Status

I pulled dandelions but there will be more today. I picked up all the piles Dennis left. He weeded more but it is not done. The front - well that is downright scary but next week not today. We are tuckered out.

Ms. Wasabi had her bath. Laci had hers. The moms played with Laci like they played with Shady when he was here. It was a lot of fun.

Now off to hose the walkways down seeing there is mud everywhere from Dennis weeding between the pavers.

Come around to the back when you arrive. We can't wait to see you. I need a rest...hahahaha especially with this heat business of Fiona's.

What a Day

Spice didn't get her haircut - no time...

Abigail and Spice got a bath, tomorrow a visitor and Wasabi gets theirs plus Panda Bear.

I spent 5 hours grooming today, 5.5 hours in the garden pulling all sorts of things where it actually looks worse than the weeds but now we have room for growth.

It's far from done. Nathan almost killed my prized Peony tree. He did break many branches but it is still alive. He's mighty sensitive about it as he - well we won't go there.

While I was gardening we were rotating dogs outside for play. Dennis is outside in the storm picking up all my piles - joy. We have thunder and lightening but no rain yet but its coming. I hope Dennis gets done before the downpour.

I was black when I came in and boy is my body aching. It felt good to have a shower.

The dogs love the extra space. But soon everything will be overgrown and I will realize all this space is not space at all and so will the dogs.

The front and side yard is well a total disaster but dogs can't sit out front with me so when I finally get to that it will be short doses.

Oh well Dennis just came in and didn't get to finish. Tomorrow is another day. hahahaha

Now to go snuggle with the crew.

PS: I think they rather enjoy the outside more than the house any old day. They truly enjoyed playing and lounging outside most of the day. It was nice to spend the day with them outside. I just wish I wasn't doing work while they were playing or lounging. hahaha

Oh amd no hard drive yet. Maybe my neighbour got it?

Gone to the DOGS

Yes, we have really gone to the dogs. We are busy making sure the dogs have more room to play in the yard - not us have more room but the dogs.

Don't you think we have our priorities right?

Can't wait till we can do this...

Simba & Scruffy & a Hairdo

Rox & Simba's New Hairdo

Simba's mom was worried about Simba's new hairdo. She asked for a trim and she didn't recognize the dog that came out. It happens.

Although I like the puppy look or longer (Scruffy has that puppy look) this hairdo is actually not bad.

It's easy care. You can see he is a tri colour boy (eyebrows) and silver brown in his face. You can see he has nice structure. I think he is a cutie but I understand the shock of getting a hairdo on one of your family members that you don't expect.

But if you don't like it - well it grows. That's the good thing about hair and you may decide you do like it. It's just an adjustment to have a new look.

Well in a minute Scruffy is getting a bath and will be picked up and Simba will be going home. Roxie played up a storm with both but I thought you may enjoy the boys - one is a Teaser pup, the short do guy is a Fiona pup. Both are cuties in their own right and I got some really great shots but no hard drive still and its a hardship to do this on Nathan's machine but I am hopeful tomorrow (hard drive should arrive) I can get to last week videos and photos on the Wasabi and Abigail pups but till them enjoy this spectacular display of what two puppies do best. Check it out.

Easier Ways to Groom

Ty as a Pup (Treasure and Kat Pup)

Some people brush while they are on your lap and that is how I started out watching the tv and grooming but these days I bring my ipad into my grooming area, put a tv show on and I use a table.

I can put a collar on a young pup and they get used to standing and getting groomed. There is a value in a grooming table but as a pet person do you need one? No.

Is it easier to have with a grooming arm or rail across (I have a rail) and a noose called a groomer's helper? Yes. It even lends a sense of comfort for you and for them.

My adults stand without a noose and lay on their backs or sides - whatever I want but they don't start out that way. You have to condition them.

Treasure was a stubborn one and these days she lays back and relaxes. I remember her going to a show with Paula and Paula asking if I was conditioning her to grooming. I said of course. She said well she won't lay down nor will she lay on her back. I said she will for me.

For her it was a trust factor. She is a dominant dog that likes to be in control. But even a pup like that learns to relax and enjoy. Just when you think they never will, they do.

Just keep at it and it all comes together.

Someone asked me about tearing during teething. To stop it from running and staining each day a dab of corn starch at the top of the leakage stops it from reoffending. When teething (all adult teeth are in) it should stop or be minimal.

Insight As We Experience It

I want you to laugh. This was Risa just brushed - yes just brushed rolling up a storm. I love a grandma that knows how to have a good time.

I just looked at her and shook my head and said so much for grooming.

