Winter 2016 Saber Tails 73
Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen Club of America
blanket, first puppy to wander off, in the backyard exploring by himself, away from
the litter (with his nose to the ground – in typical Peeb style!) and first puppy to make
his way up a set of stairs. All of this “told” us this little boy was independent, a self-
starter, brave, curious and had a sense of adventure – all traits we were looking – and
hoping – for.
Although we initially wanted to fly to Poland to bring Toujours home with us in the
plane cabin, Paulina explained Toujours would fly to us via Lufthansa Airlines from
Warsaw to Frankfurt, Germany at Lufthansa’s Animal Lounge (https://www.luf-
thansagroup.com/en/themen/animal-lounge.html) – the largest and most advanced
animal station at any airport in the world. Studying their website and animal ameni-
ties, we knew Toujours would be in the best of hands – and we would drive from the
farm in Oregon to Seattle, Washington to welcome him into our family.
As Paulina made the online reservation for Toujours’ flight, she immediately emailed us his flight confirmation and at the
same moment, a Lufthansa representative phoned us to confirm the information. Wow – were we ever impressed! The
Lufthansa representative explained what time we should arrive at SEA-TAC airport and that she would be working when
Toujours landed – and would oversee Toujours and his arrival. She said he’d be checked
by a U.S. vet – and during his layover in Frankfurt, he’d be checked twice by veterinarians
there and would always be supervised by well-trained animal technicians present at all
times. She gave me her phone number and email and assured us Toujours would enjoy a
good flight.
When we arrived at SEA-TAC and entered the international animal receiving building, we
were delighted to be greeted with, “Hello! Are you here for the adorable puppy from Po-
land?” Wow again! She continued, “We visited on the phone - your puppy’s fine – the vet’s
examining him now and he’ll be right out!”
When we met Toujours, we first visited with him as he sat in his travel kennel – so not to
frighten him. Tom said, “Hi Toujours! I’m your Daddy!” Then me: “Hi Toujours! I’m your
Mommy!” Toujours quickly came forward, sniffed our outstretched fingers and began
wagging his tail. Then, we gently opened the kennel door and continued talking to him,
offering him kibbles – which he quickly accepted and enthusiastically ate. Then, with arms
outstretched, we invited Toujours to come to us. Instantaneously, he leaped into our arms
and covered our faces with puppy kisses and rubbed his head against ours. Our darling
doggy was home, in our arms, in our family and in our lives forever, at last!
Ten months later, we attended the 2015 PBGV National in Tucson, Arizona, where we were thrilled Toujours was reunited
with Jette – when she and her husband, Christian, travelled to Tucson for her to judge the 11 puppy and seven veteran
sweepstakes entrants. Most touching to us was having Jette groom, “stack” and share time, once again, with Toujours.
Toujours’ life had come full-circle.
What characteristics do you most appreciate about your PBGV?
Our nicknames for Toujours are our “Sonshine” and “Joy Boy.” PBGV’s are eternally happy, optimistic and bring out the
best in people. We think when nations negotiate with one another, if they would have a PBGV at the table, the negotiations
would be kinder, meaningful and the outcome much-more positive.
PBGV’s are exceptionally intelligent. Toujours has a wide-vocabulary and understands when we talk in sentences – not
just one-word commands. He always wants to learn something new and his enthusiasm when he’s (very quickly!) mastered
a new scent, learned a new phrase or request is exhilarating. His memory is remarkable. He remembers each approach-
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