Blast from the past

She really was baby Belle here!

Dash is loving agility so far!

Since we moved and have a huge yard, we found a few pieces of equipment and as you can see he loves it and has drive! We aren't doing any jumping or anything major as he is still young. He also is great competition for Dora- her interest perks up when Mommy goes to play with her little brat of a brother!

Play Time!

Right before we left Cali, I took Dash on a playdate at Tori's house by himself. Tori as you may remember from previous posts just loves Isabelle. She is always trying to get Belle to play and Belle will only play with Dash. Belle spends her time at Tori's house figuring out who's lap she can go on to get away from the annoying dog that thinks Belle is a dog. So Dash went and Tori finally got to play.... the problem is Dash doesnt stop!

For those who think I am a dog snob....

I have a favorite breed, the Havamalt! My two high energy dogs can get some of that energy out mixing together!

Show photos!

Okay here is the sneak peak of show photos from the photographer

Here is Thursday. I am wearing the pink top and polka dot skirt and Dash is in his tux.
http://shermanarts.smugmug.com/gallery/5849025_rCxWX#364082155_XUweE

Here is National with my grey suit and pink lining. Once again Dash wore a tux.
http://shermanarts.smugmug.com/gallery/5848289_T7Sub#362989378_7fabA

We didn't change for Winner's dog
http://shermanarts.smugmug.com/gallery/5848928_2eAdP#363301570_qD3sX


Here is a preview of our win photo!
http://shermanarts.smugmug.com/gallery/5848952_YCZUR#P-2-21

okay jumping ahead!

Since I had one SPECIFIC request I am going to jump ahead and I will fill in about the move and some photos later (you are welcome!)

I went to the 2008 Havanese National Specialty in Richmond, VA last month and it was a blast! I was surrounded by lovely Havanese people who love their dogs almost as much as I love mine!!! I shared a room and was able to hang out with friends from the Havanese forum. Dash and I were able to see his breeder and his auntie. I never believed anyone about dogs having fond memories of their breeder and never forgetting. All Dash had to do was hear Kathy and Sarah's voices and he flew out of his stroller and went nuts. He still adores them. And Dash doesnt hand out kisses to strangers in fact he often pulls his face away like he doesnt want kisses but he wouldn't stop loving them! I am sure I drank too much cosmos and wine as I was pretty ill by the time I came home.

Best of all, I showed Dasher myself. The first day with the Regional, we didn't make the cut but there were some great dogs there. The second day in Sweeps, Dash was the biggest monster. He was obsessed with the little submissive puppy behind us and I tried to hand stack him and he looked like a cheese curl. He kept trying to turn around, I thought he wasn't going to have any face hair left! But for the National, Dash put on the charm and we took second place with a heavy line up of great dogs and great professional handlers! We had so much fun and ofcourse I got teary eyed and a few others did for me too! I do have to say, I think Dash had the loudest applause by far! He has quite a few fans but I am definitely his biggest one!

I will be sure to post his win photo when I receive it!

Until then, here is what Dash enjoyed the most about National... the BITCHES!

Reward after the long drive!

Isabelle had the hardest time with the storms on the drive across country but as you can clearly see by her tail, she couldn't control herself when she realized she was at Grandma and Grandpa's house. They are really Belle's favorite people! Look at her little butt wiggle out of control and her energy...

On the Road...

Well I have to say the furkids did wonderful on the road. Dash never had a drool and he has really changed how he views car trips. He actually liked the car and would run to it! Unfortunately, the week we drove across was incredibly hot and there were storms. So we would stop for short breaks and as you can see they didnt want out for long. Isabelle probably had the toughest time because of the storms. I had to drug her at one point cause I was scared she was going to injure herself. She was grabbing the metal cage shaking it and I had to pull over and just drug her and hold her. She is the toughest dog in the world until those storms come.... my little Belle!

Long Time!

Well we have had a month off- for those who don't know, WE MOVED AGAIN! We are now in South Carolina so we have a lot of catching up to do and a few photos to share but so hang on!

Dirty Little Trucker

Havanese v. GSD

Havanese showing they really belong in the working dog class!

Favorite Toys!

Well if you don't have toys and your dog has energy waiting for puppy class, make them! And no I didn't use this one first

Picky Eater?

Dasher has been my picky eater. He really just would prefer to not eat. I have been trying to get him to gain weight so we are trying a variety of foods. Isabelle loves Dash for this! She is the one who walks around and barks cause she doesn't want plain kibble. I just really make a meal for us and leave some for the dogs. Dash LOVES chicken parmesean!!! However, as you can see there is something he doesn't like at all... PEAS!!! I read that you have to incorporate different foods several times before a dog will eat them. Not peas! But Belle and Dora are happy to eat what Dasher doesn't eat.

Where not to hide from your little brother?

Not sure if Dora's thought was to block the toys or hide from Dasher. But Dash loved the idea of Dora being a toy!!!

Punky Brewster!

Dash has stunning melt your soul eyes. He is just so loving and we love to see his eyes. He also has the most playful and joyful personality so hence his fun ponytails!