Risa is going on 11. To Nathan she will always be 10 or less. I get that. She still runs around, flirts with Phantom's dad Mugs and I mean full out flirts with him. Just because you are older and spayed doesn't mean you can't have fun. I can't think of life without this gal quite literally.

When our dogs get of an age or have to be let go as it is needed, I am the one that takes that drive alone as the guys in my life can't and I cry myself all the way home and then pretend I am strong for them. But I am hoping she has another 6 years to fill my life with joy. If Nathan says she is 9 or 8 or even 7 just smile as he just thinks if you make them younger they will be with us much longer. That's okay. I get that!

Sometimes I think she is a teenager again the things she does and that makes me happy. In all her life thus far she has only had one of those harmless growths that had to be frozen off that they get like our skin tags and it only had to be frozen off as it kept getting caught in the brush. Other than that she had a blocked anal gland when we put her on a food that didn't agree with her. She carries a bit more extra weight than she did when she was younger - don't we all but she loves, jumps and last battery of tests the vet said you would swear she was still 2 years old.She still has all her teeth and still ADORES food as much as I do.

She is my no nonsense gal. When Wasabi had her first litter she went into the whelping box, sent Wasabi out and cleaned up the babies. It wasn't that Wasabi was doing a bad job but she wasn't doing a Risa job and Wasabi actually learned. Risa continued this tradition with each new mom. One wonders if she will do the same when it comes time for Spice, Roxie and Panda.

She doesn't have the patience for the pups climbing all over her anymore. She rather likes them before they are into trouble and after they get older. I guess that is true of some humans too.

Wasabi will get spayed next month probably around the time we do an ultrasound on Fiona and her hair will grow back. She will be off chasing squirrels and I wonder if she will help the new moms. Time will tell.

When I see the Havanese laying and sleeping in contentment or rolling around like a banshee, well that's what the Havanese are truly about. From young to old I love all the stages I just wish they never end.

This is Silly

I moved the Just Silly Post to Fiona's blog seeing it was about her. :-)

Phantom's Visiting

Well he is not visiting us but another gal - such a cheating boy. hahahaha

That's okay cause while he is gone Daddy will play. We will leave it at that and will be talking about that in a few weeks.

Phantom's plane was delayed but he finally arrived.

Last night I spent time washing and brushing for a couple of hours. Why so long? I could have finished him in an hour even line combing him especially as I deep conditioned him in the morning but....

He was going to a long time breeder and well I wanted him perfect so when I tied him up underneath and he peed and got some on him (still trying to figure that out when I tied him up I was immediately washing him underneath and fretting. You would think I was doing a grooming competition and getting graded on it. It was pathetic.

Then when he got up in the morning, he went out, got dirty again and I was fretting again with Nathan saying ENOUGH - he goes as he is. I ignored and finished him and prayed that he would make it intact but did I hear? No. Nathan got a note - he arrived tis all.

The things we do to ourselves but I love the Phantom, I care how he looks and how people perceive him especially those in the business, I suppose but that's silly too.

When it all boils down to it it is more important how he is emotionally than how he looks and I posted this as a 'silly me' getting caught in that trap.

As you know Phantom's dad is here. He is sporting the same hairdo as Teaser. It's not a hairdo that I love but hair grows and it is easy to care for. I am a long hair freak I guess.

Phantom's dad has an amazing personality and go figure that Phantom was sired by him. He is loving, throws the toys around and surrounds himself with them much like Phantom. He is full of life and a fun guy but he is constantly saying - so where's the gal?

Paula handed him over to us and said please take care of him. It's obvious that she loves him dearly and I know why. He is confident, fun, mischievous and loving. What more would you want. Phantom loves to hang out and chill and Mugs likes to be in the middle of the fun but that sweet nature is obvious in both.

Alfie's Visit

This is Alfie after I got him groomed up today. He's not one of our breedings but he came for a visit and to get some loving and some coat cleanup meaning knot elimination. He is such a good boy and was about it.

I have been busy in the grooming department and it hasn't stopped as just before bedtime Phantom gets done as he heads off west first thing in the morning for 10 to 14 days. I will miss him but I imagine when Phantom's dad goes back to Paulas so will Phantom.

This morning I wrapped Phantom's coat in a deep moisturizer (only stuff you do for a bad coat or a show coat) and tonight I will wash it all out and blow dry him, wrap his underneath and then redo the wraps in the morning so he stays very clean. Crazy show dog stuff. I will miss Phantom but I also miss the pups but who knows what the future will bring. I imagine more pups are in store for us in among swimming and who knows what. We shall see.

