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! 

Award Photos
Friends & Associates
Blog Archive
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.

Friday
May222026

Rain is Coming

Here is today's gallery.

Inside and out we have play. It is wonderful to be surrounded by dogs that just let loose.

We have our son, daughter-in-law and grandkids coming tomorrow till Tuesday. Pool is not open. Air conditioner is not working so we welcome the cool. LOL

The dogs ran after a bird that was scavenging today in the garden. The bird was persistent. I called them to me and the bird continued. I have no idea what it was after but the dogs were mighty curious.

Thursday
May212026

Moving on Out

Here is a mini gallery.

This was one of our sons that helped Dennis take out the furniture.

It is a cool day. Nathan had medical errands, Dennis had the same. I had the dogs. Dennis was faster than Nathan despite having to use transit. 

I got everyone brushed except Tenshi who will be done shortly as she departs. 

I got to see Murphy and Sherry - today - how nice!

The dogs played. They rested and they had a splendid time.

Alfie was playing up a storm today!

Wednesday
May202026

Oh Boy

Here is the gallery.

Our air conditioner has died. Oh boy - glad its not too hot. It made a screeching noise then died. Are we having fun - NOT!

I will have to take cold showers with the dogs. LOL

Oh well enough whining.

Nava is here - freshly groomed. She is off to Florida. 

The dogs were thrilled that we got the furniture outdoors. 

Dennis has been having breathing difficulties and asthma attacks so he is off to some ear, nose and throat specialist tomorrow down on Jane Street. Nathan has his own appointment with his endocronologist and I get to take care of the dogs. LOL I get the best jobs and I say that honestly. Dennis is stressed as he is an appointment that Nathan can't take him to so he has to do transit as they are in opposite parts of the city and at the same time. What a thing to complain about - taking transit at 7am. 

Seeing they are gone and it is supposed to be cool, I may lay out in the back with the dogs. Sounds lovely to me. 

We have a dog here and mom failed her nuclear test so that is how Nathan's heart issues started. I feel for her. But her dog is having a blast. I hope for a better outcome for her.

Tuesday
May192026

Hot Day

Here is a mini gallery.

This is Alfie. He has been having such a great time. 

It was so hot outside that the dogs enjoyed the air conditioning more. Can you blame them? 

I put a blanket down for Stormy with a bed under it as Saffron was stealing the bed that Stormy lays on and Saffron took that bed over. Now Stormy wants nothing to do with either bed. The games dogs play....

Monday
May182026

Feed Me Human

Here is the gallery.

Our pool is still not open due to a heater issue  and when we talk to them, they said it is a minimum 2 grand charge -could be more or a 6500 for new. Neither tickles my bank account so we are not sure what to do so we sit and mull it over. We shall see.

Dogs are interesting. You start food preparation and they look at you with this adoring eyes as if you forgot to HURRY! Yes, that is what they are saying HURRY human - you are too slow or drop something, will ya?

It is hot out. Our air conditioner works - hooray! We cleaned off the unit then turned it on and it is mighty comfortable inside. The dogs go out and go really you want us to go out in THAT?

Can you blame them - my precious little weather deciding units.

Sunday
May172026

Meeting of the Minds

Here is the gallery.

It is a warm day out. Dogs came, dogs went. We placed out some plants outside and I groomed. We are about to watch From after the blog.

I got an amazon gift card for my birthday - actually 2 bought around the corner. I went to use them today as it took me that long to figure out what I wanted/needed and it said both cards were already redeemed. Did you know amazon has no email contact so I had to find their chat, send them photos of the cards and receipt only to be told that they will investigate and will get back to me in 48 hours or so. Oh well...

Murphy is departing anytime now, Winston already departed and Brodie will be going today, I think.

Dogs were really enjoying the weather. Me, I am toast between plants, grooming, exercise and replanting items. I want to go to sleep.

Hope you are enjoying this fantastic weather.

Saturday
May162026

Messy

Here is the gallery.

My floors are a mess as they drag everything in. About the 6th time, we decided to wait and do it tonight so it is clean for the morning. So laughing.

This is Willow. I cut her short and now I may let her get longer. It all depends. 

I took a photo of Coco the Maltese and created a 3d model that hangs on top of the monitor/ I am not sure how it will come out but I wanted to do something fun for them. Now that I said it, watch, something will go wrong. I remind myself that it is the intention so we hope. 

Dennis is taking some of the plants out. We have relatives coming next weekend. 

Dogs have been lazing outdoors and Any is full out playing now. It took her sometime. Her mom was ill for a long time so she stopped playing. It is interesting how dogs stop playing when one is ill. But now she thinks Stryker is the perfect playmate. I am so glad she is opening up and having fun. She deserves it!

