Wednesday, February 17, 2010

We Moved to a New Place

UPDATE: WE are having beautiful pups. Visit us at the new place.Our Wasabi pictured here and our Abigail are due approximately June 20th.

This place won't be updated any longer but we will leave this place up so you can find us in case you forget to save us as one of your favorites.

Click here http://talemakerhavanese.com/ and you will see our new site. You will see everything that was here and all the new stuff on our new blogs - Talemaker Puppies: Abigail, All About Our Dogs, Talemaker Puppies: Truffie and Talemaker Puppy: Wasabi.

Hope to see you in our new place!

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Gestation Period: Havanese

The gestation period for dogs is typically between 58 to 68 days from the day of ovulation, with most pregnant bitches giving birth on or around the 63rd day.

If you listen to Myra Savant, it is ALWAYS on day 63 from the date of ovulation.

Many breeders use the day of the first witnessed “knot” to determine when they can expect puppies. This is typically a good “rule of thumb”, however, a bitch may not ovulate on the first day she stands for a male, causing the puppies to arrive later than the date calculated.



If she ties throughout the heat, it may make for a tricky calculation on due dates.



Remember, a dog’s sperm is able to survive for up to seven day in the bitch’s oviduct. The only accurate way of predicting the due date of a litter is to use progesterone testing to determine the exact time of ovulation and adding 63 days to that date.

Did we do progesterone testing? NO. We usually do not do it unless we are using a dog far away. But this time around, it was over the holiday and a tad difficult.

An ultrasound may be used to confirm pregnancy as early as 25 days (it is at this point in the pregnancy when the embryonic heart is detectable). However, it is difficult, if not impossible, to accurately count the number of puppies using this method. On or about the 45th day, the skeletal system of the unborn puppies will begin to be developed enough to be visible by radiograph (x-ray).

Our x-ray is scheduled for late this month. Pups coming early March.

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Canine Maternal Behavior

A pregnant canine mom will prepare a nest and become "broody" days before she is about to give birth. The mothering feelings are the result of powerful hormones, such as progesterone, released from the ovaries, and prolactin, released from the anterior pituitary gland.

This hormonal drive is so powerful that some non-pregnant bitches engage in the nesting behavior during what is called a false pregnancy. In such cases, non-pregnant bitches will lactate (produce milk) and some will gather stuffed toys into a designated nesting area to fulfill a basic biological need. This is why we do an ultrasound to confirm pregnancy and an x-ray at the end to confirm how many and that none are of a size that a c-section is required.

(If you are looking for the pregnancy calendar, look at the message below this one.)

Not all non-pregnant bitches will engage in false pregnancy behaviors.

At term, pregnant bitches pace anxiously and lick themselves as they prepare for the big event. Not all breeders are able to be with their moms during this stage but we are at Talemaker Havanese, from beginning to all the way through raising the little ones. But it's not just about the pups but the moms too. They need to feel 'special' as they are in their miracle of life role.

With Fiona, she didn't want to leave our side when it was time and tried to nest in our bed right up against me. I had taken her temperature and saw that it dropped so we knew it was soon. So, I told Nathan to get some sleep and I would wake him when it was close. As we have had long nights without pups, we feel it is imperative for one of us to sleep so we are each fresh at critical stages. But Fiona didn't let Daddy sleep too long and we were soon waking him up as neither of us are willing to miss the event. It's never something you are complacent with.

Once the pups are born, the mom's life is changed as dramatically as if a switch has been thrown. She thinks constantly about her pups and their welfare, and devotes every waking minute to their care often making a mad dash only after she knows the pups are safe to go out and do her business and get back to them in an urgent manner. Here is where trust in us humans come into play and is a must.

Mom must be fed well with a calcium rich diet to avoid eclampsia. She is also feeding many and her food intake is increased beyond what it was before she whelped.

Pups are born blind, deaf and helpless. Havanese are only about 3, 4 5 or 6 ounces at birth. It is a stage where they need us to sit vigil and we do taking turns. At this stage of their lives, just about the only things the pups know how to do are to suckle and sleep, which they do alternatively. At times you have to help the pups find their way to the nipples and latch on. You have to make sure mom doesn't lay on them by accident or one doesn't squirm around the back of her missing a feeding. Without their mother's undivided attention, they would undoubtedly perish and we help the mom along giving her special moments, grooming her in sight of the pups. Massaging and caressing her. She needs to know she counts. We find by making sure mom is loved and cared for, it makes her job with the pups easier. Her state of mind is important. Her job is to provide them with food (milk), to keep them warm, and to protect them from danger. Even first time mothers seem to know what to do though some may need guidance. So the "know how" seems to be innate though there is little doubt that moms mothering skills improve with experience. But some like Fiona take to it as if this is what they were meant to do all their lives. It is amazing to watch such an experience.

