Costs

Unfortunately starting in the New Year, our costs will go up. Please contact nathan for updated costs.

Picnic Photos & Details

The picnic date took place on August 17, 2019 from 12pm to 5pm at Yvonne's place in Brighton. Check out the details here. Photos from the 2019 picnic can be found here. Yvonne's place is NEXT DOOR to her old place. I will try to put a havanese flag out front. Hope you can join us. Directions are here. The house # is 25. There is no picnic in 2020 due to COVID but hopefully in 2021. Stay Tuned!

Grooming 101

Want to see how I get a smooth coat and what equipment I use? I am continually learning and perfecting but I created this video Windows version) and for you Mac apple folks - here's a conversion. - not a professional one, to help you get a head start and perfect your own skill. Got questions? Ask away.

Want to know how to create a bathing machine that will save you time, product and wash your dog better than ever before? Check out Dick and Irma's instructions on how to create your own machine for a fraction of the cost.

Woofstock Is Back

Meet us at Woofstock. Dogs are welcomed. We meet at the restaurant across the street from Woodbine Park. Here is the location. Meet up happens on June 22, 2024 at 9:30 to 945am. Rain date is the next day. Look forward to seeing your havanese there and the humans too! Don't have your havanese yet? Well join us anyway! 

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Certified Pet First Aid

Walks 'N' Wags Pet First Aid is a recognized National Pet First Aid Certificate course for dog and cat professionals and pet owners. Talemaker Havanese now has that certificate having taken and passed the course.

Tuesday
Jun062017

Nesting and Fun

I am having a stress filled day. I was cleaning the middle bed pulling out weeds and saw movement in a pot and lo and behold tiny just born rabbits. So knowing I pulled the vegetation away exposing them, I took some sphagnum moss and some dog hair to cover then I put these plants in front of the pots but %$^& Cinnamon keeps trying to get at it. So although we go outside with the dogs each time it adds an element of stress to keep them away from that area. I may put an xpen up temporarily.

Dogs were fully into helping me weed and then I had to stop. Well there are more garden beds to do but this was the most important one. What an excuse - eh? What is it 8 weeks for this kits (babies). I will relax or maybe mom will move them. We will figure it out.

Here is today's gallery.

When Nathan took his nap I combed everyone out.

Marco, Stormy's brother is here. It is so exciting! He is truly enjoying himself.

Cooper seems to be playing with everyone. Now that Levon is gone he has taken over his spot on the recliner. Funny how that works out. For some reason it is the highly coveted spot. Maybe it's cool (leather) and comfie.

Everyone had ground beef added in to their meal - yum. Yes, Nathan always feeds them well. Right now he is cooking roasted chicken so he has add ins for the morning. Warm weather is coming. Let's see if we get to swim. Love to have the dogs come in. We shall see. Hey, I would like to go in. :-)

Monday
Jun052017

Recovery and Fun

As you can see Spice is sporting her onesie and doing rather well. I had momma's guilt at first as she was not so happy. We are hoping Trouble is doing well too. All her sutures are inside except 1. He does a nice job in his closures. Not that you see the tummy all that much and it fades... just admire that he has a lot of experience. 

Next we will do River and Panda. We have not set up a time yet.

Here is today's gallery.

Cooper arrived in a blaze. You will see him in full play in the photos. Even Trigger and Levon gave him nose touches as if they were saying - long time no see. It was touching. The regulars really know each other but those that aren't are meshing really well.

Now that Sadie is gone Tenshi is back playing with her Mom. Tenshi is mighty happy about that. I combed out Saffron and photos hours later looks like I haven't touched her for a year but she was. Little by little I got plants repotted, photos taken, blog done, laundry and of course the puppies. Tomorrow I will do it again. I still have a tomato to repot, onions that are in the ground to transplant in the trug and a water pot to set up. Got 1 water pot done today. 

Luna departed. Charlie arrived. Teddy is a new man these days playing like crazy and excited to be here. 

Ringo and George are helping me garden - well the help is debatable but let's say they love the fresh soil. It's a riot. I took the force air dryer and blew the dirt out. They don't get baths so when they play in mud it can get interesting.

The grandkids are coming over this month to weed the front yard. Yep, will pay as I am not able to get it done and they will have mad money for their trip through Quebec City and the Maritimes. I am hoping they do a good job as it needs it. Then I can concentrate on doing the back here and there. This juggling is something else. It's okay. Who can swim? Then I would be fitting that in too. 

