INTRODUCTION'This puppy may only go to very special people'
How it all began.. The sun was already setting when we walked in the Sonsbeek park in Arnhem, Holland, 25 years ago. Several people were letting their dogs out just like the man and woman with two huge dogs. With these two dogs began a big love and a special kennel. When the two Irish wolfhounds ran towards us, with the setting sun behind them, we were sold. It was love at first sight. The Irish wolfhound is a true addiction. What began in Sonsbeek Park is now defining our life. Waking up in the morning, the first thing the dogs want is lot of attention. Often all eight dogs are waiting in front of the bedroom door or they even run into the bedroom. There they will be begging for their personal attention. Because of living so close to our dogs it's hard to be a moment without them. The dogs are hugged for at least an hour a day. When students come to learn about the care of the dogs, they get as primary assignment to hug our dogs. And although they start doing this uncomfortably, at the end of the week they do understand how important this is for the dogs. . more.... |
'I have one puppy left, but this puppy may only go to very special people. A Belgium breeder, Jan v. Doleweerd and his wife Sjaan (kennel off Woody-Wood) had a last Irish wolfhound-puppy. We, Jon and Sonja, fell in love with the Irish wolfhound and decided to buy a puppy. Anxious we went to the Belgium breeder, hoping that we were 'special enough'. Arriving there, a tiny black wolfhound
ran towards us and we knew; 'this doggie is going home with us'. The puppy became our first wolfhound; Shanna. 
These dogs are our roommates, you don't put them in a kennel. Just like we won't kick our children out of the house. The dogs belong in this family; staring in to the fireplace, playing in the backyard of our farm or sleeping in 'their own' room, which lies next to the living room. Here they can live freely, but here they also have to live together with us, our children and lots of friends.