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December 31 Our greatest achievement in 2014 is, undoubtedly, our grandchildren. The joy they brought with them, the sheer happiness of their daily victories, their innocent hope that the best is still to come - they made us feel young, again. Forever young. Have a great life ahead, my sweet babies. You are forever an important part of mine. |
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December 18
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Happy 1st month to our perfect CH-Nubika grandchildren!
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December 17
Fulga lost her last son today.
Have an easy trip over the Rainbow Bridge, my sweet, sweet little Last boy - and rest assured that you are not alone.
Fulga lost her last son today.
Have an easy trip over the Rainbow Bridge, my sweet, sweet little Last boy - and rest assured that you are not alone.
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December 16
Four weeks old - first day out. With aunty Shegy and half-sister Gimma and the new collars and the tree and all that grass and each of us carrying the respective complete set of teeth (times eight). 
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December 14
A few days earlier than expected, Fulga decided enough was enough - and brought her eight puppies into the world, this morning. Herding the goats in the meanwhile, of course.
Solo spent the morning proudly counting: one daughter... two daughters... a son... another daughter...
Well, OK, now let's have brunch. It is deserved!
Two hours later a second son... fourth daughter... another son... and the last one...
A few days earlier than expected, Fulga decided enough was enough - and brought her eight puppies into the world, this morning. Herding the goats in the meanwhile, of course.
Solo spent the morning proudly counting: one daughter... two daughters... a son... another daughter...
Well, OK, now let's have brunch. It is deserved!
Two hours later a second son... fourth daughter... another son... and the last one...
December 12
Milk - yeah, well, milk is good. But beef... plenty of beef... So tasty! So grown-up!
And we have teeth.
Milk - yeah, well, milk is good. But beef... plenty of beef... So tasty! So grown-up!
And we have teeth.
November 30
Convinced that the future only holds great achievements, happiness and fulfillment for each of the eight, HanSolo von Tirol (Solo) and Celina Nubika (Dona) are proud to finally introduce their perfect puppies (aged 9 days in the pictures) to this world.
Convinced that the future only holds great achievements, happiness and fulfillment for each of the eight, HanSolo von Tirol (Solo) and Celina Nubika (Dona) are proud to finally introduce their perfect puppies (aged 9 days in the pictures) to this world.
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Meet the amazing boys: Chavier Nubika Chewbacca Nubika Chicago Nubika Chopper Nubika Christo Nubika |
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And the gorgeous young ladies: Chantilli Nubika Cheetah Nubika Chilli Nubika |
November 26
It seems Fulga is pregnant - which makes Solo a future dad, in about three weeks.
Before he even had a chance to recover from the exhausting... childbirth of his perfect CH- Nubika babies.
It seems Fulga is pregnant - which makes Solo a future dad, in about three weeks.
Before he even had a chance to recover from the exhausting... childbirth of his perfect CH- Nubika babies.
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November 19
During yesterday and early last night, Dona gave birth to the eight CH- Nubika puppies we were expecting - five perfect boys and three gorgeous girls. The human moms (oops! grandmoms) are happy, Dona is a great, caring mother and Solo - the proudest dad (cigars, drinks with the buddies and so on), who actually fell asleep after baby number six.
During yesterday and early last night, Dona gave birth to the eight CH- Nubika puppies we were expecting - five perfect boys and three gorgeous girls. The human moms (oops! grandmoms) are happy, Dona is a great, caring mother and Solo - the proudest dad (cigars, drinks with the buddies and so on), who actually fell asleep after baby number six.
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November 17 Today has been a good day - we have news (and new photos) from Solo's parents, mama Lady (12 years old) and papa Bandit (nearly 8), seemingly debating the number of grandchildren daughter-in-law Dona is about to give life to. Not unlike in humans, the man is sure to bring closure to the family dispute - by saying: yes, darling. As you wish, darling. |
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Photos: courtesy of Gudrun and Christoph Muller (von Tirol kennel).
November 16
It is a time of sorrow. The time ended for one dear friend. We mourn with his human family, for mourning and crying is all we can do.