Is Trigger and Levon leaving tomorrow already? Too soon! Luna departs tonight. 

Sunday
Jun042017

Play and Play

We had a very busy day but here is the gallery. It was so busy I had to print out a list letting me know what was going on when. heh

It rained. We washed floors, we cleaned feet and then finally the sun.

It was good to have Sadie visit as I was able to see how well she has bonded to Patt. Thank you! She was over the moon happy to see her and that is how it is supposed to be. A photo of patt and the girls will be on the Saffron Blog.

Trouble also went home with a onesie. I have yet to take a photo of Spice with hers on but she looks good in it. She seems to be back to normal and wanting to see Roxie pups badly. Each day I take it off and comb her hair. 

Oh and the barbecue is up and being used and my plants and water pots are not up and my front yard needs to be done BADLY. I need someone that wants to make some extra money to weed my front yard. hahaha

I do not think the neighbours would like it if I waited till the pups depart. 

Saturday
Jun032017

Fun Play and Lounging

This is Radar with Hugo and Milo. Radar is a full sibling to the puppies Roxie has now just a different time frame. Radar lives with patches and they are both having fun though I do not think Dennis got any photos of her playing with Jeannie. Too bad as it was cute. 

Marlee and Sadie are here for just overnight. Sadie was formally known as Thyme. Interesting enough Marlee seems to be focused on Sadie and where she is. It is great to see them both and I have enjoyed watching them. Everyone was over the top happy to see Sadie. Yes, happy to see Marlee too but Sadie was a recent fixture and her momma was delighted! Marlee usually plays up a storm but it's as if she is focused on Sadie being okay. We will see what tonight brings.

Here is today's gallery.

Last night Murphy cuddled with Spice in bed. It was as if she knew she needed extra attention. If Spice left the bed, Murphy followed her. 

Everyone is playing really well. Levon has found he suddenly likes Ella. All the times he has been here and he just thinks she shoots the moon. He even stares at her from across the room. 

Dogs are so funny! If you really watch, it is mighty interesting!

Saturday
Jun032017

So Far So Good

First day for Spice and Trouble not to complain about healing. It's a no pain med day so far. Spice's eyes to me is gorgeous - a striking black and white. Today we remove the onesies to do a thorough combout. I say we but you know that is me.

Friday
Jun022017

Quick Blog

Ruth sent me this cute photo of Katie so I figured it would be nice to share.

Had a really really full day of grooming so this blog will be short.

Here is today's gallery.

Dennis is still building the BBQ. I am not supposed to talk about it. Oh is that hard to do.

The deck is blocked off due to it. But the dogs have plenty of room to run and play and that is what they truly did off and on. 

Spice and Trouble are still in pain. They are great in the morning but by the time night gets around they are in pain again. Hoping tomorrow is a better day. They are going outside. They are doing stairs. So they are better but those of you that remember that Spice bit Nathan when she had pups realize Spice does not do pain well. I feel so guilty but it was time. Trouble has twinges and complains but she is eating and so is Spice. So, they are on the mend. Fun that we get to do this with River and Panda soon. 

I wanted to go to the farmer's market today but it never happened. Going to try tomorrow sometime as it's only 10 minutes away - so an hour outing. 

Trigger really loves the recliner in the tv room and today he blocked Levon from getting up. It was subliminal body language but it worked. Sibling rivalry!

Tomorrow we get to see Sadie (Thyme) and Marlee. I am excited. patches and Radar is also dropping in. Woo Hoo such a fun crew!

Thursday
Jun012017

Spay, Birthday and Fun

Trouble and Spice went in for a spay. Both are still medicated. But Trouble wants to play and Spice wants to not move. It will take a few days till they feel themselves. 

Nathan enjoyed himself at our friends. I have a mega day tomorrow of grooming. 

We got pizza and that's all one can do when you have the dogs not feeling up to par. I was alone with the dogs till after 2 when Dennis got up. The BBQ is not built yet. I did get some plants planted in short spurts. Each time I took them outside I tried to do something. Nathan got home at 330. He left at 6am.

Dogs have been having a blast especially with the smell of fresh soil. I have much to clean up and oh boy those weeds but that will have to happen closer to the end of the month when pups can go outside. Maybe I can teach the dogs to weed? What fun would that be?

Here are a few photos.

