Category: General

Kulo’s first dog show in Finland was yesterday and his Finnish show career could not have started in a better way. He got everything that he needed and a bit more: junior-CAC, adult CAC, best of breed junior and best of breed. Kulo’s first dog show in Finland was yesterday and his Finnish show career…

We drove through Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and arrived in Dunkirk for the ferry over to Dover and we got our first taste of England on the White Cliffs. We drove through Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and arrived in Dunkirk for the ferry over to Dover and we got our first taste of England on…

Arriving in Germany in early March was a bit of a deja vu. It was as if we’d just left in the autumn with more leaves on the ground and less on the trees. And it was a bit colder. But it was almost as if we wouldn’t have spent most of winter in Finland…

Happy seventh birthday to Eino!

The 36 hour ferry was quite boring. But in a surprise to everyone, the sandbox on deck started to find some use after 24 hours on board.

The first leg of our journey to Britain was taking a 36 hour ferry from Helsinki to Travemünde in Germany. Of course, before this we had dropped Eino off at friends for the duration of the trip and spent time visiting family along the way.

Kulo celebrated his first birthday by getting his second Lithuanian junior CAC and becoming a Lithuanian junior champion and in the end beat Kamu who was the best adult male in the best of breed ring and became best of breed. Kulo celebrated his first birthday by getting his second Lithuanian junior CAC and becoming…

Little Kulo is not so little anymore and he turns one today! In honor of his birthday he started his show career in official classes yesterday in junior class in Lithuania. Kulo got an excellent, a junior CAC and was best of breed junior. Kamu was also entered in the show and was best male…

Before we get to our trip to Crufts, there are a few real-time posts that are needed. We will start with how to prepare for a dog show in a van. First, get the dog wet by throwing something in a body of clean enough water. Add shampoo and rinse with water carried in buckets…

Kamu: Why yes sure, I’m reading to be in the ring at Crufts in a week and a half. I look ready, don’t I? Editors notes: This photo was taken in the end of February before we started our trip to Crufts. We will now start our tale of the journey to England for Crufts…

Eino: What’s this I hear about a road trip? Has anyone asked for my opinion?

Eino: Yeah, yeah. I’m coming too. Hold your horses.

Ramin called! We are coming.

Anna called! We are coming.

Okay. So we may have run off from the pose without permission. We came back, and now we are off again. This time with permission.

Kulo: That’s it. I’m done posing. Let me go chase Eino.

Why should we look at the camera? When the treats are over that way?

Eino in the distance

Happy dog, happy owner

Kulo is growing up and is slowly starting to venture out on his own and not always follow Kamu or chase Eino.

Eino and the mysterious scents coming from the forest.

Playtime in powder, part 3 Playtime in powder, part 3 Playtime in powder, part 3 Playtime in powder, part 3

Playtime in powder, part 2 Playtime in powder, part 2 Playtime in powder, part 2

Playtime in powder, part 1 Playtime in powder, part 1

It’s the 13th, but not Friday so no reason to be superstitious.

Anyone care to try to come up with what is happening in this photo and a suitable caption for it?!

Cruise missile MMER-K heading towards target at full speed. That’s a hit.

Two relatively normal looking flatcoats running in the snow… Until the next frame that is…

Eino the Easter Rabbit coming in hot Eino the Easter Rabbit coming in hot

Can anybody come up with a good reason why Eino’s tongue is out of his mouth?

Kulo: Oomph! Kulo: That didn’t hurt! Kulo: See, still have all my teeth!

Kamu: Come on little one, run! Kulo: Catch me if you can old one!

17 years since we lost Anna’s childhood companion Kassu

Yay, an island! Let’s go explore.

Eino and the challenge of identifying who has gone there. Eino and the challenge of identifying who has gone there. Eino and the challenge of identifying who has gone there.

Time to leave the lighthouse for this winter and continue our adventures elsewhere.

With a look like that, you can’t help but wonder what kind of April fools joke he has planned.

Kamu and the lighthouse Can’t you just hear Kamu saying: learn to climb fools!

Anna and her dog

Where is that setter going?

It’s not the planets that are aligned, but the dogs.

Monday is just a good a day as any for another playbow

Sunday fun on the ice

In big brother’s pawprints, part 2

In big brothers pawprints, part 1

A rare picture of all three together and close to each other when not under command.

We missed tongue out Tuesday yesterday, so here is Kamu with a manic look and the tongue folded around itself instead.

The joy of running free with space to roam.

12 years since we lost the namesake of the blog, our second flatcoat Jalo.

Just another monday.

Eino is no Peter Pan. His shadow is firmly attached.

It doesn’t really matter if we are in the snowy fields, forests or the frozen lake – these two will make the time to play. It doesn’t really matter if we are in the snowy fields, forests or the frozen lake – these two will make the time to play. It doesn’t really matter if…

Sorry for posting this one a day late. We had some very poor internet connectivity yesterday and had to run around trying to sort it out today.

But before heading out for new adventures getting in some well earned is necessary. Even for flatcoats.

Ok, time to sniff out some new adventures.

And just when you least expected, the black missile is coming at you at full speed.

You can just see the cartoon thought bubble on top of Eino’s head: Oh no, not again!

Kamu wondering if we can get back to admiring him now that the brats have got their playtime out of the publication queue.

And then Kulo and Eino are back at it again. Chasing each other across the snow. And then Kulo and Eino are back at it again. Chasing each other across the snow. And then Kulo and Eino are back at it again. Chasing each other across the snow.

Kamu isn’t really interested in the games Kulo and Eino play. Until of course, one of them decides to chase him… Kamu isn’t really interested in the games Kulo and Eino play. Until of course, one of them decides to chase him… Kamu isn’t really interested in the games Kulo and Eino play. Until of…

And then the chase is on again. And then the chase is on again.

And sometimes with Eino’s barking play bows and sneaky attacks. And sometimes with Eino’s barking play bows and sneaky attacks. And sometimes with Eino’s barking play bows and sneaky attacks.