The brain center that coordinates maternal behavior is the hypothalamus, which communicates with the pituitary gland. The sight, smell and touch of the nursing pup activates the release of various hormones from the pituitary gland, including two hormones instrumental in the propagation of maternal behavior, oxytocin and prolactin. Oxytocin is responsible for expulsion of the afterbirth, milk letdown, and the extremely close bond that develops between the bitch and her litter. Prolactin controls milk production and fosters the feeling of maternal protectiveness. Because moms are primed and programmed in this way, they will carefully guard their pups, keeping them warm and protecting them against danger, while feeding and nourishing them so they develop relative and then complete independence. The latter is the goal and end point of successful maternal behavior.

The First 10 Days

Sometimes known as the neonatal period, this is the postnatal stage at which pups are most needy and require the most attention. During this period, they are harbored and nursed by ever-attendant mothers who actively provide all the necessary attentions. One of these attentions is that of grooming the pups. Grooming stimulates and cleans the pups but also promotes bonding and more rapid maturation of their nervous systems. It is also the way in which the bitch guides her pups to the safety of her warm underbelly. For the first three weeks of the pup's life, the bitch's grooming of pups' anogenital region is also useful to promote the elimination of urine and feces. The bitch ingests the pup's solid waste to keep the nest clean and free of telltale odors and disease. Devouring the placenta and fetal membranes is a sanitization duty that the bitch performs immediately after giving birth, and she does this quickly. Recycling the afterbirth in this way is biologically efficient and removes evidence of the birthing from the sensory scope of wandering predators. It also offers many nutrients. We often allow ours to eat a few. Eating all may upset their stomach. But it does stain the hair and some would prefer to avoid such. For us we do everything to ensure the mom and pups are healthy and looks for all those pretty pictures you see are secondary.

The Transitional Period

Following the neonatal period, the pups' eyes open and their ear canals become patent, allowing them to fully imbibe the wonders of the outside world for the first time. During this time of rapid learning, which occurs between the second and third week of life, the bitch's attention on her pups remains undivided.

Socialization Period

The socialization period of a pup's life spans from the third to the twelfth week. From week three to week six, pups become progressively more active and exploratory and their mother's attention shifts from one of simply feeding and watching over them to one of policing struggles and herding wandering pups to within a safe radius. Pups become progressively more active and exploratory and more independent. The mom will encourage independence toward the end of this period by discouraging clingy behavior and punishing some incursions of the pups into her space. While running a tight ship, the mom will also teach her pups to eat solid food as she progressively severs her ties with them. She knows they will be leaving the nest.

There are occasional times when a new mom needs help in understanding her role. They may prefer to be with us vs. their pups. That is why it is important that we offer them the support and love. Some moms have little time for their pups and some truly dysfunctional moms will even kill their pups (a behavior known as infanticide). In these latter cases, something has gone wrong and the process has not followed on the rails that nature has provided. Cesarean section is one disturbance that can throw the natural progression off track because the normal early visual, olfactory, and tactile stimuli leading to bonding are thwarted. Failure to form an early bond can lead to trouble downstream, including disastrous consequences. When we have a c-section, we make sure mom bonds with their pups by holding each one in front of her to get her to clean them. We ooh and ahh over her and her pups and tell her how wonderful she is and we mean it. We have been lucky thus far to have moms that have had various degrees of being nurturing and loving. Each has their own style but luckily all of ours have been caring and loving. We are happy with the attention all our moms pay to their broods.

A mother's role changes during the development of her pups from one of maximal support at their time of greatest need to one of direction, protection and, finally, independence training as they mature. A degree of independence is achieved by the 70th day post partum and it is around this time that our pups are placed in their new homes. Of course, they still require considerable care from their human guardians at this stage but are certainly capable of surviving without their moms in a protected domestic situation. In nature, wolves and wild dog pups stay with the pack and rely on pack kills for their source of food. They then begin to play hunt and, finally, learn the ropes of their hunting trade for themselves. By this time, their mother's influence is almost non-existent and within the limitations of their pack life, the now young dogs have achieved relatively full independence. Here at Talemaker Havanese, the pack is a critical socialization and skill process. They learn to go up and down stairs, bite inhibition and much much more.

We also engage our grand kids and visitors to expose them to all sorts of people from all shapes and sizes. We try to cover as much exposure as we can in a safe environment but the learning never stops as they move on to their forever homes.

Without their mother's earlier support they could never have made it this far and while they may not remember it as acutely as when they were young or thank her for it, they owe her their lives and we owe them for allowing us to experience such an amazing moment in their lives.