Farewell, Bendzika, we shall meet again, in a place where aching and pain and illness are unknown - you have but gone there ahead of us; and you are not alone.
The photo belongs to Tijana Stojsin from the Zampa di kennel in Serbia - and was shared with us today. because we share the pain.
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October 26 Today, mummy Ghuna becomes a veteran. Her 8th birthday finds a gorgeous lady, healthy and happy and strong. And young, in body and in mind. A huge Champion and mother of Champions, best of the best, not the first but clearly the greatest of the Skah Dakota great ladies, I am fortunate to have met Ghuna. And to call one of her daughters, mine. The picture (courtesy of Geert and Trees Koetse) was taken exactly one year ago, on Ghuna's 7th birthday. She has not aged a single day since! |
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October 24 Second show day for Solo in Czech, another shortlisting (5th) from the male Champion class. It is becoming a habit! October 23
Solo attended his first European Dog Show, in Brno, one of the one hundred registered WSS for this event. He started big, the male Champion class provided the strongest competition ever, with most of the greatest names of our time in this class. Newcomer Solo was shortlisted among the 6 finalists (the only short-coated one), a huge result for a young dog coming from Romania. Needless to say how proud I am of my boy. Solo was the happiest of us two, later in the evening - because he was granted... the first choice of the bed in our hotel room. |
October 19
Solo and Mahi attended the Arad double CACIB this weekend - together. It was an amazing experience for the three of us: my beautiful princess and her best friend have never before spent a "working" weekend together. They missed each other terribly during the short minutes of separation, they rejoiced when meeting again - and they shared the common joy of arriving home after almost three days and two nights away. Mahi and Gandhi even kissed each other when they first saw one another! Solo would of course not kiss Faust, they are both men so they kept their feelings for themselves.
Oh, and Solo won the CACIB on both days and became the 2014 Transylvanian Winner. Both him and Mahi won their first CACLs.
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October 17 Fulga payed Solo a two-days visit, concluded with what we hope will be a pre-Christmas litter of great whites. Fulga is a six and a half years old beautiful lady, with a lovely appearance and a sweet nature, living the fulfilling life of a true shepherd dog, recently adopted by a caring, loving family. She is (very) long-coated, carrying only genes for the long coat - which pleads for a bunch of little Solos loaded with plenty of long hair. |
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October 1o
Dona was confirmed pregnant by her vet (through ultrasound). Now we wait.
The CH litter of the Nubika kennel in Prague is expected around November (18-)20th.
Dona was confirmed pregnant by her vet (through ultrasound). Now we wait.
The CH litter of the Nubika kennel in Prague is expected around November (18-)20th.
October 5
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Faust is now Champion of Serbia Faust concluded today his Serbian Championship, in one of the many perfect natural spots this country has, by easily winning the heart of the Bosnian judge, the CAC and the BOB titles. No, Faust has not suddenly turned into a show dog - he simply made the best of a short break from his working routine. And yes, he loves being seen! |
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September 17-18
OK, it happened.
Dona is simply perfect, in real life as well as in pictures I saw of her. Not a big girl, but perfectly proportioned, with beautiful head and well-carried ears, strong chest, strait and slightly sloping backline, very good angulations, nice movement, flawless pigment. She also has an amazing drive for work - which she did not totally demonstrated these days, she seemed to have been far too... interested in Solo for her mind to focus on working.
Solo and Dona make a great couple, they are like male and female images of the perfect WSS, Karin and I hope there will soon be some equally great Nubika puppies to prove it.
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September 14 Gandhi is now Champion of Serbia.
A busy Sunday for two of us. Gandhi, freshly out of her second heat, celebrated the end of her Juniorate (the age of 18 months) by taking Faust to a... dog-show. She won the Intermediate class and finished her first adult Championship, the Serbian one.
"Novice" Faust, after more than two years break, won the Open class and the BOB title. Plus a small, but beautiful cup. |
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September 6-7
Yet another working seminar for Faust, under the expert tutoring of Mr. Fantastic, Such Ferenc from Hungary. Trainers from all over Romania begin to get used to seeing a white shepherd in their midst, and to accepting Faust as a prominent student.