Sometimes with full blown play bows in the setting sun…

And they are at it again… And they are at it again… And they are at it again…

And then of course the group photo resulting from yesterday’s behind the scenes. And of course the aftermath of the command: free. And then of course the group photo resulting from yesterday’s behind the scenes. And of course the aftermath of the command: free. And then of course the group photo resulting from yesterday’s behind…

Behind the scenes of trying to get a group photo of this lot… Behind the scenes of trying to get a group photo of this lot… Behind the scenes of trying to get a group photo of this lot…

Kulo: I found an acorn!

A bit of training. Of some kind. A bit of training. Of some kind. A bit of training. Of some kind.

All is well in Kamu’s domain All is well in Kamu’s domain

A moment to appreciate the beauty of winter

Kulo: They left me. Kulo: See how they just ran away?!

And a running Kulo. Maybe trying to chase down Eino?

Eino’s joy of running free without the pest attacking him.

Kamu mostly stays out of the chasing games of Kulo and Eino. But he also enjoys being able to run free on the hardpacked snow.

Just chasing each other for the simple joy of running on the hardpacked snow. Just chasing each other for the simple joy of running on the hardpacked snow. Just chasing each other for the simple joy of running on the hardpacked snow.

Kulo at nine months of age about three weeks ago. He is still pretty much all legs.

Eino is improving day by day and is starting to get his energy levels back. Only on longer walks towards the end can we see that he isn’t completely back to the condition he was before getting really sick with his liver issues. There have been some minor setbacks and days in which he isn’t…

The trio at run And the pest attacks again.

Ok, let’s go!

Moments after getting the posed shot of Eino, the pest approaches. Moments after getting the posed shot of Eino, the pest approaches.

Squire Kulo the Snownose

Sir Eino the Red

Sir Kamu the Brown

In Finland Valentine’s Day is not so much for celebrating romantic love but for celebrating friendship. In Finland Valentine’s Day is not so much for celebrating romantic love but for celebrating friendship.

Kulo and Eino’s playtime may look very vicious, but it is pretty much always Kulo that is the instigator and the pest. Kulo and Eino’s playtime may look very vicious, but it is pretty much always Kulo that is the instigator and the pest.

Kamu is a handsome dog, but even he has his moments of looking like a crazy flatcoat.

We belatedly realized that Kulo qualified for the most adorable title there is: Lithuanian Puppy Champion with the results he got from the shows in December. So here he is, LT PCh Miss Mallorys Exciting Roundtrip.

Our van has had some battery problems so Anna had to hitch a ride from her dad 🙂

What do you think, if Kamu was a recording artist would this be a good album cover?

Anna and her dog

What out, speeding flatcoats coming towards you!

Eino by the water. His toes might have dipped into the snowmelt. But you can be certain that he did not entertain even the slightest idea of trying to go for a swim.

Sunday relaxation

Lumber piles are just made for climbing

Yay, it’s Friday again and there is time for longer adventures!

Our backlog of photos is still two months behind. We are going to early December and an eight month old spider called Kulo. Our backlog of photos is still two months behind. We are going to early December and an eight month old spider called Kulo.

If there is one thing that Topi taught Kamu it’s this: it is never too cold to at least try to go for a swim. Not even if you have to break the ice to in the water.

Keeping an eye on their surroundings. Just in case there is something out to get the puppy.

We’ve been fine tuning Eino’s diet after his diagnosis and now it looks like we’ve found a good balance. At least he is back to his usual energy levels both on our walks and at home.

Double the love. Sometimes getting a group photo of the three of them just doesn’t work out… Double the love. Sometimes getting a group photo of the three of them just doesn’t work out… Double the love. Sometimes getting a group photo of the three of them just doesn’t work out…

Playtime Playtime Playtime

Let’s go back all the way to mid November and our first decent snow. And Kulo’s little snack.

17 years since our little yellow man Luka was born. In these pictures he is just barely eight weeks old and had already found his place in our hearts. He was our third flatcoat, but ended up defining what a flatcoat is for us – a perfect mix of beauty and mischievousness. And a working…

Finally some Eino as well! On the week before Christmas Eino threw up some blood and a visit to the vet showed that he has liver failure. There was no clear cause for it to be found so we changed his diet and started a waiting game to see how his bloodwork changes in four…

This picture of Kamu in front of Rakvere castle is the perfect ending for our road trip this autumn. We saw many a castle and visited many countries, dog shows, forests, beaches and bodies of water. We went from below sea level in Amsterdam to the mountains of Slovakia and Poland. We saw many reminders…

After two days of shows little Kulo was quite tired and was ready to head into the local hostel for a nap. After two days of shows little Kulo was quite tired and was ready to head into the local hostel for a nap.

After the show we went for a walk in old town Rakvere. It’s a nice and compact old town with beautiful buildings. After the show we went for a walk in old town Rakvere. It’s a nice and compact old town with beautiful buildings.

The second day at the Rakvere shows went pretty much in the same way as the first. Kulo was best of breed puppy and Kamu was best of breed. And Kulo got to practice what to do with rosettes as well 🙂 The second day at the Rakvere shows went pretty much in the same…

As anyone who has been to dog shows knows, it is definitely not all action. There’s a lot of time spent just hanging around and waiting for ones turn in the ring. As anyone who has been to dog shows knows, it is definitely not all action. There’s a lot of time spent just hanging…

Since the previous nights campspot was so beautiful, we returned to it for the night between the two shows at Rakvere.

The reason for making sure the boys coats were clean? Well the next day we went into Rakvere for another dog show. Kamu was again best of breed and got an Estonian CAC and thus became an Estonian champion. Kulo was entered into the baby puppy class and got some valuable experience and was best…

We made sure that Kamu went for a swim in the clean lakewater to get rid of all of the mud of the Central European rivers and the salt of the sea. The was done to Kulo as well. Just so pretty.

