After 15 years of sharing my life with the Maltese, I often wonder - did I choose the Maltese, or did the Maltese choose me? In any case, I am sorry our paths did not cross even earlier.

I have lived in Belgrade since I was born, which was more than half a century ago.By a stroke of luck, this lovely creature entered my life in time. We met early enough for the Maltese to bring me comfort in the years of crisis, war and isolation from the rest of the world. In addition to my professional career, which is still a very important part of my life, these troubles (these sad times) were the main reason that it took me as long as it did to take a more active part in the breeding and all the activities aimed at the improvement of the breed. It was in 2002 that I treated myself - for my fiftieth birthday - to a male puppy (I bought him on October 13th, just one day before my birthday) and began participating in European dog shows.

"Had it not been for you, I'd never have known just how beautiful WHITE PEARLS were" were the words I used one year later to thank Mrs Szilvy Grof, the breeder from which I purchased my Winner (New Winner of Happy Pearl). And it was true: with Winner at my side, I ventured into the European show world (Eurodog Bratislava - the judge was Mrs. Elke Pfefer) and we did reasonably well (we were placed as V-4). We were all happy, being that no Maltese from this part of the world had been presented at that level before.

Nowadays I am even more dedicated to my breeding programme and my "kennel", with considerable help from my dear Marija - Mari, a veterinary medicine student. As in a few years time, when I am ready to put aside my professional career, all my time will be dedicated to my dogs and my breeding, I want to be fully prepared. I have taken an active part in the Toy Club Belgrade, as a member of its Managing Board. I have also been organizing Baby Review for the young hopes (6 - 9 months) at CACIB shows in Belgrade. I am the Head of the Maltese section and strive to rally all the responsible breeders that live in this part of the world.
It's not important how long you have to wait for your first Maltese. He will, undoubtedly, enchant you with his charms and be right at your side throughout whatever turbulence life brings your way. I have not been able to resist Maltese charms - I am now a proud owner of four.

And what of my dreams and plans? I shall illustrate by a photograph by Mr. David Herrieff, which I found in a beautiful book. If you ever recognize me in a photo similar to this one, you will know that I have accomplished what I dream of, as Mr. Harrieff is the only person in the world whom I envy.