Author: boxerfeliciasworld

I’m a tad concerned. It so happens that my cousin, Simon v d Andreashöhe, is coming to stay with us. He’s Auntie Mosca’s son.

Simon is traveling with his family, Christine, Niclas and their 2 children.

This is Simon as a baby, at Andy and Jacky’s Andreashöhe Kennel. Isn’t he adorable?

To say that Simon is handsome is an understatement! Simon is a real stunner. He used to live on this lovely island in Sweden.

It’s very wild and surrounded by cliffs.

Veronica went there for a visit and fell in love with the place.

She got along very well with the whole family and Simon. A year later…

…Simon’s life took a radical change when the family moved to Paris.

Veronica is no fan of Paris (to say the least) and couldn’t understand how anybody in their right mind would move there, let alone leave a paradise (in her eyes) for it.

(She’s not really the adventurous type, and very narrow minded!)

What with his looks, Simon has become a model, and is now advertising for the family’s Perfume company., “Cra-Yon”.

They live in a quite famous, cosy neighbourhood, so Veronica says. Oh really? What does she know about that? She never travels to Paris and hasn’t been there in years.

She’s so opinionated: “I don’t like French food” she says. What’s she’s basing this fact on? Her vast culinary knowledge and experience? P-LEASE!

Let’s not get into the whole Veronica/Paris situation, it’s a minor detail, and talk about what really matters: ME!

My concern is that Simon has become a Parisian snooty, snob. He obviously moves in higher circles now. I hardly think we have anything in common.

He probably only plays with Poodles, Dalmatians and other elegant breeds. What? NO! Don’t compare me to Veronica, apples and oranges here…

Boy was I wrong!

Simon is not only gorgeous, but he’s the sweetest, funniest guy. We had a blast in the garden.

He’s a real gentleman. Veronica and Niclas put small short leashes on us, just in case. Ridiculous, I bet that was Veronica’s idea.

She’s so neurotic!

We played and played…

…and played.

Veronica, had a great time with the whole family (even though they’re Parisians…) They’re a lovely, fun bunch and were very sweet to me too.

BTW they’re all very happy in Paris.

Sadly they left too soon. Simon, you need to come back here pronto! I’m bored and miss you…a lot!

I know this is not Paris, but I’m here, and I’m fun.

Discover the company:

https://www.cra-yon.com

I have 3 sisters, We’re the X Lot: Xheva, Xenja and Xia. I’m XFactor. We’re gorgeous, smart and fun.

We all have great lives.

Yps (Xheva) lives with Anita and Roger, it is safe to say that she is the “goody goody” one. She does not chase cats, birds or foxes

She obeys immediately and has it all very much together. No, I am not jealous, I can absolutely be a “goody goody” …I just choose not to be.

She trains obedience and hoopers, Nosework and probably loads of other stuff. She’s got this self discipline that I, apparently, lack. (Dixit: You Know Who.)

Xenja lives with Camilla and Fredrik, they’re from Sweden. Supposedly we have a lot in common. I heard Veronica use words like “wild” and “Intense”.

She spent an hour on the phone with Camilla, discussing the matter and comparing notes…Unbelievable! We are not wild, just a little…enthusiastic. (What’s wrong with that?)

When Xenja puts her energy in her work she’s amazing. She tracks and works obedience,

About that call, when I see Xenja, we’ll compare notes. Yeah, we’ll just do that. They’re not the only ones, and trust me, I have A LOT on my plate.

Xia lives with Franziska and her parents, they own a restaurant. A restaurant!! how cool is that. Andy told Veronica the food is amazing, traditional Swiss.

Now she’s the lucky one! Bet you she gets loads of free goodies from everyone. She probably spends her days hanging out, charming the customers.

She might even be the main reason they even come there. Cuddle and give treats to the cute boxer girl.

And look at her B-Day cake! What a pleasant life…I’m seriously jealous.