After a day of driving diagonally across much of Estonia mostly on fairly slow country roads we found ourselves ready to spend the night by a series of crystal clear lakes without any cellphone reception. When we got to the spot there was another campervan there, but they’d just stopped for photos and headed out…

Kulo was true to himself and ran puppy zoomies along the sand. He really enjoys sandy beaches and running on them. Kulo was true to himself and ran puppy zoomies along the sand. He really enjoys sandy beaches and running on them. Kulo was true to himself and ran puppy zoomies along the sand. He…

After meeting up with Kamu’s breeder we spent the next day just driving through Poland, Lithuania and most of Latvia and spent the night near the Baltic coast. The next day we walked the boys along the coast and let them enjoy the last of the seaside for this trip. After meeting up with Kamu’s…

And from Krakow we made our way out of the city back into the countryside to finally see Kamu’s breeder Dominika after all these years. We were supposed to see each other a few weeks earlier at the dog show, but her car broke down on her way to the show. Luckily we had already…

And then lunch. After we’d picked Kamu up from his breeder in the countryside we returned to Krakow and checked into our hotel. We were so tired that we looked up the closest burger place to our hotel and went to get some takeout with the puppy in our laps. Luckily the same burger place…

After coffee some shopping in the old market hall After coffee some shopping in the old market hall

Stopping for coffee in the middle of the hustle and bustle of Krakow. Stopping for coffee in the middle of the hustle and bustle of Krakow. Stopping for coffee in the middle of the hustle and bustle of Krakow.

Is Kulo a pointer or a retriever?

That’s the end of the remakes, but we had to pose Kamu under the portico of the markethall.

Kamu no longer fits in the crook of Ramin’s elbow like he used to five years ago. Just look at that cute little puppy Kamun signature move

Under the portico of the market hall in old town Krakow And the before version And a little kiss for the good boy

Right outside the gate of old town Krakow is this statue. This is Kamu after. And here is the before.

After spending the night near Krakow, we just had to go back into the old town to recreate some of the photographs we took with Kamu when we picked him up nearly five years ago. Here is the first one, Anna and Kamu entering old town. This is the after. And this is before. And…

After the walk on the mountaintop we made our way down and towards Auschwitz, which we had planned to visit that day. We will not publish any photos of Auschwitz here, it just doesn’t feel right. But it is a place worth visiting even though the visit will leave you troubled for quite some time.…

Despite all their running around the Polish mountaintop, they did stop and look around for a few moments as well. Despite all their running around the Polish mountaintop, they did stop and look around for a few moments as well.

Happy New Year! (This is a more recent photo from around home and the wonderful snow on the ground.)

The boys really enjoyed being on the mountaintop and running free and chasing each other. The boys really enjoyed being on the mountaintop and running free and chasing each other. The boys really enjoyed being on the mountaintop and running free and chasing each other. The boys really enjoyed being on the mountaintop and running…

From Slovakia we drove along small and twisty mountain roads to the mountains of southern Poland where we found a mountaintop to spend the night on. We woke of to a frosty morning but the boys had fun and we enjoyed the views and the autumn foliage. This is also when we realized that the…

Kamu and the waterfall… Until… Until… Until… Until… He spotted and apple bobbing in the water that just had to be retrieved.

On the next day we went for a walk in the surrounding countryside and walked to a beautiful waterfall. On the next day we went for a walk in the surrounding countryside and walked to a beautiful waterfall. On the next day we went for a walk in the surrounding countryside and walked to a…

Returning back to our autumn road trip… We continued from Bratislava to Trençin for a nice walk in the old town and various colorful underpasses. And enjoyed some excellent coffee in a dog friendly cafe. Returning back to our autumn road trip… We continued from Bratislava to Trençin for a nice walk in the old…

Kulo is still quite serious when being posed for photos. Behind the scenes

Kamu’s Christmas pose

Time for the traditional Christmas photos. Can you believe this is the first time we’ve photographed two dogs at once with elf hats on? And we managed to do it even though one of them is a puppy?! We hope you are enjoying your Christmas.

Happy holidays from all of us!

We’ll take a break from our autumn road trip and skip to realtime. Last weekend we took a little roadtrip of 2160 km and two ferries to drive from home to Vilnius, Lithuania for three days of dog shows. Kamu was entered for all three days and did very well: 3xCACIB, 3xLT N CAC, 3xLT…

After visiting a few castles in Germany we made our way into Austria and Vienna and finally into Slovakia and Bratislava. There Kamu finally got to go for a swim in the very muddy Danube as well. The misty sunrise is from the Austrian the morning before. After visiting a few castles in Germany we…

After the adventures at the castle it was time for some relaxing morning walks in misty German villages. After the adventures at the castle it was time for some relaxing morning walks in misty German villages.

And the little prince, Kulo

Here’s the lord of the manor, Kamu

At the end of the walkway was a real fairytale castle. A perfect setting for a few photos, don’t you think?

The path lead to a stone paved walkway with sheer drops on both sides…

From Verdun we made our way back east into Germany and found ourselves walking along a cliffside trail…

We spent the night in the village of Verdun and what do you do when you wake up in a French village? Why, you walk the dogs to the nearest bakery to get some fresh croissants for breakfast. We spent the night in the village of Verdun and what do you do when you wake…

After our walk with the boys we drove into Ghent were Anna and Ramin walked around the city and then we drove to the south of Belgium for the night. There Ramin realised that we were not far from the battlefields of Verdun and so we decided to head into France and see the museums…

We found a nice little trailhead to spend the night near the Dutch-Belgian border and then took a walk with the boys in a large nature conservation area that is also a very popular park. For someone that is used to the mainly evergreen forests of Finland, the big trees with extensive canopies were a…

Today Ramin’s best buddy Topi would have turned 13 years. Happy birthday dear Gubbe ❤️ Today Ramin’s best buddy Topi would have turned 13 years. Happy birthday dear Gubbe ❤️

