Winter Wonderland

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Ollie and Siopao had a huge play session but they were hardly one of the only ones. Jersey and Winston who both departed today also played their heads off. Still they all played at various times but who carries a camera around?

Mia who is 16.5 years old ate 2 full meals today and licked her bowl clean. When dogs get old, they tend to eat less like us - well some of us. I could eat all day if it was chocolate or great tasting food. LOL 

Ms Coco didn't want to be out in the snow. She is a bit miffed that Mia is trying to monopolize Nathan's time so she gets creative about it. That gal is smart! Hazel has learned by watching Coco. Socks - well he just looks as if to say REALLY!

Teddy and Charlie depart tomorrow and have they made new pals. Jax and Nori depart too and Nori came completely out of her shell. Ollie and Petey have been playing outside so much that they are wet rags way too often. It is a riot!

Kevin - why do you want everyone else's bowls. I so laugh... Benjy too.... ah it is dinner time and can I have yours too? Simba - what can we say about Simba - a puppy who just thinks life is all about having fun. You should have seen Simba, Stryker, Winston and Quinn together this week. It was hysterical. Skylar is like a flower blooming. She doesn't let the weather bother her and demands her warm blankets after an outing as I always do when it is snowy or wet out there.

Oh and Big Coco think snow angels are the best. She thinks someone gave her a holiday present called snow. 

I could go on but I would bore you. 

I will say I won't be revealing names but last night someone grabbed the end of the toilet paper and ran with it till it was empty. I was brushing my teeth. I turned around and like a run that I was imagining was at the speed of light, the toilet paper was empty and a dog smiling from ear to ear was at the other end. 

This is some of the fun we deal with daily and I do have my sense of humour as it is plain fun to see this in action. 

Christmas

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This is Winston and Hazel playing up a storm.

Kitty, Jim and Derek wanted to wish everyone at Talemaker a very Merry Christmas and a Happy Healthy New Year. 

Merry Christmas, Nathan and Darlah!

Chester is doing amazing, growing like crazy and having a blast with the whole family. Here is his first time in the snow, his Christmas Eve bath, and a pose in front of the tree. He is such a blessing to our family.

We hope you have a wonderful Christmas and wish you all the best in the New Year!

Blessings.

Chester and the MacDonald family

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The dogs here are having a great time. Nathan made chicken and fed them warm dinner of freshly cooked chicken and steak for those that can't have chicken. They all ate it with gusto.

There has been a tremendous amount of play.

I added 2 christmas photos to the blog that we received. Hope you enjoy!!

Holiday Week

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Tobi - a Hallie pup came to join us just for the day while his family are doing festivities tonight for Christmas eve. He is so excited to be here and thoroughly pleased with having so many to play with. 

We have an amazingly fun house today. The dogs are so excited.

Quinn departed today and I will tell you waggy tail to see his mom. You will also see him in the gallery playing with Nathan jumping up and down with excitement. He was a joy to have here. We so enjoyed him.

Sherry and I exchange gifts for the holiday so I am busy making her things she wants with my 3d printer and she is buying me a 4 pack of filament. Filament is what is used and melted down to create.  I just started and 30 minutes later the 1st may be done. I made a can holder for the fridge for Dennis. That took 11 hours. LOL No wonder why some people have several printers as some of this stuff takes forever but fun to watch. I really didn't want a 3d printer. I actually wanted an engraver but here I am learning and actually having fun. I have a long way to go but I am learning. I have already gone through a spool of filament already and I suspect many more will end up empty. 

We are going to watch the last Pluribus tonight. 

Looks like Jersey departs tomorrow and Gucci arrives.

I have done 365 days of exercise without missing a day. Today was a year. I am shocked that I stuck with it this long and it has been this long since I started. It helps me manage stress and gets me healthy so I can be all I can be for Nathan, the dogs, our kids and every one else that I am fond of. 

It is icy out there. We have a ton of that dog safe out in front to stop anyone from slipping. I wish they sold this stuff in a huge bucket full. Maybe they do and I just don't know where to get it.

The dogs are about to eat and Nathan just made them steak to add into their food. I wonder why he didn't make me one. LOL

Happy Holiday season everyone!

Oh the Wet Play

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We had a big meltdown where it appeared like rain coming off the gazebos. The dogs really were wetter than wet. Still, fun was had as you can see in this photo. 

It was Dennis day off so I was the photo taker. Will we have snow this week? They say maybe rain. LOL

We had a good time watching Avatar while Dennis held down the fort. You really should see it if it is your type of movie. 

Today we simply chilled and played.

Tomorrow Quinn gets a groom - boy he needs it and he will depart to go home for the holidays. He truly had a great time. 

We have a really fun house, at the moment according to the dogs!

