I used to work for the government and oversaw local health and social services. I've lived most of my life in the Oulu region and have re-settled there after retirement.

I became a judge in 1999, with the Yorkshire Terrier as my first breed. Today, I am an all-breed judge.  I started with dogs in my youth, doing obedience with a German Shepherd. I got the spark for dog shows much later, in my twenties, with the Great Dane as my first breed. After that, my pack of dogs started growing into many different directions, Yorkshire Terriers and English Bulldogs came along. I’ve bred and showed mostly Yorkies and Australian Silky Terriers. I’ve also owned stunning Great Danes. Achievements include several champions, specialty show wins, Winner titles, and even World and European Winner titles.

Once my family grew, breeds changed, and new ones came along. The most recent breeds I’ve bred are Pugs and Pekingese. My latest dog has been a black Miniature Schnauzer. There’s also been a Chinese Crested Dog, Jack Russell Terriers, West Highland White Terriers, Salukis, and Irish Wolfhounds in my family.  Today, I eagerly follow the growth and development of my daughter’s Toy Poodles.

Breeding and showing had to give way for judging appointments and my demanding day job. Dog show activities were of course decreased by Covid, but normally, I’ve judged actively both in Finland as well as abroad, mostly however in the Nordic countries as my job limited the chance to travel as freely as I would have liked. I’ve judged in most European countries and also in countries outside of Europe, including Australia, South Africa, the Philippines, India, Israel, Japan, Canada, and Lebanon.