Yet another working seminar for Faust, under the expert tutoring of Mr. Fantastic, Such Ferenc from Hungary. Trainers from all over Romania begin to get used to seeing a white shepherd in their midst, and to accepting Faust as a prominent student.
Photos: courtesy of the organizers
August 30
The Kalypsoland Cup began, this year, with another outstanding victory of Faust. Conducted by his trainer (and personal best friend), Bogdan Colarescu, he clearly won the first place in the BH section.
Cherry on top: a very happy Mahi, who did not impress but dutifully finished a worthy 6th (out of 18 entered dogs).
To obtain these results under the impeccable though very strict judging of the Hungarian living legend, Mr. Suszter Ferenc, is a huge success for our family.
The Kalypsoland Cup began, this year, with another outstanding victory of Faust. Conducted by his trainer (and personal best friend), Bogdan Colarescu, he clearly won the first place in the BH section.
Cherry on top: a very happy Mahi, who did not impress but dutifully finished a worthy 6th (out of 18 entered dogs).
To obtain these results under the impeccable though very strict judging of the Hungarian living legend, Mr. Suszter Ferenc, is a huge success for our family.
August 23
Gandhi is now Junior Champion of Romania
Gandhi attended another CAC, where she won her class (and the Best Junior title), thus concluding her second Junior Championship. And we both decided to skip tomorrow's dog-show and spend a lazy day with the rest of the family - celebrating our baby girl and her most recent victory.
August 19-20
A two-topic seminar for Faust this weekend, in Tohanul Nou, with Mr. Benke Andras from Hungary. Protection is clearly not among Faust's favourites, but tracking - well, in tracking he excels.
A two-topic seminar for Faust this weekend, in Tohanul Nou, with Mr. Benke Andras from Hungary. Protection is clearly not among Faust's favourites, but tracking - well, in tracking he excels.
August 16
Faust participated in two demonstrative shows this weekend - in his capacity as the National BH Champion en titre. A minor injury on the first day shortened his performance, but he was again ready to work the day after.
Faust participated in two demonstrative shows this weekend - in his capacity as the National BH Champion en titre. A minor injury on the first day shortened his performance, but he was again ready to work the day after.
Photos: courtesy of the organizers
July 28
The result of Solo's degenerative myelopathy test came from the laboratory in Germany where it was done. It is of course perfect; DM NN (clear).
No, in Romania these tests are not mandatory. We consider it is advisable, though, to perform a minimal number of genetic tests - it is important to know what genes our babies can pass to their offspring. And that these genes code perfect health!
July 27
Gandhi participated in her first dog-show as an... adult (Intermediate class). She won her class and the BOB title. Not a bad start for our 16 months old baby girl!
July 25
Happy 6th Birthday to Faust
The best present Faust received today, on his 6th birthday, was... a name for his sixth daughter, the last puppy to have a name.
The boys are: Leon and Lord Edison.
The girls are: Leia, Luna, Lara, Laika, Luana and Lorelei.
May them all become worthy descendants of their amazing father, and may all their future owners be as happy with them and as proud of them as I am with my Faust.
The boys are: Leon and Lord Edison.
The girls are: Leia, Luna, Lara, Laika, Luana and Lorelei.
May them all become worthy descendants of their amazing father, and may all their future owners be as happy with them and as proud of them as I am with my Faust.
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July 13
Solo is now Champion of Serbia A really eventful weekend is concluded today, by Solo finishing his Serbian Championship - and doing so in style. He was considered Excellent 1 (twice), he won CAC (twice), CACIB and the Best of Breed titles (twice). And two cups - one very small and a second one less so. |
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The highlight of the weekend was visiting the Danube Titans kennel, home of Chris and his wonderful family, Mastiffs (three generations) and humans (also three generations). It was but an unneeded confirmation of the rightness of choosing Chris. If only...
