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.

Entries by Darlah (6326)

Sunday
Jan182026

Just Cold

Here is a mini gallery.

Still wettish but oh my cold. They just want to go in. I do not blame them. 

Rusty and Luna went home. Their owner brought us a couple of dishes from a Chinese place near them. The egg rolls and chicken was amazing. Thank you, Ronnie!

Nathan is having a terrible time with afib and I keep imploring him to go back into his cardiologist. Stubborn - stupid, I say. He is resting upstairs now but really he should be downstairs so we can watch him. I didn't feel like doing much exercise today so I guess running up and downstairs is an exercise bonus?

Thank gad for dawgs!

Saturday
Jan172026

Snow Ball Heaven

Juni has been brushed out 4 times and is about to go out after dinner in a few minutes. Dennis will comb her out this time. What can I say - she is a wild child - a Yoshi pup from her 1st litter. I have to laugh at her.

The dogs pass each other and play their hearts out.

Here is a gallery.

I have 2 dogs departing tomorrow - Rusty and Luna but with this snow, I will do them just before departure. They are having a total blast!

Life in the daze of snowing snowball times. Can spring come now?

Got to see Murphy today. We were so excited! I finally got my act together to give Sherry her holiday gift. It is only January but it did take a lot of time to make and that is due to me being new. It is bound to get better. I am so laughing at myself. 

We have warm blankets today as I made them toasty so we could snuggle dog style - with the dogs of course. They love it and so do I. It is an experience like no other and for the 1st time, Juni didn't dive in the snow after Dennis made wild gestures when she was about to. awwwww

Friday
Jan162026

The Snow Continues

Here is the gallery.

The streets are now plowed. We had a plow make a 2 feet ridge at our driveway after Dennis shovelled so this morning, he had to go out and shovel it all away. It was a huge job. Dennis shoulder is genuinely hurting him. 

We have paths thanks to Dennis that the dogs love to run through the paths. That is, except for Juni who dives in the snowbanks and delights in having a total snow face. She has the enthusiaam that I wish I had. It is delightful. 

Lachlan and his brother Ollie is here and so is Marlee. I groomed them earlier and had to groom them again as they too love the snow. All 3 were hanging out. 

Milo, Reggie and Alfie seem to have a bonding experience today that I think is like the boys going to a party and well.... getting the party up a notch. LOL They are having fun! They are not the only ones but seriously we have had new solid relationships starting and the dogs are enjoyiong ther day. Can't get better than that!

I have my 3d printer blobbing up and not holding settings. I am taking a break today. LOL I am glad I got things done for a friend. I have a love/hate with this printer. When it is working, it is fun. When not, I question my sanity. All I can say is rolls of filament disappears as it gets used much faster than I thought. One day, I hope this week it will all come together or it won't. I figure by the time I learn this one, I will be eyeing a larger one - of course!

Thursday
Jan152026

We Have Snow

Here is a small gallery. We are doing paths in the back yard so may get more in soon. But then again - maybe not. Tomorrow is a new day too! Okay, I added new photos.

All I could see is top of heads depending where I was clicking.

We had already shovelled the deck - actually Nathan did and if you look at the table, you will see how deep the snow is. Nathan complained profusely saying too hard. I didn't ask him to but he does in moderation need to exercise. Our streets are not plowed. Dennis, on his day off decided to shovel for his exercise. He exercises every day too. 

Some of the dogs love the deepness, others not. Stryker and Chai and Sage jumped through it like it was a game. Even Ella did! Reggie looked at it as if to say - are you kidding? Jersey, as she was going home was not allowed to go out so she stayed freshly groomed. 

It is a fun snow day and although I have gone out with the dogs, I prefer the warmness of indoors. 

Our replaced hard drive died again so I am tracking the return. $35 dollars to return each time and this is try 3. 

I started an organizer for the tools for my printer and realized it would take 15 hours. I guess that is a job I have to do when I wake up till I go to bed. So, not today. So instead I made S hooks for my grooming sink and those stupid things you put into the holes in your cabinet to support the shelves. They both work. I also made some cable organizers. The things you can make...

I just looked at the dogs all wet. Do I take them out then dry or dry and take them out....

Wednesday
Jan142026

Oh a Day

Here is a mini gallery.

Sorry short blog. I need to exercise and just know the dogs had fun. I taught Dennis how to do basic groom and I am finishing stuff for a friend. Even I was confused at what was what. LOL So....

