The First Seaheart Litter

I have spent along time looking for a stud dog for Maisie, and having seen a dog at Crufts a few years before finally decided on a Dutch dog, NED/LUX/GER CH Wagging Tails Rolf Muntz, or Joep as he is known. Joep lives in the Netherlands, so as soon as Maisie came into season we started to plan the trip. This was not without its problems, Richard my partner was going to come with me, but work constraints meant he couldn’t come and I lost my passport for a few days, but thankfully turned up 2 days before we left in the attic?!

Shirley Johnson of the Downstream kennel took pity on me and having always wanted to go on the Channel Tunnel decided to come along for the trip (I think she thought I would end up in Spain left to my own devices!!)
So on the 22nd of October Maisie and I packed the car up and headed off to Suffolk to pick Shirley up. We arrived at about 9am and were greeted by some of the Downstreams. Shirley and Peter packed the car whilst I took Maisie in the field for a comfort break, then after a quick coffee we headed off, leaving poor Peter on his own and in charge of the dogs!!

We arrived at Marianne and Tons house and gave Maisie a walk around before heading off to a lovely restaurant. The Dutch are much more laid back than the British and Maisie was allowed to join us in the restaurant, so she settled under the table with a chew whilst we were treated to a delicious meal. Marianne and Ton then helped us navigate the streets of Amerfoort to our hotel where Shirley and I fell into our beds exhausted and Maisie cuddled up on my feet with her bear.
The next day Marianne met us and gave us a guided tour of the town, which included the town’s collection of rocks from other countries (very strange) a beautiful old town and the market. I took the opportunity to get some gifts, and nearly lost Shirley in a Sweetie shop!! We stopped to enjoy coffee in the square before heading off to introduce Maisie of Joep.

Marianne and I took Maisie and Joep off together whilst Saskia Ratheneau kept Shirley company. After a successful liaison we all headed off to dinner in another restaurant, although this time Maisie was sent back to the car as she was a bit to interested in the table behind us and their spare ribs which they kept teasing her with!!

Saturday morning and Shirley had a much needed lie in, then onto Marianne’s for a delicious breakfast, Shirley arguing with the sat nav all the way!! We then played with Joep, Indy and Flair, whilst drinking delicious coffee and looking through Marianne’s collection for Flatcoat books, which even included Peter Johnson much to Shirley’s surprise. We then headed off for another mating, and again success. On the way home Marianne and I introduce Shirley to McDonalds (sorry Becky) Maisie thought this was great as in Marianne’s Fabulous bus she could stand between the 2 front seats making sure she got a share of everyone’s dinner!!

Sunday morning started with a slight hitch, Shirley fell over on a raised door step between our room and the restaurant. Thankfully she was only shaken and bruised and nothing was broken. Marianne kindly gave her an ice pack whilst I took some photos of their stunning boy before we headed off home.

Above: Ton with Maisie & Marianne with Joep
  Right: Joep

Within three and a bit hours we were back at Calis and checking into the Animal Passport Controll, Maisie’s microchip was check and her passport and then off again through into the tunnel. After dropping Shirley off at home Maisie and I headed back up the A14 and home to a very much needed rest!!
Marianne and Ton were wonderful hosts, and we cannot thank them enough for their kind hospitality during our trip.

Maisie and Joep puppies are due on Christmas day so fingers crossed it will be a very happy Christmas.