Curly Antaryuonok
Each breed is unique, and for every owner his dog is the best one. It's great responsibility to have a dog in your house, in your family. Antar is not the fist dog in my life. The first one was Spaniel named Filya, he lived long life with us - 11,5 years, my children grew up with him. I thought that after his death I'd not be able to accept another dog in my heart. Our children are at the University now, my husband and I work, but we didn't want to come back home where there were no dog's eyes. I spent nights digging Internet, read about different breeds. I learned a lot, but could't find the breed which reminded me my Filya, not only by appearance but by the character as well.
When I first saw pictures of curly coated retriever in Internet my first idea was that this wonder can't be real. It was an angle, looking like a dog. Some similarity with water spaniel, proud bearing, sad gazelle's eyes and a bit out-of-body look. After reading about their character I wanted to say: "People, let's be worthy of them!» I understood that my heart melted and if we get another dog it'll be only curly. And I'll do my best not to spoil this wonder.
When I got to know that there are 2 curlies in "Paradigma" kennel in Moscow I realized that it was the fate! But they were big puppies already, 7.5 months each. Thant's all right, each curly is waiting for it's owner.
My husband and son went to Moscow to meet Antar. My daughter and me stayed in Kiev and got ready for welcome party, cleaned everything, bought a lot of toys... As my son told us, Antar came to him and gave his paw to him. He knew that theses people came for him. All the way to Kiev he watched my husband and son, worried not to be lost. I didn't sleep all night long thinking if I could bring up the dog properly. But there were no doubt that I have already loved him.
Sunday, September 30, early morning, warm autumn day. My daughter and me are on the train station. First curly in Kiev, in Ukraine! I learned it much more later. He was met decently but with love and gladness. We live not far from the railway station and all our family walked to Antar's new home. On the way I was watching him, how he walks with dignity and thought that his proud Persian name suits him a lot. Lyudmila, thank you!
Here we are at home! Now everything is in it's place. Antar - small-big child came to our home, to our life. Antarik explored each room in the house, had food. Entering the bedroom he put his muzzle on the bed. Naïve boy, he thought it was his place! He liked the bathroom and toilet, he even tried to drink from it but was not allowed. He laid on his new place, took a toy and relaxed. It looked like that we knew each of us for ages. All our family went to the kitchen, tried to talk not very loud. Surely we discussed our Antarik. And here he is. Came to me, put his paw on my knee "It's me. I'll sit with you". His eyes were sad, probably he thought about his previous life. Please sit with us, my boy, don't be sad, everything will be ok.
Antarik's fist night was quite for everybody. He tried to place himself on somebody's bed but after explanation, not very long, went to his place. Later we understood that it was temporally decision. During next nights he again tried to get to our beds. Compromise was found - he was allowed to sleep in the bedroom next to my bed. Discussions are still continuing. During a day time he can stay everywhere, even on his place, but at night he again tries to lay next to my bed and sleep as soldier.
We went for a walk to the nearest park. Antarik ran close to us, hunting for crows but didn't run too far away. And only now, after 2.5 months, he makes big circles around me. Comes by command and taking his tongue out, gets his tasty piece and runs away. I can't see him and only crows voices give me a hint where he is.
Very interesting to watch how he meets with dogs. When he came to Kiev he was afraid of all dogs, now he wants to greet everybody. Come to them, sit in front of them and wait for their reaction. If it's positive - he immediately jumps to the side and starts making circles around surprised dog. That's why we go to the park, far from the roads and cars, we need freedom! He plays with small dogs with great care and love, probably he remembers his childhood when he lived with Chihuahua at Lyudmila's kennel.
Here we live, bringing up and love each other. When Antarik wants to play he comes behind me, touchs me with his wet nose, then emphatically touchs me with his paw. He likes to play hide-and-seek. I think each of us pays too much attention, but can't be too much love and he loves us as well. We have obedience classes to become a god dog like his mother Drema and father Bjorn.
Recently I got to know that Antar is the first Curly Coated Retriever in Ukraine. I wasn't very glad with it, it's even frightened me. Probably it's a great event for the Ukrainian cynological world. But I wish for our Antaryonok-baby quiet childhood and a lot of health and a long, long life.
Irina Dergunova
Kiev