Seda Havanese

Ch Seda’s Sweet Summer Raine CGN RN
July 6, 2009 – June 15, 2026

Today I said goodbye to my sweet Raine.

Raine was my very first litter and the only girl. Back then, my mentor told me I had to keep her, and thankfully I listened.

From the beginning, she taught me patience. Nothing with Raine could be rushed. As a puppy, she worried me endlessly with her hunger strikes, and at just 12 weeks of age she became hypoglycemic. When we finally switched her to a raw diet years later, she decided eating was actually a good idea and never looked back.

She earned her Canadian Championship in just a few weekends and later, on a whim, her CGN. She became my first Rally dog and was an amazingly attentive and focused pawtner. She truly enjoyed working with me. Her favourite things in life were simple—going for walks and curling up beside me. Even recently, she romped through the dog park with her now-uncoordinated amble. 🐾💕

Raine also left an incredible legacy through her three beautiful litters: Irish Blessings, Coastal Escape, and the Caribbean Cruizers. She even outlived some of her own children.

In 2024, Raine and her brothers contracted a devastating viral respiratory infection. I fought hard to keep her with me. More than once I made the appointment to let her go, only to cancel it because I knew she wasn’t ready. After days of medications, supportive care, and countless syringes of Myra Savant’s Puppy Formula, she turned the corner and gave me more than two additional years. I lost both of her brothers, but Raine stayed. ❤️

She hated grooming and had a beautiful coat but would devour a bully stick in a single sitting. She was the fun police as a youngster, the quiet matriarch in her old age.

Recently, age began to catch up with her. Dementia, lenticular sclerosis, and failing hearing slowly appeared, yet she still climbed the stairs to the couch and leapt onto the back cushion where she had created her own special spot. That was where the Queen reigned.

Recently this year when she jumped off the couch, missed the seat entirely, and landed on the floor, we were certain she had broken something. Instead, she simply shook it off and carried on. She was gentle in spirit but fierce in determination.

From the spirited young girl who kept me on my toes to the quiet matriarch who watched generations grow around her, I was by her side from the moment she took her first breath until the moment she took her last.

You were ready, sweet girl.

I was not.

🌈🐾 Run free, Raine. I know Mama Jenga, Daddy Spenser, your brothers Cane and Arcus, along with a few of your own children—Molly, Stella, and Cora—will be waiting to greet you at the Bridge.

You lived a wonderful life, a long life, and a deeply loved life. The paw prints you left behind will remain forever etched upon my heart.

❤️

Dolly’s boys are approaching their 9-week milestone this Sunday, which normally means it would soon be time for their veterinary visits. Since all four boys will be joining their families at 10 weeks of age, I scheduled their appointments a little earlier than I typically do.

The boys received their wellness examinations, first vaccinations, microchips, and deworming. I’m happy to report that all four boys received excellent health reports. 💙

Their bites are correct, patellas are normal, there was no evidence of hernias, and all of the boys continue to grow and develop beautifully. As a breeder, there is always a little sigh of relief when a litter receives such positive reports.

Of course, the boys took the entire experience in stride. They handled the car ride, the veterinary clinic, and all the poking and prodding like little professionals.

My thanks to the wonderful Dr Lisa Loewen and her staff at Blackfalds Veterinary Hospital ❤️

Since they were already out for the afternoon, I decided they had one more important job to do.

After leaving the clinic, we made a stop at the hospital so my co-workers could get a little puppy therapy. 🥰

The boys remained in a common staff area where they were showered with attention, cuddles, and compliments. They met new people, experienced another new environment, and soaked up every minute of the extra attention.

There were plenty of smiles to go around, and I know the staff enjoyed the visit just as much as the puppies did. 💕

By the time we arrived home, four very tired little boys had supper and promptly crashed for the evening. 🤣

I’m so proud of how confident, adaptable, and happy these puppies continue to be. Watching them take on new adventures with curiosity and enthusiasm is one of the most rewarding parts of raising them. 💜🐾

Another member of the Soirée litter is on her way to her new adventure.

Astra has begun her journey west and is currently enjoying a stopover in Cranbrook thanks to Daryl. From the sounds of it, she has travelled beautifully and is taking everything in stride, just as I would expect from this sweet and confident little girl.

While in Cranbrook, she is being thoroughly loved and spoiled by Tammy and Sheldon, who already share their home with two Seda dogs. In fact, Tammy has joked that she would happily keep Astra herself! 🤣💖

Tomorrow, Astra will continue on to her new home with Kathy and Keith of PandaBear Kennels in Grand Forks, BC.

Kathy is no stranger to Seda dogs. Over the years she has visited to breed to Keeper and has spent time with many of my dogs. She knows the temperament and qualities that are important to me, which makes this placement especially meaningful.

Astra has been a special little girl from the beginning. Sweet, people-oriented, trusting, and confident, she has a wonderful temperament and a kind heart. I truly believe she is well suited to Kathy and her program, and I look forward to watching what the future holds for them together.

