Celebration of Play

Don't you love the way Havanese play. You get 2 together and they do the 'run like hell' game or they appear they are in their first dance class with a partner and they stand on their back legs playing forever or so it seems.

Havanese are incredibly agile.

Well, I am going to bake a doggie cake for the 9/9/9 crew. Fiona will say - what for me? But it is a celebration for her babies.

It's a cold day out. We are off to the daughter's tonight for dinner.

For all our Jewish friends we wish you a sweet New year filled with only good things.

Today I may crawl into the bed or watch some tv after washing a couple of dogs and then I am done to laze around and snuggle. It can't get better than that. I call these moments ones to treasure and etch in that memory bank in your brain. I will let you know how the dawgs like the cake. Here is the recipe.

Dawgie Cake - Yum!

• 3 cups flour
• 1 T. baking powder
• 1/2 cup margarine, softened
• 6 eggs, beaten
• 1/2 cup corn oil
• 2 jars strained chicken baby food
• 2 cups finely shredded carrots
• plain or vanilla yogurt
• 2 or 3 strips of bacon, fried crisp, then crumbled, or use bacon-flavored jerky strips, cut into bits.

Generously grease and flour two 8" round cake pans; set aside. Combine flour and baking powder; set aside. In a mixing bowl, beat softened margarine until smooth. Add eggs and corn oil; mix well. Add strained chicken, and shredded carrots and mix until smooth. Add flour mixture and mix thoroughly. Pour batter into the 2 prepared 8" cake pans. Bake at 325° for 60 minutes. Let cool for a few minutes before removing from pans. Cool completely on wire racks.

Place one layer on a serving plate and spread yogurt over top. Place second layer on top, then spread yogurt on top and sides of entire cake. Sprinkle crumbled bacon or bits of jerky strips over top. Use "Pupperoni" sticks instead of candles.

Washing Too Often?

Risa had a bath yesterday. I washed again today trying out a new shampoo conditioner spray combination. It's an all natural - good for the skin type of stuff. It did make the hair way soft but not controllable. I did get a natural shine from it. Do I like it? The verdict is still out. Ask me in a few days. I do adore the grooming spray.

This is what Risa looked like before her daily grooming. She feels to die for - more manageable than yesterday and it makes you want to snuggle for long periods of time so she has been in the recliner with me when I can get her away from playing with Mia. Yep - she was off playing with Mia today. Just when you think the old gal is all played out, she goes and fools you. Don't just ASSUME they are too old for such things.

We have a strong skunk smell in our yard. It must have sprayed somewhere around in our yard or the next. It's driving me crazy as I am always on high alert when I smell such. I guess I would get my shampoo workout if a Havanese got sprayed.

It's raining off and on and I like the dawgs clean. How much is too much washing? Well, when you are drying out the coat and damaging it, that's a good sign but you can damage a coat other ways. What's too long? When it's dirty and you keep getting mats at the touch - well then it is probably overdue.

Lazing on a Sunny Afternoon

Why do Havanese like the sun?

Just like some of us sun helps to relax the muscles in a very relaxing way so it feels really good on the muscles. Ever take a heated yoga class?

As long as its not too hot and it is comfie for you to be outside, then why not lie down on a recliner and have your Havanese join you.

Today Raylan and Risa got washed. Tomorrow I continue. I am trying a new shampoo/conditioner brand. The verdict is still out. I will let you know.

Fiona and Kat's daughter won a best puppy in group this past weekend in Halifax. We are so excited for Val and Kitzie.

The dawgs are enjoying watching TV with us and with less dogs, we have time for such sedentary stuff. True Blood, The Good Wife and Closer here I come. ROFL

What do you watch with your Havanese?

Road Tripping

We went to Suzie and Helen's to play with their dawgs, eat, drink, forget and enjoy the company but I think the mojitos is not sitting with me well as I am going to crawl into bed.

Those that know me is I do not crawl into bed unless I am just not feeling okay.

I also didn't want to not blog as I know many count on us.

I have been rather sad seing all the dawgs going.

To bed - more tomorrow.

Helen and Suzie is wonderful!!

