I have had dogs since 1972 when my parents - after my asking for a long time - bought a little black Cocker Spaniel male "King". He was the start to my life with dogs. We practiced a bit of obedience and I showed him sometimes. When I moved away from home I was without a dog for a short time, but...
Osmond of Woodhill "Osmo"
1984-1997
When I noticed that something is was missing from my life I started to think about a breed. I read many dog books and every time I stopped at the page of a Golden Retriever, the breed I had chosen. I contacted Kirsti Wuorimaa, kennel of Woodhill, and reserved a male puppy. What a happy day when I got Osmo, I had my very own dog. I also learned a lot about dogs from Kirsti. She has bred Goldens since 1956 and her last litter was in 2007.
Osmo was a great dog. We practiced obedience and he won two first prizes for it. He also had success in shows. His best show years were in veteran classes but he was BOS in the National Specialty by Mrs Margaret Balaam, England, as a young guy from a large class of males. I am happy that he was with me for long time, nearly fourteen years.
Osmo BOB as a veteran by breed specislist Barbara Keighley, England,
right Karvin Paloma O'Blanca with Heidi Karves
Festival's Pershing of Pentagon "Svante"
1992-2004
I saw Svante's mother Ch Guldklimpens Olga the Comtesse at a junior age in a big Show of in Stockholm, Sweden and since that time I hoped to have a puppy of her. After many years we were on the way to Göteborg to get Svante from Tina Angrell (Lindeman).
Svante was a very beautiful dog and he had one CC but I showed him only a few times. He was the happiest dog I have ever met. He always wagged his tail and he didn't have a bad day in his whole life. Even when he was old and sick his mind was positive. He was also an excellent "big brother" to my TTs, always patient and gentle. Sometimes he was even too gentle and many times I saved him from a TT puppy who hung on his lips or tail. And especially Tashi loved him. Tashi had a funny manner to lie on sleeping Svante's body and bite his ear like a bubble gum. One time when my friend Janette was visiting us and after Tashi and Svante's "hug" Janette took Svante's ear in her hand and looked at it. It was only wet as always even their hug looked like that Tashi had bit all his ear off. When Svante died Tashi missed him as much as I did. He tried to find Svante and even today he is so happy when he sees a Golden Retriever.
Festival's Pershing of Pentagon
Ch Karamain Jo-Wo Pan-Bu
1995-2004
My first contact with TTs was my sister's puppy Katamarin Hilary. When I saw her the first time I was sold to on this lovely breed, funny little dogs and full of tricks all the time.
One year later Jo-Wo moved to in with me. He was so little and cute and of course in full of energy and life. Jo-Wo had a great but short show career. He was BOS in the National Specialty 1997 under the age of two years and the year after he was BOB. He also had many wins from many countries. He gave me a lot of happiness and also a lot of sadness. He died after being sick for a long time at the age of only nine years
Jo-Wo in one of his latest show in 1999
Ch Dalghani's Mang Ga La Tashi "Tashi"
born 4.9.1999
And then Tashi, the dog who makes me feel happy every time I look at him.
All started when I and Kirsi Wikstöm contacted Jo Hannam, kennel Dalghani, Canada. Many e-mails and Jo promised puppies to us. We were two of the happiest people in the whole world! In Autumn 1999 Tashi and his sister Mona (Ch Dalghani's Mon Pa zu Adofau) arrived at the Helsinki airport and my way with Tashi started. Svante and Jo-Wo were being cared for because I thought that Tashi would be very tired after the long flight but when we were at home he ate and started to play, no tiredness or any effects from the flight. He has been like a clown all the time. He makes me smile every day.
After he became a Champion we had a break from shows of nearly five years because of Jo-Wo's illness, I couldn't leave him to be cared for. Now we have stared his show career again in veteran classes thanks to my good friend Janette Fröberg. About two years ago she called me and we started working together again. It has been a lovely time.
I never can thank Jo enough about Tashi. She trusted me and sent him across the world to my care. It's always wonderful to read Jo's letters that she has sent me over the years. And some day we hope to meet in person!