Tomorrow a better blog. Dennis is off... I will take photos and well we will have fun. 

Tuesday
Jan132026

Changing

Here is the gallery.

This is Juni and Brodie. What a riot they were all day long. They both had a fabulous time. It is wonderful when they make new friends. It is amazing to watch. 

It is back to raining.

My 3d printer is still making things. I am busy duplicating things for a friend in a stronger filament. They say PLA is what you want to use indoors and PETG is what you want if you want to use outdoors or you need strength but PETG is more difficult to print. It has to be dried sufficiently (I have a special dryer) and all the settings are different but so far I have it dialed in. This 3d printer initially is a money pit as you need so much. But we are getting there. Every craft seems to be a money pit. LOL I now have my eye on a Hanboost Creators version or 3d modelling version. I want the one with polishing sanding etc in these tiny joints. I already told Nathan that is what I want for my birthday. Till then, the son bought me hand tools and I am trying to figure that out. I am getting better removing supports etc I made a watch stand with a charger for Dennis and I had to shave the charging part down to fit the charging component. It now fits. Every bit is a learning experience and I am halfway through a class on Udemy. 

I made a chicken sandwich for dinner and the dogs crowded around me and sniffed the air around me. It makes you feel guilty, doesn't it?

It is raining. It is cold but not cold enough for snow - just damp where I put sweatshirts on and when my sweatshirt goes on, I warm blankets for dogs. Even though the temp is up in the house - it feels cold when it is damp. It is just January so what a whiner I am. 

The dogs played a game of run indoors. It is still too icy to do it outside and they probably appreciate it more indoors at this time of the year. I may do a scavenger game for them tomorrow. It is important to keep their minds busy.

Monday
Jan122026

Day Off Woes

Here is the gallery.

Mr. Logan always seems to be sniffing out something. Panda just refused to budge when I tried to coax her outdoors. Give me those warm blankets that you do so well and I will just stay here. I get that!

Dennis has also finished washing all the dog beds and crate pads. We seem to do this every week and it is a big job but nothing like fresh beds, even for humans.

I had a fail using my 3d printer but the difference is, I took the buildplate out and put glue on it and printed again. It was a success. I was redoing some things that need strength with a more strong filament and went out with Nathan to M and Ms to get some quick meals to have in the house when we do not have time to cook and came back to a mess but my nozzle was okay. I celebrate.

Dogs really are feeling the cold. They go out and come back in relatively fast. They just did this after dinner. I guess they are cold too. I know I am. 

It's just a lazy Monday. Dennis asked me if I want to watch tv and for the 1st time I said no. He always asks on my day off and cause I wasted time going out food shopping, I decided not this time. I want to make a dent on a class I paid for that is going to disappear so I need to do it. That is what days off really should be. Unless I go out - it's do this - do that - can you - will you....

Ms Jersey has decided Stryker's place on the couch with Nathan is hers - not his. Stryker went underneath and is now sulking literally. It is tough being the youngest.

Sunday
Jan112026

Comfort

Here is the gallery.

Alfie has this punk rocker thing going on today. I just laugh as it is so bloody cute! This is his new spot on high. He is sitting on a unicorn bed that is mighty comfortable as it is soft and fat. Magic's mom bought this for us way back when from Costco and it is still in excellent shape. The dogs love it. That Alfie got this coveted spot says he is getting mighty comfortable with his place with the rest. He has been playing like a banshee and he gets what he wants in bed placement. Bravo, little man!

We have had dogs come and go. It is Sunday so always lots of changes on Sunday and Monday. The dogs are truly playing and enjoying inside more than outdoors. hmmm Maybe they want to hibernate lik

It wants to snow - was supposed to but other than a few flakes - nothing so far. 

 

Saturday
Jan102026

Icy and Rainy

Here is a mini gallery.

I am still having fits with this service so bear with me. I published mine today and it vanished so I can't duplicate. I was stupid enough not to copy. Won't make that mistake again but let's say it all again in a different way, I suppose.

Coco the Maltese has been quite the ambassador. Stryker who usually plays with everyone decided after the morning breakfast run - not today so Alfie, Malla, Coco and Pepper before she departed had a great fun play session throughout the day. 

We have ice out back - not on the decks but around the pool. We are debating what to do about it as it is lightly raining as I type.

