We found her during a difficult time in our lives in November 2005. My sons were having difficulties adjusting to living far away from Hamburg, they were unhappy and bored, my partner was struggling with health problemsthat made it impossible for him to continue with his business and I felt guilty about dragging my sons away from Hamburg and for not being able to spend enough time with all of them as my job and commuting took most of the day.
Laika brought sunshine into our lives. She was a very lively puppy and the boys loved playing football with her. We started taking long walks in the countryside which brought us all closer together again. We loved watching her run after a ball and digging up mice and while striding along we talked about things on our minds.
She is now 12 years old. The boys have left home and my partner is not able to accompany me on long walks any more. It is just her and me going on walks and she likes to take it a bit slow these days.
I think we are both happy with our move to Lüneburg. For her there are a lot of new streets and places that smell interesting and there are plenty of dogs to meet and greet. I find inspirtation walking the old streets and exploring the new parts of the town and I see many things I like.
This morning when I walked the dog I came across this nice apricot colored house and 
I looked twice when I saw its entrance. 
They remind me of the figureheads of old sailing vessels, and made me smile. It’s amazing what effect a little bit of paint can have on a simple old doorbell, isn’t it?
The two ladies in the window next door observe the surprised faces with amusement.
Trina's North Germany 
Love it!