We are going to watch tv in a bit. Relax is the operative word. Hope you get that too!

Friday
May152026

Smitten

Here is the gallery.

Very long day at grooming so bear with me.

Brodie is here and he is so smittened with Yoshi but Yoshi is not sure how to deal with the attraction. It is funny - not bad. He just seems to want to be with her always. In a way, it is funny as he never paid attention to her till today. 

The weather is warm. 

I submitted a ticket for the comments. I have not heard back. <sigh> Apologies...

I am seeing a ton of birds around and the dogs are noticing.

Thursday
May142026

Change

Here is the gallery.

As you can see in the gallery, Beau and Maki really enjoy each other. How nice.

In the photo above, you can see how Nami's coat is changing dramatically. It will be interesting to see how it turns out this time. It does go light to dark and then back again. Will it stay this time? Who knows but its more than usual.

Today I washed Saffron. I combed out Willow. I do my own here and there but the wild ones look a mess immediately. LOL Okay not wild but they like to roll around.

It appears I can do a comment but no one else can so I submitted a ticket. I hope it gets fixed. I miss the interaction but I can put your name on it and post. 

It looks gloomy outdoors. Unlike last year, we haven't had hot days. Our pool is not opem yet so not the end of the world. 

We have had some grand playing today. I am pleased at how much they interact with each other. Nathan just took a few dogs out on a walk. I am pleased for them but really pleased that he is getting some walking in.

Wednesday
May132026

Sprinkles Only

Here is the gallery.

I have to laugh. I combed all dogs even this one above today and look at her. I guess she needs a bath next. LOL

They said 60% chance of rain today but we got a little earlier than just cloudiness and the dogs seem to like it that way.

I made a Longos Shepherd Pie today. Oh was it awful but we don't waste so ate we did - all 3 of us and everyone felt the same about it. So laughing.

Ty arrived and so did Cassie. Ty has a dapper kerchief on him. He still looks mighty handsome despite his old age, Getting a lot of the deep seniors these days. 

I think the comments are fixed. I am not sure.

Dogs were silly crazy outdoors today I guess as it was mighty comfortable for them. 

Dennis has been busy blowing and attempting to clean up the yard. I need to do that too but then again I feel like I have no time. Got to find some...

Tuesday
May122026

Oh the Fun of the Dance

Here is the gallery.

Stryker really knows how to stand on his back legs and manuever all over the place like a dance. 

When I do dog grooming, I usually add 1 here and there to get them done. It was Stryker's day. He wasn't happy but we got him done. Baths take away from his playing. Can you imagine if they showered daily like humans? Oh boy....

We have so much to clean up in the backyard. Pool is not open yet as we have to find the money for a heater. We will figure it out as it is a huge expense.

Dogs had running games with Dennis today. They were in love with the movement. We could learn a thing or two from them.

Monday
May112026

Hanging in Back

Here is a small gallery.

It was cool but not bad - sweatshirt weather for the humans - nothing for the dogs.

Many have departed. More today. The holiday is over and I am actually going to give some baths to my own dogs tomorrow. I do them here and there when grooms are not plentiful, as they were for Mother's Day.

We have the weather that isn't warm but not cold. The dogs keep finding a rabbit out back. I am sure it is our resident rabbit who is here year round. I guess she likes our yard. You would think not with the dogs but she doesn't seem to be afraid of them. I guess she has adjusted. It is okay. They chase. She sometimes run and other times she just stands there and they lose interest. I believe it is a game for the rabbit and the dogs.

Sunday
May102026

Mom's Day Chillin

Here is a gallery - a mini one.

Nathan is chilling outside. I am getting Dennis to help me with the 3d printer. On Saturday it was down all day. It was not a fun day juggling but we got through it. 

Dogs are having fun. 1 son and girlfriend came yesterday. One son came today. 

I got a wonderful Mother's Day present - all edible from Coco's parents. I think Dennis ate most. He just digests as much sweets as he can. LOL I hardly get any but that's okay. He takes care of Coco too.

Think we will have a snuggle thing going on and tv tonight.

Hope all of you are having a great day!

Saturday
May092026

How Does It Happen

Here is a small gallery.

This was Amy washed yesterday, already a mess. LOL 

Atousa brought me a plant and cookies. Deepest appreciation but I was so busy, I couldn't stop doing many dogs. I felt rude but I just finished and only did 1 set of exercise. Plus I had a 3d machine with a z-axis issue that wouldn't print so it has been a frustrating day but that too is fixed, I think. 

