I have always felt magically drawn to animals.
Dogs and horses are my special favourites, not least because they are the most likely to return affection. For as long as I can remember I have been crazy about dogs. As a toddler I tried to lure the neighbours' dachshund under the garden fence. When my parents got a dog I was overjoyed, but it was a German Shepherd from top working lines, and I (aged 6) was not the only one who could not cope with him. Woker lived with us for 10 years. My wish for a dog of my own that I could actually handle came true with the female dachshund "Tinchen". That was in 1966.
After Woker died, the German Shepherd female Dina joined the household. Tinchen and Dina became close friends at once and enjoyed 7 more years together. The pony foal "Babusch" in the photo on the left had been rejected by its mother, and I was given it to raise on the bottle.
At the age of 12 my dachshund sadly had to be put to sleep because of a liver tumour. After several months of grief – Dina also seemed depressed – I looked for a second dog again. My choice fell on a Hovawart. Little Anka moved in with us in November 1978 and immediately brought back fun and laughter. Dina really blossomed in her role as big friend to the cheerful newcomer.
With Anka began my hobby of dog sport and my fascination with breeding Hovawarts.
Today I am training warden of the HGS Minden-Ravensberg, with a certificate of competence as a trainer, including for puppy classes.
