Dreams really do come true!!!
It was more than a year ago I first dreamt about showing my dogs in Sweden and as it is the only Scandinavian Country where docked dogs can be exhibited I convinced myself my dream was totally justified.
So from the point of my dream the organisation of the trip began. I had to study the complex rules and regulations in regard of dog entry to the Country and it soon became apparent that the veterinary paperwork including blood tests needed to be totally correct and accurate or my dogs would be placed in quarantine! So many hours of work began and at last all veterinary documents were confirmed and issued soon followed by travel tickets, confirmed visa, reserved hotel and car rented - let's go....Sweden here we come!!!
Our journey began on 13th July 06 with a bus trip to the beautiful clean City of Vilnius in Lithuania where the final entrance papers for Sweden were authorised. Our flight to Arlanda airport near Stockholm was pleasent and on decent I could not stop looking out of the window amazed at how green and woody the landscape was and how the thatched houses looked so small - it was fantastic just like a fairytale!
However on landing I was struck with fear - had I forgotten anything? Even a small seemingly meaningless document left behind would mean both myself and the dogs would soon be back in Vilnius! I was very nervous as the customs inspector scanned Kalina's microchip, checked closely all documentation and passports - how relieved I was to hear him say "all correct you can enter" Ooooo at last we are in Sweden!!!
A very polite girl directed us to the car rental where I picked up my reserved Volkswagen and off we went to our hotel in Gavle City. After a sleepless night due to excitement it was off to Hogbo for the purpose of our trip - the 3 day International dog show. On arrival I was amazed how many of the expected 3000 dogs were taking cover from the Sun under the huge marquee awaiting the start of judging. I was also amazed at how low to the grass the ring tape was placed - very novel and convenient as you just step over it into the ring but it was vital nobody broke the tape - very Swedish I was told!!!
There was an unexpected small entry of Min. Pinschers at the shows - 20 on day 1, 26 on day 2 and 20 on the final day. However I was very happy as on the first day Kalina won the CAC, Reserve CACIB and became a Swedish Champion - HURRAH the overall aim was reached!!!!!!!! I was even more thrilled and pleased on days 2 and 3 where Malagris Kalina Krasnaya won the CACIB and BOB both days - wonderful!!!
I returned to my hotel after the first day very happy but very tired. I decided to have a couple of hours sleep then take a look at the City however on waking up and getting myself ready I realised it was 4 o'clock in the Morning - I had sleapt 13 hours!!! Even so I was wide awake so took the walk to the City anyway and was impressed how beautiful and clean Gavle was with very low buildings, wide streets, cosy restaurants and lovely green grassed areas with well groomed flower beds which contained water bowls for the birds to drink on hot days and sprinklers for the grass - how amazing! The river with it's fountains and the beautiful sculptures really captivated me - I felt like a child and how I wished for that moment that I was Swedish and lived there.
I had the pleasure of meeting the following Swedish Min. Pinschers owners - Lena & Andreas of the 'Mr & Mrs' Kennel, Helene & Chatrine of the 'Allamigoz' Kennel and Britzyk of the 'Belloceans' Kennel. Thanks to you all for three superb days with your company at the shows and I hope to return the gesture when you visit a show in Russia - you will be welcome in Kaliningrad!!!
My thanks also in general to the Swedish people who were surprisingly pleasant, very understanding and sympathetic, benevolent and always have a smile of their face (and the Swedish men are so attractive!). All the Swedish seem to speak English therefore there are no problems in communication which makes your trip very easy and more enjoyable.
So it was time to say Goodbye to this remarkable Country - I hope to return to the fairytale City of Gavle one day with it's toy houses, drinking bowles for birds on flowers beds and green open spaces - talk to and see you soon the people of Sweden!!!
Galina Kulikova.