July 12
Faust and the entire Ahlitah Quest family are proud to announce that Gloria was delivered by eight perfect puppies, during the last night and early this morning, two of them being sons and the other six, daughters.
The birth took place naturally, unaided; the mother and the puppies are all doing as fine as desired.
July 11
Happy 2nd Birthday to Merlin,
who so skilfully handles the task of being the first son of Digit.
Although not in my home, you are forever a part of my life
and your place in my heart you have rightfully won, my perfect baby boy.
Although not in my home, you are forever a part of my life
and your place in my heart you have rightfully won, my perfect baby boy.
July 6
Faust attended yet another seminar this weekend. Naturally. The main topic was discipline - which he loves the most and excels in. From the (white) mascot of the training camp, he quickly became one of the top students. Naturally!
Faust attended yet another seminar this weekend. Naturally. The main topic was discipline - which he loves the most and excels in. From the (white) mascot of the training camp, he quickly became one of the top students. Naturally!
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June 29 Another busy weekend for working Faust - a tracking seminar, very much to his taste. He was (again) praised for his desire to learn and his speed in doing so. In a world mistakenly meant for non-whites, trainers and trainees begin to accept Faust... despite his colour. Bravo, Faust. You are doing your breed a huge favour, in a country (perhaps) not entirely ready for it. |
June 28
After a two-year break, Solo resumed his dog-show... career. He did so in Hungary, winning his class and the BOB title. He was everyone's favourite outside the ring, too - it seemed that all the visitors wanted to touch Solo, to hug him, to have pictures with him. One brave lady even insisted to kiss Solo, which he usually resents but was convinced to accept now, with the aid of a big venison strip. Well, men - loves passes of course through their stomach.
After a two-year break, Solo resumed his dog-show... career. He did so in Hungary, winning his class and the BOB title. He was everyone's favourite outside the ring, too - it seemed that all the visitors wanted to touch Solo, to hug him, to have pictures with him. One brave lady even insisted to kiss Solo, which he usually resents but was convinced to accept now, with the aid of a big venison strip. Well, men - loves passes of course through their stomach.
June 15
Gandhi is now Junior Champion of Serbia
Gandhi's second weekend abroad meant, for the bravest of us, finishing the Junior Championship (and becoming Best Junior on both days) and also getting used to hotel life (elevators and such). Mahi, her once-again-chaperone, wasted no time and won her class (on both days), her first CACIB in Serbia and the BOB title.
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June 6
Faust is... expecting. 
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Mom is Gloria, a sweet Hungarian-born girl, almost two years his junior. The mating took place naturally, on May 10 and May 11, and this will be the L-litter of the first Romanian White Swiss Shepherd kennel, de Blindete. We are waiting for beautiful, smart, long-coated puppies, worthy descendants of great champions (among which we find Aico vom Bruckner Landl and 2003 World Winner Baron vom Schloss Stutensee), who will hopefully inherit their father's extraordinary drive and... love of being seen. They will most likely grow into potential show dogs with a flair for working, faithful companions for their beloved humans, able and willing to bring joy and happiness to their future families.
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May 19
Happy 2nd Birthday to Mahi,
The beautiful, the delicate, the silent lover, the so very little person who in less than two short years managed to reach goals that for so many others remain but distant dreams.
My unobtrusive princess, ever present without making a fuss of it,
always ready to perform without the need of being told so -
she, who assumes duties beyond her age and training and skilfully fulfills each task,
her dark eyes never leaving mine.
Mahi easily won a heart not yet ready to be given, and keeps doing it, again and again,
on every day and every birthday...
My unobtrusive princess, ever present without making a fuss of it,
always ready to perform without the need of being told so -
she, who assumes duties beyond her age and training and skilfully fulfills each task,
her dark eyes never leaving mine.
Mahi easily won a heart not yet ready to be given, and keeps doing it, again and again,
on every day and every birthday...