The North Sea on the last day of September? Perfect for swimming, at least according to Ramin, Kamu and a local seal. Unfortunately the Dutch coast is very non-friendly for boondocking and every single parking lot along the coast had no camping or overnight parking signs. Since we respect the local rules we decided to…

Kamu checking out the beach graffiti scene

The beach we stopped at was big and empty enough that we let Kulo run free as well. And of course we used the time to work on his recall as well. The beach we stopped at was big and empty enough that we let Kulo run free as well. And of course we used…

After Amsterdam we headed to the North Sea coast where the boys once again got to run free on the sand and in the waves. After Amsterdam we headed to the North Sea coast where the boys once again got to run free on the sand and in the waves. After Amsterdam we headed to…

…to really appreciating the pedestrian and cycling infrastructure all around the city. It really felt effortless to not need a car to get around from place to place and we were happy to keep the van parked at the campground for our entire stay. And please join us in wishing Kamu a happy fifth birthday!

…and admiring all the graffiti under the bridges… …and admiring all the graffiti under the bridges…

…to being surprised by the fact that we were below sea level… …to being surprised by the fact that we were below sea level…

We really enjoyed Amsterdam. Walking around along the canals… We really enjoyed Amsterdam. Walking around along the canals…

After the castle we jumped in our van and headed to our destination, Amsterdam. We spent four nights at Camping Zeeburg while Ramin was visiting a customer. Before this in all our travels we’d only spent 3 nights total in campgrounds. Of course this meant that we used all the laundry services etc available and…

Kulo and Anna taking a breather from thinking of all the cleaning owning a castle that big would entail. Kulo and Anna taking a breather from thinking of all the cleaning owning a castle that big would entail. Kulo and Anna taking a breather from thinking of all the cleaning owning a castle that big…

Kulo here again. Yes it’s me again patiently waiting for Anna to photograph yet another door. Kulo here again. Yes it’s me again patiently waiting for Anna to photograph yet another door.

Kulo taking some lessons from Kamu on posing.

Of course we had to head down to look at the castle a bit closer. First we entered the road leading up to the castle and the buildings ringing the road but outside the castle proper. Of course we had to head down to look at the castle a bit closer. First we entered the…

The trail we were on, Annaweg, led to a beautiful overlook of quite a nice little castle. Anna and the boys did some thinking of how much fun a pack of flatcoats could have running up and down all those tower stairs… The trail we were on, Annaweg, led to a beautiful overlook of quite…

After the quarry we continued our drive through central Germany towards our next destination. We ended up spending the night in the parking lot of a monastery and then drove a bit to a nearby trail to walk the dogs. The trail was so aptly named (Annaweg) that we just had to go walk on…

Anyone care to help translate what the sign / tombstone / whatever that we found in the middle of the forest says?

Love is… (No we didn’t carve the heart or the scribbles inside it.) Love is… (No we didn’t carve the heart or the scribbles inside it.)

Yes, Kamu was on leash for this walk since he has a bad habit of trying to find the way to water, no matter how high up we are from it. Although we are fairly certain that even his self preservation would have kept him from trying anything too risky, there were ducks down in…

From Wroclaw we made our way into central Germany on our way to our next scheduled stop. We spent the night by a trailhead and went for a walk the next day on a tail around an old abandoned quarry. The cows were our neighbors for the night. From Wroclaw we made our way into…

We also met Kulo’s breeders Annica and Anders at the show. It was so nice to see them again and spend some time with them. We also met Kulo’s breeders Annica and Anders at the show. It was so nice to see them again and spend some time with them.

The reason we drove hard to Poland was that we had entered Kamu to a dog show in Poland. Three years ago on our first trip in our van Kamu got two CACs from Poland and now needed only one more from an international show to get his championship. We had already planned on coming…

After the Curonian Spit with spent a couple of longer days driving and ended up waking up in a Polish field to a glorious sunrise by a river. After the Curonian Spit with spent a couple of longer days driving and ended up waking up in a Polish field to a glorious sunrise by a…

Watching the waves and contemplating future shenanigans.

A happy dog after another session in the sea.

Hey, Kulo here. Remember me? Even though I didn’t go swimming in the big waves, I managed to get all wet and run lots of zoomies on the beach.

Surf’s up! Kamu got some much experience in swimming in larger waves on this trip that he really learned how to bodysurf on the incoming waves. Surf’s up! Kamu got some much experience in swimming in larger waves on this trip that he really learned how to bodysurf on the incoming waves. Surf’s up! Kamu…

Woohoo! Time to run into the waves. Honestly, the endless beaches on the Baltic side of the Curonian Spit were a joy to talk on even if Kamu was the only one to go for a swim. Woohoo! Time to run into the waves. Honestly, the endless beaches on the Baltic side of the Curonian…

On top of Parnidis Dune there is a huge sundial that is just perfect for a photo opportunity and a stop to look at the sand dunes and the Curonian lagoon on one side of the spit and the Baltic Sea on the other. On top of Parnidis Dune there is a huge sundial that…

We spent so much time exploring the area that every time we stopped little Kulo started to sit down to gather some energy. We spent so much time exploring the area that every time we stopped little Kulo started to sit down to gather some energy. We spent so much time exploring the area that…

It’s been a year since the lumberjack also known as Emil passed over the rainbow bridge. We hope he has all the little sticks he cares to carry there.

We really enjoyed walking around the sand dunes and exploring the paths and nature in the area in the setting September sun. It wasn’t warm, but not too cold either and we pretty much had the whole place for ourselves. We really enjoyed walking around the sand dunes and exploring the paths and nature in…

Since we were by the sea, it was a given that Kamu found himself in the water at some point of the walk. At some point those sand dunes switch from Lithuania to Russia.

