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.

Entries by Darlah (5620)

Tuesday
Jan022024

Just Busy

Here is a mini gallery.

Sorry we do not have a lot of photos. I was grooming a ton and Dennis has a migraine for the 2nd day in a row so he is back in bed. He struggled and got up to help but bed was calling. We hope he is better tomorrow. We have a stove getting delivered. We also have an xray and a slew of dogs to groom.

When Dennis is down for the count not many photos are taken. It also means that I need to do all the things he normally does in a day like pups, cleaning the pen, changing the pads, adding water changes and on and on. So, the last two days has been exceedingly busy for me. 

Dogs are having fun. I moved out the stove to see what was under it. Who moves their appliances to clean under them frequently? Not I - sigh. So, I swept, sprayed and letting it sit so I can clean it before bed. 

We have dogs going - dogs coming and I need a recliner and dogs on me  so I am cutting this short. 

Still have videos to upload but the beauty of that it can be done with dogs on my lap.

Monday
Jan012024

Happy 2024

Here is the gallery.

We get up at 7am and it is still dark. Then by 5 it is dark again. Cassie doesn't care if it is light, dark, raining or snowing. She just loves outdoors. Of course if it starts getting cold for us, then she must come in. She still says talk to the paw at times but she is getting better the older she gets. 

We got a light dusting of snow. The dogs love it. Still, one dog - only one dog managed to get into mud still soft and bring it inside. Someone said I need a floor washing robot but too pricey. Plus Dennis thinks his job is better though time consuming. He's a mop and water and benefect kind of guy. 

On the 3rd we get our new stove. Still have a broken range hood. Cinnamon also goes in the afternoon that day for her xray. I also get to see Murphy that day and Sherry. She has promised me Dairy Queen. Yum!

The dogs like this sort of cold enough but not too cold weather. The year started out right for them. Me, I have a sweatshirt on. It's all in the perception.

Jersey thinks Coco shoots the moon. I so laugh. Cody has been playing. He came in as if he was showing signs of aging and will be leaving a spry guy playing his heart out. It is amazing what other dogs do for the fun we all require.

Harlow decided nothing was out there today. They are hibernating, Harlow. 

Happy 2024 everyone. The gang is having fun.

Monday
Jan012024

May the New Year

May the new year bring you lots of havanese kisses and a feeling of well being! More later....

Sunday
Dec312023

New Year's Eve

Here is the gallery.

It's New Year's eve. We are not planning anything. I wanted Nathan to go get popcorn but he just wants to chill. I get that. Dog's are various degrees of combed out. No rain. No mud this afternoon. Floors are still clean - hooray. 

Boarders (most) will have departed by the 10th. Puppy vet visit the 9th, xray Cinnamon the 3rd. I have a ton of loot bags to get ready. The last gals that are in heat (no not breeding) are done by 14th latest. Cinnamon can be due 9th on. January will be a CRAZY month. 

We have a couple  of our puppy people that are sick. I pray for 2024 to be a better year. You know who you are. Here's to health for everyone!!!

We still have Katie looking for a home. She had her vet visit and is in excellent health and she is middle range. If interested send Nathan mail.

We have to institute a new boarding policy. If at last minute you change the drop off/pickup date and we can't fill that date as we cap then we must charge. Sorry. There are some that do this all of the time. If you change these dates and I now have to juggle to get your dog done earlier especially if that day is full, please say thank you - give me a tip - something. I use my tips for dog things or something special for myself. No extra money - well say thank you genuinely for me juggling to help you with a new time. Just saying... Shouldn't have to but...

We have some exceptional players. Jersey and Cassie arrived today and have been going non stop. Fudge has decided he wants to do naps daily. I think he expels so much energy that as a pup he needs it. Harlow is back hunting something or other. She's looking but I am not seeing anything. Olive has departed. 

The dogs will snuggle with us tonight at tv time. I still have videos to upload but we are making time to celebrate with the dogs. Nathan made steak fo

Everyone and I mean everyone is having a great time.

Happy New Year's everyone. May 2024 bring you great moments to treasure. 

Saturday
Dec302023

No Rain Today

Here is the gallery.

Although it was no rain, they still managed to kick up some mud but NOTHING like it has been for over a week. I celebrate. They also didn't mind going outside and you will see in the gallery, they were running, playing and celebrating too. 

There is no rain in sight so it should get better each day. 

We tried Ellie with pups and Ollie with pups. Tomorrow we will try them upstairs as today they thought someone was picking them up. That is the issue with doing a session like this in the front hall. Neither was bad. They were simply distracted. We also have to carve time out tomorrow - maybe after Nathan's nap.

Dogs had fun and they sniffed at the door and said okay - we can go out. 

Friday
Dec292023

Another Rainy Day

Here is a mini gallery.