Dennis and I moved my 3d printer after I did filament clips and a watch charger. It is now printing again after a necessary calibration that lasts 26 minutes. It seems each time you move, you must do a full calibration. I am holding my breath to see if it will print a job I just sent to it - more filament clips - necessary so they hold the ends in place so it doesn't unravel. How do I do that? A spool fell apart and the filament unravelled. The things you learn.

Tonight the dogs all got a greenie. They were delighted, as you can imagine. 

Dennis was busy doing all dog beds and crate pads. Our washing machine has been busy. He washed the floors and I didn't say a word but thought to myself, you must be crazy as its supposed to get down to mud and then he will need to wash them tomorrow but I zip my lip. 

I am about to pray this blog published and then the tv goes on so I get dog snuggles in. I try to stay away from the news.

Friday
Jan092026

Oh so Wet Out There

Here is the gallery.

What do you do to get away from having wet feet? You stand on a chair. 

It has been raining off and on. It is warm and everything is melting. The dogs hate the cold, wet feet experience and I get that! Even little Coco says - NO WAY and can you blame jer? She might get wet to her neck line.

It is Nathan's day off. He is spending it in the bedroom reading and relaxing. 

So far I have printed on my 3d printer all day and it is still working. I am doing silly stuff for the machine so for myself but not for myself. LOL This last print is taking 3.5 hours. This particular print is about 9 plus hours as it have 3 parts for 1 and I need 4 of these, just so I can use filament on a small roll that can't be used without an adaptor of sorts. I am in awe that it is still working without issues.

Hazel's mom brought us a cake dessert. I am not sure where she got it but it was amazing. Hazel just departed.

Logan and Panda departed earlier. Lachlan and Marlie are here for the day. Mr. Buddy has come to stay and he dislikes that wet too. Mr Milo seems to have a mix reaction to the wetness. It is a fun house but mostly indoor and Mr. Oliie has had a cut and wash and he would love to go out but he can't as he would ruin the just cleaned look. 

So here we sit. Dennis is making dinner. I am blogging and the dogs are waiting. 

Thursday
Jan082026

Wet as a Rag

Here is the gallery.

The dogs are wet as a soaken rag. It is pathetic as when I say they were wet - they were soaken to the skin. I dried and combed out like I was running a marathon. Juni although I combed her out fully yesyerday night was full of mats so we did it again. It best snow powder snow so she can love me again. Yes, I am laughing. I do think she loves me but grooming her fully 2 days in a row, she started looking at me cross-eyed and who can blame her?

It is Dennis day off. He is downtown - 1st time in years and the subway has no electricity so he sits. I offered an uber and he said no - he will wait. It is his day off so I hope he is having a great meal and enjoying.

We are waiting for a part for the 3d printer and hoping we will fix and actually print something. They say the part is delayed so I am getting used to not using it. LOL Right now all it has become is stress and I hate that but I am not giving up. I have something I really want to print but about to give up on that idea.

I was so busy today I exercised 3 times - short bits and fit it in as I could. I brought a few dogs downstairs but once they started watching me, they wanted out - get me upstairs. It was a funny reaction and it was all the dogs I brought down. I wonder what they were thinking. I must look and act weird when I exercise. It is all I can think it is. Besides Stryker hates that VR headset. I think he thinks I am a martian. He barks at me as if I am a stranger with a wierd head.

It has been a day but we are good. 

Wednesday
Jan072026

Happy 2nd Birthday!

As Newt turns 2 today, I wanted to say thank you for my sweet, naughty, fun, silly boy. And thank you for being there for him during his recent health challenge. It’s so appreciated that you remain committed to the dogs after they leave your home to come to ours. Happy Birthday to his siblings Neesi, Koda, Axel, Daisy ,Harper, and Soda. (And we did that without looking it up!) 

Hello Darlah and Nathan 

Daisy is two today and we just wanted to thank you again for bringing her into our family. She’s the best dog! She is the most cuddly little pup. She loves to help tuck my son in at night and stay with him until he falls asleep. She is the most social little pup, excited to go for a walk so she can greet each neighbour.  She loves all forms of weather but is not too happy with these puddles of freezing rain. She is quiet and content at home but does enjoy a game of hide and go seek with us each night.

Happy birthday to the rest of the litter !

Wednesday
Jan072026

Meltdown

Here is the gallery.

