Minikota's I Got My Game On

Mena is a gray sable female bred by Minikota Swedish Vallhunds and is my very first Vallhund. She is the dog who started it all—an amazing little girl who came to me at just one year old. Goofy, loyal, and incredibly nurturing, Mena has been the perfect companion.

 

Everyone who meets her falls in love with her instantly.

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She is also my first show dog. Mena earned her first major in October 2013 and her second major in December 2013 at St. Cloud, MN—home turf advantage—with her extended family cheering her on. She also won Best of Breed at the North Star Herding Specialty. Mena completed her championship in June 2014 with three majors and six singles—truly the best birthday gift I could have asked for.

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Even after time away from the ring, Mena continues to impress. On her first show back after a year, she earned a Group 1 placement in a NOHS event, finishing that weekend ranked #3 Owner-Handled Vallhund in the country and closing the year at #5.

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Mena is now retired from the show ring, but she continues to live her best life at 15 years old. She remains my heart dog and proves every day that our bond is still as strong as ever. 

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Mena is also the inspiration behind the kennel name Maena—a combination of my name and hers. This tribute allows her legacy to live on in all of my future puppies.