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.

Sunday
Oct142007

Attentive New Havanese Mom Wasabi

Well day 2 and I am still taking catnaps but I just can't get enough of these miracles I had. They are lively. They eat and snuggle with me and those snuggles - well they are really what makes it all worth it.

As you can see, I have an incision that is healing nicely and pink hair from the operation but all and all mom is doing her usual taking care of me. She has yet to comb me today but she wants me to sleep. She even put in a thin mat so I can lay my head down but I am too excited to do anything but snooze for a few minutes.

Mom is going to take individual photos of us later today when we are all rested. We figure you don't mind that we get rested first. Mom and dad says my pups and I count the most.

Saturday
Oct132007

Wasabi Havanese End of Day 1

Here I am - I am back. Mommy has had to fill in for me while I was busy getting these beauties to make a debut in this world. When my pack mates have peeked in, I protect my little ones but also point to them with my mouth and show how proud I am. I did this - wow!

Mom and dad are busy taking care of me, making sure I know what to do. They weigh the little ones, make sure each is feeding and rotate them so I don't get extra sore. They are making sure I have the very best food, Pedialyte too so I replenish my electrolytes all so the babies can be all they can be.

Daddy is going to sleep with me tonight - well on the couch next to me but I doubt he will sleep till mommy gets up.

Mommy says I am going to love when they are walking. I can't wait and neither can they.

Saturday
Oct132007

Havanese Puppy Love

Is this true puppy love or what? First time momma snuggling with one of her pups and he is the happiest boy - loves to snuggle with her.

More photos coming but back to the puppies and giving Nathan time to eat and pretend he is alive.

Saturday
Oct132007

Puppies Arrived Yesterday

5 boys 1 girl - more later as time allows - photos to come.

Thursday
Oct112007

This Havanese Creates Tales or Tails (Ha!)

Well, I like to keep everyone on their toes to make sure they are exhausted when my puppies make their debut.

Last night I went into panting for 1.5 hours and then I stopped and said - nope - it's not time yet. So, everyone focuses on me and nothing happens except I get all the attention. The humans act really strange and I shake my head saying - well we have to have drills don't we? I have to be sure YOU are ready.

Are the humans ready? I think they are more than ready and me, well I am just hanging out all bloated and getting pampered and enjoying it. Wouldn't you? Mommy looks like she hasn't had sleep for eons but maybe she will take a nap instead of lunch and I will snuggle with her and make up for keeping my mom and dad and other mom up all night.

We shall see.

Wednesday
Oct102007

Havanese Wasabi Can Swim Too!

Hey, this is me - Wasabi who happens to be a swimming maniac. I jump in too when I have my druthers and swim with grace.

See, Katsuro is not the only one that knows how to swim around this place. All Havanese can swim but it's all in how you introduce them to it that makes a difference. Some totally love it like Katsuro (see his video below).

The video is when he first started jumping in but by summer's end, he was AMAZING) . He was jumping without prompting, running and jumping halfway across the pool and loving every minute of it but mommy found this video and just started to learn how to convert the Sony video file to an .avi and splice and edit. She'll get better and find better copy.

Some love it when they want to like me - Wasabi and some tolerate it like my packmate Shoshi. Just like humans, we are all different but have a pool - we can swim!

Best part is when my pups come, mommy can take videos and edit them. Mommy just put this video up to show you we can jump and swim and she had to figure it all out before the pups come. I am still holding on. Any takers for the weekend being the big day?

Wednesday
Oct102007

Havanese Do Swim & Dive


Well here I am watching my packmate swim and jump in but guess what, he's not the only one who does such things. I, Wasabi do as well especially when I was early on in my pregnancy. You can see me watching with pride while Katsuro jumps to daddy. Daddy has a knack for getting us swimming. He's the best!

Wednesday
Oct102007

Bloated Havanese Ready & Waiting

Well, another day passes and mom is making sure I stay clean. I got all dirty after going out with the pups yesterday and I can't resist going into the mud. But mom brushed me up yesterday. Today she placed me on my back to start brushing and feeling pups and then she had the nerve to take an exposed photo like this. Come on, mom - I know Paris Hilton thrives on exposure but me...I am a lady. I guess Paris may say how can you compare me to a dog but if you have to - well I am the genuine thing and she should be lucky to be compared to me. ROFL!

