The Future of Lumenico
After Lupo’s unexpected passing in 2023, life at home grew quieter for
a time. The house felt different. Losing him left a space that could
never truly be filled and whilst I knew another Finnish Lapphund would
join us at some point, I wasn’t really sure when.
When the time came, I knew we would be looking for a bitch. As much as I adore the males, I wanted the experience of owning a bitch. I knew this could then possibly open up the future of Lumenico.
One evening, while scrolling through Instagram, I came across a litter announcement from kennel Aateli Koira, owned by breeder Claire Martin in France. I had followed Claire’s kennel for several years and had admired the puppies she had produced. This particular pairing immediately stood out to me.
The dam was her UK export “Only” (Pavoskas Dove), a beautiful domino bitch – a pattern I had been especially drawn to since I first learnt about Finnish Lapphunds.
The sire was “Aro” (Nordic Teal Baidnu), one of the most handsome Finnish Lapphund males I had ever seen. Exactly my dream type: a big fluffy boy with a soft, kind expression. A true teddy bear in appearance.
I messaged Claire to ask whether she might consider us for a bitch puppy. She explained that she already had four reservations for females, but kindly said she would keep us in mind.
The litter was born on the 3rd of March 2024. Six(!!) beautiful girls.
- Two wolf sables – Yuna & Vermeille
- One domino – Vega
- Three black tri-colours – Lexi, Madeleine, & Pandora
Somehow, one of them was meant for us.
Claire kept us wonderfully involved as the puppies developed, sharing updates and videos as they grew.
Knowing my hopes to show our puppy in the UK, she generously allowed us first choice between the wolf sable bitches. At three weeks old, she sent individual videos of the girls to help us decide. Both were stunning – but there was something about Yuna’s expression and personality that edged it for me. And so, she became Yuna and she became ours. The next step in carrying Lumenico’s story into the future.
Importing a dog was a completely new experience for us. Instead of coming home at eight weeks, we had to wait until three weeks after her rabies vaccination.
On the 18th of June 2024, we drove to Nantes, France to collect her. Meeting Claire, her daughter Léa, and the Aateli Koira dogs in person in their home was lovely. The pickup went well and we began our drive across France to the Eurotunnel and back to the UK, stopping overnight at my mum’s home in London. The next morning, we headed North to Scotland, picking Meeko up from his breeders’ house on the way.
We arrived back home in Edinburgh the evening of the 19th June. So Yuna officially has 2 gotcha days! It was an exciting, nerve-wracking and unforgettable experience – and absolutely worth every mile.
Personality & Life at Home
Yuna is named after the summoner Yuna from Final Fantasy X, one of my favourite Japanese role-playing games growing up. In the story, Yuna embarks on a challenging journey surrounded by her guardian friends. She is kind, with a quiet strength and unwavering belief and determination in doing what is right – even at great personal cost.
I wanted that same strength and gentleness reflected in her name.
From the moment she arrived, Yuna brought light and energy back into our home.
Playful, curious, and endlessly affectionate, she approaches the world with enthusiasm and optimism.
Where Lupo was steady and thoughtful and Meeko independent and mischievous, Yuna brings a bright, happy spirit that balances the household perfectly.
She quickly formed a strong bond with Meeko, who has taken on the role of patient mentor, tolerating her antics with remarkable kindness and allowing her far more freedom than she probably deserves.
Yuna is loving, intelligent, and eager to be involved in everything around her. She thrives on interaction and learning, showing both sensitivity and confidence.
She’s been an absolute joy from the moment she arrived. She settled into our household routine almost immediately, happily sleeping while we worked and waking ready for adventures afterwards.
Showing Career
I was keen to get Yuna into the show scene and started ringcraft lessons with her not long after we brought her home. She was a natural and I really enjoy having her at shows with me. She is quite happy to wait and relax at a show so long as she is with us. At her first Crufts, she fell asleep at my feet by the ringside whilst I was watching the Dog judging!
Despite her young age, Yuna has already achieved wonderful success in the show ring.
At the time of writing (February 2026), Yuna has shown at 17 x Championship Shows and 40 x Open Shows.
Highlights
2024: 1st AV Puppy & Puppy Group 2, Hamilton Canine Club Open Show in August (her second ever show); AVNSC Post Graduate Winner, Best of Breed & Puppy Group 3, Caledonian Open Show in Novemeber
2025: Best Puppy in Breed, Manchester Championship Show January; Three Group 1 wins at open shows in April (Selkirk & District, Kirkcaldy & District, WPBAS) plus Best in Show at WPBAS Open Show; July achieved her Junior Warrant and Stud Book Number (2313DL).
Career Achievements
- 15 × Best of Breed (Open Shows)
- 2 × Reserve Best of Breed (Open Shows)
- 8 x Group Placings
- 1x Puppy Group 2
- 1x Puppy Group 3
- 3 × Group 1
- 3 × Group 3
- 16 x First Places at Championship Shows
- 26 x First Places at Open Shows
- Qualified for Crufts the first year of her life and now automatically qualified (JW). So far shown at one Crufts- 2025: 3rd in Junior bitch
- Passed FLCGB Character Assessment
- IMDT Partnership: Grade 1
- Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme: Puppy, Bronze & Silver
health
We are really pleased with Yuna’s health results to date.
Hip Score
6/7 (13) - matching the breed average of 13
Genetic Screening
Pompes Disease: Clear
PRA: Clear
DM: Carrier
BVA Eye Scheme
Clear (2025)
A New Beginning
As Yuna matures, she continues to develop both physically and mentally. We look forward to seeing how her journey in the show ring unfolds and, in time, (we hope!) she will take on the role as the Lumenico foundation bitch.
With her, the kennel moves forward — guided by everything learned from Lupo, shaped by the experiences shared with Meeko, and inspired by a vision of thoughtful, ethical breeding focused on health, temperament and lasting companionship.
More than anything, she reminds us that while loss changes us, it also makes space for new light.
A new beginning.