On a sunny day we traveled by train to the Andreashöhe Kennel. It’s a 4 hour trip

We had a family day date. Everybody came, even my gorgeous, intelligent champion father. (Yes, he’s an amazing working dog.)

We had so much fun fooling around in the yard, happy boxers, and very happy owners.

With took group pics with Mommy Lavie

and Daddy Odin

On the train back home I was pretty out of it. On a side note you can admire my zen attitude in the train. See, I can be calm, very calm.

I love my sisters.

Yps the Zen one

Xenja the spirited one

Xia, the restaurant girl

What a fun family day date. I know Veronica thinks I should take a leaf out to Yps book. Bet you Camilla feels the same about Xenja. (Don’t get me started on what Dennis thinks…)

But you know what, I am happy the way I am, they’ll just have to deal with it.

Traditional Swiss Food : https://fluehgasse.ch

Apparently I’m in some kind of phase, or so Veronica keeps telling everyone. It’s called “Slyngelålder”, or rather “The rascal age”.

If I understand things right, the dog, i.e. me, suddenly turns into a wild beast. Disobeying, acting silly and forgetting the basic rules. Veronica’s precise words were “annoying”.

Now you guys listen to me: this is highly unfair and absolutely not true! Every week we go to school at our local Boxer club, I learn loads of stuff.

I am a “Talented Student” (the Teachers words, not mine). My Dad is a working champion after all, it’s all in the genes.

Just as an example; I am great at recall! I ALWAYS come back and really fast. Even Veronica admits that I am the best. I could be a gold medalist.

Ok so the real truth here is that I adore running, and with recall I get to run fast and get a reward. Veronica’s happy, I’m happy. It’s a win win!

I am very calm at home, sleep and mind my own business. (Well… pretty calm…most of the time)

I admit there have been a few very small incidents but certainly nothing like any “Rascal Age” stuff.

Like sleeping on Veronica and Dennis’s bed. You would too if you had the chance, it is so very comfy. It’s a Swedish bed, called a “Hästens”, (Horse?? Really??)

BTW, “Hästens” should definitely make dog beds, why don’t they?

I did play with the flowers. Now these were old and needed to go to the compost so I was merely doing Veronica a favour.

But there is one thing, a tiny “little problem”, that sort of irritates Veronica.

I simply love biting the leash, and jump around. Playing tug of war with it. I’m sure loads of dogs agree with me.

When I say “it irritates her” that’s an understatement; it simply drives her crazy. What’s the problem.? Loosen up, enjoy the fun.

Veronica did not see the “fun”…at all, “Supposedly I get too wild and wound up”, instead she decided to consult with a bunch of dog experts.

Eva, (Bodfäldt) her dog guru, and friend. Who, incidentally came here to stay with us, so she knows me.

Yvonne, her go to Boxer expert.

Stella, her sister, who’s a Veterinarian Behaviourist.

Henny, a wonderful dog trainer, clicker and search activities expert.

At the big Stockholm dog fair, she even discussed the matter with another Swedish dog expert, Fredrik Steen.

Embarrassing! Much ado about nothing!

They all gave her tons of advice. Training methods, tricks, etc etc… But guess what, I outsmarted them all!

Yep, me, Helga v d Andreashöhe, outsmarted a bunch of dog experts, and to Veronica’s great despair I continued my game with growing enthusiasm.

The fact that it annoyed Veronica so much made it even more fun

Suddenly, one dark December day, the fun abruptly ended when Veronica, used a very unethical, cowardly trick to “break my bad habit”: she bought a chain leash!

Can you believe that? Who among those, so called, dog experts gave her that, frankly, outrageous tip?

This is how we walk these days, no fun at all, I don’t even try to reach the cloth leash, what’s the point.

Veronica, on the other hand, is very happy, she tells me what a good girl I am….yeah yeah…whatever….

My thanks go to all my wonderful Dog contacts for taking the time to help Helga understand what the walk is all about. Don’t worry, we have a lot of fun, on my terms.