The Death Valley Anna and Ramin visited three years ago was a bit warmer than this one… The Death Valley Anna and Ramin visited three years ago was a bit warmer than this one…

After Klaipeda we took the the ferry to the Curonian Spit and pretty much the first thing we did was drive all the way down to the Russian border and take the dogs for a walk along the sand dunes there. If you are even in the area we really recommend going to visit the…

It is quite incredible how much planning you can put in maximizing the floor space in the van and even reserving about a third of the less than 9 m2 just for the dogs and they still spend most of their time in the exact space you need to be moving around in…

Of course we couldn’t miss yet another set of ruined Wold War II coastal batteries. You will notice that visiting various ruins are a theme on our travels. We just can’t help ourselves 🙂 Of course we couldn’t miss yet another set of ruined Wold War II coastal batteries. You will notice that visiting various…

Little Kulo also got to experience some larger waves. Don’t worry, he didn’t go swimming all the way, but he was as wet as Kamu after splasing around in the waves.

Kamu was a very happy boy now that he got to swim and retrieve again without having to worry about this coat! Kamu was a very happy boy now that he got to swim and retrieve again without having to worry about this coat!

After Riga and the coast of the Gulf of Riga we drove down to Lithuania, stopping at an old Soviet nuclear missile bunker and the Cold War museum hosted there. It was a chilling but very worthwhile experience. No dogs allowed there, so then we drove further down to Klaipeda and hit the coast of…

And by dusk we finally made it back to the coast from Riga and Kamu got to plunge into the Baltic Sea. And this time Kulo ended up being on leash to keep him from eating all of the smelly seaweed.

There are so many photo opportunities in these older European cities but with Kulo around we tried to limit the distance we walked and thus missed out on many wonderful spots. There are so many photo opportunities in these older European cities but with Kulo around we tried to limit the distance we walked and…

Kamu showed that he is already experienced in exploring old towns around the Baltics. Kamu showed that he is already experienced in exploring old towns around the Baltics. Kamu showed that he is already experienced in exploring old towns around the Baltics.

Kulo was also introduced to Anna’s habit of stopping to photograph interesting doors.

After the show we went for a walk in Riga’s old town. We revisited many of the spots we had visited with Topi, Kamu and Eino on our first real trip with our campervan three years ago. After the show we went for a walk in Riga’s old town. We revisited many of the spots…

The reason why Kamu wasn’t allowed off leash by the seaside was that he was a similar coat to Topi which explodes everywhere after a swim if not dried properly. And in the van our chances of properly drying a flatcoat are limited. And we didn’t want his coat to be all over the place…

Kamu would like you to note that while Kulo was allowed off leash on the beach to run zoomies in the sand and the water, he was not allowed off leash. For even a second… Kamu would like you to note that while Kulo was allowed off leash on the beach to run zoomies in…

But Kulo is also a very curious little flatcoat, so he knows how to slow down and smell the flowers (and rocks, seaweed, trash that the waves have brought in and whatnot else).

Kulo absolutely loves running zoomies on the sand. Whenever he gets a chance to be on soft beach sand he goes absolutely crazy with his zoomies. Kulo absolutely loves running zoomies on the sand. Whenever he gets a chance to be on soft beach sand he goes absolutely crazy with his zoomies. Kulo absolutely loves…

After arriving in Tallinn, Ramin still had some teleconferences to attend to so we arrived at our spot for the night fairly late and after dark. But the next morning we took a nice walk along the Baltic sea coast before continuing our trip to our first planned destination. After arriving in Tallinn, Ramin still…

Mid-September and the start of our nearly six week adventure. By this time we had already spent a weekend in Southern Finland evaluating young flatcoats and running around on Ramin’s business trips. Here we were getting ready to head to the ferry from Helsinki to Tallinn.

This year has marked twenty years of our journey with flatcoats. In fact, exactly ten days ago marked the 20 year anniversary of us bringing Flippe home. And today marks the 13 year anniversary of him crossing the rainbow bridge to live without pain.

In late August the dreaded day finally arrived when Eino was no longer safe on his couch…

Five years since we lost the light of our pack and the memories are still so bittersweet. Luka’s happiness and joy of life were something to be envied and we try to follow his example every time we are sad because we no longer have him actively in our life.

Kamu has a new co-pilot…

We’ve been missing the frosty autumn mornings.

And Kulo in the flowers And what did we just post about puppies and grabbing everything in their mouths?

Eino in the flowers Eino in the flowers

Kamu in the field of flowers Kamu in the field of flowers

Testing the shot for the group photo before placing Kulo to sit still for a split second. Testing the shot for the group photo before placing Kulo to sit still for a split second.

Anna and the boys Anna and the boys

We published this group photo of the current pack as a part of the collage to celebrate 18 years of LoJ, but it deserves a post of its own. Our current pack: Kamu, Kulo and Eino.

Puppies and the need to grab everything possible from the ground in their mouths… Puppies and the need to grab everything possible from the ground in their mouths… Puppies and the need to grab everything possible from the ground in their mouths…

Kulo at 4 months at the end of August. The legs are starting to grow…

It only took a month and a half for Eino to warm up to the little one, but now he gets no peace from the brat. (This picture is from the end of August)

Yes, baby Kulo also gets to run free when at home.

Sure road trips are fun and everything, but the possibilities of really running free are much more limited so the boys really make the most of the freedom around home whenever possible.

Kulo is really living up to his name of Miss Mallorys Exciting Roundtrip. This was the second road trip he was on.

Kamu watching the water flow. Imatrankoski and the river Vuoksi was the only outlet of Saimaa into the Baltic Sea until the building of the Saimaa canal. It has been dammed for a long time, but especially during the summer there are still events where the water is let through the dam gates to flow…

Kulo and the free flowing rapids of Imatrankoski.

Sometimes kisses from mama aren’t appreciated as much as a sip of soda would be…

Yes, it’s Eino being contrary again.

Sometimes adventures lead you to places that are a bit too dangerous for a little puppy. Then it’s time to be carried to safety.

This is Kulo letting you know that our backlog is still so big that we are now posting photos that were taken about a month and a half ago. So you can imagine that Kulo is quite a bit bigger by now.

