A year ago, we had a caregiver in our group who was also a Havanese Breeder. (I have one of those incredible little dogs myself.) Wondering if she is still with us?? Are there any other Havanese owners among us? (Correction: No one owns a Havanese, they own their people) Nancy
I love Havanese. Had a difficult time trying to decide between a Havanese or a Bichon Frise. We have two Bichons Mika and Charlie who are now 7 years old. I can't imagine a life without them. Good luck. Look forward to hearing all about it when you get your new baby.
I cannot begin to tell you what a joy my 6 year old Havanese brings to my life. He was supposed to be MY dog. I begged for him for over a year, I was finally able to convince that curmugeon of a husband of mine to let me have a dog, and he finally accquiesed. The minute he came into our home, Foster wouldn't put him down. As Alzheimer's progressed, my little precious dog took over. He squeezed onto the seat of DH's recliner and sat on his little butt right beside him with his little arm and paw on the armrest. He slept with him, both during naptime and throughout the night. He was calming and such a valuable asset for keeping Foster focused and occupied. During my husband's last week on this earth, Tigger stayed at the foot of his hospital bed, knowing to be "out of the way", but nevertheless, as close as he could be to "his man"... I believe if anything happened to this little boy dog, I'd die too. For this reason, I think I need to buy another one..a companion for Tigger, Tigger could help train him, as intelligent dogs are wont to do, and there would be even more joy in my home.
Foster was in his very early stages when we bought Tigger. At full size, Tigger weighs 12 pounds. Not too fragile, but not big either. I share his information with all of you because having this little dog was a very important part of my Caregiving program. I could always get a response when I'd ask, "Where is Tigger?", "Call Tigger", "Tigger needs a back scratch". When he no longer cared about books, TV, or people, he never lost interest in his little four legged boy. Just a thought for anyone early into the journey. - It's a two way relationship..and the little dog has to bond with him as well to make this really work. ME? I had NO chance. We can chose our pets but they always chose their "person".
You are so right, Nancy! Don't know what I'd do without our Millie (Shih Tzu). I thought she would be MY dog too, but - she attached right to DH and he to her. She sticks to him like glue all day long then sleeps next to him at night. I take her for at least one walk a day and we do walking and jogging. DH takes her twice a day and it's funny to see them, since he walks so slowly and she just slows down to his gait. When he isn't feeling very good she'll crawl up on his chest and snuggle with him. I just nothing happens to her before DH - I think it would kill him too.
Vickie, I had the same thought. How on earth would I have been able to explain to my husband (in his last year) that Tigger was gone forever. I had two close calls when Tigger jumped out of the car (I wrote about the one time when he jumped out and ran into the 4 lane highway during 5:00 rush hour traffic...then darted back across the service station property and onto another busy road ...and when I was going after him, I looked back and there was Foster in the middle of the first highway highway looking for Tigger Horns were honking from all directions. Tigger was going North and Foster was headed South...with traffic all around. That was not one of our best days!
I also have a wonderful Havanese named Frankie. although, he is MY dog, when DH is in bed, he is either on the bed with him, or in his own bed watching him. And when DH gets up, frankie will come running to me, wherever I am in the house to lead me to him. Yesterday, DH had to have 4 teeth removed. I put him in bed and left for 10 minutes to get his pain pills. Pulling up my block there Dick (dh) staggering with no walker or shoes looking for me and there's Frankie (with no leash) right by his side. I got them both in to the car and pulled into my driveway, but little Frankie was watching over his 'charge' as he always does.
Thank you, Chris. I LOVED your story about Frankie. Is he multi colored or solid. Tigger appears to be solid white, but his ears are a pale cream. Love the way they cock their heads when you talk to them!!! First to the left and then to the right...as if they are understanding every word you say.. NOT!
Nancy -I must be the person you are looking for. My dogs were great therapy for my husband before I placed him in assisted living. Winston, my Havanese, would sit for hours with Mark as Mark constantly petted him. Mia, My Havana Silk Dog, was also good but Winston was Mark's dog even though we bought him for me. You are right, they choose their people! Today they both get so excited when they can see him. I still visit this sight but not as often now.
I do have another litter due July 6th. Mia is expecting 4 puppies. It looks like 3 of the 4 have homes but that could change. One wants a breed quality stud dog in a specific color - what a life he will have. The other wants a breed quality bitch (dog language for girl) and she doesn't want black. I was going to keep one as well.
Frankie is pariy colored, I think that's what they call it, he's white with black large spots, face and head are mostly black (or dark grey) 2 large black spots on back, a few black hairs, and the rest white. I get such a kick when I bathe him, he's pink skinned and the hair is thin (doesn't keep him warm) and I keep him in a puppy cut, cuts down on grooming. so he almost looks like a little bald man. Ilol). yes, he's brought a lot of joy into my life, and I actually bought him for dick, after our last cat died in my arms while I was trimming his nails. He was 20 yrs old, so i guess it was time, but it was a bummer to have it happen like that.