Wednesday
May312017

Long Day

Sorry no gallery. We came home close to dinner time so I am playing catch up. I had a wonderful time with Christine and now I have to plant what I bought and put up my water pots. For now the plants are sitting on the deck awaiting planting.

I then came home to the most beautiful Mandevilla - yellow! Thank you Sherry! Happy early birthday to you!!

Why am I so late other than plant shopping? Spice is getting spayed tomorrow so I knew I had a bath on my return but then Nathan wanted to take Ella and Cinnamon so that was 2 more baths. Yikes. He said he was taking Inula as well and I said that's my limit. No way I was going to do Inula or I would just be finishing now.

Everyone is hanging out in the tv room all over Nathan. Trouble was dropped off as she is getting spayed too.

Feeling for them. Hope Nathan has a good time tomorrow despite the vets. Me, I will be holding down the fort and well it is my turn. That's okay. I will play catch-up with grooming. 

Now to remember Thyme is now Sadie. I hope I don't make a mistake.

Did the pups survive without me? Have to look at Roxie's blog. heh.

Tuesday
May302017

Wet, Eventful and Dry

Clarity led the pack at bird hunting today. Monty got close too. There was no stopping her nor him. It was as if they couldn't hear me. hahahahaha Then I caught their attention and it was done. Gad they wanted to play with that bird.

Here is today's gallery.

Tried to get in the pool but then the thunder and the downpour came so instead I spent time combing everyone out early. Do you think they stayed looking groomed? Not a chance. But that means they are having fun!

Just heard from Thymes owner. She says such great things about her. It does my heart good. I think she loves her slipper. :-)

I will be going to a garden center with Christine tomorrow so updates will be late. Do you think Nathan will comb-out the dogs or will they survive for the day?

On Thursday Nathan heads to our vet with Spice and Trouble to get spayed and he will spend the day with our friends on his birthday. 

The garden is a mess. I have so much weeding to do. But my plan is when the weeds are neck high and the pups are able to come outdoors, I will be able to weed. If all else fails, when pups start going home at the end of July I will weed. Gad, I need help. Oh well my focus is the dogs so that's okay too!

Murphy also departs in the morning. Just finished her bath. 

Just heard from Laura Jesse will be visiting before the pups go home so they get to be conditioned and socialized with a gentle giant collie. Nice - bonus!

Oh and all this rain the trug is actually has plants in it growing rather well. Silver linings...

Monday
May292017

Rain, Dry, Downpours and Woofstock Gallery

Murphy says this mother nature thing is drinking heavy or something else. Today we had heat, then rain, then sun then downpours.

I planted the last of my pots (that I had plants for) and well the dogs stick their face in spilt soil. It was a riot. What is it about smelly things?

I had a very busy day grooming so the dogs that remain or my own are getting combed out after I finish this blog. I did do a couple this morning but got lost in busy-ness.

Everyone is playing really well together. Beyond looking like the motley crew, at the moment they are having a grand time.

Raylan thinks Cinnamon shoots the moon. Cinnamon says why do you want to maul me? Don't you know that means I get extra comb-outs. hahahaha 

Here is the gallery.

Stormy got to play with her brother today and that completely delighted the both of them. It alsp made is smile.

Tenshi was here and although she still has stitches, she is healed and was playing up a storm. She was so excited to be here. The word ecstatic comes to mind. 

Brewer was running like the wind leading the pack today in a full our run. Where was my camera? I keep thinking I need to carry my camera aroumd always. 

I did get my camera back so here are the Woofstock photos.

It's 8pm. Got to get combing. hahahahaha

We miss Thyme but we are hearing good things. 

Sunday
May282017

News and More

Thyme is in her new home with the Marlee gal. It will take a few days for her to adjust as I am sure she is confused and it will take a few days for the Marlee but at least they know each other. I am glad that we will get to see her. Nothing wrong with the Thyme. Nathan thinks she is on the smaller end. We could have shown her to her championship and bred her. You can't keep them all and when you know a dog like Thyme who has such an agile body and fun personality - well you know that her journey is meant to be a grand one. We will miss her - especially me! Okay Nathan too but sometimes it feels this is right and that is okay too!

If this works, it is a win/win for all. Marlee gets a playmate that will be able to keep up with her and she will add some fun into their house. So far she has found a fave bed and seems to be exploring.

