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| Loddi and I - Aug 2005 |
My goodness..... where to begin?! Loddi has been with me now for 7 months and I can tell you she is a
marvelous teacher.... I learn something new about lappies almost daily. Over ten years ago I was adopted by a stray
puppy in my neighborhood. This little girl, Miss Sophie, was identified as a chow-shep mix by my vet from
the few black spots on her tongue. She didn't quite fit the look or temperament of a chow so I began to explore breed
books for hints. It wasn't long before I found a photo of a Swedish Lapphund that closely resembled Sophie. I
contacted many breeders in Sweden for answers to my questions and, well, Sophie turned out not to be a lappie but she certainly
opened the doors to a wonderful adventure for the both of us. Thanks Soph!!
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| Zandra, Loddi's grandmother |
Loddi' story can not be told without starting with very special thanks to Jane Vikman of Strahles Kennel and her family. When I first started to research Swedish Lapphunds many years ago Jane responded to my emails
and became a wonderful source of information about the breed... as well as a good friend! When I travelled to Sweden
a few years back she extended her generous hospitality to me. She was my guide to this wonderful world of Lapphunds,
taking me to meet some breeders and sharing information about the history of the breed. The very first Swedish
Lapphund I ever met in person was her dear little Lappie, Zandra, Loddi's grandmother. Zandra has recently crossed the
rainbow bridge and we are all very sad that she had to leave!
Thanks for everything Jane!! I am forever grateful to you for all you have shared and done. Loddi, Sophie
and I had a great time during your recent visit - they are both still looking for you Astrid... (-; ! And yes,
Loddi remembered her Swedish!!
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| Sophie, Loddi and I - December 2004 |
Although I currently live in Southern California, my heart will always be in Northern California where I grew up.
Loddi, Sophie and I spent our 2004 Christmas with family in Petaluma, a community about 40 miles north of San Francisco in beautiful Sonoma County.
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