The only Havanese that is owned by a celebrity to my mom's knowledge is Barbara Walters and hers talks - yeah you heard it. Well shh - we all talk but it's those humans that don't know how to listen. I hear the pups talking to me all the time from my tummy and they were saying - 'it's getting too crowded here' - 'stop rubbing her tummy lady' - 'you are squishing us' - 'it's time to get out of this darken, wet place where all my needs are met to seek a new adventure.' Yeah - I heard them and are you going to tell me I am wrong? A mother always knows. Just wait till they get here. They will tell you! Any day now....all six.

Tuesday
Oct092007

Another Havanese Day Down

Well here I am in anticipation stuffed into a blanket and pillows that I created on the couch. I got to look at Yvonne's pups who visited after their Baer test - all passed with flying colours and I didn't want to play today.

My temp has dropped to 98.0 but nothing is happening. Mom still thinks the weekend.

Want to see Yvonne's pups in our backyard? My daddy was good enough to take a photo with his phone. Aren't they cute? They were all over my garden. Is this what I am going to deal with? Puppies going every which way?

Monday
Oct082007

Havanese Crowding Scene

Every whimper, every feeling of 'oh, my gad what are they doing in there' Katsuro is there watching, making sure I am okay. He's not sure what is wrong but he's a sensitive soul and he makes sure I am okay always. I guess that's what a 'want to be alpha' does when one of his pack members is not themselves. Besides, he thinks I am simply the best. Ha!

Today the puppies were moving all over. First thing I didn't keep my food down - just too much indigestion. No fever, no other signs just the pups aren't giving me all that much room. Daddy finally hand fed me yet again and I kept it down. Mom was worried at first but when she saw that I can eat small meals vs. a good sized usual one, well she understands.

This is my last week. Mom still thinks Friday but we shall see. I don't tend to do anything like anyone else so I will have to surprise the world. All great things come to those that wait!

Sunday
Oct072007

A Havanese in Deep Patience

This is me and my belly just hanging out. I tried to get up on the couch today and it doesn't work. For the first time in my life, my body is just not cooperating. I tried and went okay someone moved that couch and tried again and looked at mommy and said - 'what the hey' with those eyes of mine. I wasn't so happy as I am known for my ability to leap tall objects in a single bound and not only that, do it with style and grace. I usually flow with ease. Is this what pregnancy does to you?

I am laying around as the weather is lousy. Daddy tried to take me for a walk. I decided not to let mommy out of my line of sight or smell. So, mommy tried and although I complained last week, I got over it. Today I refused - plain refused as if I was an elephant on the end of that lead and right about now, I feel like it. So, mommy took me out back on lead so I won't go under the deck and all I wanted was to come inside, lay in my whelping box and then hang out with mommy and daddy.

Mommy is making a turkey today - yum, I can smell it. She created this really great dish this morning and for the first time for her I ate it like no tomorrow. I have gained 3 lbs. Risa gained 4 on her last week. Oh well, I am more delicate than Risa. Oh, I love her but gal stop thinking you are using my whelping box - it's MINE.

My pack mate Katsuro is acting strange. He lays around me and stares at me. If I make noises under my breath, which I am doing all the time lately, he sniffs and acts concerned and gets mommy to look after me. It's really interesting as he is younger than me but he is really playing my caretaker making sure I am okay. We have always been close.

Today daddy tried to play with us and all I wanted to do is take my toy and play with it. I am simply not up to running any more and I am sleepy. Daddy invited Terra (our resident retriever) up on the bed and I said 'give me a break daddy - where's the room - best make a new bed that attaches to ours if you are going to do that'. I was laying on Risa's pillow and no one noticed but daddy. The things I get away with and maybe it will stay this way after I am not pregnant. Here's hoping!

Saturday
Oct062007

Wasabi the Havanese Almost Ready

Well daddy took some great photos of me while I was in my whelping box snuggling with my duck. Is that what I am going to have - little cloth ducks that go quack, quack? Can't you see the concerned look on my face? What am I having in this stomach that seems to 'rock and roll' all the time. Mommy keeps giving me massages so I feel better and I do but...

I am spending more time hanging out in the whelping box wondering what my hormones are telling me - soon - yeah soon. I love the toys that my other momma Rita got me when she was with Auntie Yvonne, Lola and Mags doing the deed. I am hoping she's pregnant too - whatever pregnant is. Mom tells me I will figure THAT out soon.

Friday
Oct052007

Havanese Kicking Puppies

Well, we got to see the spines and skulls - all 6 and they will be coming maybe sooner than mommy thinks but she thinks she is right. She's holding out for 63 days. The vet, Yvonne and momma Rita thinks earlier. So, we will see who wins the bet. Big money on me, you know.