Holiday Fun

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Yes, we have the pups playing but we also have a number of adult visitors enjoying each other. 

Ms Coco the maltese demanded to nap with Nathan today. When he invited the pups, she went what about me. He smiled and off she traipsed off to nap with Nathan. We love the Coco.

I also want to say thank you to her parents for such a lovely huge basket. Dennis said look at what I can make and pasta too! lol He so loves being able to create.

Dennis took Saipoa, Dimsum and Kevin last night to his bedroom as he simply wanted some dogs with him. 

Tenshi's family also gave the dog's a real treat too - how nice is that? They will all have a treat tonight!

The dogs are truly having an outstanding time. The pups - well they always have the fun in them. 

Dogs are chilling or playing or napping depending on the time of the day and how much they played. 

It is cold out but we have an amazingly fun house, at the moment. It is like they were invited to a party and everyone truly and genuinely likes each other. 

Tonight Nathan and I are heading to Avatar on the movie screen. It is a very rare treat. It is a 3 hour movie so Dennis will be holding down the fort. Looking forward to getting out of the house before the after Xmas crew arrives.

Perfect Balance in Play

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I watch Quinn with fascination. He thought he could climb into the dishwasher and Winston was going to join him. Stryker and Simba had no desire. Quinn plays and stands for the longest time standing perfectly balanced on his 2 back feet. Not since Fiona have I seen a dog that can do that. 

Everyone slept till 7am today. They also had a long nap with Nathan this afternoon. The pups were out cold. 

We had visitors come and go. Some remained that arrived today. It is almost Christmas. People look for warmer places or heading to families. Our fun is dogs and people coming to drop off and pickup - good conversations and dogs that are excited. 

I want to thank Ronnie for the lovely gifts for Dennis, Nathan and I. It was great to see you and hear such great news. Latkes yum!!

Even though it was and is ever so cold out, the dogs still enjoyed outside. Me, not so much. We had wind and our back door blew open as someone forgot to lock it and I woke up to a mighty freezing house. We always lock the doors so this was unusual. No one is taking credit for it. Imagine that. I was busy grooming and I do the dishes - not take the dogs out last at night. So, I know it wasn't me. We could have had critters come in - geez. We were upstairs sleeping and actually toasty warm. The kitchen though.... snow would have survived in it. Guess who will be checking the door tonight? I can guarantee it will be locked every night. You can count on it. I am going to hate seeing the bill for last night. 

That was our fu

Fun Day Today

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We have a ton of fun with a house full of pups. 

Want to say thank you to Atoosa and her husband for the present of nuts and thank you to Kathy for the cookies that are almost all gone. Plus the gift from Ellie's family - special! Tonight a gift from Malla's mom - deepest appreciation!

Quinn is here having a total blast. Atoosa and her husband brought Kandoo and Nafas over to play with the pups. Winston will join the fun shortly. 

I had a very full day of grooming so I missed some of it and some of it I clicked and enjoyed. I even shortened my exercise just so I could participate. I have my priorities. We also have a pup called Simba who is from Paula here. So it is a fun silly house. We had Malla, Gus, Ellie, Pepper, Skylar, Mia, Maurey, Jersey, Ty, Petey and Ollie here. Some were here for the day and grooming (I had a ton of groomings - same tomorrow - always before Christmas) so they have or will depart later tonight or shortly.

The dog play has been amazing. You can't help but laugh - a real belly laugh too.

I am doing a print that takes 11 hours. I used up my black - good thing I had another as it was midstream. I learned how to reload and continue. I still have 4 hours to go. LOL It is the longest one I have done. I am learning. How could I print so much when I used other colours and run out of black. Last night while I slept I did an orchid plant pot that was really well designed. The fun you can have. It is dangerous but I pay little to politics so that's a positive. 

Dennis computer won't turn on so he is depressed and computer parts as of late are really expensive. I told him he will figure it out - hopefully.

Can you imagine so many pups in bed tonight? Going to be fun!

Cold and Windy

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It is so windy Nathan is thinking of not going to class. He has not decided. All I know is even the dogs think it is cold out there and it is. I am sitting with wet hair and thought I was going. Maybe I should dry it anyways.

We have had some cancellations - dogs sick, emergency in family etc. So, if you need to get shopping done or need a break, we are here. We suddenly have room.

I am tired tonight. Think I feel like my brain needs a break. 

The dogs are really a great cohesive group here. Sometimes it takes someone a day to warm up especially if they haven't been socoalized but they always do. They realize the friends they make brings a ton of fun. Our dogs tend to welcome quite nicely and enjoy the new fresh faces and the old friends they haven't seen for a bit.

Hope you have everything done for the holidays. That mad rush can be - well madness.

Wet Stuff

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Oakley is going home tonight but until tonight, Benjy and Oakley are playing up a storm. 