At PawsWay on Saturday June 2^nd and Sunday June 3^rd Nathan will be doing an event with a couple of dogs to show off the Havanese. Do visit him if you are close to Pawsway on those days. He will be selling the 2011 t-shirts with our Katsura on the back, tote bags, hats and a few other things to help Rescue. We may put them out on our play dates but don't feel obligated to buy any of it. It's only if you want - no pressure especially for those that won't be able to get down to Pawsway. It's just something we do for Rescue when we have too much merchandise from the specialties. It helps us to help the havanese in need.

Tip of the day. If you have too many lengths of hair like a shag cut in a havanese it will mat easier. Many do not realize this.

Another tip cause it rained today - hose off just the feet but comb the paws and let them dry so they don't get knots. I wish I had a mudroom for days like today. What do you do?

Update on Thursday, April 26, 2012 at 5:57PM by Darlah

Be sure to check Sophie's video here. This is a Treasure pup, Kona and Ty's sibling!

Today's Events

Let's look at what I didn't get done.... Started the office desk didn't finish it. Started the grooming area, didn't finish it.

Charlie and Ty came to visit so bathed Charlie today - I like bathing them as we connect and get lots of kisses but it side tracked me. I needed an excuse!

Then Molly stopped by - a delight but the light was bothering me and then it dawned on me I hadn't eaten a thing all day long. Oh, well no wonder why I was getting off kilter.

Charlie tuckered Ty out so much that he crawled on the back of the couch and I swear he said nah, nah I am now taking a nap so there. It was funny so Charlie went on to the next to play. After all he is a puppy.

I did get everyone groomed but they don't look like it.

I give up on cleaning, grooming - who cares. I am just going to snuggle with the dawgs.

Besides Alfie is coming to visit (just arrived) so I have another excuse.

Tomorrow night I wash Phantom and wrap his coat so it stays clean, pack up a crate and Nathan takes him to the airport. He wanted me to as he doesn't like shipping a dog off but instead prefers picking them up. He thinks I can do it but he's supposed to be at the airport no later than 6am so I said I love you but it's not going to be me!

Besides Friday Yvonne comes for a visit. I haven't seen her forever. Then Saturday we have a Teaser puppy get together.

My hard drive should arrive by Friday so galleries and a video on Saturday I hope and my vacuums is supposed to arrive in 2 days fed ex 2 day from Halifax. Maybe Saturday will be a fun day all day long. We shall see.

Oh and Nathan is still trying to say it is I that takes Phantom. Nope...

PS: Phantom's dad Mugs is here and he is shaved down so no grooming work per se and he has an amazing personality! He too throws chocolates with a gal that has the chocolate gene.

Last Year's Pose

This was Fiona last year tongue sticking out when Daddy said do you want to come in again?

I think the Havanese are the smartest dogs ever but I am biased.

I think she had enough here.

But it snowed up north when we drove Envy up to meet his mom. It semi snowed here but didn't stick when I ran errands to get stuff needed for Phantom to go travelling out west. He leaves Friday.

Phantom's dad is here and he is a delight and he thinks Fiona is the closest thing to the bees knees. Anyone remember that term? Google it if you haven't or ask your moms.

The pool may not ever open if this continues.

Remember this Fiona pup?Tomorrow Ty and a friend comes over for the day and so is Alfie coming to visit. Logan and Panda are here as usual. We will have a ton of photos to click and as promised (after I get a new hard drive in a day or two - I am out of space) I will get galleries going of the pups last weeks and post up fun videos.

Life is not quiet though so don't think I am lounging and getting tons done. Life has ways of throwing you unexpected things but you will still get your puppy fix from those that send updates in and my photos I have yet to do and the videos plus we will have fun catching the action of the adults to show you what you are in store for when they grow up.

Then when the next pups come we will update daily and new journeys will begin.

What can I say - dawg craziness.

I did manage to exercise and boy do I need it. 4lbs added on by indulging happens faster than you think. <sigh> Not for guys - I know.

Changing of the Colours

Someone mentioned that Treasure was getting to be a darker apricot. I don't even notice it as I am with her all the time but they do change tones throughout their lives.

At one point she was pale almost a golden colour and now she is darker. I had to go through older photos to compare.

I rather like that about the havanese - how they change.

In bed Treasure is the dog that always is up next to me as if she is a 2nd skin when I am in bed. She does this till I don't know when and then I find her in the bathroom on the cool tiles. I know this as I do get up midstream at night. Don't we all as we get older.

In this crazy cold weather I find myself opening my window, turning on the fan and piling on the blankets and the dogs love it.

I used to hate being cold and now the dogs are loving it and Nathan is thinking I have lost my mind.

PS: One day I will stay in bed and if Risa had her way she would too and sleep till noon. Some dogs just love that sleeping in especially as they get older. I guess their needs and wants and desires change too just like us.