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Havanese Breeding Calendar

Abigail and Wasabi were bred at the same time frame, give or take a couple of days. They both go for an ultrasound on February 8th.

This is a calendar to understand what they go through when they are pregnant. Hope you enjoy.

Champions: Abigail/Katsura
Champions: Wasabi/Joker
Pregnancy Calendar
Breeder: Talemaker Havanese
Mon 28 Dec 2009 - First day of mating. 48 hours after the first mating the bitch should be mated again. Subsequent matings occurring over a period of time enhance the chances of fertilization taking place. The spermatozoa migrate up through the cervix.

Tue 29 Dec 2009 - Sperm travel searching for a mature ripened eggs.

Tue 29 Dec 2009 - Wed 30 Dec 2009 Spermatozoa reach the eggs in the oviducts.

Wed 30 Dec 2009 - Thu 31 Dec 2009 Fertilisation occurs in the oviducts which lead from the ovaries to the uterus.

Thu 31 Dec 2009 - Sat 2 Jan 2010 Fertilized eggs migrate down the oviducts and into the uterine horns. The migration continue to enable even spacing of the embryos. During this migration the eggs will grow into a blastocystes.

Fri 8 Jan 2010 - Sun 10 Jan 2010 - The blastocystes implant in the wall of the uterus.

Fri 8 Jan 2010 - Fri 22 Jan 2010 - The blastocystes will grow into an embryos. During the next two weeks the important organs will develop.

Mon 11 Jan 2010 - Mon 18 Jan 2010 - Dams nipples begin to pink enlarge. The fur on the dams belly and around the nipples may become thinner.

Sun 17 Jan 2010 - Sun 24 Jan 2010 - Morning sickness might occur due to hormonal changes or stretching and distension of the uterus. Dam may appear a bit apathetic. She may be off her feed for a while and vomit from time to time. Feeding the dam several meals spaced throughout the day might help.

Fri 22 Jan 2010 - Tue 26 Jan 2010 - An experienced person (a breeder or a veterinarian) can tell by careful palpation whether the dam is pregnant most of the time. It's now the best time to do this because the embryos are walnut-sized now and easy to count.

Mon 25 Jan 2010 - Start to increase the dams food ration. Don't overfeed, excessive weight gain should be avoided. Pregnancy can be more difficult with too much weight. The fetuses are now and are fully developed miniature dogs.

Sun 31 Jan 2010 - The Dams abdomen starts to get larger.

Sun 7 Feb 2010 - Stomach needs to be shaved quite widely to allow an ultrasound to be done. It is best if the breeder does it herself as vets as a whole do not do a neat job. The breeder usually cares if it looks its best.

Mon 8 Feb 2010 - An ultrasound will be done on both Wasabi and Abigail to see if there is a pregnancy and to get an idea how many. An x-ray must be done the week before birth to get an accurate count.

Wed 10 Feb 2010 - It's very easy now to feel the puppies, counting them might be a bit more difficult.

Sat 13 Feb 2010 - Sun 21 Feb 2010 - Dam begins to spend a lot more time in self-grooming.
Her breasts become even more swollen. She may become a bit restlessness and begin to search for a suitable place to have her puppies.

Mon 15 Feb 2010 - The dam might lose her appetite during this period. Her abdomen can be crowded with puppies. It is better to feed several smaller meals spaced throughout the day. You can easily detect abdominal movement now.

Mon 15 Feb 2010 - Tue 2 Mar 2010 - Nipples and vulva should be gently cleaned with warm water, you might want to trim the hairs surrounding the nipples, to allow easier access for the puppies to suck.

Thu 25 Feb 2010 - Sun 28 Feb 2010 - Milky fluid may be expressed from the nipples.

Fri 26 Feb 2010 - You might want to start taking the dams rectal temperature each morning and evening.

Mon 1 Mar 2010 - Twelve to 24 hours before she is due to deliver, the dams rectal temperature may drop from 101 to 98 degrees. Clear discharge from the vulva might occur.

Tue 2 Mar 2010 - Expected date of whelp. Of course this is just an average. Whelping may take place from the 59th to the 65th day. Puppies born before the 58th day will probably be too young to survive.

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Changes

We decided to keep this area just for our puppy news as they start and complete their journey from the 1st ultrasound, to the x-ray, to delivery.

Plus, from time to time, when we get mail, and puppies come to visit for boarding or just to hang out, we will fill you in.

We just bred our Champion Wasabi to American and Canadian Champion Qbins Wild Card of Pocopayasos, more affectionately known as Joker.

Read all about him on Paula's page. He is a small boy with a winning personality and charming beyond belief. Combining Wasabi's best traits, her gorgeous hair, flowing agile movement and great personality, we are expecting wonderful pups from this pair. We can't wait to see what they produce.