Charlie Goes to his InLaws

 Charlie's parents are off on their honeymoon and we had the pleasure of enjoying him. He is off this afternoon and I must say, he had a blast.

He had a bath. He is now waiting for pickup and then we are off to friends with a couple of dogs to eat, play, visit and get a new mindset.

Charlie is a very stunning dog with a built-in tuxedo. He loves to snuggle and he rather enjoys playing a huge walks. He rarely cal,ed down to take a breath but I rather enjoy that type.

Tomorrow we will fill you in on our dinner visit. Till then... I am so glad tomorrow is a holiday!

Visiting Yvonne's House

Well, something about the company and yard gets the dawgs deliriously happy when they go visiting. I think it tells me that just like us, they like a different place to explore every now and then.

I think it is healthy for your mind and their mind to go visiting. It socializes them. It gets them in a great frame of mind and the more you do it, the more balance they become.

We had to go to the vets so we packed the dawgs in the car, went to the vets and then to Yvonne's for some fun.

As you can see, Treasure was in heaven.

Tomorrow Charlie goes home and that's the last of the visitors. It's been a wonderful summer but as they say, all good things come to and end.

We are visiting Suzy, Helen, Milo and Hugo tomorrow with some of our crew. We were invited for dinner for a mindset change. Great friends! We are looking forward to it. We even picked up a to die for dessert. We won't talk about calories. We will even be stopping into Rens as they live near there. So - catch you way late tomorrow or way early. I haven't figured it out yet.

Contemplating or on the Hunt?

We had a lot of squirrels running around the backyard after the big rain. Treasure and all the dawgs actually were watching but Treasure and Wasabi went on a chase. The others watched.

Wasabi is the only one I know that catches a squirrel and lets it go. Well now Treasure does the same. What they do is they grab the tail and then let go. They don't want to do harm to the squirrels. Instead, it's simply a game of 'I can'.

Charlie and Mia thought this was a delightful game but they rater enjoy being a part of the 'rah rah' crew.

What was worse is I swear the squirrels kept coming back to say - try to get me. But thta ceased and we started playing retreive with a toy. I like that game MUCH better. Don't you?

Backyard Musings

Okay, what does this have to do with the dawgs? Well, this plant keeps growing and growing despite the dawgs running through it, trying to yank on it. I think that rates getting displayed online.

Louis went home today. His mom and human sister was excited to see him. I can't blame him. He's a great joy. We will miss him.

He is one of the most agile dawgs we ever did see. His mom, Gidget is the same jumping straight up on a hat box that sat on a table. That was a huge wow and she would do it all the time.

The Havanese can do amazing things.

Well it rained. It's muggy as ever. It's supposed to cool off.

We have to go to the vets on Saturday and are invited to Hugo and Milo's house on Sunday.

The house has been emptying out and we are almost down to just our dogs and then we have to figure out what to do about our old lady golden who is having good days and bad. Something has come up to push that decision making and it's NOT a fun place to be in for her or for us.

Life is not fair at times. If we only genuinely understood and cared but dawgs are still just dawgs to many. <sigh>

Did it Rain?

When we went outside first thing it was wet, muggy and so uncomfie. What weather we have had this summer but we are in supposedly for rain and cooler weather this weekend.

On Saturday Raylan has to get his Titres, Red his next shots and Sunday we are supposed to go visit Hugo and Milo and that fab pair that live with the duo. We may visit Rens first but we don't know what time or what we should bring except my camera so I can update Suzie's photo for the Havanese Breed Magazine. She'll probably give me hey and say well why did you point to my old photo, Darlah but we wil get some dawgs in their on the update if Milo and Hugo cooperate.

Summer is winding down. I am still grooming all the dawgs. paula's pup got a bath - katsura got a bath and everyone else is getting a brush. I am adjusting to the quieter times. Less dawgs and finding house things to fill it with can be scary but I find I just play with the dawgs more. Sorry - can't help myself.

It's still very hot today.

Born With a Bad Hair Day

 Is this sort of like born under a bad sign? Some are born with Bad Hair Days (me included) and some just get it from life.

