Taija was the puppy from my Emmi and Louis litter that I just fell in love with. It is hard to say what it was, but from very early on she used to just watch me, then she would be the first to my side for cuddles, and the last to leave it. I have fond memories of laying on my back in the puppy areas, and having her clambering onto my chest to gaze at me and lavish me with affection. It would have been hard to see her go, so I was silently doing an air thump of "yes" when those helping me assess the pups picked her out for me! She lives with my friend Cherelle, here in Melbourne, with her older boy Willoughby. But I plan on showing her myself when I can tear her out of Cherelle's arms.

The biggest pup in the litter, she is a very strong and solid girl, and I suspect may be like her mum in that way, with great bone and a strong yet feminine head. She is beautifully balanced, with a lovely outline and carriage, nice legth of neck, great turn of stifle (like all of these kids), big fluffy coat, and real presence about her. Her expression is unique; so soft with this wide eyed innocence that makes you want to say "oh, just come here darling."

Taija was usually one of the first pups ready to meet people and run for cuddles, playful and fun loving. She wasn't the naughtiest of the pups but certainly up there in the cheeky stakes. She would often just love to be by my side, making me feel special. There were moments where I'd be out and about and I would start imagining that day when I would say good bye to her and I'd have to stop myself from balling my eyes out in public. I am thrilled that I will get to see her often and get more of those cuddles.

Taija's dam is, of course, my beautiful import girl Emmi (Aus Ch Lumiturpa Emmi (Imp Fnl)), a rather famous girl amongst western circles in the Lappie community. She is of very successful, typey lines in Finland, is a stunning representation of her breed, and has had a lot of success in the ring here in Australia. She is a strong and confident bitch, with a real streak of naughtiness, and is hugely affectionate (particularly toward men, the little hussy!). Taija is from her second litter.

Her sire is my import boy Louis (Aus Ch C'est Louis Armstrong des Chevaloupsgreg (Imp USA)) who is actually of French birth, but was raised for me in the USA, and who has some of my favourite Lappies behind him. Despite the limited campaigning I do, he has also had quite a lot of success in the show ring, and has quite a few fans who have recognised his type and quality. He is a very funny, active boy with lots of drive, who is affectionately called "Loony-Louis" a lot of the time - my Peter Pan dog who I never expect to be more than a puppy. Taija is from his first litter.

For more photos of Taija, CLICK HERE