It is soaking wet. I groomed a bunch of dogs today and took them outside and one by one I had to redry. It is like a lake effect out there. Sure we still have some snow out there but it is sopping wet and they do get soaked. 

Ollie was drenched but still he persisted wanting to play outdoors. 

Some dogs have arrived. Others will come within the week. It will be an amazingly fun house and I need it. I am still waking up to no barking for breakfast from one lost. I have to get past it.

I am running the halls with the dogs today while Nathan napped with some of the dogs. They LOVED LOVED LOVED it. Dennis has his day off so I am the entertainment - not shared and Nathan is the cuddle guy.

Lots of new relationships and evolving with the dogs. It is so nice!! 

Hope everyone has finished their shopping. Nathan says it is crazy busy out there.

Relationships

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As it is holiday time, I am grooming till now. So expect me to be late daily - sorry. 

This is Yoshi and her baby having a delightful time with her. Yoshi is actually sulking cause she is gone. This was her 1st from her crew so that is understandable. She lit up when she arrived and played with her over and over till they both fell deeply asleep at night. It was endearing and it was wonderful that she had this treat.

Axel, her new big canine brother appears to be delighted with her too. 

Alfie also had his sister Bailey here today and he was absolutely delighted.

It was a fun filled day with relationships. 

I am also having fun with the 3d printer. Let's see I made a cup with paw prints, a build plate holder, a reindeer, dessicant holders, all sorts of organization thingies. So far so good. This could be useful. I am sure I forgot stuff. I can groom and watch the progress on my phone. Instead of politics, I am watching 3d youtube things while I groom to educate myself. See the rabbit hole a new t oy brings to your life?

It is Dennis day off tomorrow so that makes me extra busy. We have 3 dogs departing - Oakley, Panda and Logan. All need to be bathed and groomed. We had dogs arrive today and everyone is having a grand time but I see not everyone is in the gallery. Blame Dennis - he was the camera taker today. 

We got chocolates today but Nathan can't remember who gave them to us. Half the box is gone - so thank you!

I think tonight the dogs, Nathan and I will roll into bed and not even look at the ipad. 

Puppies Galore

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We were blessed to have a Nami pup Luna come for a groom and play session. She had a blast and we have a Yoshi pup, Lola here overnight. Stryker is exhausted. Yoshi and Nami was in heaven and Hallie came out to play too and Nami was getting a tad jealous but Hallie ignored her and focused on the pup. That is the 1st time I saw Nami act jealous.

I had a lot of groomings today and I am making things on the 3d printer. So far everything has come out. The last think I printed took 2 hours. LOL

Sorry I am so late but we did have massive fun as you will see in the gallery. 

Happy 7th & More

Here is the gallery of today and Charlie and his birthday.

Please could u wish our little boy Charlie a very happy 7th birthday. I can’t believe he is already 7. We love him so so much and thank you both for bringing him into our lives. Happy birthday my darling boy. 🎉🎉🎉
Sue

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I did a quick and dirty hat out of cardstock, added a 7, attached a string for a tie to keep it on and took a photo. It was the best I could do. Charlie is staying with us and I didn't have a hat so I tried to be creative as Nathan didn't want to go out and drive in this snow. He was actually a good boy as you will see in the gallery.

Everyone is having a great time as you will see in the gallery. Snow is wet so we had soaking dogs but I dried them and did some warm blankets getting to them one at a time. They do appreciate the warm blankets.

This is also the 2nd night of Hannukah. May your candles shine bright. For thgose that celebrate Christmas, may your shopping go easily. Only 9 days till Christmas eve

Oh the Relationships

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Alfie is making new relationships and having a great time. I never saw him so happy and it makes me feel good.

Winston, Brodie, Logan and Panda has departed. Sadie arrived and is making new friends. She is here overnight.

We are about to watch The Jackal and have dogs all over us. It sounds glorious as it really is. 

Nothing like feeling loved!

Warmer Inside

Gallery is here.

I have to say it is warmer indoors. I usually walk around in barefeet even in the winter. I have socks on and my feet feel cold but it is warm indoors. The dogs go out and then come right back in. 

You see we have an opossum in our yard and the dogs like to chase it. I hear they are beneficial keeping bugs, ticks etc out of your yard and they do not carry rabies as their body temp is too low but they look like oversized rats. I shouldn't be so judgemental but I feel like I live in the country vs being in the suburbs. 

They go out to look for it then it is too cold so they come back in quickly. Is this going to be what winter is this year? Just bloody cold.

Everyone is playing. Vivi was here - thank you for the chocolates - truly. Fudge will depart tonight and so will Logan and Panda.

I am still playing procrastination with the 3d printer - unlike me. I want to watch tv and hibernate.