Just a truly bad day for me. Busy and frustrating.

Dogs had fun. They even put up with me grooming. 

Tomorrow is Mother's Day. That means anyone with kids and dogs - well you are special and don't let anyone tell you different.

Happy Mother's Day. I may sleep in.

Friday
May082026

Lap Time

Here is the gallery.

It is Nathan's day off and he spent most of it with the dogs having lap time with him. I spent the time grooming 8 dogs. I just finished. Tomorrow I have 5. Sunday is Mother's Day and I rest.

Nathan got me an early Mother's Day gift and forgot to tell me about it. It was a Dairy Queen Banana split and it melted at the front foor. So did his Orange Julius. The best made plans...

I think one of our sons is bringing double layered popcorn from Silver City. 

Dennis was kind enough to make me spaghetti for dinner. I had not eaten today so it was welcome. 

Our son and daughter-in-law and grandkids in North Carolina sent an amazon gift certificate so I could buy filament. Issue was the certificate was on amazon.com and not usable on Amazon.ca. There were items I wanted that are not available in the states and I found that Canada, at least in filament is cheaper here in Canada with each country having its unique items. There were special deals but you had to be a prime member and we are in Canada but that doesn't count in the states. So complicated and that delivery is supposedly on Sunday. Let's see if it arrives. 

Dogs have been absolutely wild and crazy today chasing a rabbit, leaving the squirrels alone and well enjoying the outdoors as Nathan did as well. 

Me, it is already 7pm and tomorrow I start in again with grooming. I earn my days off. I always work very hard to have a day off. 

Tomorrow many go home. Some arrive. I hope no one is matted.  We shall see how tomorrow goes.

Thursday
May072026

Yet Another Rainy Day

Here is the gallery.

It has been raining off and on. 

Ms Bailey is here and here is a huge happy birthday shout out to Pippa. 

In order to have Sunday and Monday off, I am grooming like crazy. That means the next 2 days is crazy busy.

Nathan made this HUGE veal chop and then he took all that he couldn't eat and added it to the meals tonight. OMG it was like magic - gone. We always add chicken and ground beef but we do add steak and veal at times. Sometimes if Nathan cooks up salmon for himself, we add that too. It is just enough to gain their interest and they so appreciate!

Well, I have to get back to grooming. 

Wednesday
May062026

Longish Day

Here is the gallery.

Till the comments gets fixed, it seems I can post so if you have any commednts to add and put your name to it, I will.

I had a very long time grooming yesterday. I had a biy of the same today. Saturday is officially booked for groom fully as Sunday is Mother's Day and I have Mother's Day and Monday off. Don't expect anything beyond popcorm but no chores. LOL I get to snuggle with the dogs.

My email is darlah@potechin.com

I did manage to comb out dogs and wash a couple of mine.

We have some massive snuggles going on between the dogs. They were so miffed at me last night for going up late. Nathan made it upstairs early with a few dogs.

Today was Dennis day off vs. tomorrow. Nathan needs to take Stormy to the vet and he wanted a full day off. Can you blame him?

I can't believe Mother's Day is this week. We have extra dogs Saturday and Sunday. Sounds like people are celebrating. How nice!!!

We watched the last episode of Daredevil and now we have Foundation and From to finish. What are you watching?

Tuesday
May052026

Sorry Very Late Blog

Here is the gallery.

Just finished grooming and have another to do at 7am. So I am very late. We had 17 dogs at the dental clinic and only 1 dog that couldn't be done. 

Not much to say other than I am dead. I need sleep, snuggles with the dogs etc.

Dogs did have a blast today and lots of faces for them to play with.

It has been a day but we do this to help the dogs have pearly whites.

Monday
May042026

Sunny Dazes

Here is the gallery.

The dogs are really enjoying himself. It is sunny outside. It is the day before dental day so we are filling up as many have to drop off the night before. It is always a busy day but fun and yes, I am grooming too.

The dogs are having fun!!!

Sunday
May032026

Nappers

Here is the gallery.

When it is raining, we nap - well not all the time but then we play.

I hear that the comments are not working. I have reported it. Hopefully it gets fixed soon but usually takes them a bit as I am on their old architecture. I don't have the time or money to move it to their new architecture as they want over 2 grand. So, we deal with slow response to bug fixes.

We have Lola and Axel here. Mom brought cookies - yum and a belated birthday present, How nice is that!

The dogs have been playing like crazy the last hour but its rain outdoors so we are playing indoors. 

What a fun bunch we have here.

Dental is on the 5th so if interested, we need to hear. Send mail to nathan@potechin.com