Then guess who else was bred? Our very own Champion Katsura and our Champion Abigail. Many of you have been waiting for Abigail to have her first litter, including me, but I am not sure which pups I am more excited about - both I think. Each brings different things.

Abigail is an amazing heart dog. She is the dog that makes even the most insecure dog feel comforted around this place. She's the first to make a boarder feel welcome and cared for. She has a calming personality with a fun playful nature.

And Kat is Kat! Anyone that has been following the blogs know what we think of our one and only male. He's our pool diving Havanese. He does it with so much enthusiasm. He was also entered in the Canine Good Neighbour program and in a blip of a weekend got his championship. And of course he's won the Toy Group and has multiple group placements from very limited entries, a true conformation champion. He has the movement, the size and a truly loving personality. Kat's sire is one of the great (or greatest) Havanese of his generation, American, Canadian and European Champion Starkette Pride of Wincroft.

Can you tell we are excited about both of these breedings? Follow along with us and welcome to Talemaker Havanese.
>>Darlah and Nathan Potechin

Our Havanese tips can be found here.

Thursday, December 31, 2009

Holly'a Abode While Here

Holly went up on my bed the first night and wouldn't settle in. We know the owners use a crate so we tried the crate the next night and she wet the bed despite us getting up a few times a night.

It was Nathan that came up with a workable solution. He created an x-pen with a crate and a pee pad and she used the pad when she needed and crawled back into the crate when she wanted to go to sleep. From that point on, it all came together.

Even for us, it is key to find the solution for each dawg and it can be different.

Her comfort level is the crate and I suspect her bladder is small as she is a tiny thing. This gave her the ability to crawl out of bed like us old timers, do her business and crawl back into bed.

The point of all this is to tell you that solutions are at hand for everything. Sometimes it takes creativity - other times it takes asking for help. We are always here for our puppy people - always.

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Holly is a Small but Fiesty Thang

Holly thinks nothing of playing with Cesar and rolling all over the floor with him. It's a sight for sore eyes. You laugh and laugh.

Holly is only with us till tomorrow and then Missy and Holly will be going home.

Then we will fill you in on all sorts of dawg tips and much more till we have pups again.

Stay tuned...

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Kit Kat's Visit

Kit Kat came for a day visit today. She went to the vets this morning to get her shots and checkup then she came to our house to play with Holly - the puppy that is visiting us. They had a ton of fun.

We were unable to keep Holly outside at all today as it was too bitter cold but that's okay, she had fun inside.

After the visiting pup is gone, we will be turning this place into helpful tips for puppies till our next litter of puppies are born. I hope you will stick around and enjoy.

Monday, December 28, 2009

Cold Puppy Play

Mia was here till approximately 12:30 today.

While she was here, she had a bath and played up a storm and had her nails cut. Then she was off with her human dad.

Mia and our visitor Holly really enjoyed each other but both rather like the big dawgs too. That's quite nice.

Holly tends to wrap herself around my chair so I have to be extra careful. I remember this one well.


Holly is fitting in real nice without worries. She plays hard and sleeps hard. She didn't sleep through the night but she did pee at 3am and went back to bed. That's great that she is letting us know.

Check out today's photos here.

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Mia's Visiting Just Overnight

One of Fiona's puppies are visiting and having a roaring grand time. She's playing with our little visitor Holly. She also adores her mom.

She'll be travelling to Arizona soon so we will see her looking mighty different and almost all grown up. We are hoping we get photos of her stylin' in warmer climates. We will miss her.

To see a few photos from her fun with Holly, check it out here.

I am looking forward to snuggling all night with her at bedtime along with all our other visitors. Ah...fun. She goes home tomorrow unfortunately and we will be down to visitors including visiting puppy Holly.

Saturday, December 26, 2009

Visit from Holly

Holly isn't one of our puppies but her and her pack mate Missy are staying for the holidays. Here she is playing with Treasure.

She's made herself at home. She's not afraid of the dawgs and is having a great time.

One of the dawgs we have here, Joker is smitten with her and plays up a storm with her and so does Treasure.

Her packmate, Missy is a returnee and is playing with everyone.

We are busy, busy, busy so we will fill you in later.

Friday, December 25, 2009

Puppies are Delightful

There is nothing like puppies. I mean that.

We were lucky enough to have Fiona's puppies over a couple of days ago. Check out the video, here.

Of course we had to cut out the nonstop action. We had 18 minutes worth of non stop play recorded but I was getting bleary eyed trying to edit it and trying to figure out what to cut and what not to and finally said - pick this clip. Sorry - but I lack time but if anyone wants to see the raw footage - puppy owners, I will burn a copy. But hope you enjoy this glimpse.