I have to say this is mighty time consuming. We wash and wash and wash. You will see the mop in some photos and muddy floors etc. It is what it is. But they say no rain tomorrow but unless it gets very cold, it will be muddy. Hoping in a few days we will have less feet and under carriages to do. Okay I said we - that's me. I also hope less muddy floors. That is Dennis. I will celebrate with a decadent glass of gin and tonic when this rain is done. Yes, I am so laughing. 

I ordered some stuff to print for the puppy packs going home. It arrived today and I thought unless this rain stops it's not getting done. LOL

You never know what you or the dogs are capable of. Where's that bed?

Thursday
Dec282023

Muddy Times

This is my floor after ONE outdoor adventure. We clean after each and then it returns. It's actually a joke. It makes me want to cement my entire yard in. Yes, I am serious. After each, I need to do feet and under carriages. Then we place the dogs in the hall after clean till the floor is clean then we start again. It's about a 6 times a day event. That floor is normally cream. So, if you see photos with dirty floors, it is what it is till we get everyone done. Fun?

Here is the gallery.

I so need to relax even for an hour but got 2 more dogs to groom. Dennis will do the pups playing when I groom. Nathan will watch tv with the rest of the dogs, I suppose.

We had a Sage visiting session today and I had been grooming up till they came. I looked in the mirror after they departed. Nathan is nicely clean but I had hair stuck all over me despite grooming clothes and well even though I had a shower last night I so needed one today so I said the rest will wait. Usually I take a shower just before bed as that is when I have time. Nathan takes his first thing in the morning. Dennis fits it in when he can. Cause I groom so much, I prefer before bed cause I am cleaning all day. I had to laugh though at what these people must have thought. 

I am back being hairless and clean till Dennis hands me more dogs to clean. It's our life with visitors and a rainy winter. I seriously need and want powder snow.

Dogs had fun as you will see in the gallery minus the mud on dogs like Harlow and Bailey who I swear swam in the mud. They had to have a full bath. Ollie walks around outside being ever so careful not to get dirty. I so laugh. He's not the only one. I suspect the dogs are hating the rain as much as I these days. I so want a removable dome over my backyard. Can you imagine having that?

Relationships are strong with the dogs. Coco the maltese is still the Queen. She so believes it through and through and I swear she smiles when she says - no - it is my spot, my human - my...

I could go on and on about everyone but I won't. I have cleanups to do, I am told. Back at it. Can we have NO rain for a week, please?

Enough - back to work. 

Wednesday
Dec272023

Yes Indoors

Here is the gallery.

We don't always get the photos as we take one session of clicks unless a camera is closeby. It is just a reality that we live with. I may be up with the pups. The camera may not have a memory stick in it - all sorts of things. There is not a single dog that hasn't played. Did we catch everyone? No. They do things on their time not ours. Just know they are having fun.

As I type, Dennis is upstairs with the pups. Nathan is cooking up ground beef for the dogs for dinner added in. He is also thawing out chicken to use tomorrow that he cooked and froze. 

Due to rain - all bleeping day, I have cleaned feet, under carriages etc and we are now on try 5 of washing floors. This interrupts feeding. Soon, after dinner Dednnis will run with the dogs upstairs to help them to expel energy. Dennis doesn't like me to click photos of him so I don't. So, you will simply have to imagine a herd of dogs chasing him. They LOVE the game. It is a necessary game when you can't hang outside due to rain.

Tuesday
Dec262023

Rainy Day Play Indoor

Here is the gallery.

You will see mud on the floor - perhaps on dogs legs. That is because floor cleaning and feet cleaning is a process. I go as fast as I can to clean them up. Dennis cleans over and over but a dog goes out and mud comes in. 

This is our boxing day. LOL

Dogs are playing. They are not thrilled with the wetness. 

We have a full house. Dogs going - dogs coming. But fun is to be had and lots o

Monday
Dec252023

Happy Holidays

Here is the gallery.

As much as I would like to have more photos, the reality is it is muddy season. I am so tied up in doing feet and under carriages. Some sniff and turn around to use the pad. We have had a long muddy winter. That usually happens in Fall and Spring. Not this year.

Still the dogs are having a blast and some are plain chilling as I type all over Nathan and behind him in the tv room. They are happy.

Tonight, after Panda and Logan arrive, we cut up the rest of the prime rib to share with them and that's another splendid meal they shared with us. We already got some whining for supper as we usually feed at 430 but won't till after 445pm tonight as that is when the 2 arrive. They need to learn patience - Harlow especially and Nora thinks she is starving. LOL

So, after this blog, I am back at cleaning and combing out dogs as they had their outside adventure. Oh, they will go out after dinner so may have to wait till after dinner. I suppose I could just keep them inside and save myself work but it is not fair to them. Tonight I will roll into the bed and get surrounded by dogs only to pass out, I am sure. Nathan thinks he never sleeps but he snores so we know he does. He just has old man's bladder so he's up a lot. 

