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Towards the end of the summer

In the beginning of August it was show time again as three international shows were held in Kuopio 1.-3.8. We had entered Nuusku & Friida on Friday there, the judge was Henric Fryckstand from Sweden. Nuusku got a lovely critique again and was BOB veteran. Friida only got "very good" as her coat is still in tiny bikinis and the judge though she also needed a bit more body. I also worked at the show on Friday and Saturday as our local Spaniel Club was one of the clubs that was responsible for arranging these big shows.

During the weekend we also had a chance to meet Friida's sons Reetu and Osku. Both boys have lovely, open temperaments and are developing well. It was great to see these 5-month-old fellows again!

In the beginning of August Nuusku also had a date with a charming Welsh lady "Maisa" (Llawen Savannah), so hopefully in October he will become a dad once more!

The week later (9th August) we headed up north to Tornio int show with my friend Minna, her Welsh boy Ossi (Benton Somebody's Duck) and Friida. Friida's bikinis were still the same tiny ones, nevertheless she got "excellent" and ended up as BB4. And after the show it was time for some shopping at Ikea... ;)




Nuusku - a retired old fellow?

Once the dog show bug has bitten you it seems the infection stays for good. Therefore, as Minna asked me to join her to Ylivieska international show on 19.7. I just couldn't resist. I figured it'd be nice to enter Nuusku there because "he's in great shape for his age and for a veteran of his age it's even free of charge". Nuusku always enjoys shows, his a little bit conceited temperament enjoys the attention he gets in the ring. He's also still the same happy, tail-wagging dog as always, so it's a pleasure to show him. Nuusku got a very nice critique from judge Mrs Elena Ruskovaara and ended up as BOB-veteran. Here is a rough translation of his critique:
"Excellent type of veteran, kept in good muscle condition. Charming in the aggregate. Rather curly coat. Lovely expression, good topline still, balanced structure. Good mover for his age. Appealing as a whole. Credit to his owner, 12-year-old veteran."

Hot summer?

As june turned to July my long awaited summer holidays beagan. Weatherwise it looks more like autumn holidays though: rain, rain, rain and rather cold weather. Well, now it is finally a bit warmer and the dogs are certainly happier with cooler weather.

I started my holidays by going to World Winner dog show in Stockholm with Ulla. It was great to be at the show and Finnish Welshies had lots of success as well. Nuusku's brother Nevada even won World Veteran Winner title!

As I returned home, Friida's Holly-sister and her family came for a visit. It was lovley to meet you all and Friida had tons of fun palying with her sister!

Another family-meeting was in Kajaani, where we visited Friida's son Paavo. Paavo is a very charming little fellow and his owners Jari and Heli have taught him a lot already. Paavo has a lovely home with you indeed! Thank you for letting us stop by!

Hunting training weekend 7.-8.6.2008

Our local Spaniel Club arranged a hunting training weekend for young spaniels in Nissilä during 7.-8.6. Also three of Friida and Ruffe's puppies were there: Paavo, Osku and Manta. It was lovely to see the puppies again and see how open and social they were - just like when they left for their new homes. I was very happy to see what a nice contact and relationship they have with their new owners, they really have found lovely homes! Allthough the weekend must have been tiring for the little ones, I hope it helped the owners and gave good advice for future training. At least I learned a lot even if I was there just observing and listening. Mummy-Friida also joined us for the Sunday and got some good advice for fetching trainings.

I put some photos from the weekend here (sorry, the text is only in Finnish) for everyone to see.

Brothers Reetu (in the first photo on this page (c) Raija Miettinen) and Robi also have started with their obedience and hunting training and from what I've heard it's going pretty well. I'm very grateful that you new owners are so active with your pups and like to play and learn with the little fellows! Thanks everyone for keeping in touch and for all the lovely photos I've received.

Early summer news

Grandpa Nuusku turned 12 years on 26th May and is still a happy chap. He is in very good condition for his age, only doesn't hear too much anymore. He still loves to play like a puppy and is still very easy to get motivated.

We attended the annual Springerspaniels Speciality show in Karkku on 1st June with him. He got a very good critique until the very last line: wavy coat ruins the general appearence. So his result was VG (very good). Hmmm... wouldn't he be allowed to have "some curls" at this age already? :) Nevertheless we had a lovely, sunny day in Karkku with good friends.

On the show day (1.6.) Ruska had his 9th birthday and he's also still in great shape! The only thing that tells me he's gaining age is that he nowadays walks nicely in a leash, not pulling and running all the time. He's still full of energy and has never been sick in his life so far (knocking on wood...). I'm so happy that both of my boys are in such good condition both physically and mentally.

Mummy-Friida also celebrated her 3rd birthday on 5th June. She has returned to her "hobbies" already, though the show rings will wait for her hair to come back for a while still.