Fiona ADORES the pups and they seem to adore her. It was nice to see. I never saw a mom love them as much as she does.

Luckily, she has had Tiger Lily visiting tonight and here are some photos but I must admit, I was too busy playing to spend too much time taking photos. Sorry...

We will be breeding Wasabi and Abigail any day now so look for pups in the spring if we are blessed.

Tomorrow we have a puppy visitor hanging out here for a week. She's not one of ours but I wil be posting about her adventure.

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Happy Holidays!!

Chico is from Wasabi's last litter. Here's the one in the center. His packmate is a Havanese as well called Fidel. The other dog is.... Well, we won't bother them on Xmas eve to ask.

It was great for them to send us photos. This is just one of many. Chico is Missy, Jasper, Saki and Chewie's littermate.

Here at Talemaker Havanese, we wish you the very best holidays.

Wasabi is in heat now and so is Abigail so we are hoping to have litters next year. Our lives will be filled with more puppies and that is something for us to look forward to.

But the ones that we have had..well we still miss and want to see them. I know - crazy dawg people.

Well, we are still working on converting the video from Fiona's pups. I keep running out of space so I am trying to make room. At this rate - look for it by tomorrow. Sorry about that folks.

We have dawgs that are here that need our attention too. I am sure you understand.

Visit us tomorrow.

All the best to you and yours...

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Puppy Playdate

We were lucky enough to have the 4 Fiona pups come by for a play date. We were just missing Val but we had her Kit Kat.

Val is an amazing groomer and due to the holidays, she was way busy. So, we will have to do this again when it is warmer.

Anyone that hasn't been paying attention - well Fiona is an amazing and I mean amazing mom. But she didn't correct her crew from pulling her hair out and boy did they do a number on hers. So, Fiona was semi evened out and we will get it to grow and give a more finished job when she has a bit more to work with. Just watch. Her hair will be looking good just in time for pups again. We just adore this crew so we will be doing this again in the future.

Well, Fiona was absolutely over the moon with the arrival of her pups. She just thought she got the biggest present. She kept running to us as if to say - look mom - look at my puppies and she played and played with them and did they pull her hair? Yep! We have to work on that one but they have such a delightful amount of fun - it's a hard one.

Well, although it was cold, we managed to go out a few times with them. We also tried to get photos in the kitchen but between all the people and the size of the room with chairs etc. - well it was nearly impossible but we did manage to get some. We hope you enjoy. Tomorrow I will work on getting the video edited and posted. For now, we hope you enjoy the photos.

We - Fiona and the humans here - appreciate all that came.

Here's the photos from today.

PS: Tiger Lily is coming for a visit on Christmas while her family is busy with festivities and Mia will be here next week for an overnight stay. We can't wait!

Wasabi is in heat and we are hoping Abigail comes in. If so, we may be having two litters at once. Oh my! Now that will be fun!

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Note From Saki From Somewhere WARM!

Saki travelled on a plane to go to that place called TEXAS.

She is used to travelling in her bag to warmer climates.

This gal is from Wasabi's last litter and she writes to us all the time.

Stay tuned for the 4 Fiona siblings getting together tomorrow.

Saki's note:

Hey there, here I am again after a big ride in that stupid little case my mom makes me ride in! but I like it here so I guess it is worth it.

I met a cousin, Lily. I gave her a onesie as she just had an operation and is not supposed to pick her stitches. She didn’t really like the onesie …. And she is kind of grumpy but maybe she will feel better later and we can visit another day.

And finally I talked Daddy into taking me to the lake. We go to Big Sandy Bend, where a river flows into the lake. There are unused boat ramps and I get to run up and down them learning the “come” command, and I get a treat! Today I got to do this with no leash on! I am a really big girl now! and I impressed my mom and dad as I added a little circle around them for flourish and then came to stand in front of them and sat down! They didn’t know I knew such fancy stuff!

And I got to chase as stick in the water, it was fun but Dad did not let me go swimming… though I got plenty wet and dirty, it was great!

And when we left I saw a really big dog and I hung my head out the window and yelled hello!

Mom made me take a bath when we got home and all I can say is she seems to get as wet as I do… but we blow dry off and are as good as new.

Now I am watching a movie on the couch, okay so I am sleeping really….

Well I just wanted you to know I arrived and am playing, and even though we are due to have a storm it is warmer here than our northern Home. And I can sit on the patio with the door open.

Well I will send you more photos soon,

Love,

Saki!

Monday, December 21, 2009

Puppies Again?

Yes, she's back for a visit tomorrow but just for the morning till mid afternoon. We are also getting a puppy visiting from Yvonne who is still available and is almost 8 weeks. We are hoping Kit Kat and the pup play. We are also going to have Yvonne's crew over and a Tibetan Terrier. Oh boy - full house.