I placed up a couple of videos. Otherwise know that the dogs are having their own holiday. Put your mind at ease and yes, although a slow starter, after a day he has been full out playing. 

Brace yourself for Boxing Day if you do that sort of thing. We already bought our holiday gift to each other. We got 6 stackable ice cube trays - no lie. Well, I got them for Nathan as he gets irritated that ours do not stack evenly. We are saving up for a stove that has the numbers flashing. We have one burner run too high no matter what setting you have it on. One that doesn't work and now the oven doesn't heat up beyond 285f even if you put it at 450. I placed a thermometer in as our roast was taking FOREVER. I think it is on its last legs. We won't buy one till new year - thank you BBQ but let us know if you ever bought yours at Costco and how warranty works? Never having bought appliances from them, I really want to know as they are 200 plus cheaper than anywhere else.

Happy Holidays everyone. May the New Year be a wonderful one. 

Sunday
Dec242023

Christmas Eve With the Dawgs

Here is the gallery.

The above photo although blurry from movement is our tv time. They all cozy up on the couches or the 2 recliners and on top of the tables to watch and chill. The play hard and they chill and even Nathan has a nap and takes those that want to go with him. There is no rhyme or reason as to who wants to go and who does not but our regulars usually always want a nap such as Harlow, Coco etc

We make sure they expel energy and get chill time. Even the older dogs have been caught playing such as Cody. Nathan takes the odd video so I can share it on our youtube channel.

Today is Christmas eve for those that celebrate. This crew had another feast of Prime Rib roast and so did the pups that never left their face out of the bowl till it was empty. Imagine that.

Nathan is heading to Montanas for a dinner pickup so we get some relax time. Thank you for the gift cards that make this possible. 

I made bacon today and will add it to the food for the dogs tonight. They are a little spoiled. They deserve it and we like sharing. If they are happy, we are happy.

Just want to say I hope all of you that have had their holidays and those that are about to partake - may it bring smiles and memories. Know that if your dogs are visiting they are all having a fabulous time. I am always in awe as to how well they get together and how much they value playing and snuggling. Even if a dog goes in nervous as they have never been here or hasn't been here for awhile, they are so comfortable after arriving. That's my holiday - watch the relationships and enjoying them enjoying.

Happy Holidays - everyone and here's to a happy new year!                            

Saturday
Dec232023

Inside Day

Here is the gallery. The gallery contains a few closeups waiting for dinner. It rained all day so dogs refused to go out. I asked Dennis if he had taken photos. He said no - its raining so I did. 

Here is Coco the maltese above jumping all over Ella. She does this over and over. Ella growls to say enough. Coco is deaf to her vocal demands. Ella is a soft - okay do what you have to dog so she just eventually shows this expression - okay - Coco do your thing. It's a riot.

Everyone is waiting to be fed. Harlow, Coco the Maltese and Benji bark for their supper. It's a riot. They want to eat NOW. Everyone that can will have some prime rib roast sprinkled in their food. I made a roast today and it's not a holiday vacation if the dogs and us don't get to partake. Watch - they will eat every single lip smaking bite. 

Friday
Dec222023

What a Slouch

Here is the mini gallery.

Dennis still has not taken many photos. I am trying to figure out how I am going to add that to my load as well. He keeps falling down on the job. 

Above is Magic who was here for a groom. Thank you for the movie tickets and chocolates for Dennis. Most appreciated!

Dogs have been playing. Mr. Jax and Oreo goes home tonight. A few holiday revelers come tomorrow and I am cooking a roast and everyone that is allowed will get roast. Those that aren't will eat separately, Not fair for them to see what someone else is getting. Roast is yum. We do this stuff every holiday moment. We cook and we get large enough that we have leftovers for the dogs. On the non holiday days we also add chicken or ground beef to those that can have. We tend to spoil them.

The dogs have a great holiday season but at night, I think I am a mummy as I can hardly move from the dogs up against me. It's a riot!

Thursday
Dec212023

Cold Out Today

Here is the gallery.

As it is just before the holiday, I was doing a ton of grooming today. I still have no videos or photos of the puppies so I am very behind. 

Rosey's parents brought Dennis a Steam card and he is mega delighted. He rarely gets anything so he was so excited. A Steam card allows him to buy VR games - which is loves!

Nathan has not opened his and well I got a huge fave Purdys - dark too! Best of all, I got to see the 3 of them!

Ronnie brought us chicken pot pie and I am looking forward to it after I am done grooming and puppy play with photos etc

Dennis took the photos in today's gallery but didn't take many. 

My coffee maker died today and Nathan is heading out to get a new one. I hope he remembers a filter. LOL So no coffee for me today and strange I am dragging.