May 13
The 20124 Timisoara 2xCACIB, held last weekend, meant time spent with daddy Brit (Excellent1, CAC, CACIB, BOB on both days and BOG3 on day one) and granny Goga and with the newest member of our extended family, Boney M (Best Puppy in Show on both days). It also meant meeting old friends (like Iris de Blindete and her human family). And the revival of bitter sweet memories, by finally meeting two of the fantastic sons of Chris, Ace and Lonely Little Wolf (Crufts Winner) - of the Danube Titans kennel.
All these wonderful reasons apart, this weekend meant Gandhi's debut as a Junior. She was Excellent1 on both days and she won CACJ, Best Junior and BOS on day one.
The 20124 Timisoara 2xCACIB, held last weekend, meant time spent with daddy Brit (Excellent1, CAC, CACIB, BOB on both days and BOG3 on day one) and granny Goga and with the newest member of our extended family, Boney M (Best Puppy in Show on both days). It also meant meeting old friends (like Iris de Blindete and her human family). And the revival of bitter sweet memories, by finally meeting two of the fantastic sons of Chris, Ace and Lonely Little Wolf (Crufts Winner) - of the Danube Titans kennel.
All these wonderful reasons apart, this weekend meant Gandhi's debut as a Junior. She was Excellent1 on both days and she won CACJ, Best Junior and BOS on day one.
April 29
Happy 4th Birthday to Solo,
Companion of my heart and undisputed champion of my life,
my link to what used to be and clear image of hopes for what lays ahead.
Pupil of choice to Ahlitah, nanny to Mahi, fearsome leader to Gandhi,
friend of Digit and eternal challenger to challenging Faust -
forever my dream boy and always, but always my Number One.
my link to what used to be and clear image of hopes for what lays ahead.
Pupil of choice to Ahlitah, nanny to Mahi, fearsome leader to Gandhi,
friend of Digit and eternal challenger to challenging Faust -
forever my dream boy and always, but always my Number One.
April 27
Mahi is now Champion of Romania
A weekend together for us two, three dog-shows for Mahi, a pretty nice list of achievements: 3 x Excellent1, 3 x CAC, CACIB, BOB, one Romanian Champion. No comment.
April 18
Solo seems to have a special bond with young ladies living in the beautiful Prague. Quite recently, he (and I) decided: Celina Nubika, aka Dona, is the one!
The first word that comes to my mind when I look at pictures of Dona is: perfect. She, like Solo, could very well be used to illustrate the White Swiss Shepherd standard...
Both Karin Rohanova, Dona's breeder & owner, and I are convinced that we made the right choice for our babies. Time will prove it is so!
April 8
Gandhi went to Hungary today, to have her hips and elbows X-rayed.
Gandhi went to Hungary today, to have her hips and elbows X-rayed.
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April 7 Another seminar in Hungary for working Faust (discipline and tracking), ie another pleasant weekend for my wonder-boy. |
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March 30 Mahi is now Champion of Serbia Another CAC won today, in Sremska Mitrovica (Serbia), also in the company of Uriel (and not only). More time spent with friends, to conclude a happy and rewarding weekend for Mahi and me abroad. |
March 29
Mahi won the CAC today, in the International dog-show at Bogatic (Serbia), with her usual nonchalant joy of doing something, anything that implies many interesting dogs - and perhaps her human mom. She spent time with our old friend Uriel (sort of a... step daughter of Solo) and with junior Ivana.
What made our day complete was the afternoon spent with Aron, with Guadalupe and their human family. There are no words to fully describe how Aron is winning my heart, once more and a bit more, every time I see him.
Mahi won the CAC today, in the International dog-show at Bogatic (Serbia), with her usual nonchalant joy of doing something, anything that implies many interesting dogs - and perhaps her human mom. She spent time with our old friend Uriel (sort of a... step daughter of Solo) and with junior Ivana.
What made our day complete was the afternoon spent with Aron, with Guadalupe and their human family. There are no words to fully describe how Aron is winning my heart, once more and a bit more, every time I see him.
March 15
My beautiful, delicate Dutch princess, Mahi, passed her BH exam today - making team with me, her human mom, and not with her trainer, as the other dogs did. A tiny spot of bright white in a sea of grey, black, dark brown, brindle, Mahi did all the hard work, leaving me to just walk by her side and occasionally pat her head - and she did so with her dark eyes never leaving mine, forgetting the fatigue and sharing the joy of yet another activity performed together.