An old stone wall and tree, a slightly younger man and a very much younger dog.

A throwback to summer and memories of escaping the summer heat under the van.

What it looks like when you photograph a flatcoat jumping in the water directly from underneath. Don’t even ask how close the camera was to the water’s surface when these photos were taken. What it looks like when you photograph a flatcoat jumping in the water directly from underneath. Don’t even ask how close the…

Kulo Kulottaja. A bit of a play on words, but just like Kulo can mean a forest fire or especially controlled burn, the Finnish word kulottaja is the person burning the controlled burn.

Just a little flatcoat swimming with his ball safely in his mouth. Kamu has always had a very deep swimming position, much like Luka with most of his head deep in the water especially when returning with something.

Who can resist a swimming puppy? Who can resist a swimming puppy?

Morning runs on empty beaches that run for miles and miles…

A flying Kamu and our home on wheels. Summer days like this are pretty much the perfect part of vanlife, but rainy autumn days aren’t bad either.

Kamu in the air. It really has been a long time since we last photographed one of our dogs really jumping into the water.

For the longest time we’ve only had non-summer puppies (or then the summers have been quite cool) and we hadn’t realized how easily the direct sunlight affects a black puppy. Here’s Kulo stopping in the shade for a little rest.

Just sitting here enjoying a little break. Just sitting here enjoying a little break. Just sitting here enjoying a little break.

The little lumberjack… Kulo has been very interested in sticks lately. We hope there isn’t any of Emil’s legacy going to come through. Birckwork at the old Verla Mill

Sometimes they just won’t pose for the camera…

The lords of the manor Two different photos of the same theme. Which one do you like more?

20 years of life with flatcoats, 18 years of daily photos of our dogs. Here’s a walk down memory lane with various configurations of the pack starting from the most recent and going back to the first ever published picture of the original three. Do you still remember them all? 20 years of life with…

Naptime

The little one is growing up and can now join Kamu up front as a copilot.

Kulo and some coffeeshop vibes. The map in the background is a reprint of an old map of Lappeenranta, Ramin’s home town.

Visits to Lappeenranta and our favorite coffee shop there, Satamatie 6. No, this isn’t a paid ad, we just like them and their coffee.

Proof that when it is hot enough, even Eino will swim. Note the synchronized movements. And no, Eino didn’t swim faster than Kamu to the ball. Proof that when it is hot enough, even Eino will swim. Note the synchronized movements. And no, Eino didn’t swim faster than Kamu to the ball. Proof that when…

Hot summer days and heading into the lake

We are now running behind by about a month in posting these photographs. Here’s to the start of our summer roadtrip to enjoy the heatwave we had in August.

There aren’t many big old stone buildings in Joensuu since it’s a relatively young city but this old school is pretty much as old as the city itself. And for once Ramin in front of the camera with Kulo as well.

Then some years later on a bench a bit further away, a new statue was placed. The original wolf was called wolf “kosiosusi” – roughly translated as wolf on the way to propose. Now he has a target for his proposal. Also note the Swedish flag behind our little Swede.

Several years ago this wolf statue was seated on a seat next to the central square of Joensuu. We’ve photographed several of our dogs with him during the years… Several years ago this wolf statue was seated on a seat next to the central square of Joensuu. We’ve photographed several of our dogs with him…

Living really in the countryside offers a lot of freedoms, but sometimes we just have to take our puppies (and older dogs as well) to visit the nearby city of Joensuu to see a place where there are other people and dogs moving around than just our own pack. Living really in the countryside offers…

Countryside puppy socialization: city trips and cafe lunches. And of course charming the people in the neighboring tables.

Looking towards autumn and what it brings…

Eino and the last of the clovers before the hay fields are cut and stored for the winter.

The weather forecast for Finland looks like the switch from the summer month of August to the autumn month of September is reflected in the weather. No more warm days in the forecast.

A new week and new adventures ahead

A tired little puppy after a long walk

Saturday and playtime in Eino’s book. But as you can see, Kamu is not impressed. Saturday and playtime in Eino’s book. But as you can see, Kamu is not impressed. Saturday and playtime in Eino’s book. But as you can see, Kamu is not impressed.

The life of Eino’s ears in three frames. The life of Eino’s ears in three frames. The life of Eino’s ears in three frames.

Kulo safe and sound with Anna away from the scaring big dog that run towards you. Kulo safe and sound with Anna away from the scaring big dog that run towards you.

Kamu satisfied after a job well done. What job you ask? In this case scaring the puppy. Kamu’s running face may look like Topi’s, but he is also very much related to Luka who loved to scare puppies by running at top speed towards them. Neither Kamu or Luka ever harmed them in any way,…

Today is 29 years since Anna’s first dog, Kassu, was born. And it is also 20 years from the birth of our first flatcoat, Flippe.

Big flatcoat coming in hot, time for little puppies to run for cover Big flatcoat coming in hot, time for little puppies to run for cover

Sunday! Let’s play!

Today is the start of waterfowl hunting season in Finland. It also marks the second year in a row when we haven’t been out with Kamu hunting or retrieving. Last year we didn’t go out at all, this year we probably will at some point with the hope of getting a retrieve or two for…

We’d forgotten how challenging it is to take a picture of a puppy sitting with the older dogs… We’d forgotten how challenging it is to take a picture of a puppy sitting with the older dogs…

Big brother and little brother

Eino sheltering from the storm that is the puppy Kulo in our doghouse under our deck.

Kamu being Kamu and trying to steal the puppy’s treasure

There’s a new lens in the house. And of course the first thing to test it on was the dogs. We’ve lived a long time without a working standard zoom of 24-70 and finally got a new one. And boy is the difference of nearly 18 years in lens development noticeable. There’s a new lens…

Today marks 8 years without our sweet golden Sulo. We are eternally grateful of the people he introduced us to.

Our van has a new driver!

