This is Täpi and Lotte's family: Tiiu, Mart, Maria, Mari-Liis.
How did Täpi become a member of our family?
For a long time we only had one dog – Jammi (Unerschrocker Don), a German Shepherd. When Jammi was almost ten years old, I found myself dreaming of a smaller dog, who would make a good companion on walks in forests and by the seaside.
As I had no special interest in any of the breeds I knew, I started studying the Internet and leafed a book called „The Dogs of the World.“ I immediately fell in love with a red and white dog with a very alert expression and lovely drooping ears. The name „kooikerhondje“ sounded strange enough to call for more attention. I read a lot about the breed and decided it was the right dog for me. Although rather small, but still not a „sofa pillow,“ but a dog with character and will of its own.
What next? I wrote dozens of e-mails to dozens of breeders in Finland, Sweden, Denmark and Holland asking for a puppy. I was afraid to admit that I had only seen a kooikerhondje on photos, therefore I told them I had seen them at a couple of shows. My sincerest apologies to the breeders I contacted and who have now become my friendsJ I did not receive many replies, evidently most of the breeders were somewhat suspicious of someone writing from a faraway country Estonia. But finally I was offered a puppy from Holland, the homeland of the breed.
Täpi arrived just a day before my twin daughters’ 13th birthday. Today none of us could imagine life without this funny and alert member of our family. I must still confess, that there were moments of sincere regret, when she was still a puppy. Who would be able to count the shoes and wires she managed to destroy during the first months! When the German Shepherd was a puppy he only chewed one of my shoes and a couple of chairs. But the material loss can never be compared to what she has given us.
Täpi has done the obedience course and we take part in agility trainings, as well. We compete in AG1 and have even managed to win a couple of competitions. The truth is, though, that I tend to get lost on the track and Täpi often takes interest in the spectators, rather than the track.
We have been much more successful at numerous dog shows. As quite by accident (beginner’s luck!) I was given a really beautiful puppy we have won lots of shows, the most important of them the World Winner 2008 in Stockholm.
But what is more important than winning competitions and shows – thanks to Täpi I have met some wonderful people, here in Estonia and also in Finland and and Sweden.
On August 23, 2009 Täpi's first litter was born - five girls and one boy. We had decided beforehand to keep one of the female puppies. We chose Lotte - the most dominant puppy of the litter. Obviously, more experienced breeders did not approve of this choice but I still trusted my instincts. Whether I was right and who will the boss in our home - time will tell. At present Lotte is the sweetest and the most obedient kooiker puppy in the whole world:)
Unfortunately our German Shepherd Jammi is not with us any more. He passed away at the age of twelve on September 30, 2009.