Look for an update tomorrow from the crazy Talemaker humans.

Catch you then.

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Missy & Our Son

We have 3 of our sons here this weekend and Tal spent sometime getting kissed by Missy.

You can't get away from the dawgs giving kisses around here.

Missy and Max her pack mate - partner in crime is heading back to Montreal as I type. We will miss this duo.

Well, Saki has left for Texas. Kit Kat will be visiting Tuesday and maybe Penny will be here on Wednesday. We shall see.

Missy is a puppy who eats so fast, you would swear she is a vacuum cleaner in overdrive. But when Missy goes in to swoop up Max's food, he gives this warning and she tries to ignore him but we wouldn't let them. Everyone needs to feel safe their food is their food but puppies - well they can't help themselves.

More tomorrow!!

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Wasabi's 2 Kids Came to Visit

Well, Saki and Missy came to visit and boy was this fun. We had Linda and Bob over and then Lyndall and Joe and we ate, we laughed and had fun with the pups.

Both pups are just over 9 lbs. One seems to take after Kat and the other Wasabi. Oh, I am sure there is a mix in there but it's interesting to see the similarities.

We were hoping Linda and Bob was here when Lyndall and Joe showed up but go figure - they just missed each other.

Tonight Missy has found her mom Wasabi and has been playing but we think Max may be a bit jealous but that's okay as Wasabi just invited him to play too.

We softened Missy's food as she is a fast eater and yep - gone, gone, gone in a blink of an eye but maybe she will digest it faster this way.

We are sure to have a fun bed tonight. Tomorrow Max and Missy go home - such a short visit...till next time - we hope!

To see a glimpse of the pictures from today, check them out on http://talemakerhavanese.com

Friday, December 18, 2009

Missed Appointments

Hey, I won't be at Talemaker's when Saki and Missy is there but I will be visiting on Tuesday for a part of the day.

Mommy better brace herself for me - Momma Fiona that is as I have learned new tricks from my pack.

Tomorrow, it is Momma Wasabi's turn to reacquaint with 2 of her kids that have flown the nest. She may be extra jealous when she hears Saki is heading to warmer climates.

Video camera is charging.

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Visit With Missy & Max

Wasabi's Missy is coming for the weekend with her pack mate Max and are we excited or what!!

It will be our first visit since forever - heh.

We just adore Max and can't wait to see how they interact. WE just love Linda and Bob - the owners. They are special people!

We also have Bailey - the gal coming again.

Then on Tuesday we have Kit Kat coming for the morning.

Well we needed fun in our lives and we are getting it. That's a good thing!

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Little Ones in Snow

When the temperature gets low, make sure you are taking yours out for short visits or dressing warmly.

When we take winter hikes, we have been known to put a puppy in our jacket and let it warm up while we are walking.

The silly things we do but dawgs enjoy seeing many places - even if hesitant - the more you expose them, the better they are. and the more the enjoyment occurs.

We miss having the puppies around but we are blessed that they come back to be boarded or have a visit or even do daycare with us.

On Friday we get a Wasabi puppy back for a visit and her pack mate and it will be a delightful amount of fun.

If it is way too cold outside, then we play games inside.

Last night, Daisy thought we should play in bed cause - well why not and Fiona tunneled under the blankets. The crazy things you can do with your dawgs and enjoy life.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Tiger Lily: Moments in Her Life

We just received email from Tiger Lily's family to show us a glimpse of what her life is like.

Tiger Lily looks the most like her sister Mia who was here yesterday and is off to warmer climates real soon.

We also heard that Tiger went to visit Jaazy at Eye on Fashion here in Richmond Hill. It's a high end clothing store with a resident Havanese called Jazzy who is a great dawg!
We look forward to seeing those photos. Check out more of Tiger Lily below.


Click to play this Smilebox scrapbook: Tiger Lily Dec09

Monday, December 14, 2009

Mia's Visit

Mia was over for a visit with her human parents and she is such a huge delight.

Mom and daughter played wonderful together and she made sure that Mia was okay always.

I am truly amazed at the poetry in motion between Fiona and her kids. She just clicks and plays as if they never left.

It is so nice to see the pups as they get older. This one will be gone for a long time to Arizona and we hope she remembers us when she comes back to visit. By that time Fiona may have another set of pups or be preggie. Then Mia will have new siblings to play with.

Check out a glimpse of her visit today.
Click to play this Smilebox slideshow: Talemaker's Mia's Visit
Create your own slideshow - Powered by Smilebox
Make a Smilebox slideshow

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Coats of Many Colours


We decided to just dress KitKat in various jackets - all that didn't quite fit her right. These were jackets from Wasabi's winter litter.


