Elbereth Ilo at Starlapps - 'Ilo'
DOB: 28/08/05
Sire: Fin Int Ch Lecibsin Hapmi
Dam: Fin Belg Ch Lumiturpa Pigga at Elbereth
Character Assessment: Excellent
KC Good Citizen: Silver
Sire: Fin Int Ch Lecibsin Hapmi
Dam: Fin Belg Ch Lumiturpa Pigga at Elbereth
Character Assessment: Excellent
KC Good Citizen: Silver
Ilo
8 weeks (photo L Hawken)
I can scarcely believe it is so many years since I picked up this adorable bundle from Toni Jackson. I fell for this gorgeous furball with such great markings in Autumn 2005 and had to pinch myself when Toni said she wasn't spoken for. Naming her Ilo was so apt. She is an utter joy - gentle, friendly and always happy to play the clown. She had two wonderful parents, whose disposition I loved and superbly good looking too: Lecibsin Hapmi and Lumiturpa Pigga. The combination was just what I was looking for in a lappy. Liz (Mowatt) said to me once that 'Ilo is beautiful - inside and out', and it's so very true!
2 years (photo K Sahlsberg)
As she has matured she has lost none of her playfulness but has gained a calmness and contentment that I never thought possible when she was younger. She is probably the most biddable dog I have handled and has taken to her favourite hobby of herding sheep quickly and competently - her recall is exemplary for any breed, let alone an independent Spitz. She adores other dogs and mixes well. Fun agility, rally and beginners tracking are all tackled with enthusiasm
4 years
Ilo has had a pretty successful show career to date at all levels, albeit that we only go to one or two events per year. She has consistently qualified for Crufts, won two reserve Best of Sex awards, a couple of BOBs, plus one Best in Show, and is quite content to show off her trophies on occasion. She also gained her silver KC Good Citizen at 10 months of age, in spite of some rather haphazard attempts at training by her owner!
5 years
As much as she enjoys seeing her Lappy pals at organised events, I know she would rather be hunting in the woods or rolling for sheer joy on our local beach. This was a typical recall scene from a few years back. Ilo turned on a sixpence whilst Cambodian Taki had other ideas :-)
5 years
Her calm biddable nature allows controlled exposure to other animals without risk. She is very easily trained and listens to instructions in unfamiliar settings.
6 years
She proved to be a most natural camper too with trips to the West Argyle and Sweden. Not once did she stray from camp, alerting appropriately for untoward sights and sounds...including a most unsuspecting Llama in the field next door...and not a leash in sight!
7 years
Ilo seems to have a affinity for and gentleness with young children and animals. Her soft, calm nature means even those who are naturally sometimes wary get up close and personal - and she loves it.
7 years
Almost 9 years in Sweden (photo G. Löfstedt)