Let’s go way back to baby-Kulo and his first taste of ice cream

A fireman and his dog A fireman and his dog

One thing that all of our puppies get to experience at a very young age for the first time is to get to visit a fire truck and smell all the associated scents. Admittedly, modern trucks and equipment don’t smell as much of smoke and various other substances than they used to due to increasing…

Heading to explore our local town

Learning the art of picking blueberries. Learning the art of picking blueberries. Learning the art of picking blueberries.

We now jump forward a week and a half because Ramin was traveling and then he got Covid-19 (he is all good by now) which meant that we couldn’t be as a pack for a while. Kulo has grown a bit, but is still as cute as a button. We now jump forward a week…

We’ve been somewhat surprised by Eino’s reaction to Kulo joining our pack. During the three weeks they have been together Eino has sniffed Kulo a few times and otherwise he behaves as if the puppy does not exist.

Start them young. But at least it’s clear that if we ever have any problems with Kulo returning stuff to us, we can only blame ourselves as he already very willingly returns anything and everything that he picks up. Start them young. But at least it’s clear that if we ever have any problems with…

A rare moment of Ramin being in front of the camera, but we have to remember to take photographs of both of the humans with Kulo as long as his cute puppy period lasts. And of course more puppy kisses. That head…

Puppy kisses. So special and to be cherished until the tongue gets all big and slobbery. Puppy kisses. So special and to be cherished until the tongue gets all big and slobbery.

We interrupt the current round of puppy spam with Kamu’s attempt at lifestyle blogging. Would he make a good lifestyle blogger?!

These pictures are of Kulo at 10 weeks old, so they were taken three weeks ago. Practicing standing stacked for his future career in shows. These pictures are of Kulo at 10 weeks old, so they were taken three weeks ago. Practicing standing stacked for his future career in shows.

Finally it was time for Kulo to say goodbye to Sweden and start the ferry trip to Finland. A cheap cabin with two humans, two dogs and one crate is a bit of a tight fit. Finally it was time for Kulo to say goodbye to Sweden and start the ferry trip to Finland. A…

Can’t go much further east around Stockholm, so it was time to hop on the ferry to Finland!

Swedish fika. But not with a cinnamon roll this time since it was rhubarb season.

Kamu and Kulo on the first day we got Kulo. They had met each other about two hours earlier. Kamu and Kulo on the first day we got Kulo. They had met each other about two hours earlier.

Back to the puppy spam of little Kulo. Back to the puppy spam of little Kulo.

We interrupt the posting of puppy Kulo by throwing back to the winter of 2004 and little Jalo and Flippe. Today is Jalo’s birthday and his gotcha day in Septermber of 2004 was the start of this blog. We are now 18 years into posting daily photographs of our pack and we have met many…

Sorry, but there’s going to be a fair share of puppy pictures in the near future! Sorry, but there’s going to be a fair share of puppy pictures in the near future! Sorry, but there’s going to be a fair share of puppy pictures in the near future!

Of course an unplanned roundtrip, no matter how exciting, always has a reason to it. Introducing the newest member of our pack, Miss Mallorys Exciting Roundtrip aka Kulo.

While Kamu, Ramin and Anna were on their exciting roundtrip to Sweden, Eino stayed back with some friends where he could relax and enjoy not traveling. Thanks once again for the excellent care of Eino!

We need to make a gate into the fence surrounding our yard. What do you think, would something like this with an arch of flowers over it work?

We are pretty sure that Kamu wouldn’t mind waking up here every morning and sniffing the sea just some metres from the trail. The only nuisance would probably be the trail and all the tourists on it…

Of course since Stockholm is a city surrounded by the Baltic and the Stockholm archipelago, no flatcoat worth his salt will visit the city without a swim or two.

Okay, clearly we still need to find more huge tree trunks to practice this whole standing on a fallen tree pose…

Since we had the network problems we missed posting a photo from the ferry trip on the way to Sweden! And I bet you can guess if Kamu used the doggy potty on deck or not?

Waiting for permission to run from the rocks into the Baltic Sea. The network issues at home have been resolved so we can start posting pictures from the big camera again.

Exploring Stockholm. We know you didn’t expect us to start the exploration from city location, now did you? Exploring Stockholm. We know you didn’t expect us to start the exploration from city location, now did you?

Here’s Kamu to tell you that we are having network issues at home so just a quick phone shot for today’s picture. We will try to get things sorted out during the weekend.

Hello Sweden!

Check out Kamu’s new cool bandanna

Heading west

Passing ships

The return of the bumper for another throw

What happens on shore while Kamu is swimming after the bumper

The acceleration… …The launch… …And landing

A year without Topi and we still miss him every day. We miss having a black dog in the pack and the feel of Topi’s coat under our hands.

Happy 10th birthday to Late in Sweden!

Eino waiting for another throw of the bumper that he won’t jump into the water to retrieve

Heading towards new adventures!

Spot the flatcoat

Yes there’s a young tree in front of Kamu, but pretty much everything else in this photograph works so it would be a shame not to use it.

Eino will sit and wait for a throw of the bumper just like any dog… …But he usually misses the throw… …And he never jumps in the water to chase it if a flatcoats is going after it as well.

A heatwave – such a perfect excuse to spend every single day swimming.

Eino:I don’t care how hot it is. I’m NOT going swimming!

And of course, once the bumper is found it is time for the enthusiastic return. You know, a fully grown dandelion field is quite good for reminding the dog to use its nose.

Run, run, run away! Or in reality, run to where the bumper fell to retrieve it… Run, run, run away! Or in reality, run to where the bumper fell to retrieve it… Run, run, run away! Or in reality, run to where the bumper fell to retrieve it…

A girl and her dog. What we really like about Kamu is his ability to calm down and concentrate quite quickly. This photo was taken only seconds after some enthusiastic retrieves.