When getting a jacket think of coverage and ease of use. Layering is best. Before she goes home today, I will try to get some photos of some jackets that DO fit and some sweaters. If not, we will try with Mia when she comes to visit.


KitKat fits in too well here. WE have thoughts of - gad I can't believe we do not have a puppy in this house to can we keep her an extra day? It's crazy but she is going on her pad and now outside. She sleeps in the bed without issue.

She plays with all including the 14 year old golden who indeed has serious signs of dementia at times but she doesn't seem to mind. She actually licks and gives her kisses when she seems to be stressed. I think that is quite special.

Motherhood has even got the play back into Fiona's life.

It's so important to socialize your pups. If you need daycare - even just to go holiday shopping or out to eat, we will socialize your dawgs and they will have a grand time. Yes, there is a cost but it's the best present you can give to your Havanese. They not only have a great time but they learn to get used to other dawgs - learn to read body language and much, much more.

If we are too far away, consider someone local. Just be sure that they will adore your little ones like we do. They are not just a dawg taking up space but truly special. We would like to believe we bring that out in all of them.

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Kit Kat's Visit

KitKat is from Fiona and Kat's last litter and she is visiting for the weekend. She goes home tomorrow.

She's had a truly fun filled weekend visiting with Yvonne's crew and playing with our crew and her mom. Kit Kat sleeps on the bed and is a snuggle monster. We will miss this.

Only issue I have is she is called KitKat and I call Kat - Kit Kat so it's sooooo confusing. At least Kat and KitKat is confused. So - we may call her puppy. hahahahahaha

KitKat played so hard today that she snuggled up and took a few naps but so did Nathan.

I dressed her up in all sorts of coats to try them out. I will share them tomorrow but tonight - it's called snuggle time before she goes tomorrow.

Taking them out to play and socializing them with other havanese/dawgs is great for their mind and body. If you have a very active puppy - well this will tucker them out.

More tomorrow...

Friday, December 11, 2009

Is It Too Cold?

We have Kit Kat back for the weekend and we are excited. We may be going to Yvonne's so we will fill you in on her jaunt to the country. We will let you know.

How can you tell it is too cold for your dawgs? If they are lifting and licking their paws like Kit Kat, it is time to get picked up or to come in. You truly have to watch for the signs.

Today this happened after only a few minutes out.

Remember, do keep hair around paw pads trimmed. Less hair will help keep paws free of ice and snow, which can quickly ball up between footpads and create uncomfortable walking conditions for pets.

You can easily do this with scissors. Just pull the pads apart and cut in between. One person do the cutting and the other the holding if you are not used to doing it.

Do check paw pads for small cuts and cracks. Use Bag Balm if you see any or the pads are getting too dry and starting to crack. Better yet, use it before it gets this far.

Do clean your dawg's paws after walks to remove salt and snow removal chemicals, which can be toxic to pets.

Do check your dawg's ears, tail and feet for frostbite. Just as dogs are sensitive to hot summer sidewalks, cold winter walkways may cause pain or contribute to frostbite. A dog that continually lifts individual legs off the ground during a winter walk may feel the effects of frostbite. Frostbitten skin may appear red or gray. If you suspect frostbite, wrap your dog's feet in a blanket or towels to gradually warm them and contact your veterinarian.

Do invest in a sweater/coat or layered is best in very cold. Plus a thin sweater under a coat keeps the hair from getting caught in Velcro or a zipper.

Do keep dawgs on a leash - especially during bad weather or snowstorms when they can lose their ability to find their way by smell.

Do clean up antifreeze spills immediately. Many dawgs like the sweet smell and taste and, unfortunately, even very small amounts can be lethal to them.

Don't leave your Havanese alone in cars during cold weather months. When the engine is off, a car can act as a refrigerator, holding in the cold.

That's it for brrrrrr Havanese tips. I am sure I left something out but I hope this gets you thinking.

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Nice Mail

We got a truly nice note from one of our puppy owners and asked if we could share it with you. It's hard to let go of the pups but when you know they are loved - you feel you did the right thing. (Tomorrow we wil update you on KitKat's visit - soming tomorrow!) Keep sending us photos from the litters we had so we can share...

Hey Guys...

I think there are two factors going on...The first and foremost factor is that you folks are the gold standard for raising havanese doggies...Which by the way I figured out after my first visit....


The second factor is.... when we had Mindy, our first dog I was young ok younger......uneducated in the doggie world and I had a alpha mini shnawzer....

Penny is such a delight....She makes us laugh until our sides hurt...Eric and Stephanie ( Steph is my 24 year old daughter you haven't met yet)... want to talk to her when they call home and I am there....She ( Penny) is a leaper....a chaser... and so eager for instruction....(OMG so new for me)!!!!

