dogs hear all sorts of noises and get exposed to all sorts of environments.

Ms. Frannie was playing with the pups famously. Her human mom owns Hanleys Shoes - a great shoe store. You should visit it and say hello to Frannie.

Frannie gets a bath after I type this out and then heads home with Frannie's humans sister that sounds just like her mom on the phone. Ms. Frannie is a delight!

Just finished bathing her and oh my gad is she beautiful!!

Tuesday
Oct162012

Busy Day

We are having a busy day today. I have dogs to wash - got one more to do today. Nathan is taking a nap. He seems to daily. I wish I could. :-)

I had a hard night as Abigail wanted her pups and although her pups did well, Abigail was restless and kept me up. That is the norm when they first make this transition.

I am taking a day off from photos as tonight Panda and Jeannie go to handling class. Jeannie won't walk around as she doesn't have her shots but will stay in my arms and soak in the ambience and maybe with a towel will try out the table. We shall see.

I have to finish grooming everyone, taking them out to play for the x number of times today and finish my blogs. So forgive me - but this is a no photo day across the board. We are still having fun. We just are extra busy and that's okay as the dogs deserve every bit of energy I can muster.

Monday
Oct152012

What Do You Think?

Even outside Nathan does practice with the dogs. It's great to take the opportunity to use moments throughout the day if you want them to feel comfie doing something.

He was getting Panda used to someone opening her mouth to look at her teeth on a high table. He also had a few of the other dogs on the table including Jeannie.

It was a windy day today and we had a lot of fun.

The dogs were out a number of times and they rather enjoyed the leaves falling, the cedar needles dropping and the trees swaying. It also wasn't cold so it was perfect.

We played a really great game of retreive in the wind today. Actually we tried it out every time we were out but one time they were over the top excited.

It's so wonderful when the weather seems to breathe new life into them. Not taht the dogs are sedate always but something about a wind that gets them enjoying.

On Thursday we head out to the vets so Thursday's blog posts may be short.

We have Jeannie, Treasure and Spice going to an appointment.

I just washed Treasure but this was the before photo blowing in the wind. Tomorrow I wash Spice.

I did shave her tummy and she's either swallowed a watermelon or....

I tend to wash the dogs here and there. This way they are always relatively clean but this weather - well maybe it may be wise to hold off. Between the leaves coming inside, the rain, the mud... well welcome Fall... now where is winter?

Sunday
Oct142012

Going Home, Coming

Frannie just came. She the one in the back and Daisy and Simba leaves anytime.

Yes, Simba was shaved down again and he has a stylin' sweater to keep him warm.

Mom has 3 young kids and its just plain easier, I imagine.

Frannie is a go, go, go dog and she came in here playing with Jeannie and just about anyone who would and now she is exhausted.

We have had many, many play sessions. Many, many sweeps of the floor as my floors keep getting covered with dirt and leaves and cedar droppings.

More rain is destined to come and it ios hard to stay clean in this but we try.

Everyone got groomed first thing including the Jeannie. Whether they were playing or sitting on the chairs watching they had a grand time. Something about that soft wind that is warm but overcast is just right for them outside. We are taking advantage of it, are you?

Saturday
Oct132012

Mia's Visit

Be still my heart.

Mia is here while mom and dad visit St. Jacobs for the day. It is so good for still in heat Roxie to have a dog to play with that seems to be so equal and fun in their play.

It's hard being away even if we have dogs play with Roxie it is still away from the rest. One more week and Roxie is done.

Check out the photos of their play.

I will add a few photos after her bath to this album. That won't be till late this afternoon.

Friday
Oct122012

Today is a Day

Check out the Fiona's blog to see an update on Timmy.

Logan, Panda and Daisy have had quite the full day. I don't have photos done but play and play they did.

Daisy gets to hang out back with her cat for a number of weeks while they wait for things to remodel. We will miss the gal. Logan and Panda head out to have a fun filled time at their house.

Tomorrow will be a day of catchup doing things on that to do list. :-)

Thursday
Oct112012

Fun Play Day

Just another fun day at our house... and it was great weather, great play and lots of smiles on my face.

Wednesday
Oct102012

Two Updates Today

Jeannie now has her own blog. Plus we got a couple of photos that I wanted to share.

Here is a photo of Pavie camping.

Here is Pavie at the park.

I have a couple of others but I will leave them to share for another day as we also have photos from someone else.

Here is a photo from the picnic - yes it just arrived so don't beat me with a stick...

This was Meeko and her sister Roxie.

Here is Meeko and her mom, Abigail.

Wednesday
Oct102012

Personality

Well she seems to be a feisty opinionated thing so far.

I think she will have fun playing with Timmy on Friday.

She's missing puppy play and Roxie being in heat is just not up to it. She did play with the pups but they are still too young. I give them 2 more weeks and she will be able to start playing. They do perk up to see her.

I need to give her a bath and then I will see how tiny she really is. She needs one from her travels. I also need to clean up her pads and see how she does in a bath. She already stacks. :-)

We have yet to get her over to our sleeping in this timezone but it is getting better.

Here are our traditional bath photos. I guess I need to do a Jeannie blog. hahahaha

Here are a few more from today.

 From now on you can follow Jeannie at her own blog.

Tuesday
Oct092012

That Guy of Mine!

Click on the Photo for a Larger View

That guy of mine he goes to a dog show in Germany and shows a papillon, has truly gracious hosts and brings me back precious cargo, our newest addition from O'Brisans Xtra - Jeannie in a Bottle.

It's funny I hate the name 'Jeannie' as its my middle name but its growing on me now.

What a pistol she is. She is a ball full of delight and I must say she's even more than I dreamed she was.

Here's a photo when we just got home last night. Both Nathan and Jeannie crashed at 930pm.

Monday
Oct082012

Just Got In

I saw this in email when I got in and had to share. Otherwise we are almost ready for bed and I got a surprise tomorrow...

Isn't Scruffy the cutest!