The "Princess" (CH. Crowns Icecaps Princess Leia) was the first Finnish Spitz to join our family, and a Princess she is! Leia rules her territory with an iron paw, and makes sure the backyard is kept free of anything in flight. Although first and foremost our beloved pet, she has done very well in the show ring, finishing her championship at the age of 19 months by going Best of Breed over two dog specials. She followed that performance with an Award of Merit in breed competition at the 2002 Finnish Spitz Club of America National Specialty show. Not in the show ring often these days she will be appearing with greater frequency as Lucas begins showing with her in Junior Showmanship competition. Although she's dug more holes in the yard than David cares to count, our family would not feel complete without the Princess in residence.

"Liekke" (Crowns Punaukea Taru Mielikke) is our longed for Hunter daughter and we are thrilled with her easy going personality. She moves with Hunter's easy grace and elegance. Leia has adopted her as her own, and Liekki is so mellow even Hunter allowed her to sleep and play in his tail. Once she decided she was ready to show she walked into a large show in Houston with stiff competition and did her thing! She came away with both of her major wins. She is short only two single points for her championship.

AM. CN. CH Jayenn's Tophunter ("Hunter") was known here as "The Man!" A beautiful example of the breed by any standard he had a stunning show career in both Canada and the US. He traveled to the US in 2003 for breeding and we fell in love with him while he lived with us. His "mom", Til Niquidet at Pikkinnokka in Canada, was kind enough to let him stay and spend his remaining years in our home. He quickly became my soulmate. Although Hunter left us for the Rainbow Bridge in 2005, his memories and spirit are with us everywhere. We are thankful his legacy lives on in his offspring.

Korva was our second Finnish Spitz and came to us from a shelter situation. Due to her many medical needs, her prospects for a forever family were slim. Not a show dog, but incredibly loving, she and Leia had a common goal of digging up trees and making as many holes as possible. She spent her nights keeping us company on our laps. Korva's time with us was much too short. Although it was rocky, we did not for a minute regret opening our home to her. She was a very special lady and touched our hearts more than any dog that we've ever had. She remains sorely missed around here.

Copyright © 2003-2007 Karen & David Swisher: All rights reserved