My name is Sigrid Helene Savio-Mathisen, I was born in 1993 and grew up with a family of 5 where everyone has been interested in dogs. My parents grew up with Karelian Bearhounds and Samoyeds and in adulthood acquired the Great Pyrenees breed. They were active in local dog clubs and also the breed club of Py’s for many years. As a child, I quickly became interested in dogs and activities with dogs. I have been well integrated into the Norwegian Kennel Club and made many acquaintances through my parents' work in the dog community. My father and sister are ring secretaries and my mother has worked as a typist for many years. I myself have been most active as a handler and participated in a lot of dog shows both as a little girl and as an adult. 

When I had lived for a few years without a dog and started thinking about what kind of dog I wanted, my first thought was that I should follow in my parents' footsteps and get a Great Pyrenees, but those who know what kind of dog this is also know that they would not fit very well in an apartment in a densely built-up area. Therefore the thoughts ran on and finally fell on the Finnish Lapphund. Lapphund breeds are close to my heart. Not because I knew so many from before or had particular knowledge of them, but because they are ancient dogs and have a cultural origin. As I have too. I am of Sami descent and the Sami culture and heritage lie deep in my heart. That is why I started looking for Finnish Lapphund breeders. I checked the breed club's website and did good research on the breed before contacting breeders. I probably asked about everything from the tip of the nose to the tip of the tail and got many similar answers. It shows a good understanding and a consensus among Finnish Lapphund breeders. When I got in touch with the breeder where my first dog came from, I fell in love at first sight. I immediately felt that this was "my" breed. Hilde, who runs kennel Nordic Teal, had her first litter at this time. I had looked at her plans and basically decided that I would wait until the next litter with a different combination. But when Hilde put an offer on the table, it was hard to say no. Aiira at 3 weeks was the one I fell for among the cute little ones. I initially thought that I should buy her, but Hilde was probably at least as much in love with her as I was, so she couldn't quite let go. That's why it was a shared lease agreement and I thought this was a good introduction to learning everything I know about the breed and further breeding. 

Aiira and I have traveled the country and coast to exhibitions throughout the Nordics countries during the years I have had her. She became Norwegian Champion when she was 2 years and 2 months old. She had her first litter in November 2022. Through her, I have met an insane number of skilled breeders and lapphund owners in europe. I have learned a lot. I have been able to share in other people's knowledge and have perhaps managed to teach a thing or two myself. The community in the lapphund community is one of the things I think is so great about this breed. It is an open and honest environment in which you feel welcome. As a newcomer, it may not be easy to find your place, but I feel that I have been welcomed with open arms by each and every one. At the start of 2022, I received a request from the board of the Norwegian Lapphund Club if I would like to join the show-committee, which I accepted. Together with a talented team, we have organized club shows for our 3 breeds and I really enjoy this role. We have had many good and nice moments together in and around the show ring and I think we will have that in the future as well.