About Me 🐾

My Story 🐾

As mentioned above, it all began when I was just 16. After what felt like endless begging and saving every dollar from my part-time job, I finally got my very first own dog—a huge milestone that would shape the rest of my life.
 

It Started with Oslo

Into my life came Oslo, my big teddy bear from Tormod Kennels in New Zealand (registered name: Tormod Loch Nevis). I had poured over dog breed books, searching for the perfect fit, and I was captivated by the Norwegian Elkhound—their striking looks, loyal temperament, and, of course, the fact they were basically Viking sidekicks. How cool is that?

In all honesty, as a teen, I didn’t exactly nail the whole “obedience” thing —Oslo’s escape artist streak certainly kept things interesting—but he was my beloved companion from day one. We grew up together and learned so much from each other, and when I moved to the UK “for a few months”, a kind Samoyed breeder looked after him temporarily. Oslo, true to form, charmed everyone—including a rescue Samoyed named Minnie, who became his best friend.

Eventually, I realised I wasn’t in any rush to leave the UK… and there was no question: Oslo had to come too.

In 2010, at age 11, Oslo flew to London and embraced the ultra dog-friendly lifestyle: parks, pubs, rambles, holidays across the country in everything from 5 star hotels to charming BNBs, and even coming to work with me. He lived a full, rich life until the remarkable age of 16, passing peacefully in his sleep.

Losing him was heartbreaking. He had been my constant through literally half of my life -through school, university, jobs, international moves, relationships that came and went, and so many life changes. Oslo wasn’t just a dog. He was woven into the fabric of my life and my heart and the grief was insane.  To this day, I still believe it was one of the hardest things I ever went through.

Then Came Sabie

In 2012, knowing I’d never want another breed, I welcomed Sabie (Bowerhinton Bormana) from Treena Maun of Bowerhinton Kennels in the UK. Armed with more dog, and life, experience, and studying books on dog training, Sabie benefited from much better training and blossomed into a joyful, well-adjusted, and adaptable companion.

We navigated Oslo’s loss together. Sabie was my little rock, helping me through the grief in her own quiet, intuitive way. We started dog showing—a brand new world for me—and were warmly welcomed by the UK Elkhound community. Sabie took it all in stride, quickly claiming a handful of ribbons and qualifying for Crufts, where she also brought home a ribbon despite my novice handler skills.

Although I’d hoped to breed Sabie, life (and freelancing) had other plans. Time flew, and the right window never quite arrived. Still, Sabie is a beautiful, regal, ambassador of the breed—inside and out.

In 2017, my husband and I made the move to the Gold Coast, Australia. And of course, Sabie came too. I’ll never forget how many people shocked me by asking, “What are you doing with the dog?” For me, my dogs are my family and my life. There were no questions, she was of course to come with us.

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Nusa Joins the Family

Just before leaving the UK, we had begun looking for a second Elkhound to expand our family. As luck would have it, a puppy was born during our holidays en route to Australia. Just a week after landing in Queensland, Nusa (Simpatico Magical Blossom) joined us—flown up by Simone of Simpatico Kennels.

Much like Sabie once did with Oslo, Nusa instantly became Sabie’s little shadow. Sabie pretended to be aloof at first, but it wasn’t long before she gave in. Nusa had a fantastic start thanks to doggy daycare and training with The Pet Girl, a trainer (and now friend) we miraculously found living near our Airbnb base while we were house hunting.  Sabie and Nusa went to The Pet Girl’s property for several years and Nusa is an incredibly well balanced and well adjusted dog. It was the perfect start to her life in Australia.

Our cuddly Nusa has the sweetest nature—gentle, patient, protective, and a total magnet for kids. We’ve had two different four-year-old nephew/nieces live with us for extended periods over the years, and every dog in our home instinctively knew to be gentle, patient, and careful with the “tiny humans.” We hadn’t yet made breeding plans in Australia when Nusa arrived, so she was sadly spayed at age two. We do have some regret with this -  she would have made a beautiful mum.

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And Then Came Cuba

By 2021, the time was right to expand our pack and start our breeding journey. That’s when Cuba (Simpatico Spring Unique Spring) joined us—another gorgeous girl from Simone at Simpatico Kennels.

Cuba has brought boundless joy,  energy and sass into our lives. I don’t think any dog has made us laugh more—she’s playful, cheeky, clever, and the biggest character. She loves grooming more than any of our other girls, and brushing her will put her to sleep!  Our Charismatic Cuba is a delight, and she represents the next generation of well-loved, well-raised Norwegian Elkhounds here in Australia.

Simone has been incredibly supportive, and we’re proud to help preserve and promote these fantastic dogs in Australia.  Our desire is to continue high-quality lines locally, and we’re excited to see where this journey leads.

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What’s in a Name?

Our dogs are all named after favourite travel destinations. Travel and dogs are our two biggest passions, so this is our way of combining them.

• Oslo – Norway’s capital, and a proud nod to the breed’s origins

• Sabie – A beautiful river and region in South Africa’s Kruger Park

• Nusa – Indonesian for “island,” and where we were married (Nusa Dua, Bali)

• Cuba – Named after our amazing trip through Cuba on the way to Australia