Before you read this story I want to make one thing clear: This incident was NOT my fault! I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE. (Whatever Dennis claims)

You’ll soon understand.

There we were, out in the woods, training recall with the leash on. (Us dogs are not allowed to run free at the moment)

FYI: I’m a recall champion. I’m as fast as a Velociraptor, only much, much nicer.

Anyway, it was at this precise moment, that Veronica chose to be unfocused and put her foot on the leash, with consequences anyone in their right mind could have avoided.

I’ll give you the synopsis so as not to bore you: she fell, broke her wrist, went to the clinic, got surgery, and 24 hours later she was at home.

She’s a real wimp acting like her whole body was broken, she just sat on her chair, drinking tea. Calling family members and friends.

Dennis had to be at her beck and call at all times.

I felt left out and fed up with her “invalid” attitude so I took over the chair. She doesn’t even have a plaster cast.

To make things worse she’s not allowed to take me for walks, at least not alone. Someone, i.e. Dennis, thinks I might get “excited and make her fall”.

To compensate for the lack of long walks. Veronica bought me this cool pig that squeaks. I’ve been squeaking and squeaking and squeaking all around the house and the garden.

I get the feeling Veronica regrets her generosity.

Finally, Veronica gets some kind of weird hand glove to protect her. And she is even allowed to drive…short distances.

Apparently she has titanium screws and a plate inside her wrist. How on earth is that possible?

We’re back on track..sort of. Veronica is still paranoid she’ll fall again.

She should relax. So, she fell and got surgery. Big deal! She just needs to be more attentive. Focus, and look where she puts her feet.

Isn’t that what everyone teaches their toddlers: “look where you’re going”. Apparently Veronica wasn’t listening during those instructions.

Anyway, this wrist incident is NOT MY FAULT!

My thanks to:

Wonderful hand surgeon Dr Parvex, who operated my wrist the same day. To all nurses and helpers at La Clinique des Grangettes who were friendly, reassuring and always available.

And Helga, don’t worry, I’m not blaming you.

I am outraged, to say the least, that Veronica is going to travel! Abandon me! Supposedly she has to go to see her Swedish friends with dogs.

You heard me: Friends with DOGS!

What about her own dog, i.e, ME??? She used to tell people she couldn’t travel not wanting to leave her pup. Well that grew old fast!

And these other dogs? Who are these supposedly wonderful “Swedish Dogs”?? Are they more important than me?

(I’m NOT jealous, I’d just like to get some information.)

Yvonne’s 3 Boxers. Lux, her sister Queensi, and young Qarisma. They are a happy, lively bunch. Yvonne is a boxer lady, she’s had loads of them, she’s somewhat of a Boxer expert.

Qarisma v d Andreashöhe is Auntie Pretty’s daughter. They went all the way to Switzerland to pick her up.

She’s beautiful and has won prizes.

Veronica claims that Swedish forests are much better than ours. I’d like to see that, but sadly, stubborn Veronica absolutely refuses to drive that far.

If Yvonne went to Switzerland to pick up a pup, why can’t we drive to Sweden to walk in those woods?

Also, I could meet all these, “Swedish Dogs”.

Veronica and Yvonne always have a lunch date with Monica and her little Bubblan. Monica used to have two (yes two) big Boxer boys.

Veronica doesn’t understand how she could handle them. She tells everyone she has her hands full with me. (Hand’s full?…no idea what that means?)

Bubblan is 9 years old, but jumps and runs like a puppy. She’s very sweet and full of energy.

Meanwhile at home, things are way better than expected. Every morning I keep Dennis company, on the sofa, (yep, THE sofa) while he drinks his coffee.

After a long walk we chill in the garden.

Every night, EVERY SINGLE NIGHT, Veronica calls mainly to check on his dog sitting skills.

Before leaving she had left him with very precise, (bossy), instructions: How to walk, feed and generally act with me. She went on and on. Honestly she was insufferable.

He just said yes, yes, and did it his way. Great way incidentally.