Get Together

Abigail got to see her Raylan from an earlier litter. Mom and son getting along famously still. It says a great deal about the Miss Abs. It says a lot about Raylan.

Steven and May has done wonderful with him and we are blessed to have him so close that we can also be a part of his life. Raylan is a special guy for many reasons so it does our heart good to see him happy with his brothers Monty and Mac. It's really nice.

We enjoyed the company of Steven, May Lynda, John, Eugenia and all their dogs.

Here is just a sliver of the photos taken.

These get togethers may be a lot of work - groom dawgs, clean house etc but they are worth it.

Getting Dirty in our yard...

Really, I was groomed...

Chillin Treasure Style

Let's Play!

Wild pursuit

Abigail Playing Again!

Back yard hangout

Raylan saying Silly Gals

My and Mac

The Monty Exploring...

Sentiments

I posted this on facebook but I know some of you don't have access to it.

Here's what I said:

Well now we are down to 1 till Monday when this cutie patootie makes his way up to Paula's house for living, training, playing and getting his chance to strut his stuff in the show ring.

I am rather deeply sad as I get when all the pups go ...or almost all go and then I get past it. I equate it with kids moving out and growing up. It's a process and I wonder if human or pups think I celebrate but I celebrate their journey but the process is a process that is hard. I do love the pups. I do love my kids and their kids - all different but important in their unique way.

I want to add to this message that when the pups come back for their play date or stay over on occassion, I gain closure and it all makes sense and makes the process worth it.

So don't worry about the process. It is necessary for all of us but so worth it to reach the end result for pup and family. When it all works it does my heart good!

I can't imagine someone not caring but we love them enough to know that we can't keep them all and that having that family to love them immensely - well that works.

What a Day

Let's see we had Logan and Panda to wash, Zoe, Kat and Ossi. Tomorrow it is Phantom and Roxie and Sunday we enjoy company and on Monday we deliver Envy. Wow....

I will get to all the videos and the photos.

Life changes and I will get back to exercise and wait for the next to go into heat.

Watch, it will all happen sooner than I think. hahahaha

Playing with a Big Gal

So, you want to play? It's hot out. The covers still on and I am play bowing asking you to play so will ya?

Pay attention to your dog's body to 'get' what they are saying.

Zoe heads home tomorrow after a bath and we have visitors all weekend with Jlo coming to play, friends coming over and well that road trip on Monday to deliver Envy. Busy times...

We are already figuring out parks to walk moms that are empty nesters.

Soom Woofstock will be upon us and then the annual picnic, swimming in the pool and well a ton of fun. How will we ever survive cleaning the garden. hahahaha

Simba's Family

We were lucky last night to have Simba's mom, dad and kids playing with the pups and Simba too! I got a ton of photos but I will get to them later.

But here is one of my faves.

Daisy Fun

Daisy comes to visit every now and then and I must admit I ADORE her.

She's not one of ours but she is Katsura's sister's daughter. Are you following that?

She adores the pups and all the rest of the dogs. She also  is what I term as a party dog. She just loves to be the center of attention.

If everyone is just laying around she riles things up to get them really playing.

Tonight she got  a bath and soon she goes home and will be sorely missed.

Here Nathan is holding her like we do the puppies after a bath and laughing hysterical.

Daisy face says it all....

So many changes this week...

Just now we also had a visit from Simba's family who came to pick up Simba and the kids played with the pups. I got wonderful photos that I will share tomorrow.

More opportunities to socialize the pups.... nice.

Meeting a Non Havanese

We are lucky to have Zoe drop by for a visit and this way the pups get exposed to a non Havanese other than Terra.

Zoe was great and so was the pups.

Check out the gallery.

The Games They Play

Did you know you can teach a dog to play hide and go seek? You really can.

Mothers or pups will hide under furniture and pounce out saying tag you are it.

Havanese are really intelligent and they enjoy you working their brain. By training them you actually create a greater bond and you get a dog that you can show off and enjoy as they are well mannered and ... well smart. But you have to teach them.

But when you start training them and you can start now you do it for a max of 10 minutes at a time no more. They are pups and easily distracted.

Take a treat, put it to their nose and bring it back over their head. They will naturally go into a sit and say sit and then reward. Eventually they will sit with just the command.

They are what you put into them - honest. You can go as far as teaching them to get the yellow toy or the red toy etc.

Each time you go somewhere give them a word association. For instance each time you go into the car say 'car' and each time you return home just before you arrive tell them 'home' and soon you wil be communicating with them.

We used to use walk for walks when we didn't want them to know what we were talking about as we were just asking if the other wanted to go on one and the dogs got excited. Then we switched to ambulate and they soon understood that and we switched yet again - well they are smarter than you think.