Shoshi just was born with that wild, unruly look and no matter what you do, it's her and that's quite okay. It gives her character.

Abigail got a bad hair day due to pups but that is recoverable. It eventually grows back and looks great but Shoshi - it is what it is and that's okay with us.

It's supposed to be another scorcher - way too hot for outside things other than early today and later tonight but they say thunderstorms are coming. I love the clean air after a rip roaring storm but Shoshi hates wet feet. She adores the snow but get me out of that wet grass, will ya?

She lifts her feet as if you had placed her in the most disgusting stuff - going oooh but Mommy you know I do not like wet grass. But we persist and we carry her down to make sure she goes.

That's the key - consistency despite work or them liking it or not. She still runs for under the tree where there is dirt but she knows she must get her feet wet. hehehehe

It's Heating Up

Despite the record breaking heat, we had short bursts in the backyard. We couldn't go out for long as it was hot, hot, hot and it isn't safe to do heat for an extended period of time.

I took advantage of the 100+F weather and washed the goldens outside. I was wearing hair (goldens shed) and the old lady can't stand up for a long time and neither can Terra with her hip issues so it was a roll over experience. It's a HUGE job.

I made a joke that washing 1 golden is similar to washing 4 Havanese. That's without drying them and just letting the sun dry them after much brushing and shedding and putting hair in bags.

Aren't you lucky that you chose a Havanese? But the goldens - well they are gentle souls. We just happened to have a 14+ year old lady (a rescue) that probably won't make it to winter and another that has serious hip issues. But still their heart remains. Rather hard to say - it's time with such a heart. <sigh>

Now back to the Havanese... make sure they have plenty of water in this weather. Don't leave them in a car or outside even in the shade. It's just too hot.

Catch Me

Did you know the Havanese are one of the most agile dawgs? They are. It is why I like taking photos of them.

I even invite them over just to click and watch them play. Then they go home exhausted. There is something special about the movement when captured and one day I want to create a collage of the best of the best that I have taken. I still have a long way to go in perfecting my art in capturing the Havanese but when I look, I say, wow - what a great memory that I can Treasure.

The dawgs today ran and ran and ran and bounced all away on and around the pool cover. It makes a thundering sounds that is rather delightful and has managed to desensitized our old lady Golden. She used to be afraid of thunder and now due to the noise sounding so similar, she doesn't react or maybe she is deaf to THAT sound as she seems to hear us alright.

Unfortunately, it is becoming a reality that she is close to the end of her journey. She's rather old for a golden at 14 plus years. But the dawgs love her and her tail wags when she sees pups. It's rather hard.

Help & Possibly Win This Havanese Quilt

This fabulous quilt is a must to have. You should buy tickets. All donations go to the Havanese Rescue in Canada, which I am on the commitee. It is a worthwhile cause.

Not too long ago we had Kooba here. We took some time, got her housetrained, loved and she found a forever home with Jean. Jean remains a dear friend and Kooba adores her and so does her Quito.

If you want to be a part of helping Havanese Rescue, there's a draw in Halifax at the National Specialty for this great quilt.

Check out the details.

Katsura's & Fiona's Daughter Becomes a Champion

We are excited that Katsura and Fiona's daughter obtained her championship at the Markham Show today taking breed again. We thank Val Weston (owner) for loving her and taking amazing care of her. It is obvious that she loves Val and that's what it is all about.

Sure it is nice to get points but when you know they are loved - well that is what it is really about.  

This one loves the ring as much as her father and mother did.

Well today was a low key day. We did play. We enjoyed the sun. We had a non grooming day. Every once in a blue moon I do that so the dawgs have a day off too. Do they appreciate the downtime? Yep but where's the treat that I get with the grooming - huh?

At the Show

Kitzie was at the Markham show and won breed today. She was so excited to see me. That was ever so nice as I haven't seen her in some time.

Now who says they forget about you? If you place an imprint on them by being good and loving them deeply, they seem to always remember.

There have been times that it took a second to click in but they do and then they get so excited. It makes my day.

Charlie and the crew have been playing up a storm. His mom and dad is on their honeymoon and will be back for him soon.