There is no gallery today. Okay, I could have taken photos but I have been saving up tip money to buy Nathan a birthday/father's day gift. My tip money is gone but I got him the weber BBQ that he wanted. It's not their high end but its a Weber and its been years since we had one. His birthday isn't till June 1st.

So, I took him out to the van to show him. Dennis will assemble. He said I guess I can now buy you a vacuum for your birthday. I said don't you dare and hey I can bring this back. He said no. We need it. I said no, I can bring it back. He said no. So, he either likes it or I made a mistake. Time will tell.  

I will create a gallery tomorrow. I am sorry for being so lax. Just so much to do.

I have to go plant my pots and then I will do the Roxie blog. 

Spice and Trouble goes in to get spayed in a few days - on Nathan's birthday to be exact. 

Still looking for cannas. Still looking for water plants. Still wanting to swim but am lost in puppy heaven and we have a pretty spectacular mix of dogs here. Now that is special!!

Update on Thyme:

We're totally in love with her already. She ate up all her dinner and seems very at ease. Obviously a great tribute to everything you do with your dogs. Thank you so much!!!

Saturday
May272017

Woofstock 2017

Yes, tomorrow is Risa's birthday. I told someone I wasn't sure. You see I know the birthdays but once they get to an age, I tend to pretend (permanent amnesia) they do not happen as I do not want them to be 1 year older. But tomorrow Risa will get a home made meal and enjoy. 

We had a blast at Woofstock but no photos as my camera is sitting in Tracy's van. arrgh. So when I get the camera back, I will share. It was great to see so many dogs. 

We did go to Richters but Goodwood's is gone so we ended up at Tree Valley. I did buy a few plants though but no cannas. They didn't have a single one and I need my cannas. :-) Oh well... there is time. 

Dennis is fried. He's now sleeping. I get to stay up late I think so he can get 7 or 8 hours sleep. We will see how that goes.

Nathan survived bringing Farley, Clarity and Murphy home - yes and of course that Stormy gal. Thank you to all who came.

I called home twice while I was out and what did I ask? How are the pups? 

No gallery - no photos but we will play catchup tomorrow hopefully! Just know the dogs are having so much fun!

Friday
May262017

Crazy Busy

It's been a crazy busy day today. Moxie, Rusty and Penny departed today and Magic came for a grooming and playdate. I had a lot of groomings. 

Here is the small gallery. 

Steven and May's trio arrived. Yes, all 3 are from us and Hugo the bichon and Milo the havanese have arrived. It's a fun house of fun play. We have a fun bunch here.

Tomorrow we head out to Woofstock. We meet at 915-930am here.  Hoping many will come. We will be there with Stormy. As we are taking Christine and Sherry's dogs home with us and I am actually heading out with the daughter to a garden center, Nathan will be taking the crew back himself. Dennis and Jon will be holding the fort down till he is back. 

So, the blog tomorrow will be late and I have to make it short tonight as I have to actually get things ready for tomorrow. It's already 8pm... so I best get moving. Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow.

Thursday
May252017

Wet Soaked Times

This is a no gallery - hardly any blog today as I have a ton of dogs to wash feet and brush out. Yes, it's raining and I am so busy. Sorry about that!!

Wednesday
May242017

Outside and Inside Too

Brushing out messy dogs today was fun but we got it done. They had sticks and branches all through them from running and jumping through the garden. I am extra busy grooming and of course doing pups so I groom one then do puppies then groom then puppies and so it goes.

Here is the gallery.

Roxie took some time to go outside and have her pee break and play with Nathan. It was fun to watch - not the pee break - the play. Winston was here for the day playing his heart out. Rusty loves playing with all. Moxie too. I think they have the play in them in a big way! Penny decided that her meal was so good that no, you can't take it away so we had some looks and then she got it. It must have been the steak Nathan added.

Siopaw and Dimsum are doing really well and are playing so much that they sleep deeply each night.

Life is good... busy but good!

 

Tuesday
May232017

Inside and Outside

I had a lot of grooming today so I am playing catch up. But we have Rusty. His momma brought us bagels from What a Bagel and cream cheese, yum! Plus she brought some dog things and antler for the pups - wow! Thank you, truly!!!!!!  She also gave us a plant so all the dogs and I transplanted it while Nathan took his nap with some of the dogs. That is between my grooming. It's been a crazy busy day but dogs have had fun. 

Dennis gets cranky at times when the dogs bark in the morning. Oh the life of a night duty person. :-)

Here is today's photos.