Mahi is the third of her breed (and the first female) in Romania to pass the BH exam.
My beautiful, delicate Dutch princess, Mahi, passed her BH exam today - making team with me, her human mom, and not with her trainer, as the other dogs did. A tiny spot of bright white in a sea of grey, black, dark brown, brindle, Mahi did all the hard work, leaving me to just walk by her side and occasionally pat her head - and she did so with her dark eyes never leaving mine, forgetting the fatigue and sharing the joy of yet another activity performed together.
Mahi is the third of her breed (and the first female) in Romania to pass the BH exam.
March 14
Happy 1st Birthday to Gandhi,
The perfect-looking, the bravest, the cuddling, the most loving, the singer of our pack.
Gandhi, the wolf.
The not-so-little person who always digs, hunts, plays, dances, swims,
carries all sorts of goodies... Gandhi, the demolisher.
The oh so loved baby girl of our family.
Gandhi, the wolf.
The not-so-little person who always digs, hunts, plays, dances, swims,
carries all sorts of goodies... Gandhi, the demolisher.
The oh so loved baby girl of our family.
March 4
Faust took part in a training seminar in Hungary, this weekend, where he had the chance to work with Mr. Training Guru himself, Vit Glisnik. Or should I say Vit Glisnik had the chance to work with Faust?!
Faust took part in a training seminar in Hungary, this weekend, where he had the chance to work with Mr. Training Guru himself, Vit Glisnik. Or should I say Vit Glisnik had the chance to work with Faust?!
January 26
Another national dog-show for Mahi, another CAC title won. Another day spent together, just the two of us, more and more reasons to get even prouder of my delicate princess.
Another national dog-show for Mahi, another CAC title won. Another day spent together, just the two of us, more and more reasons to get even prouder of my delicate princess.
January 25
The 2014 dog-show year began well for the Ahlitah Quest family. Mahi, our Dutch princess, has won the Derby - this once-in-a-life-time event that not many dogs attend and even fewer win. She did so joyously and effortlessly, once again proving herself a worthy descendant of the great Skah Dakota ladies.
The 2014 dog-show year began well for the Ahlitah Quest family. Mahi, our Dutch princess, has won the Derby - this once-in-a-life-time event that not many dogs attend and even fewer win. She did so joyously and effortlessly, once again proving herself a worthy descendant of the great Skah Dakota ladies.
January 5
Although no longer the youngster he used to be, Faust is a freshman in the tracking- and guarding- classes of his dog-school. And among the top students, too!
Although no longer the youngster he used to be, Faust is a freshman in the tracking- and guarding- classes of his dog-school. And among the top students, too!
January 4
It would have been Ahlitah's birthday today; although Ahlitah herself is no longer with us, in the short , short time we spent together she touched our lives in so many ways...
Ahlitah raised Solo into the perfect guy he is today. Ahlitah hold our pack together by rules of her own, never contested and ever so wise. Ahlitah had the grace to play with Faust while they were alone and clearly showed Digit she put her trust in him. She accepted the unobtrusive baby Mahi and explained to Gandhi that she arrived too late.
Ahlitah loved me and allowed me to love her like no one else.
Ahlitah blessed our house and made it a home.
And when she went away, Ahlitah took the best of me with her.
It would have been Ahlitah's birthday today; although Ahlitah herself is no longer with us, in the short , short time we spent together she touched our lives in so many ways...
Ahlitah raised Solo into the perfect guy he is today. Ahlitah hold our pack together by rules of her own, never contested and ever so wise. Ahlitah had the grace to play with Faust while they were alone and clearly showed Digit she put her trust in him. She accepted the unobtrusive baby Mahi and explained to Gandhi that she arrived too late.
Ahlitah loved me and allowed me to love her like no one else.
Ahlitah blessed our house and made it a home.
And when she went away, Ahlitah took the best of me with her.
