The year was 1988 in Havana, Cuba, Mota, a beautiful dame with a long silky white coat with black and fire colored markings, was ready to give birth to a litter sired by Penki. He was a beautiful dog of light cinnamon coat, who seemed anxious to see the birth of his children. They would occasionally "romance together" and they were so similar that only their colour would reveal the presence of two canines.

 

That same year the first canine show was going to be held in Havana, where Cuban dogs would participate and be judged by international judges, as well as dogs from other countries. It was important for our incipient association to present a vast quantity of dogs and that some of them could aspire to obtain excellent classifications.

The previous year 1992, the "Federación Cinológica de Cuba" (FCC) in accordance with the Communications Department of the Republic of Cuba, by means of the Postal Service´s circulation of stamps with the canine theme, aimed to popularize the true image of the Bichon Havanese. This issuance consisted of seven values and one philatelic sheet, which illustrated the Bichon Havanese as the only native breed of Cuba, which for many years had been cast into oblivion. For the illustration of the image of the Bichon Havanese, Puppy was the model for his magnificent configuration.

In the Autumn of 1993 the Canine Exposition was going to take place in Havana, and it was at this point when I'm asked for Puppy to be entered in the event. Due to the historical importance of the breed, it was felt that his presence would contribute to the overall success of the event, as well as having a larger number of entries. Puppy was already 5 years old and had no previous training or experience in the show ring. He was competing against his kids and other highly trained dogs, but nevertheless he was registered to participate.

On the day of the anticipated moment, there were seven Havanese, including Puppy, registered to compete. All, except for one female called Belin, were Puppy's children. Two males Bimbo and Topi and a female Mota, were descendents from the same mother, and the other two females, Blanquita and Bonita from a different mother. The judging would be done during two consecutive days by the judges, Harry O'Donoghue from Ireland and Bob John Ellieff from Canada, both All Round judges. The judging started on the 17 October 1993, early in the morning. Even though I had some prior experience in handling in the show ring, with some success, I had never imagined what was about to happen, not even in my wildest dreams.

 

On the first day of competition when Puppy entered the ring he was very happy. It seemed as if he was really interested in what was going on around him, when it was time to walk he followed the judges instruction more obediently than ever and with a graceful gait, his head and tail proudly and happily raised high, walked by my side. I was the first one amazed with his pose and good performance, his confidence made it easy for me to focus on the competition. Without a moments notice he was named Winner Dog, he was only surpass by one of his daughters that had a spectacular training.

That night we were both undoubtedly very happy. Puppy, although tired, had behaved like a true champion. His performance in the ring had been sensational, and I think like me that night, he dreamt about what was going to happen the following day, in the arms of Morpheus. This fantastic story did not end here, for the events that followed the following day makes this an incredible and unforgettable legend.

The following morning when we arrived at the event Puppy was restless, I would say more excited than usual, at times he would bark and growl at other dogs that would pass near where we were waiting to compete. His expression was radiant and happy. In the ring an admiring crowd applauded his magnificent performance, he carried his head and tail high and proud. He walked appearing as if he knew that everyone would look at him. Not once was he distracted by some outside influence. All the time he followed me with his eyes, always concentrated on what was required from him. On the judging table he did not move from his stacking position. Firm and alert like a soldier he stood, while he was examined by the judge. Not even his neck changed positions. It was easy to obtain Winner Dog after this performance.

 

I, totally perplexed, followed him. What was happening was very big. He would look straight into my eyes, like only the Havanese know how, asking and responding at the same time: I'm doing fine, right?

It was very easy for Puppy to obtain Best of Breed and another accumulative point of the two necessaries to become the first Bichon Havanese Champion of Cuba and the first Cuban dog of this breed to obtain a Cuban Championship in the world.

When we left the ring we were congratulated and the happiness was immense for both. But that was not the end, now we were ready to compete at another level, to achieve the highest level at the exposition. On my part it was sufficient, but obviously for my dear dog it was not enough. That afternoon, with the same grace and confidence, he obtained first place in group 9 (group competition), with various fellow dogs and other breeds with good qualifications. In the end he´d be amongst the best dogs in the event, competing for the top three places. It was too much for my Puppy, my pet whitout any previous preparation or training, who never imagined becoming so famous, to be the star of this destiny. Obviously he had understood what this was about and wanted to dedicate this happiness to me, his owner. It was incredible, beautiful, and grandiose, he finished taking 2nd place at the exposition, reserved for Best in Show and first place of the Cuban dogs. Best in Show was given to a Chinese Shar Pei with very good alimentation, conformation, movement and temperament that worked in perfect harmony with his owner and handler the Canadian Neil Porter.

When we were young and amateurs in the world of dogs, during the beginning, when only a few years before we had started the rescue of the Bichon Havanese as our native breed, the performance of Puppy remained as a legend that is told today, by those who knew him, as an exceptional dog.

This is only a story of the true love that existed between a dog and his owner, and as an honour of loyalty and remembrance for my dog Puppy this is why this is written. He left me the 15th of February of 2002 but he will never be forgotten.

Ciudad de La Habana a 22 de marzo de 2002

(From here you can write to Dolores and Alfredo)