"about Kean" is written by Kean´s Co-owner Veronica Thorén (Rex Ventor)
For many years, we have wanted to add Demi's handsome brother Doulen (Grand champion Bearstar Doulen Ko) to our breeding programme. A Doulen-son was booked already several years ago, but at the time of the mating, Doulen was taken ill and the mating couldn't be carried through. Soon after he was diagnosed with a serious illness and tragically his loving owners at Riginal kennels had to part with him prematurely. Doulen - like his proud and upstanding sire Ko (Grand champion Bearstar Ko), his magnificant dam Chilli (Grand champion Bearstar Chilean Willow) and sister Demi (Multi Ch Bearstar Diamond Willow) - had a personality out of the ordinary. The loss of this special dog was heartbreaking to all of us, who are his admirers. Doulen is also the grand-sire of our charming girl Haley.
Fortunately, frozen semen from Doulen had been collected. Two years ago, it was decided that these precious drop were to be used in an AI over the beautiful Ch Riginal Hot N Dusty "Meisha". Meisha's dam, Ch Riginal Gold Dust Woman, is also an extraordinary bitch and I knew that this combination must produce lovely puppies with super characters. I immediately booked a puppy dog from Meisha's owners Rachel and Tony of KoDust kennels.
In September 2007 - finally! - this long awaited little stunner came to Sweden! Happy and kissable Kean landed at Arlanda airport on September 27th. He was greeted by owner Veronica and co-owner Malin - who by that point were half unconscious from anticipation. ;) Kean was a little skinny and very hungry when he got out of his cage, but very friendly, happy, cuddly and secure. He looked like a sweet, bouncing gingerbread-puppy! :) Once he was on Veronica's lap in the car (a few snacks later), he just curled up and enjoyed the company. Of course he also got a hard earned hamburger at Mc Donald's on the way home. :)
Kean has settled beautifully into the Skogsbergh household and enjoys his days with dad Rickard, mum Malin and two legged "siblings" Sam and Tuva. He is a laid back and balanced dog, still as sociable as when he was a baby. At 12 months he measures 69.5 cm and weighs about 45 kilos.
Kean's pedigree name is KoDust RV Touch O Chilli. This name captures the three most prominent show stars and personalities in his pedigree - all three being dogs I have had the priviledge to meet in person and who have inspired me in my breeding programme through the years. The kennelname KoDust is made up of the names of the parents of Rachel and Tony's very first Ridgeback, ie Grand champion Bearstar Ko and Ch Riginal Gold Dust Woman, as mentioned above. Both are Ridgebacks out of the ordinary and truly dogs worthy of tribute. When choosing Kean's pedigree name, I wanted to acknowledge how important the combination of Ko and Chilli had been - and still is - to my breeding programme and I also wanted to commemorate the most soulful Ridgeback girl I've ever met - Demi and Doulen's fantastic dam Chilli. Her prescence in Kean's pedigree is particularily important to me. If Kean can only bring us a small portion of the all magic that is captured in his ancestors, he will surely do great things for us - both in the show ring and as a stud dog.
Many, many heartfelt THANKS to Kean's breeders Rachel Charters-Smith and Tony Smith, Doulen's owners Dale Blinco and Mick Goulding (Riginal RRs) and Ko's owner Cyndy Burton (Starridge RRs) for entrusting me with this special boy - and also for years and years of valuable breeding exchange and inspiration. You are indeed my Aussie family!
Kean has started his show carreer in Sweden in the best possible way. Already at his second show, he received top honours with Best of breed and his first CC. Kean lives with the Skogsbergh family, very close to us and we get to enjoy his company frequently.
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