Then it is us and the dogs except those that will be hanging out in new abodes. Crazy life curves - rather sad sometimes.

If you are near Richmond Hill Green - do come to the show and say hello. Plus there are vendors that you will absolutely want to see.

Gliding Through the Air

I tell you, the Havanese is true poetry in motion. When they are having fun, they flow and their bodies go into all sorts of positions of celebrations - don't you think?

Mid Air Capture

There are days when the play is so non-stop that I have no time to upload a slideshow.  This was one of them.

We played 'find the treat' today and no one was unsuccessful. Those noses are working wonders.

More tomorrow. Tonight I am going to cuddle after walks and watch TV. Can you imagine that?

What Are They Up To?

The remaining pups are going outside with the larger crew and Tia is wondering what they are up to. Tia is heading home in the morning. Slowly people are coming back from trips, honeymoons etc. and this house is getting quiet.

I know I said that before but the kids came upstairs this morning and went oh my gad its soooooooo quiet here. Sure they play, they run but with less dogs it is quiet play even when I am playing games.

It's raining yet again. What is it about this weather? I groom and I groom and I groom and then they get wet again. hehehe

The Markham Dog show starts tomorrow. The Havanese are in on Thursday at 10:45ish tomorrow morning but there is only 1 Havanese. On Friday theres only 2 at approx 11:15. On Saturday there is 6 at approx 1:10 and on Sunday there is 5 at approx 1:15. We are going to check out a friend's pup out and Fiona and Kat's pup will be in it on Saturday and Sunday. If you are going, let us know. Love to see you there and k9groomingsupplies is there and he has all the stuff I use.

The show is at:

Richmond Green Sports Complex
1600 Elgin Mills Road East
Richmond Hill, Ontario

Let's Play

We have had some really high energy play going on. I just adore watching it. Even the pups found Charlie fun.

I also managed to put my card into my camera backwards so photos were few today. Don't ask me how I did that but I guess it happens to ME.

This guy gets along with everyone but is smitten with Tia and Abigail. He can walk and walk and walk.

Our Treasure was in a huge play mode today. It must be due to it being ever so quiet.

We practiced 'no bark' and played games and had huge snuggles. There's nothing like being draped in dawgs - I tell ya. With someone who has 7 kids, being down so many dawgs is downright quiet. Maybe it wouldn't be to someone with 1 but we are used to high activity all of the time and then we sleep. I am not sure quiet is what my life is supposed to be.

Now back to the dawgs!

Charlie, Sadie & Bissli

It's getting downright quiet here and we hope those that have gone home are catching some serious zzzs. The dawgs play so much that they get tuckered out.

Despite the rain, we have had some serious playtime. We also had a number of baths and lots of grooming.

I think we are so tuckered out tonight that we may settle into that recliner draped in dawgs and watch TV. Imagine that!

The Mommy Connection

Wet Day - Risa, Wasabi, BissliWhen Bissli eats his dinner he will growl under his breath to tell all others not to sneak his food. This is normal behavior in a pack. It's not an attack. It's a warning - not to - I don't want you to etc. You have to learn the difference. It's okay to say, please do not take mine - you already had yours.

But interesting enough, when Bissli has Momma Wasabi around, he will gladly give up his meal for her. We do not allow it but there is something truly special between them. I find the relationships with the Havanese to be complicated but quite beautiful. If you take the time to really watch and I mean really watch, you will notice special little signs of affection between certain dawgs. The relationships are beautiful. It's hard to imagine that life creates so many changes.

Sadie and Bissli heads out tomorrow. They will be missed greatly. Raylan, Sadie and Bissli play up a storm. It's becoming very quiet around here. The red bear pup thinks he is part of the big guys. He's been bought by someone in England - oh my!

The picnic was fun but I am missing a stick. What does that mean? I am missing a lot of photos with dawgs we brought and dawgs that others brought. I am hoping others can fill those in or I find that stick. Check out the photos that I did manage to find. Sorry - not many of the dawgs we brought - sigh.

I feel as if I am destined to be missing something. How sad...