With the recent political news, I hope this blog gives you a distraction. We are experiencing snow falling off the gazebo only to fall on an unsuspecting dog as if to say WHAT!! That is what happened today. I think she thought it came from the sky. Dennis quickly removed it all so no more slide downs. It is okay. Ella is okay. It happened to Ella - not a visiting dog. That was our excitement for the day.

Ellie and Coco was here for their play and grooming. Ellie never goes to bed for a nap with Nathan but Coco does so I made sure I did her 1st so she could nap. LOL It is funny which dogs love napping and which say - not today!

Panda and her pal in life Logan are back enjoying warm blankets after they go outside. I think they are ones that enjoy it immensely. 

Last night the dogs took the covers off me and I woke up shivering. I think they wanted the blankets for themselves.

We remain hibernating but I do go out with the dogs at times to get fresh air. Dennis and Nathan go out much more than me. I hate winter. As they say - it is what it is.

Tuesday
Jan062026

Oh This Weather

Here is the gallery.

With this freezing rain they went out between but oh boy snowballs galore on the legs. I am using a plastic slicker for time and it is working. using a metal one will ruin the hair. What a winter this is.

Most of the dogs have departed and a few more are coming this month. 

I am making progress with the 3d printer. It is not there yet but it is now unclogged but printing a stringing mess and that is actually progress. Each day I read and learn and play. It is a process. I have decided to take a udemy course - now to find the time as I still need to exercise for sanity sake. It has been over a year - started December 24, 2024 and I have not missed a day. It is paying off as my resting rate is 55 down from 80. So, it is more than weight but improving my health. 

Dogs were silly crazy today. That last night outside though brings them to a bed that they make wet from the snow. I try to wrap myself in dryness but they like to be close. The crazy issues of a dog parent.

Monday
Jan052026

Oh the Holiday End

Here is a mini gallery.

It was supposed to be my day off but it isn't. I had dogs to wash and cut so we will try tomorrow. Still can't get my 3d printer up and working. I may forget about it and put it in a closet - how I feel. Not today - is my mantra.

This is not a political environment but I no longer feel any allegience to the United States under the influence of Trump. What a crying shame and now there is talk all over reddit, X, bluesky etc about him screaming he is going to invade Greenland, Mexico, Cuba and yes Canada. Jake Broe says this is how world wars begin under a madman that precipitates it. 

Enough politics - just had to get my stress level under control. Sometimes it helps to vent. Not today but trying.

Ollie and Petey's momma was able to get out of Aruba so they are picking the dogs up tonight or tomorrow morning. I can't let them out as we have that snowball snow out there. 

Dogs act differently here than at home, at times. Trying to grasp why as Ollie at home doesn't like outside and here he LOVES it. He can't wait to get outside. Go figure... They both enjoy themselves so. 

I find dogs fascinating. It seems they like to fool us, at times or maybe we put our own perception and skew reality. Who knows.

I am back to bare feet at night, during the day. I need socks badly and Cinnamon thinks they are hers to destroy. Not sure what got her into this mode but if I don't have them on, I can't lose anymore. Not the way to proceed but hey short term it is a solution.

It was a dog day - they have smiled all day. Me - well we won't talk about that but it is 2026.

Sunday
Jan042026

Oh the Cold of It

Here is the gallery.

Juni is here - the one in the front who happens to be a Yoshi pup from her 1st litter. Jax is in the back. Jax departs tonight. 

It is so cold out there that Dennis uses an ice pick to pick up poop. He is so diligent about it that I wonder why you see anything when it comes spring. 

Bailey was here for a groom and is salivating about dinner. Not sure what she eats at home but she thinks steak suits her just fine. We do feed the dogs well. I guess we care more about the dogs than the money, it seems. LOL

Brodie has been doing the zoomies today - like wild and crazy zoomies. He got everyone joining in with his enthusiasm and you could tell he was proud of himself. A little cuddle, a run and the world is a great place. 

Now they eat with gusto. 

I need more socks. I walk around with barefeet and always find myself freezing but Hallie has an issue. I put socks on at night to stay warm and wake up to go to the bathroom as Hallie is eating my socks off me as I sleep. I am so tired lately that I don't even realize it till I realize and then it is too late. She does this with underwear too. It is mind boggling as no matter how much I chastise her, she does this till I am left with chunks out of my socks or no socks. I suppose I should not wear socks so I have some left and the underwear is now in a closed bedroom closet as that is ridiculous.