Rusty and Moxie are getting along in a huge way. I can't believe she is going home this week. Dogs that have been here have absolutely no transition time except to say - hey that's MY spot. Move over - the king or queen is here!

Penny took over the tv room. That cushion is mine, no, that's my spot. What a riot!

Everyone is so tight. Too bad that although warm today we have the water turned down in the pool as its not really hot yet. We got teased with 2 days of it. 

Monday
May222017

Play Before Groom

Here is today's gallery.

They were a motley looking crew. I combed everyone out exceor Adele and River. I just finished with pups feeding so it is time. I am tired but they get picked up tomorrow. 

Dallas was here. I just love, love, love her. She's a Jeannie baby.

Oreo and Majik is now home. Siopao and Dimsum is now visiting. They are not our breeding and its their first time here. They are settling in very nicely and ate all their dinner. 

I best get my ahem in gear. If I keep blogging dogs are not going to get done.

Sunday
May212017

Gardening and Rain

Before the rain came, Moxie thought she would grab the seedling pots and run like crazy hoping I would chase her. Oh Moxie, are you a gardener in the making?

Soon we had rain and well...

Each time they went out they tried hiding underneath the bench and anywhere else it was dry. Okay, some didn't mind the rain but....

Check out the gallery. 

I didn't get many photos. I did try but it's not fun for me standing in the rain clicking either. 

Chester, Murphy and Reggie departed. Oreo, Majik and Moxie remain. Tomorrow Oreo and Majik depart.

The weekend is ending and next Saturday is Woofstock. Yep they are charging this year. So upsetting but I bought my tix. Same meetup place. Hope to see you there. 

With the pups doing so well, Dennis and Jon will hold down the fort till we get back. Looking forward to it. Pups will be 10 days old then. 

Dogs are wet, laying all over Nathan. He's soaked. heh

Saturday
May202017

Howling for Fun

No time for a blog tonight but everyone is having fun. I have plants to plant before it gets late as I have a cover to put on the trug. 

Chester and Murphy departs tomorrow after grooming/baths. I really wanted to get to the Farmers Market tomorrow on Yonge and Center area but it aint going to happen. Nathan is not a fan and the daughter is out of town - next week but then that is Woofstock. 

Friday
May192017

Cooling Down

Here is today's gallery. This is Raven. She looks like her momma. But she looks like a sheepdog of sorts? Why? Stormy has this terrible habit of grabbing everyone's rubber bands and sometimes she gets their hair as well. That won't do so after she did this to Cinnamon, this is a saving the hair moment till Stormy gets that this is not what you do. Stormy suits her name and early on I could tell she was going to be a mischievous soul about the time she started to walk. She didn't live up to her name. She was her name. 

You see if you say to Stormy, no, she smiles and she just can't contain herself - seriously. So, I say no firmly and use distraction. It works if the distraction is good enough. Yes, she knows she is not supposed to do it as she waits till she thinks you are not looking and no hair band is safe. The only one she won't do it to is Risa or Roxie. She tries and they roar at her and she says that's not fun or easy and sighs this heavy sigh and goes on to the next but try she will. 

We have arrived at a point that all she has to see is that I am giving her that look and she prances off to do something else.  Sometimes creativity is a 'good' thing with a Stormy one. Raven and Stormy are 2 complete opposites. But who do you think has the upper hand in the relationship? Who says when enough is enough and stops the play and the play is always on her terms. Raven... 

I just love pups and they are all so unique.

Murphy last night was in heaven. The heat was too much for the dogs. Lesson learned. Even if we have heat for 2 days the air goes on. Last night I had a fan going in front of an open window and the dogs lined up soaking up the blowing air - okay they were hogging it. Today they are loving the cool weather outdoors. The house is finally cooling off. 

Interesting enough most of the visitors went home today so quieter tonight. We also have Adele and River visiting us as the daughter is in Ottawa bringing us back the very best egg rolls that exist. You can even order them online. heh

Got to convince Dennis to build the VegTrug and then buy soil and compost. I doubt I will get plants this weekend or soil. Hey, I didn't even know it was May 24 weekend.

Everyone got a homemade dried chicken strip and you would have thought they were given the very best treat ever. You do not need a dehydrater though I have one. You just need an oven on low, thin strips and patience. The dogs appreciate these little things and when you see how much they enjoy, well you smile. Okay, I am fessing up. They each got 2 strips. 

Have a great weekend....