Well, here I am at the vets smelling who had the audacity to come before me this fine day. Lots of doggies at the vet today. I just can't believe what I was smelling - all these big doggies - hmm a cat...was that a horse - nah - they go visit those. Maybe my nose is off but I got to see Lola's pups and oh my gad I had some real fun. They are so active, playful, beautiful and tons of fun. Nothing better than those except perhaps having my own. Still, did one of my puppy pics come out - nah.

Friday
Oct052007

Daddy's Home - Wasabi's Havanese Vet Visit

What is it about daddy? Look at the way he is snuggling with the Shoshi and Risa is just idolizing him. Me, I am hanging out in the back just watching. I should be getting all the snuggles - you hear?

Okay, so he snuggled with me big time in bed last night when he woke us all up at 1am - oh that was today - it was after midnight. I guess I got my time and I guess he needs to spread the snuggles SOMETIMES!

Well Daddy is home and we are off to see the vets today. More as we know. Puppies are coming real soon and mommy is working on converting the proprietary software that Sony uses on her video camera so she can upload. We are trying before it happens or all you will see is photos.

Thursday
Oct042007

Yearning for Havanese Summer

Well today the puppies are rockin' and rollin' so to speak. Mommy was rubbing my tummy and it kept kicking back at her. I think it's indigestion - she thinks I have these things inside of me - oh yeah puppies and I adore puppies. I played with them all the time when I lived with Rita at Sonrisas Havanese.

This is me the last day the pool was open. I wish I was in there today. I just can't seem to get comfortable. Mommy did give me a bath - yuck and then brushed me out and is letting me air dry as it is so warm out. I guess she will have to comb me again when I am totally dry.

Tomorrow I go to the vet to get x-rayed with daddy - yeah daddy will be home again and mommy and my other momma Rita from Sonrisas. Now as long as none of the furry cuties that love to kick aren't playing games like I like to (I am a mischievous one but in a good way) and hide behind the other - well we will be able to see how many are in there. Then I know what to expect. I also have to get the rest of my tummy shaved. Mommy's shaver doesn't work so hot. She needs a new one. We will have to use the vets.

Then we are off to see Yvonne's puppies who are almost ready to go to their new homes. They are amazingly delicious and I get to play with them. Me, I will be starting any day. Then they will be driving mommy and daddy deliriously crazy come December when they are as old as Yvonne's are. Oh my - what a holiday this is going to be this year.

Wednesday
Oct032007

Daddy's Gone For This Havanese

Hi Momma Rita - well my other mom here is mad at me as I keep digging a ditch under the deck - smack dab in the center where she couldn't get to me. So now mommy doesn't let me near it. She walks behind me everywhere and redirects me.

She took me out today and all I did was whimper till I got home. I just don't want to go anywhere anymore.

Mom keeps taking that silly stethoscope out to listen to the pups but she can't hear anything.

Daddy's gone on business to Ottawa till very late Thursday night - about 1am Friday morning actually so who is going to feed me tomorrow? Mommy made some hamburger to mix in with my food and I refused to eat it. Daddy sat on the floor and hand fed me and I went yum and ate half of it.

I keep staring at mom all day making sure she is close by. I haven't slept too much today. Mommy got the whelping room set up mostly. She's going to bathe me tomorrow and get it all done. Whatever is she waiting for - I have no clue.

Oh well, mommy is going to try rubbing my tummy and massaging me so I actually sleep. It's been a long day. Daddy's been away and that means I may get his pillow tonight if Risa doesn't grab it first.

Do you think I can teach my pups easily how to do the Havanese snow rub?

Tuesday
Oct022007

Wasabi the Havana Silk Dog Hanging Out

Here I am hanging out in the grass and mommy says it's bath time. I am trying to hold out till Thursday. My coat's still silky and I think having all these baths are silly but I can understand why mom wants me smelling good for the vet for my up close and personal visit.

Mom is busy creating this box for my little ones called a doggie incubator of sorts. She finished the bottom with half of it with a warming pad, bumper pads and all and I just climbed into it and got WAY comfie. If the photos come out, mom will have to change this one out. If not, use your imagination - just know that I am WAY comfie - for the pups - hmmmf it's for me!

I heard Maggie is back home. Rita and Yvonne just had a very long trip but productive one. I get to see Rita on Friday at the vets. She was doing the counting and said next week would be MY week. Well, it's about time.

Daddy is going out of town tomorrow night so it best not happen then. I need my Lamaze coach. There is such a thing as a doggie Lamaze coach, isn't there? I think he forgot to take me to classes. Yoo hoo daddy - it's not too late - breath, focus - what else - can you remember? Better hone your skills cause it's happening soon.