Thank you to everyone helping Astra along the way. It truly takes a village sometimes, and I am grateful for each person who has played a part in helping this little girl reach her new family.

Safe travels, Astra. We can’t wait to watch your story unfold. 💖🐾✨

Yesterday was a big day for Seren as she began her journey to her new home with Yvette of Wyntr’Gem Havanese in Nanaimo, BC.

I am incredibly grateful to Seda family, Terri and Susan Jackson, for picking her up and taking care of the first leg of her adventure. With me working evenings, their kindness and willingness to help made this journey possible. 💖

By this morning, Seren was continuing her travels with Xander and Amanda, along with Terri and Susan’s girl, Rici, who is headed to the shows in Comox and Nanaimo.

Susan shared this photo and wrote about what a delightful little guest Seren was, which absolutely warmed my heart. 🥰

As breeders, we spend weeks and months pouring our hearts into raising these little ones, so hearing that they step confidently into new situations, travel well, and charm everyone they meet is incredibly rewarding.

Thank you again to Susan and Terri for your generosity, care, and friendship. Safe travels, little Seren. We can’t wait to watch your next chapter unfold with Wyntr’Gem Havanese. 💖🐾

Yesterday Dolly’s boys were officially 8 weeks old, which means it was time for one of the most anticipated milestones in a breeder’s journey — their structure evaluations.

Structure evaluations are typically performed at 8 weeks of age (plus or minus 3 days), as this is considered the age where puppies most closely reflect the adult dog they may become. While puppies continue to grow and change, this brief window gives breeders valuable insight into strengths, areas of concern, and future potential.

We took the 2hr drive on Thursday when the pups were 8 weeks less 3 days and I couldn’t be happier with the results.

All four boys evaluated above show average, which speaks volumes about the consistency of this litter and the quality of both Dolly and Phoenix. In fact, our evaluator felt this is a breeding that is absolutely worth repeating. 🥰

💙 Johnnie impressed with his beautiful neck-to-shoulder transition, excellent shoulder layback, strong rear assembly, and lovely topline. He presents a very balanced picture and was consistently strong across the board.

💙 Billie also scored well above average with a lovely short back, strong rear, and beautiful topline. While his shoulder is slightly more upright than his brothers, he remains a very well-balanced puppy with many strengths.

💙 Skeeter earned high marks for his front assembly, shoulder layback, and overall balance. He was particularly engaging with the evaluator, making wonderful eye contact and showing the kind of connection that often translates into a strong bond with his people.

💙 Porter stole the show. With eight pluses out of nine in all the evaluated areas, he is one of the nicest puppies structurally that we have produced to date. His front, shoulder, rear assembly, topline, and overall balance were exceptional, earning him the distinction of pick of the litter. Craig has been calling that for weeks, so I’ve officially told Craig he will be a part of our future evaluators as he has a very good eye—challenge accepted! 🤣

Of course, structure is only one piece of the puzzle. A beautiful puppy also needs a sound mind and a wonderful temperament.

Our temperament evaluations are scheduled for Wednesday after being postponed, and shortly after that the boys will head to the veterinarian for their first wellness examinations and microchips.

As a breeder, these evaluations help guide future breeding decisions, but they also remind me just how fortunate I am to work with wonderful dogs and dedicated families. I’m incredibly proud of Dolly, Phoenix, and the four boys they produced together. 💜🐾

When Lorraine and John first contacted me, they were hoping to add a female puppy to their family. Unfortunately, with only two girls in the litter and one already reserved as a show prospect, that wasn’t going to be possible.

To their credit, they did their research on boys and asked my thoughts.

I can confidently say that, in my experience, the old saying is true:

Girls love you, but boys are IN LOVE with you. 💙

I truly do adore my boys.

The boys tend to be a little less complicated too 🤣. They generally eat whatever is put in front of them, while the girls often need to consider their options first. And when it comes to potty breaks, boys seem content to use whatever is available, while girls are often searching for that perfect blade of grass. 😂

After spending time learning about the puppies, Lorraine and John ultimately had a choice between Beau and Tino. Based on everything we had seen through daily observations, temperament testing, and evaluations, Beau’s people-focused nature made him the perfect fit for their family.

This is the first dog for their girls, although they have spent lots of time puppy sitting for family and friends. On Tuesday, Beau officially joined his new family.

And it sounds like he is settling in beautifully:

“Hi Lynda. Thanks for checking in. We are learning his sweet goofy personality. And he is letting us know when he doesn’t like that we leave him downstairs when we go upstairs. Got a good voice on that one. But he really does settle well and loves his crate. Hoping for another peaceful night tonight.”

That sounds exactly like Beau 🥰

Sweet, thoughtful, people-oriented, and determined to make sure nobody forgets about him. 😜

Congratulations Lorraine, John, and girls. Thank you for welcoming this special little gentleman into your hearts and home.

Welcome to the Seda family 💖🐾