Just some insight into our challenges - well mine.

Dogs are having fun. Many have departed. Those that remain are having a blast.

Last of those flying out of Aruba has now made it home or to the states. Crazy world we live in - rather scary. 

We surround ourselves with dogs so it helps to make that reality fade, to a point.

Hope you are enjoying your Sunday - 1st of the year!

Saturday
Jan032026

Brr 

Here is a mini gallery.

There is not many photos today as I have a ton of grooming. I am taking a break to update the blog then back to it.

I am going to watch more Landman while grooming as Dennis finds it too soap operish for him - whatever that is.

We still have a few going home. A few families that made it out of Aruba and a few that can't get out due to Venezuela. All planes are halted, at the moment. Makes planning for grooming hard but that is nothing compared to being stuck somewhere. Poor people. 

The dogs will be fine. They like it here - lol

Dogs today are finding it cold. Just more toasty indoors. I get that. I went out with them and shook despite a heavy coat. What a cold winter.

Friday
Jan022026

Warmer Inside

Here is the gallery.

It is warmer inside. It just is 4 months away from warmth. I am counting on it. LOL

The dogs that remain are having a blast. 

We have class tonight. It is Nathan's day off and let's see he went for blood tests at Lifelabs, food shopped. Now he has class. That about sums up days off around here.

Dennis doesn't like Landman so it is me alone that will watch it. I can do it while grooming too on the ipad. I have this retractable arm that holds the ipad. I am adjusting to the new headphones that are actually nice as I take the headphones off my head and it stops whatever I am listening to at that moment. I still hate the sound but have to find time to figure out perfecting the sound. For now, I tolerate.

Dogs didn't want to stay outdoors too much. They realize it is cold - me too. I have been playing with them a great deal today. They have had a ton of fun. 

Still trying to figure out the 3d printer. I did a factory reset on it and send out a test. Eventually I will learn how to fix this or that. I guess I was lucky to print out as a much as I have without much of an issue. 3d printers are not for the faint of heart. You really must learn the machine. Oh well - eventually I will. 

Someone gave us these treats for the dogs - believe it was Lola the puppy and the dogs loved them. Of course Stryker is miffed as he doesn't get dinner on class night. He looks at us as if we are mean.

Thursday
Jan012026

New Year's Day

Here is the gallery.

It is still mighty cold almost bitter cold out so short play sessions outside and they know the drill again. If this human or Dennis and/or Nathan is cold - well it is time to come in. Better to go out many times vs freezing your ahem off, I say.

I made it till midnight and so did the dogs but not Dennis or Nathan. 

I groomed. Dogs departed and I am fighting with my 3d printer as it is giving me fits so taking a break. It can be quite challenging to get proper prints and you do silly things - oh well. A break is a good thing. I had things planned after doing something for someone else then it said to me - no. I laugh - technology. I will try more things tomorrow to find a solution. 

I am trying to get Dennis to watch a show - episode 1 so we can watch it together. Nathan watches Korean tv and AI junk so he is alone with that. LOL Dogs don't care so some keep him company.

Charlie, Jax and Barney departs tomorrow. The house is emptying out. We miss them when they go. 

Can't believe it is 2026. How did that happen?

Wednesday
Dec312025

Happy New Year's Eve

Here is a small gallery.

It remains cold. Dogs go in and out but do not stay outside long except dogs like Chai, Rain and Stryker. Maybe they embrace this winter as they should. I found myself going out back and dealing with ice. I was nervous. Dennis walks out there like nothing and so do the dogs. Me, I hold on to everything. I am certainly a woose as I get older.

Still, I ran around like a fool inside with the dogs. I got in extra exercise and had fun.

I am working on creating a watch stand that I can insert my charger in. It is printing now but will need to be assembled. I hope it comes out. I printed it in a deep metallic blue and bronze gold. It still prints away till 8pmish. 

Many dogs were groomed and departed. The last to go will be Coco the maltese. She has been a real hoot this trip. She gets everyone paying attention to her and they all do. 

Tonight Nathan will go to bed at 930pm and I will attempt to stay up. I never make it. I may be awake at midnight but certainly in bed. The dogs just don't get this craziness. I am not sure I do.

But here is to a sensation 2026 to everyone!! Stay safe, healthy and smile - and if so inclined dance like you mean it and you soon will!