Heatwave fun in the water

Happy Midsummer! We are sticking to traditions with relaxed walks, smoke sauna, swimming and grilled food. Stay safe! Happy Midsummer! We are sticking to traditions with relaxed walks, smoke sauna, swimming and grilled food. Stay safe! Happy Midsummer! We are sticking to traditions with relaxed walks, smoke sauna, swimming and grilled food. Stay safe! Happy…

What do you think: would Eino and the Dandelions be a suitable name for a retro 50-60s pop band?

Happy setter coming your way!

Hello there!

Watching the hoomans work on the yard during the weekend was so exhausting that Eino is overjoyed that the hoomans are back at work for the week.

The end result of even a simple training session? A very happy retriever.

Just a quick little session of reminding Kamu of some basics. Nothing special, just reminding him of the value of patience and that he has a nose that needs to be used. Just a quick little session of reminding Kamu of some basics. Nothing special, just reminding him of the value of patience and that…

There may be some dog shows coming up in the future after a very long break so Kamu took his handler to an unofficial show to ensure that she still knows her stuff. Nothing special to report home about success in the show, but Kamu’s handler did well. 🙂 There may be some dog shows…

The joy of sniffing new scents along new trails means that there is no lack of speed in going forward from one scent to another. Whoever coined the term stop and smell the roses never met a flatcoat going after scents!

We won’t even say that most of you guessed it since you probably knew what was pretty much inevitable. Yes, Kamu “fell” into the water and went for a swim.

When the trail follows the shoreline of a river, do you think a flatcoat will stay dry or not? When the trail follows the shoreline of a river, do you think a flatcoat will stay dry or not?

Since we were at nearly the south-eastern point of Finland, we decided to head up on small roads along the border with Russia. There we found this trail that follows a river that flows from Finland to Russia. Here we were just 3 km from the border and Kamu is looking towards Russia. This is…

Still from our little road trip a few weeks ago when the weather was still trying to decide whether spring would turn to summer or not.

Eino: Oh please don’t make me go in the water!

Kamu: What is this cruel and unusual punishment that you bring me to the seaside and don’t allow me to go swimming?!

Differences of opinion: Kamu’s “please can I go explore this abandoned quarry on my own without a lead? I promise I’ll be good.” contrasted with Eino’s “can we just go back to the van and eat now?” Differences of opinion: Kamu’s “please can I go explore this abandoned quarry on my own without a lead?…

The things you find when just stopping for the night by a random abandoned quarry. The Alexander column in St Petersburg was obtained from this quarry, approximately from where that pond is now in the background.

Jeeves, we’d like a rack of ribs completely raw with a side of smoked vendance please. Jeeves, we’d like a rack of ribs completely raw with a side of smoked vendance please. Jeeves, we’d like a rack of ribs completely raw with a side of smoked vendance please.

Attempt number 2 at a more quickly deepening beach resulted in sucess! Attempt number 2 at a more quickly deepening beach resulted in sucess! Attempt number 2 at a more quickly deepening beach resulted in sucess!

Well clearly that didn’t work. It nearly did, but the paws did not leave the bottom for a full swim.

How to get a setter to swim: appeal to the competitive nature when chasing a thrown pinecone. Attempt number 1 How to get a setter to swim: appeal to the competitive nature when chasing a thrown pinecone. Attempt number 1 How to get a setter to swim: appeal to the competitive nature when chasing a…

Vandog ready to head to the next adventure

Sometimes you find the funniest looking owls along the trails…

Of course the flatcoat tried to go for a swim from the walkway across the dam when the water level was so close…

This was the first and last time we will walk along this dam as this is scheduled to be dismantled during this year. Even though it is a small dam, Anna and Kamu look so small on it.

Some more spring flowers, this time the flower of a spruce. Some more spring flowers, this time the flower of a spruce.

The boys and old hydroelectric dam #2 of the walk. All three of the hydroelectric dams on this 50km river from the Finnish side to Russia and Lake Ladoga are going to be removed and water will be diverted to the old natural waterways. This is being done to allow salmon to swim upriver and…

The eternally curious little flatcoat looking into a shutdown power station. The eternally curious little flatcoat looking into a shutdown power station.

Kamu and some sort of flower. There’s water around so flowers are of no interest to a little flatcoat.

Eino and spring flowers, part 2 Eino: Posing is soooo boring! Eino: Wonder if there are any interesting scents here?

Eino and spring flowers, part 1 And the obligatory lens hog…

A wet flatcoat is a happy flatcoat!

Seeing coltsfoot in bloom is the first sign that winter has finally ended and spring is in full swing.

A little glade of tranquility among the spruce forest

Time for some new weekend adventures!

It’s Friday and Ramin comes back tomorrow from being gone all week!

Just the two of us checking out the scents in the forest free of snow.

Just look at that happy face when he can finally properly swim again!

When you are forced to pose in between running around on a hot spring day

The joy of the moment when the ice has finally melted from the lakes and a little flatcoat can finally swim! The joy of the moment when the ice has finally melted from the lakes and a little flatcoat can finally swim! The joy of the moment when the ice has finally melted from the…

Eino: Where’s my sausage?

Making the best of the last bits of snow. Making the best of the last bits of snow. Making the best of the last bits of snow.

It’s Friday the 13th. Let’s be careful out there!

Eino: Are you sure we can get up? Eino: Like absolutely sure?! Eino: Ok then, let’s run!

Eino: Where did that rabbit go? Eino: I’m sure I smelled it somewhere around here… In all honesty, the rabbit had already left the area while Eino was still woolgathering and looking into the distance.

We didn’t go into the library to see what they had to offer. But who knows, maybe we will in the future. Now let’s let spring and all the spring work that needs to be done now that snow has melted take our focus.

Eino and an old outbuilding. This is the “library” of a collection of houses and summer cabins in an area where all of the structures are owned by families that are somehow related to each other.

Happy Mother’s Day! The trails in the forest are all clear in places, but every now and then there’s still snow up to mid-calf. It was a good walk in any case.