Happy 13th Birthday to our heart and soul ❤️
Some dogs leave an imprint on our hearts, not just as beloved companions but as guiding lights in our lives. Asta is one of those rare souls—a dog whose presence can be felt in the deepest corners of your heart and whose legacy will forever shape the future of the Finnish Lapphund breed in Australia.
Born on March 11, 2012, in Finland by Miia Virkkunen of Dagolas Kennels. I was at the time, a new breeder, and unknown outside of Australia. I was incredibly fortunate to be entrusted with such a quality girl. Even as a baby baby, Asta's quality was clear. With hallmarks of Dagolas breeding, and a huge contribution from the Lumiturpa lines behind her.
Asta was minded by her father's extended family while she awaited her time to come to Australia. Here she received such love and socialisation from the many children, family and their Lappies. And she accompanied them on many trips away to family cottages.
While in Finland, Asta was shown sparingly by young Sofia, who was at the time 10 years old. They had some lovely wins and recognition from Finnish judges.
In 2013, I travelled to Hungry, Budapest, and showed Asta at the World Dog Show. Here she was awarded Junior World Winner under breed specialist Marja Talvitie. To see Asta in the ring with legends such Lecibsin Macce and Peikkovuoren Wanda was an experience beyond words.
After we finished at the World Dog Show, we went on a short holiday in Western Europe, visiting Holland and Belgium. But that's a story for another blog post.
We then flew to Australia in March 2013. From the moment she arrived, it was clear that Asta was special. She carries herself with an undeniable grace and confidence, a quiet strength that puts both humans and canines at ease. Her calm yet commanding presence earned her the affectionate title of "Queen Asta," but she is equally known as "Miss Sassy Pants" for her undeniable attitude and flair.
Asta is not just a remarkable companion; she is one of the foundations of Orical's breeding program, and indisputably the most influencial. She is a mother in every sense of the word. She possessed an innate ability to raise and nurture her puppies, guiding them with a blend of gentle compassion and firm leadership. From her very first litter, Asta showed a maternal instinct second to none—passing down her exceptional temperament and mothering skills to future generations. Her daughters have continued her legacy, becoming natural mothers themselves, raising confident, well-rounded puppies who carry Asta's wisdom and grace into the world.
Watching Asta whelp and raise her puppies was nothing short of awe-inspiring. She had an intuitive understanding of what each puppy needed, ensuring they grew up to be strong, social, and confident. It was a privilege to witness her in action—whether she was gently teaching her puppies the ways of the dog world or playfully reminding them who was in charge. Her influence extends far beyond her own offspring; she has shaped the future of Orical, leaving an indelible mark on our program and our hearts.
Among her many incredible contributions, Asta has produced some of Orical’s most accomplished dogs, including Akela, Grand Ch Orical Kirsi of Jove (AI) WNPD—a standout show dog whose success is a testament to Asta’s exceptional lineage. Akela was born from a pairing with frozen semen from Parra (before we later imported Parra himself), a testament to the thought and dedication put into preserving and enhancing the breed.
Asta is incredibly intelligent. I noticed early on in her time with me that she had a love of scent. So we trained together in tracking, later competing. Asta absolutely loved the problem solving sport of tracking. Where she would locate a mock missing person over a number of kilometres and surfaces. Asta went on to achieve her Tracking Championship title, the first and only Lapphund in Australia to achieve this massive milestone.
This was a sport that Asta and I immensely enjoyed doing together. We would drive to far away locations together, camp, sleep in the car together, and spend time in nature. And Asta absolutely relished using her brain.
Asta’s impact cannot be measured in titles or ribbons alone. She is a beacon of wisdom, a steadying force, and a cherished friend. Her spirit lives on in the dogs she has given us and the countless moments of joy she has brought to our lives.
Asta, you are more than a dog—you are family, a queen in every right. Asta is still going strong, a bit hard of hearing, and not as bossy as she once was.
Asta, your legacy will continue to shine through the generations of Lapphunds you have blessed this world with. Thank you for everything.
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