Dennis is busy doing laundry. I am not participating. I have done enough laundry so I will let himn do it. He washes everything after pups depart and then stores it away. 

Tomorrow is the start of Chanukah and 10 days later Christmas eve. Dogs will come and we have a ton of fun when they do. I love watching dog relationships develop. 

Winston - the puppy is busy playing with all but he so loves Stryker.  Nafas and Stryker was in class last night and Nafas hugs Stryker in an endearing way. What a cutie patootie. It is nice to see the pups and/or hear about them. I do so miss them!

Cold Is the Operative Word

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Everyone seems to want to play with Winston and he enjoys playing with everyone including old Daisy that just departed. Stryker is over the moon happy he is here. Although the adults all cater to Stryker, he enjoys puppy play and that is what he gets with Winston and I imagine Winston feels the same. They are certainly playing their every moment awake time out. 

It is too damp cold but the dogs still go out and then quickly in.

I am struggling getting a part installed on my 3d printer. I look at directions and procrastinate. Maybe tomorrow - not today.

Young Daisy, old Daisy departed. Brodie arrived. Fudge arrived for an overnight and grooming. I have cut him dowm partially - tomorrow he will get finished. Mr. Ollie is having a great time and Lola and Ollie depart tonight.

The dogs have had a tremendous amount of fun. I did not do the chase game today and Dennis thinks he got food poisoning but I am not sure. I ate the same...

Stryker has class tonight. Nathan really wants me to go. I have not been once. 

Update on Friday, December 12, 2025 at 9:36PM by Darlah

Want to say thank you to Jamie and Charlotte's mom for the wonderful nuts. They sure do clean out your sinuses. LOL Never had honey nuts with cayenne pepper before.  Dennis has mostly gone through them all. Appreciate!!

Just That Look

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Dogs do not want to go out for a long time. So, I attempted to take a few photos indoors. Alfie and Nava sniffed the air and said - I do not think so and turned around to use the pads. I put on my coat (Nathan was napping) and went oh now I get what Nava and Alfie is saying. It feels damp cold. 

Nathan had to take Stryker in for his rabies. So, I was watching everyone. As I am short on exercise today due to Nathan's nap and vet visit, I started doing the run game inside sliding every which way and turning around on a dime and then I applauded myself for getting through that and the dogs wanted MORE! By the time, I was done, my watch said my heart rate was up and I added 20 minutes to my exercise. I had enough but the dogs did not. They were disapointed that I stopped. Every time I think I am in great shape physically, reality enlightens me but we will try again and maybe by spring, I can last a half hour - which was my intention.

It is Dennis day off so it has been me and the dogs.

Tonight we have Winston the puppy coming. Yoshi has been spending much time with Stryker schooling him. 

That White Stuff

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Nathan and I were out in the snow with the dogs. Some of it was too deep for Stryker as he sunk in up to his neck. He said the hey with that and went up to the door to come in. Oh, he likes the snow but he doesn't like sinking in.

Our son Jon came by and shovelled the front. Dennis says it will melt so why do the back. I am laughing. 

Everyone on pickup is late as the driving was not fun but I hear it is better now. We do have water in the front and I am afraid it will be ice. 

Stryker is going for his rabies tomorrow. That is it till the 1 year boosters.

Looking forward to visiting dogs around Christmas and Chanukah. Hope it snows then too!

Out in Snow

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It is ever so cold out so the dogs are not out for a long period of time.

Jamie and Charlotte has departed. Maui has departed. 

We do have a ton of play inside but not out. They want to go out and come back in. 

We are hearing from the puppy owners. It is truly nice to hear how they are.

Still White Out There

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It is really cold out there so the dogs go out for short bits. 

We saw birds in the trees. 

It is a quiet house but we do have Winston and Quinn coming this month. Stryker will be very happy. He did look for the pups and so did Yoshi but Yoshi knows and she is getting treated extra special. She is such a grand dog. 

We have a few visitors here. Logan, Panda and Tuppy are departing tonight and so is Magic. It is the lull before the holidays.

I was hoping I could play with my 3d printer but I am still waiting for a part and support appears to be lousy. So maybe next week on my day off. We shall see.

Instead I am watching a show on Netflix called "the Beast in Me". It is a 8 series and I am on 6 and almost finished. What are you watching?

Dennis got my food sealer working. He is so good. The food just stays fresher and we do bag a lot especially for the dogs. 

Oh the White of It

Snow gallery including with the puppy Jasper.

Even the puppy Jasper enjoyed the experience. He had a blast and so did Stryker and the rest of the dogs. 

It was as if a slice of heaven bestowed upon them. We shall see what the rest of the day brings. Jasper departs at 11ish.

Here is Jasper's 1st snow experience. We couldn't stop it. We opened the door and he ran out with the rest. He enjoys it immensely!