Heikki Sarparanta pinning on the FKC Gold Medal.

MAt the ‘Haukkuottelu’, the Finnish Spitz bird hunting trial in Finland, Angela Cavill of Toveri Finnish Spitz was presented with one of the Finnish Kennel Club’s most prestigious awards, the Gold Medal, writes Paivi Uutela.

Angela, who was guest of honour at this, the most important event in the Finnish Spitz calendar, was presented with the award by the famous Finnish authority on the breed, Heikki Sarparanta. ‘This is a well deserved recognition of Angela Cavill’s contribution to the breed’, said Heikki. Angela said that while she was honoured and delighted to receive this award, especially at this event, she was aware of the debt she owes to the many who have helped and supported her over the years.

First UK Finnish Trials judge: In addition over the past two months Angela has achieved two ambitions in Finland. She has passed the metsastystutkinto, a formidable test, even for Finnish speakers, of hunting expertise, protocol and game preservation - a test failed by 40% of those who sit it annually!

She has also taken and passed all the tests required to become approved as a Trials Judge in Finland, making her a true all-round Finnish Spitz authority.