Is there anything nicer than a child's relation with an animal. My aunt had a Fox Terrier when I was a little girl, and with great pleasure I think of that time him looking after me and playing with me.

But the dream of having an own dog had to be postponed due to lack of time. I had to work and was often on business travel, thus not the place for a little companion.

But times have changed, and eventually in 1996 the dream should become true. Yet although I have been longing for this time, I thoroughly took into consideration whether it was the right decision to get a little friend, the dog, instead of going on lovely holidays.  
Beside looking at holiday catalogues and travelling magazines, I also studied the dog standards and dog books. When I decide for a dog, which dog do I want. Thinking back to my childhood I thought of having a Terrier again. Because I love going for long walks in the country I wanted an active dog, who likes long-distance walks and which can be taken everywhere without difficulties. The Fox Terrier was still too big. So I focused myself on the smaller Terriers. The Border Terrier is described as a small, active, robust, and sound dog which is capable of following a horse.

I was lucky, a nearby breeder just had a litter, which I went to see, and I fell in love with Genie right away. She was an active little thing. When her brothers and sisters still were asleep, she was awake bounced over them in their box, and when the others already were asleep she also run about in their box, she was always up to something. She really has the right name, she really is a little rogue, like the ghost of the bottle always full of mischief. Here you can see Genie with her brother and her sisters. (Genie 2nd from left)

I never felt sorrry for this my decision, because vacation, even if they are most exciting and lovely, pass by they only stay in memory, but having a dog is something special. A dog changes your life, it brings joy and is the best friend all the life.

My study

Because I wanted to learn as much about animals and especially about dogs I studied animal psychology and homoeopathy.

I am a great believer of alternative medicine, and I think not everything must be treated with the "medical clubs" of the doctors.

Dog feeding

Genie disdained many of the highly recommended commercial dog food and has eaten nothing for days. Pounds and pounds of the food I gave away. After looking at the ingredients I preferred to prepare my own food for Genie, which consists of meat or fish always toghether with vegetables, garlic, yeast, linseed, wheat germs and oil. I recognised that Genie was much better off than with "only" commercial dog food.

Years later I have heard of the BARFING, which I also feed today.