Doggy Playdates!

Friday, we loaded up the car and went down to a doggy playdate. We had a gracious host with a beautiful home and the dogs enjoyed the view as much as I did :) It was for havanese but Belle doesnt think she is a dog so she can attend and monitor the dogs. Notice, she has no clue her size compared to the others. She definitely has attitude! Dash quickly tags along behind Belle now but he is smart enough to stay back and let Belle be in control!




Some Photos of the event:

Special Time with Dora

I really try to give each of the dogs special time alone with me. It is my time to bond with them, work on training, and let them just have fun. With Dasher being a puppy he is going to class and we are training. Belle is so high energy that I have to dedicate a lot of time to her. A lot of the times, Dora really is just the best dog, so she sometimes gets hers last. Every once in awhile she goes crazy and demands it is her turn. She will jump up and down and go crazy until I put her collar on. She really tells me, Mommy- I need you now! She is just he best dog. Recently, I took her out to run a few errands and pick up dinner. What kind of mom takes her dog and forgets a leash! I usually have a few in the car but I cleaned my car out. It is way to warm to leave Dora in the car but no problem, I tell her to lay down at the restaurant and she could care less. She is such a great dog!!!

Dasher's show photos!

Well they have been requested and I am still playing catch up! But here are some photos from my few shows with Dash (thanks Mary!). I am still learning and so is Dash. We have received some feedback that Dash is frankly too skinny (only one of us has that problem!) We are trying to put weight on him but likely you can see from all my other photos and videos- it is tough. He is so happy for life and has so much fun. The great thing is Dasher loves the show ring. He barks, he plays, he just was born to play in the ring! We have been trying to learn that we need to be a pretty dog and not a loud dog. Now only if Havanese could be judged doing RLH's thru the ring, Dash would go BIS every time! I am also learning how to groom, stack on the table, etc. It really is harder than what a it looks and I see how a great handler can really make a dog look better. Thank goodness I just have a great dog :) We are having lots of fun together and have really bonded!

Beach Video Fun!

As you can see they all had a blast but Belle was absolutely thrilled she could once again hunt birds. She was going after them so much she ran into the ocean! Let's just say there was lots of grooming after this fun!!!

Dora's favorite place

Dora's favorite place is the beach. She just turns into the happiest thing when she can run on the sand. We went to a small dog beach walk and that was a lot of fun. Then we returned our last day there so they pups would be exhausted on the way home and boy were they! I just adore this first picture of Dora as it shows how truly happy she is when she can run on the beach.

Belle loves Vacations!

Belle always loves going places. She is happiest when she is out and about. However, after a week of vacation, when Belle comes home, she gets very upset when we have to leave her home. She really just doesn't understand why everyday can't be a vacation!

Ferry Rides

While in SF, we took the dogs on ferry rides. I was really nervous about the sounds, the waves, and all the people would be overwhelming for all of them but especially Dash. Well they all handled it very well. Belle a little too much! This dog only has fears of thunderstorms and absolutely nothing else! She was so excited for Daddy to take her walking and was convinced everyone wanted to love her. We had to watch her 5lb little body cause she was convinced she could conquer the sea but I thought the wind might get her!




Look closely to see Belle's face!

Hanging out while Daddy takes pics!

Jim loves photography and takes some amazing photographs and while he does that the pups get to sniff around and have some fun and usually get their photos taken too!

Shopping with your pups!

The nice thing about SF is that there is a lot of shopping to do with your pup! Notice Dash goes right to the bully sticks!

Lots of catching up to do!

I just took the kids on a week vacation and we had some dogs shows! Post probably won't be in order or make sense but I have photos and videos every where right now! We also have a holiday weekend with a dog show so here is a fun one for now!

Isabelle v. the Sabertooth

Belle decides the lil guy is fun!

Favorite Video! Okay, we finally have it. Belle learns how to play. She is about to be 6 years old and has never truly played with another dog. Looks like she decided Dash might as well be the one she hits it off with. Note, we had to pick up Dora cause Dora wasn't going to let her hurt Dasher and Dora knows how Belle plays dirty! Also see who does the attacking and who decides the game is done! That is my little princess thru and thru!

Maltese Show Bahia Sur

My husband was at his first conformation show and he really enjoyed seeing some of his favorite breeds. He was very smitten with a maltese with lots of personality. While the dog didn't win, Jim said he would have awarded that dog BIS since it is truly shows a maltese in his standard!

3 dog walker

While it sounds great, I am thinking we will stick to the two dog walker. It just gives them more freedom of movement. Also someone has to be in the middle of the 3 and as you can see in the short video, no one likes the middle! Might be good on a collective walk where I don't want them to enjoy the surroundings too much!

Resting

Last night and this morning have been about resting. The kids really go non stop when we go some where. Isabelle rolls around in the grass so she can smell like vacation as she loves to go go go. They had a good time and Daddy took them for many walks while Dasher was waiting to be shown. What you really realize while everyone is exhausted, puppy energy comes into play! We all wanted to heal...





