In my life, there are lots of animals, but some will for always stand out a little more than others.

When my beloved Aslan had piroplasmosis a few months ago and died despite a very positive prognosis, I couldn’t blog about it. In life, there are a few things that happen that just aren’t “fair game”, and Aslan was one of those. He was my precious; a sweeter and more loyal dog could not be found. I remember coming back from the field one day after he had made significant progress, and finding him in pain. Way in pain. And I knew that pain wasn’t aimed at him. My heart cried out to my maker and within five minutes, my heart’s desire had been answered. Aslan had passed, as quickly as that, and no longer had to suffer for me. My heart still breaks at the loss of him, but it was a sacrifice I had to do. All though there is lot that can be said about that, this post is about part II.

Aslan in 2000 (his first day)

A few weeks ago, I started looking into the option of bringing a Rhodesian Ridgeback to Niger, as Aslan’s brothers are getting older, and good dogs are hard to come by. The Rhodesian Ridgeback is without doubt the best breed for us, as it is very kind towards its “flock members” (unlike Dennis Mugu…) but will not let an intruder pass through. It’s been my father’s favourite for years and years now, and grew to become one of my favourites too after I got to know Aslan. Aslan, who was half Nigerien Azawak, had his Swedish mother’s dark colouring and his Nigerien father’s noble character. I’ve always prefered a reserved dog who doesn’t give his heart away too easily, because once you’ve earned such a dog’s trust, you’ve got a bond for a life time. The Rhodesian Ridgeback has many similar traits with Aslan. They can be goofy with flock members, but are as reserved as you will find when it comes to outsiders. They are fabulous guarddog, couragers hunters and dedicated flock members. And best of all, they have short fur and are fully adapted to the exceptional Nigerien heat.

Finding one such puppy and bringing it to Niger seemed practically impossible however. I could only find one litter in the whole south of Sweden but even at five weeks of age, all puppies had been taken.

I started to write to breeders in South Africa, who were positive to send to me, but needed an airline that would go directly to one of the two airports where I would be able to pick up the dog (I have yet to find such an airline…). Being keen on getting a good feel of the breed, I convinced my father to go visit the litter in the South of Sweden, even though there would be no pups for us this time. As we were about to leave, the mother of a friend of mine called me, to ask if I had found my puppy yet. I told her no, but that I was looking into finding one before next summer. She said she had felt it within herself that I “was to have this dog”, and since she knew that dogs in Sweden are expensive (one can say that again… one dog equals more than ten Arwens!) she didn’t want money to stop me, but called to let me know that she would help me. I was amazed, and so very grateful, but answered back that all options were closed for this year, but I was looking into aquiring one in 2009…
When we arrived at the Ridgebow’s kennel in Landskrona, Skåne, it so happened that there actually was a puppy available for us! And a female, just as we wanted! With the surprising phone call I had received earlier, it was just such a blessing to know that this dog was indeed “especially for us” and although there were still a few ifs and buts waiting along the road, it was not hard to know that here was a little gift from above.

 Mr Stjärnfelt with Hogan, an uncle of the puppies

Although he tolerated my presence, he had no intentions of making friends with me, and after a serious effort, this was the closest I got. 

RR is an impressive breed who makes their presence known, just so you don’t forget that although you have the owners’ permission to be there, you’re still being “watched”…

It was no small honour when Kenzo - the same dog as above - a while later sighed and “allowed me” to share the couch with him.

As for the little lady in question (whose EU passport will state a fancy name starting with an R), I wanted to give her a name that would remind me daily that this was a gift from God. Hence Sheba, short for Bathsheba, which means “daughter of the oath”.

We’re actually off to pick her up as we speak (or as you read!). I wanted a pup with a black nose, and in addition, Sheba is a tough little lady whom her breeders believe will be well equipped to make the transition to Africa. With one week left to go, that will leave just enough time for her to get bonded with us, as well with her very cute little carrier bag. Although I’m not one to create an entire blog for a little puppy, I am fairly sure that this little one will be playing a prominent part amongst the other characters at Ishtar’s Ark!

Sheba Alkawali - Copyright RidgeBow’s Kennel

To see pictures of Sheba’s parents, click here!