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When he had completed all the
necessary vaccinations etc. I
drove to Denmark to collect
him. It was quite traumatic as
the ferry going out sailed
behind a huge storm which the
captain said would be far
better then sailing in it… it was
bad enough, it threw you out
of bed as the waves threw the
ferry about but we arrived safe
and sound and 5 hours late.
The journey home was un-
eventful, thank goodness, and
Rio settle into my pack very easily. At his first show in the UK
he was awarded Best Puppy Dog by our judge Karin Hickson at
The Keeshond Club Open show. He qualified for Crufts several
st
times and won a 1 but showing wasn't really his thing; he
preferred playing the fool, lifting his tail just a little and grinning
at me. He proved to be a good stud dog and sired 5 litters in
all, 1 for me, 2 for Karin Hickson and 2 for Antonia Atkinson. All
5 litters produced lovely puppies including the gorgeous multi
CC and group winner, Ch Kichigai Only the Lonely (Vinnie).
We had a go at Agility and Rally which was much more his cup
of tea but we didn't compete as I couldn't keep up with him.
When he turned 12 we discovered he had fibrous lumps in his
lungs. He seemed to be doing well on his medication but on
the 4 May 2023 we had taken him to his favourite place,
th
Lotherton Hall, when he
suddenly collapsed and died.
It was a huge shock but he
died in his favourite place with
his favourite humans around
him. I miss him every day and
more so as I am now without
a Keesie for the first time in
35 years. He was a very
special boy and I thank Lars
and Annette for allowing me
to own him and Natasha for
always keeping in touch.

Barbara Stott

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