Monday
Oct012007

Wasabi the Pregnant Havanese Hanging Out

Mommy says I need to have a bath but luckily she's not feeling well. This way I can avoid the tub. Oh, she makes it fun with toys and all but I am getting at the point that all I want to do is lay around and eat - well eat only the good stuff. I decided chicken is out. How many ways can that crazy Mommy cook it. Well, she is trying but I am giving her a run for her money. Daddy cooks the best - well at least for me.

Mommy keeps trying to see if the little dickens inside of me are kicking and moving about but she's not feeling anything. It's only day 51. I go for my x-rays this week and we will get a look at the little sweeties. I will be glad to get rid of all this extra weight. A few days ago I tried to jump on the couch and I'm VERY agile and move well - everyone says that but - well splat - I got up but it was not my usual graceful self. When you have that extra jiggle that isn't so much of a jiggle - what do they call it - the love handles - yeah right - well you have to adjust.

Mommy had a conversation with me about helping my youngn's become high achievers. Come on, mom. I am the brains of this gang and I troubleshoot and quickly find solutions but shh don't tell Risa. The more she's snowed in believing what she wants, the better I am.

Well, I hear Maggie is on her way home. We were hoping to get their pups for a visit but not to be. Oh well, soon I will have my own. Can't wait...or can I? Once they come - will my life ever be my own? ROFL!

Sunday
Sep302007

Paris & Cleo Visits Day 50 of Pregnancy - Wasabi's Puppies Coming Soon

Today Paris now known as Gidget came to visit me. She was my very best friend. I used to play with her endlessly but alas today I didn't feel like playing. Katsuro was the one wanting to play. I was really happy to see her though. A day without Gidget is a day without a best friend!

We were also blessed with having a visit with Cleo. Shoshi has begun to think in my delicate state that she needs to protect me so she decided to bark at Cleo and mom and dad had to correct her. It reminds you that no matter how well trained any dog is, if changes occur that sometimes one of the pack will take on a new role not desired. Training is an ongoing thang! I expect to be doing that a lot with my pups with the help of mom and dad.

Cleo is one pretty dog and we were glad to meet her. We hope to see her again!
Mom and dad took us for a walk this afternoon through the forest. I had to stay on leash and so did Shoshi as the Shosh wasn't acting her usual self and me - well I am preggie so mom and dad don't want me getting into anything I shouldn't. So, I had to watch Katsuro and Risa have a roaring good time chasing the squirrels. I was green with envy. Still, it was fun to watch. Gad day 50 - it's all going so fast and mom and dad have to finish my whelping room - that desk has to go!
Well, mommy mentioned to some of her friends the neat toy that Kitty Braund got for her doggies and lo and behold this one showed up for them. Now mommy is trying to figure out how washable it is. Ha! I think I will play with it - forget the doggies.


Another friend got me waterproof pads for whelping and 2 toys. Wow - it's nice being preggie. Mommy told me she wasn't going to let me play with this one as I did with the duck. I think I mauled the duck beyond recognition and it was supposed to be for the pups. Tsk, tsk mom!

Well off to watch TV and snuggle with daddy and mommy. Life is good...for now...

Saturday
Sep292007

Life of a Pregnant Havanese

Ah, such is the life of a pregnant Havanese on day 49 - but 2 weeks away. Daddy loves me, yes he does!

It doesn't matter if daddy's hips are hurting from arthritis or what - he still takes me for a walk and gives me tons of snuggles. Mommy does the same. We are the best and boy I know it!

For the first time, I tugged on the leash halfway through the walk and told mommy I didn't want to walk any longer so daddy took me with Risa and Terra. Mommy was out in front with Shoshi and Katsuro. They put me behind that dawg who thinks he is king, Katsuro so I picked up the pace. I wasn't going to have any of that and made it home just fine even to run with the rest out to the back where this photo of my tummy was taken. I am a tad wet on my backside as mommy is keeping me VERY clean.

Mommy needs to get a better photo but boy each day the stomach grows. Soon the little wonders will be kicking in my tummy giving me all sorts of indigestion. I have already started sleeping on my back almost exclusively. It's simply more comfortable. Pregnant women get body pillows and I get what - a back and nothing else. Geez - who's falling down on the job here?

Well, we were hanging out in the backyard watching Katsuro and Shoshi go after the ball on the pool cover - love those safety covers. They are not only safe but they act like a trampoline,make noise and give us extra space to run. We all like it. Oh, we miss the pool too but the covers okay now that it is cooler.

More later...