This week, we welcomed two absolutely adorable Havanese ladies into our home — Abby (9 years old) and Iris (12 years old). Despite their years of life experience, this is one of the first true “sleepaway” trips they’ve ever had without their parents, and understandably, it’s been a big adjustment for them both.
From the moment Abby arrived, she let us know exactly how nervous she was — quite literally — by peeing right on me as I bent down to scoop her up. Meanwhile, Iris seemed more composed, wandering calmly into the house like a seasoned guest. But as the hours passed, their personalities began to reveal themselves in surprising ways.
Abby, though timid, showed occasional sparks of curiosity. She would quietly trail behind me for a few steps, only to dart off the moment I turned to acknowledge her — always retreating to find comfort next to Iris. And just when I thought she was warming up to me, she’d leave me a little puddle of nervous pee. 🐾💧
Iris, on the other hand, flipped the script. While she gave the impression of being the confident one early on, she quickly settled into the role of quiet observer. Her preferred pastime? Curling up on our big round couch… or the massage chair… or the bathtub near the sunny window. She’s surprisingly agile for a 12-year-old! Abby often wants to follow her sister to those cozy spots, but can’t always make the jump like Iris can.
In between their quiet moments and cautious routines, Abby and Iris have also had a few sweet encounters with our other furry house guests. Though they’re naturally shy, they’ve each had brief moments of social curiosity — a gentle nose sniff here, a shared nap space there. These short but meaningful interactions show us that, deep down, they’re open to making friends, even if it’s on their own very slow and careful terms. It’s been heartwarming to see them take those little steps outside their comfort zones.
One of the most charming things about their stay so far is their unexpected bond with my mom, who’s not typically part of the daily doggy routine. Both Abby and Iris have taken a strong liking to her, with Iris practically insisting on being held, while Abby stays close by her side. It’s heartwarming to watch.
We know it will take time for these girls to feel completely at ease, and that’s okay. One of the best parts of our doggy resort is that guests are free to adjust at their own pace. As long as they’re safe and not destructive, we let every pup settle in however they need.
Mealtimes have been interesting too. Abby, the nervous one, ironically eats like a champ — meals, treats, whatever’s offered. No hesitation there. Iris, however, takes a bit more convincing. Her breakfast was pushed all the way into the late afternoon, and even then, she took her time deciding where to dine. Dinner followed a similar pattern. It seems like her tummy schedule is still catching up with her surroundings.
One thing we’re keeping a close eye on is their water intake. Neither are drinking as much as we’d like, especially Iris. I’ve been personally walking around with a water bowl, offering sips like a mobile hydration station. Abby eventually takes a good drink when she’s ready, but Iris needs more encouragement. We’re monitoring both carefully and encouraging little zips wherever we can.
As for bedtime, it was a quiet success. Given Abby’s nervous bladder, we decided it was safest to let them sleep in a spacious kennel with a fluffy bed and soft padding. They both slept peacefully through the night without a sound, and went potty first thing in the morning — no messes in sight. We’ll stick with this arrangement a bit longer, but if Abby grows more confident and remains accident-free during the day, we’ll consider letting them choose their own sleep spots soon.
So far, these sweet sisters are making the most of a situation that’s very new to them. It’s clear they miss their parents and the comfort of home, but we’re doing everything we can to make them feel safe, loved, and cared for. With a little more time (and maybe a few more naps), we’re hopeful they’ll begin to embrace the experience — maybe even enjoy it.
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