Kai

Kai is my handsome black long-haired German Shepherd dog.  He was born on 7/4/1997, so he is beginning to slow down a bit now. 
Kai came to me at just eight weeks old as a very nervous puppy, but by getting him out and about as much as possible from a tiny puppy, he has turned into a dog who I am proud to take with me anywhere.  His greatest love is his ball on a rope which is like his dummy!!  He is the most loyal dog and just wants to be with me without being intrusive, he is not a dog who will often push for attention or fuss, but waits until you offer it.

Unfortunately Kai has suffered with leg problems all his life with both elbow and hip dysplasia, but has coped and still enjoys his walks.

Kai has had to go through loosing three of his best friends all within six months, and then coped well with the addition of Elsa the very lively Leonberger puppy - who he loves.  Kai also helped me so much during the sad times of loosing my old dogs.  I owe him so much, he truly is my best friend. 

Elsa - Condalf Lonely Without You

Elsa is a stunningly beautiful Leonberger bitch, she was born on 1/3/2007 so is a young dog full of bounce and mischief. 
I had wanted a Leonberger for about fifteen years since seeing them at Crufts I decided that one day, when the time was right I would definitely have one.  After sadly loosing Katie my fourteen year old Yellow Labrador, who was just so brave and then Jess my beloved sixteen year old Lab X to Cancer, I felt the time was right to start looking for my dream dog.  I contacted a breeder in Wiltshire called Racquel Walker (Condalf Leonbergers), who had a litter due and was lucky enough to be offered my Elsa.  Racquel had done a fantastic job at preparing the pups for their life ahead, they were all just such wonderful, outgoing puppies - a complete contrast to how Kai was and Elsa settled in with us fantastically well.  Just three weeks after getting Elsa I had another terrible shock when my little Cocker Spaniel Sweep became gravely ill with kidney failure and despite trying everything I had to say goodbye to him as well.  Through all of this Elsa seemed to take everything in her stride, bless her, she just wanted to have fun and still does!!
When Elsa was four months old, I was invited to take her along to a photoshoot for 'Dogs Today' Magazine and to my astonishment she was put on the front cover - talk about being a proud 'mum'!!  The photography that I was given from the shoot was fabulous, a very rare opportunity, I am really grateful for.

Elsa has just started to learn carting, although as yet she hasn't been attatched to a cart, she is watching and learning the others and will soon be ready to progress.  We also start water rescue training with the Wiltshire Wet Leos group in April, which I know she will love, she is a natural in the water.

Elsa is everything and more that I had always dreamed a Leonberger would be - fun, large, hairy and very, very affectionate, to the point where she still thinks she can sit on your lap and loves nothing better than a bear-hug!

Wellington was born on the 11th August 08' and joined our little pack on the 12th October 08' aged nearly nine weeks.  He came all the way from Lincolnshire, so had quite a long journey home. 
I first saw Wellington at just under six weeks old and just completely fell for his cheeky nature.  He isn't the biggest of Leo pups & has a lot of catching up to do, but I'm sure he'll get there.  Elsa loved him straight away, she now has a partner in crime!!!  She also mothers him well.  Kai has been very tolerant and doesn't seem at all bothered by him joining us, I just feel he was meant to be.  Next year Wellington will be joining Elsa in water rescue training & may even have a go at showing, but will definitely be having lots of fun.