Today I got to let Penny play in the snow...she OMG drank water from the shoe imprints...and leaped like a little lamb through the stuff....so cute... We had heavy wet snow then rain....She is so full of play!!! As we speak she is barking at an empty pop bottle she pulled out of the recycling.....She also has a knack for climbing onto the end tables in the family room and pulling out a kleenex with her teeth which ...ehehe...I distract her from and give her a real chew toy.... and... she has also tried to chew my client's progress notes....I am not used to a doggie walking along ANY surface they can muster.....Hehehe...I just get to say...hey sorry the dog ate my case note....

On a more serious note... I won't let her chew things that are bad for her like paper and other nasty things....Guys she is thriving and so are we!!!!! Tomorrow we start puppy socialization....We are all going and cant wait....

We are so glad to have people to brag to ...rejoice to....get excited with....

This little girl is gold!!!!
Thank you SO MUCH for letting us have her!!!!


best wishes
Deb

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Mia: Queen of Her Domain

We got a photo of Mia in her new home and she appears to be the Queen of all she surveys. How could she not be with a father like Kat and a mom like Fiona.

Mia is going to puppy classes and so is Tiger Lily and Penny. KitKat wil be going to handling classes.

Mia's parent's said:

She's an adorable monster but today not liking some leash work - bucking like a bronco! It is so funny and cute but ....

This is quite typical when they first get their leashes on. I remember trying this with Wasabi's litter and something about - you want me to do what..well not all of them get it right away but they do figure it out.

Keep trying and I am sure she will be a star.

Hope all the puppies enjoyed the snow. We would love to hear. Send pictures!!

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Daisy's Last Day

Okay, what do these visitors do on their last day here? We play and have a grand time before the --- oh oh wet stuff comes.

Daisy had a bath and as you can see, she is saying - ARE YOU KIDDING ME?

You are not taking a photo of me when I look like this - are you?

Well, Daisy had a tether on her to make sure she couldn't get out allowing her to comfortably sit in the tub without hurting herself so she can't get out giving me the time to do a quick click.

A tether is simply a suction cup with a soft cloth noose that goes around her neck preventing her from jumping up. It makes bathing easier and by using one, they get used to not jumping and eventually you can wash them without ever using one.

Nevr, never leave a dog alone though even with a tether on. You must be extra careful with our Havanese.

But the story continues..

This woman that I snuggle with each night washes then rinses me then conditions and rinses me.

She then takes a photo - a quick click. Then she brushes me while I am in this tub - but please...

Then she puts me on the floor and I begin to shake and roll all over and I make sure everything she brushed is an absolute mess cause - well that's' what a Havanese does.

Don't I look like I undid all her work? hahahaha

Then she puts me on the table and puts these two dryers on me and I am blown away - well not literally but as you can see, it surely looks that way.

She sprayed this lovely smelling stuff, brushed me and combed me out section by section.

She tells me it takes extra time as we use the dryers on a low setting to keep the hair in good condition.

The dryers she uses doesn't hurt even on a high setting but when using the low setting, the hair stays in better condition but takes longer to do. But that's okay. I appeased her by being a good girl.

Then finally the dryers stop and I look fabulous, darlink - don't I?

She puts this silly band to take my hair out of my eyes.

Then she lets me out and I proceed to go into the mud to get my feet black.

Well, isn't this what I am supposed to do?

Thats' my story and I am sticking to it. Just a day in the life of a visitor on the last day here.

Now I get to go back to my human mom and cats and tell the cats what I learned.

Those humans at Talemaker even taught me 'no bark'. Each time I stopped, I got a little treat. Now I get to rest after a fun filled visit. heheheh

Daisy will be back for a few days next week. KitKat will be back Friday and we will keep talking puppies. So - come back - will ya?

PS: One of Wasabi's pups and her pack mate Max is coming in a week from Friday for a weekend visit. Now how cool is THAT?

Monday, December 7, 2009

Puppy Saga

Well, this Puppy is walking off into the sunset - or is that a car tomorrow to go to her home.

I can say that Daisy has had an incredible time. She is a snuggler and plays with charm and she is liked by all. We will miss this cute little butterball of a Havanese.

Tomorrow you will see her wet and primped up before her mom comes to get her.

Then Wednesday and Thursday we will offer you puppy tips and on Friday the KitKat is back for a visit for the weekend. Now how cool is that? Maybe we will even get some snow play in.

Then when she goes, we will have more puppy tips and fun puppy stories and then we have boarders that are puppies and we will fill you in on them.

We will keep this place going till we have a pregnancy or two and a whole new set of puppies.

Hope you keep tuning in and following our crazy boarding and puppy stories.

Havanese...there is nothing like them!!