What irritated me the most is that Veronica met Eva. MY EVA. How dare she… without me, Eva’s Pupil.

These are her two dogs, Will-Ja and Pike. Two, adorable Field Labradors. They are, of course, perfect in all ways.

As Eva was busy, she let Veronica take them for a walk. They went all around Djurgården by Veronica’s childhood house, Johansdal.

Is an “Eva groupie” really to be trusted? Yes Eva, what’s that all about?

They recognised Eva’s steps in the courtyard, as she arrived. They were probably eager and relieved to see her.

Felix is Ann’s Poodle. He is classy, calm and very elegant. I’m still a pup, but one day I’ll be calm and elegant too…or close enough.

Remember Hippie, Ulrica’s sweet Schapendoes. She’s a “Happy go lucky” kind of dog. Loveable and fun.

She can do loads of tricks, and she knows that when Veronica’s around, there will be candy.

Finally, after having cuddled with all those “Swedish Dogs”, Veronica came home. We were both very happy.

Veronica told me she’d missed me a lot and no-one could replace me. (NO-ONE)!

Ha! Take that you “Swedish Dogs”!

I love children. As a matter of fact I simply adore them. All sizes! They are full of life, laughter and I want to be their buddy.

We have three, adorable ones in the family.

Only the whole “I want to be their buddy” thing did not work out that well. According to “You Know Who”, i.e, Veronica, I’m too young and wild.

I even have to wear a leash whenever they’re here. Ridiculous! Who does she think I am? A brutal dinosaur?

Lately, however, the rules have somewhat loosened. “Helga has matured”, I heard Veronica say. (That what she thinks. I just know what it takes to have it my way).

I still have to wear the leash though, “just in case”.

Little L: She’s the oldest. She is the responsible one, very sweet, very caring, always wanting everyone to be happy.

She is the best kid dog trainer ever. We do loads of tricks. Veronica says she’s a natural.

Whatever that means.

Little O: He’s adorable and full of energy. He likes me a lot, until he doesn’t. That’s when I come too close. Then he screams: “Mormor, Helga tar mina saker” (Helga steals my things).

Yes, he’s kind of loud.

Let me be clear; I never stole anything from any kid.

He is a great candy machine. He loves to walk around with a bag of goodies and throw them to me. “Kom Helga, godis” (Come Helga, candy)

For free! I don’t even need to perform any tricks. Way to go Little O.

Little L is way more organised, no free lunch here.

I have noticed that these two kids are rather stubborn and a little bossy. Has this something to do with Veronica? Is this a family trait?

Little J: He is the youngest of the lot and lives in California. I only met him once. He is very cute and always happy.

He runs up to me and cries “I want to play with Puppy Helga”. He doesn’t even care if I, (accidentally) jump on him. He just stands right up again.

The bonus cousins had so much fun. Little L being the gang leader…of course.

Little O shared “his” (that is Mormor’s) cars. Quite astonishing, all things considered, and from what I’ve seen around the house.

Does Little J have special powers?

The kids come over often. After an hour, the house looks worse than if a bunch of teenagers had a wild party.

Veronica just smiles and looks happy. “It doesn’t matter, they’re having so much fun.”.

I feel a double standard here! No smiles at my mess…

Indya von Exkalibur: She’s 10 years old, lovely and gentle. She was THE Felicia’s BFF, so I have been told.

I admire her and want to be with her all the time.

That’s kind of the problem, Indya finds me a little “too much” so Veronica says. “She’s an old lady and needs her quiet time, leave her alone”.

I find this particular rule very difficult to follow…

…this results in me being TIED UP. I feel offended, so I ignore the sleeping mat and jump on to the sofa! Serves them right!

After a full “children-home-invasion-day”, both Veronica and I are exhausted! As much as we adore and love them we’re a little relieved when they leave.

Then comes a quiet time, and we can chill.

Veronica has four kids. Dennis has one. (FYI I sneaked up on the chair. Yeah, I get around!)