We are getting a full house due to the holidays. Each dog gets along with the other. It is wonderful. Barney just arrived! I got to see Farleigh for a groom. It was wonderful to see him and his human. Thank you for the grooming tip!

Tenshi departs tonight all freshly groomed and Maggie arrives.

Well, the dogs are doing a hide and seek game with Dennis so I have to take the pups upstairs myself. Then I get to do their blog. 

Wednesday
Dec202023

Let it Snowball

Here is the gallery.

Dogs are not crazy about wet snow. It simply just sticks to them and makes them very unhappy. I get that. They are now at the point if I go to rinse them, they go hide. Think they have had enough. I do not blame them. So, they melt all over - so puddles. I do not see any snow in the foreseeable future but rain may be back. Strange winter.

I want to thank Rochelle for 2 gift cards and chocolates from Atoosa. Most appreciated. 

We have many dogs coming over the holiday season. 

I am still falling asleep mid day. My body is still playing recovery. Of course I sleep covered in dogs. Nathan goes upstairs with those that want to go and he has more room.

Mr. Lachlan has been playing up a storm. Ellie departed and was playing with Jax.Yoshi has been playing with the pups. Noah and Zoe own everywhere they nap or so they thing. LOL

It's been a good day!

Tuesday
Dec192023

It Snowed But...

Here is the gallery.

We had a bit of a dusting. These pix were from this morning. The afternoon more decided the white stuff was not an issue despite the snowballs stuck to their hair that had to be rinsed off - dog after dog I did. LOL That part they were not thrilled with. 

Harlow sniffed and went back inside to use the pad. I laughed as she was not the only one. Was she the smart one as she didn't have to be rinsed? Perhaps if she had the foresight. 

Well this dusting despite the washes was better than rain and mud. Come spring, we are going to add river rock thick around targets.

I want to say thank you to Dorothy for the baked good and thank you to Tenshi's mom and dad for chocolate covered fruit.You have no idea how welcomed it is and deeply appreciated!

Now I am going to upload videos and maybe chill in a recliner. Dennis is making dinner for the dogs. 

Monday
Dec182023

Oh My Rainy Again

Here is the gallery.

I am sorry but I am busy cleaning feet and under carriages so if I am not getting photos but I will play catch-up tomorrow. It is one of those days.

Dogs are now chi lling and had a mad play session today - so far!

But know the dogs are having fun. Even if I have a bad day, they never seem to.

Sunday
Dec172023

Rain Rain Rain

Here is a mini gallery that I took myself. It has been raining all day and none of the dogs want to go out. 

They are having fun inside especially Maltese Coco and Fudge. They are all interacting but those 2 play and play. 

Short blogging it as I have the visit on Nami's blog to do, Sage's crew and well my sleep has not sorted itself out.

Thank you truly to Alfie's mom for stopping by with chocolates to say sorry about Alanza. I was grooming Fudge at the time so sorry I didn't come to the door. Hope Nathan was okay. We are still teary. Think it will take time.

Saturday
Dec162023

Not Many Still

Here is the gallery.

Dennis still did not take many photos and I was busy doing baths for pups and for adults. Sorry... then tomorrow is the puppy visit so let's say, I will take some come Monday daily.

I think Dennis is in a funk. Guess we all are but are trying our best. Playing with the dogs is more important than clicking but I realize its not for you. So, say me come Monday, I will pull up my boot straps if Dennis doesn't.

Despite all this, the dogs had fun today. They all maul Nathan when he goes outside to read. They run around playing games with Dennis. I even see Dennis having fun playing games with them. 

All is good.

On another note someone had someone drop food off for us but the store deliverer didn't know who sent. We so appreciate it. Please let me know. It's been a struggle cooking o this was really welcomed!

Friday
Dec152023

Long Day

Here is a mini gallery.

It's already a long day and just after midnight. Want to say thank you to Tenshi's mom for the Purdy's chocolate cherries. Made my day. 

I vow to do better about the gallery. Just today has been hard but not for the dogs - well the past month has been hard. The dogs played and played. All need comb outs but not today. We will start in tomorrow. I need to catch my breath. Did get some groomed a bit ago but taking a break and having a stiff Hendricks gin and tonic with lime. 

I had a number of groomings - do for days now that my mornings freed up. The dogs will be happy to go to bed tonight. Dennis will watch the Sage's pups and in a week or so they too will go upstairs in a divided area and Dennis will go to his own bed. 

We have a great crew here. Already Christmas break dogs are coming. Well it's not the dogs but the people. 

We hope to have some holiday cheer here. The dogs deserve it. I guess we do too. Jeannie for the past month has sat at the door wanting to get to me downstairs. She and others will be extra happy. It's been a long time. Usually I am in bed by now for a couple of hours. Hope I can sleep tonight.

oh and Coco the Maltese is beside herself as Nathan is out getting his stitches removed and he is not here. How rude of him she says.