Rafi's arrival began with a telephone call from Kristin Henkel from Excellent Choice Shelties in Germany (we were on her waiting list for a tri puppy dog of her boy T.C.). She told us that two tri colour boys had been born out of the combination 'T.C.' and 'Dawnville Enjoy My Presence' from Mayke IJland (O' the Little Lodge).

From the very first moment Mayke and I got on very well. After a week we heart the good news that one of the tri colours would be ours. We drove to Albergen to meet Mayke and her family and to see the puppies. We enjoyed the visit. In first instance we preferred Elvis, but when we met the two boys we switched to Emiel. Emile had that hard to define something that stole our heart. 

When the pups were seven weeks old Mayke called us with the good news that we had first choice. Seeing the pups again we were sure: Emiel was going to be our Rafiki.

On the 3rd of August, 2002, Mayke and Leonie welcomed us with coffee, dog papers, puppy food and good advice. And, of course, also with lots of emotions for the inevitable farewell.  

On our way home Simba en Timon were paying attention to Rafiki by licking his ears. Once at home Rafiki discovered the new environment. Having done that it was time to sleep. His new life with us has begun!