But someone wasn't quite ready. He was now excited to be home! It did take Dash many rounds of fetch with his new squeaky balls (yes I found the one he loves at the dog show!!!) to be able to crash. But when he did, it wa obvious how tired this little guy was!

Dasher's First Dog Show!

We took the plunge and we did it! Unfortunately, we didn't win but Saturday we did excellent!!! I couldn't have asked for anything better. Dasher was happy and having a great time and I can't help but having a great time with this little guy. Later that night we also did a puppy match and Dasher took a group 3! There was a very nice judge who came over to meet Dash and said he was the soundest moving havanese she had ever seen. I was proud of my little guy. I was also thankful that my husband came with me and helped me the entire time. The girls were also there to support little Dash for his first time out there.



That day we decided to go out to downtown San Diego with the entire family. We took the stroller which ended up being a great idea as it was pretty busy and then we snuck the furkids in for some lunch too.



Sunday was a different story! Dash decided he was in the wrong ring and wanted to do agility. He was running and barking and trying to get everyone to play with him. Here I was really nervous since he laid down on the grooming table before the show! I thought I really did too much with him the day before. But apparently Belle had a talk with him while they were in the stroller. She told him that when you go in the ring, you bottle all your energy and you fly! That he did....



Overall I was so proud of my little boy and I think we are going to be a great team in many rings. We just have to both get a bit more experience under our belt in the conformation ring!

Another thing I learned, is how much I think Dora actually misses showing. We were watching the dogs and she wanted out and she wanted her turn in the ring. I plan to really get back to the training and competing with her after the big move!

Playing in the Breed Ring!

Dasher is a show hopeful puppy. He is apparently very striking to a lot of people. While I don't know much I noticed the way he walks and runs right away. Movement is just so natural to him. He naturally stacks. So I am going to try to handle Dasher myself. So far this has been going well. We have been taking puppy conformation classes and no one could believe his age. I just say stack and he does it. Dasher now understand if he stands still he gets a cookie. I was actually told to let him self stack since I dont know what I am doing! We are learning together and likely have to undo a lot of what we learn- like agility and obedience.

This weekend I took Dasher to his first puppy match. My normally perfect puppy (seriously he was just born knowing what to do and I stand there!) was a little monster. He was running around trying to catch all the puppies tails! He was spinning in circles trying to get the puppy behind him! When I came out of the ring a friend said to me "well you wanted an agility dog!" So rather than take a cute show photo to share with everyone, I decided to let Dasher be himself. Maybe he will get it out of him before he goes into the real ring!

My dogs don't understand the weekend concept!

Usually it is Isabelle who wants to go outside and potty. Imagine if you had a pea size bladder.... Well, she wakes up and Dasher wants up. Dora is the only reliable weekend sleeping in dog who doesn't want out of bed at all. In fact, many days Daddy has to carry Dora outside. The problem is by the time I get everyone up and out, I am awake but then I come back into the bedroom looking at this....

My Little Prince

Dasher is growing up right before our eyes. Time really does fly when you are having fun. Here is a pic of my little man with his first top knot.

Belle RULES the dog park just like everything else!

Guess who gets his own pool!

Daddy has always been one to spoil his pups! Dasher received a pool. A bit unsure at first but we recently had to put the pool away since someone didn't understand it wasn't to run thru. Dora has always been one to like water as well!

Neezers love the sun and outdoors!

Dasher and Dora love the sun and sitting outside. Notice Belle is a bit too dignified to hang with the dogs!

Dasher & Daddy

Can you tell what the boys like to watch together?

McKenna shows everyone how to shake it!

While we were visiting the playdate, they share with us McKenna's dance moves. It is a little Valentine's Lobster Toy. Turn up the volume and see how she dances to it. I still laugh every time I watch it!

RoadTrip!

Who drives over 300 miles for a Havanese play date? Yes, Leslie, Tori, Dasher, Dora, and I packed up and went up to Tracy for an amazing havanese get together! There was every size, color, and anything Havanese you could imagine all packed into one back yard. Steve and Susan hosted this playdate and were amazing enough to offer to let us with our dogs, included my 5 month old puppy stay over!

One thing I was very excited for is Dasher's breeder was coming and bringing Dasher's sister Gracie. When we arrived, Gracie immediately knew who Dasher was and came running over and Dasher was scared out of his mind! He jumped back and hid behind Dora. He was very overwhelmed by this event at first. In fact, he drooled and barely moved! I just decided to let him get a grip and walked around. Then he walked up and smelled the breeder. He went nuts. Drool gone, and just loved seeing Kathy. In fact later in the day when he heard her talking he went running across the yard.

Dora was a bit overwhelmed too. She found her shady spot and watched the event from there. They set up an agility station and Dora made friends with a little girl who loves agility and went thru the course several times. She had the mommy save me look but it is good for her!

That night after a nap (while those without wagging tails went to a great english pub!), the kids played in the house and we all crashed pretty hardcore. The next morning was back on the road.

Me and the kids, our wonderful host Susan and her girls-McKenna and Sedona, Leslie & Tori


Dora & Sedona