Zelda: She looks a lot like Veronica, they say. She’s as tall, and shares Veronica love for the Opera.

She’s kind of a dog lover…from afar. Thing is, she sometimes complains that I might ruin her outfits. Dress more dog friendly, I say.

To be fair, she does cuddle quite a lot with me, and she’s super sweet.

Malkah: She is a Boxer owner, too, so obviously she thinks I’m very cute.

She’s amazing at cooking and baking, to everyone’s surprise, because Veronica’s kitchen skills are non existent. Very mysterious.

She works a lot but still finds time to make the Swedish, “Semla”…from scratch!

She lives with Victor and their two small kids. They are the handy persons of the family, they can fix just about anything.

Both Veronica and Dennis are lousy on that level. They’re just about capable of putting together an Ikea chair…with difficulty, I might add.

Victor’s very nice and he’s super fit. He’s run loads of races like marathons, Alps races, and what not.

Nathan: He adores me, he even came to see me when I was a tiny pup. He is a “Law and order” kind of guy.

Everything with him is perfectly planned. (Nothing like Veronica’s chaotic personality). He’s also an Opera fan. Especially Wagner.

He lives with Melissa, she’s very sweet and loving, just look at her. Once upon a time she wanted a Boxer, that was before she saw me at 6 weeks old.

I’ve got the feeling she kind of changed her mind. I suspect it has something to do with a young Boxer’s “enthusiastic” personality.

Elie: He is the geek of the family (Veronica’s words). He’s apparently something called a Dungeon Master, whatever that is.

He’s also interested in politics. He’s very well informed and gets into long discussions about the US situation with Dennis.

He loves me. He even came with Veronica and Dennis to pick me up.

Madeline: She lives in California which is very sad since we don’t see her that often. She fits right into the “Veronica crowd” though.

She’s a very mellow and gentle person, always smiling and friendly.

She lives with Tony and their son Jack. Tony loves all sports, he used to play hockey.

Madeline came to visit not long ago, first time for the Bonus cousins to meet. It was a very merry reunion on all fronts and for everyone.

These kids are a tight bunch, it’s like the 3 Musketeers, “All for one, one for all”.

They’re ALL very opinionated and the discussions around the table are sometimes…let’s say, lively. Everyone wants to have the last word and think they’re right.

I’ve noticed that the plus one’s usually stay rather discreet on these occasions. I think they want to be polite and respectful. Probably some kind of family etiquette.

They generously let the siblings have all the fun.

Next story: The babies and the dog.

I have a very big family! They are loud and fun, they’re a very tight bunch and I love them. Nine adults, three kids and let’s not forget: two dogs!

Dennis: He used to own a hip bar in Berkeley, California. With celebrities and really cool people.

That was in a previous life. To make a long story short, he sold his bar, met Veronica, got married, moved to a house in a suburb with a dog and an SUV:

Talk about a change….

He never owned a dog. But he adores me (Even though he thinks I’m a little “wild” at times).

Most importantly he’s the one that’s in charge of the food. He cooks ALL the meals.

(No, Veronica knows nothing about cooking, how she managed to feed her four kids is a mystery)

He’s somewhat of a wine guru. Since moving here he’s specialised in Swiss wine. And has his own blog.

At first the Swiss guys were like “What?An American to talk about our wine? This is not McDonalds”. But now he’s very much respected and gets invited to all sorts of wine events.

Veronica: She’s the Matriarch of the family. I personally think she’s the boss, or rather she thinks she is.

You need to know that this is one stubborn lot!

Her we are playing in the forest.

She loves them all, more than you can imagine. Also, very important fact, she loves dogs, and especially Boxers!

Here she is with Uncle Nando and Auntie Mosca when they came to visit.

I will say no more, as there has been, and will be, a lot about her in future stories and I don’t want any spoiler alerts.

Next post the kids: that is Veronica’s and Dennis’s

Dennis’s Blog:

https://artisanswiss.com