GCH CH Lukehaven Freyja of Isneista OAP OJP ACT1 ACT1J CGC TKN burst into the world on December 6, 2016, bred by Loren Dribinsky. I didn’t know Loren—or Freyja—back then. In fact, I met Loren only in 2019 when I drove home with my first Icelandic Sheepdog, adorable sweet Raina, bred by Loren. That friendship set fate in motion.

A year later Loren phoned with a tremor of both grief and hope in her voice. Freyja’s original owner had passed away unexpectedly, and this four-year-old Grand Champion—already crowned GCH under her first owner—was coming back to Lukehaven. Loren adored Freyja and, with five Icelandic Sheepdogs already under her roof, would have happily kept her forever. But she also knew exactly how much room I had in my heart (and on my couch) for another Icie. She asked me if I would consider taking her and I said “Of course!!” In December 2020, Freyja came into my life and nothing has been the same since!

Loren will always be Freyja’s first momma and remains an enthusiastic co-pilot on this adventure—being intimately involved in the two litters Freyja whelped; cheering her and me at conformation shows, getting us involved with agility, and providing support in countless ways. Having that three-way bond makes every title sweeter.

And titles we have! Although Freyja’s GCH title came under her first owner, I learned the art of conformation by stepping into the ring with her. My only goal was to learn how to show and hopefully take her to Westminster—a dream we ticked off not once but twice. We didn’t place, but that didn’t matter – it was the experience and knowing I still left with the best dog!

Freyja’s résumé didn’t stop there. She delivered two healthy litters—twelve promising puppies now sprinkling joy from Oregon to Connecticut. She mothered them with patience and that trademark Icelandic cheer, then bounced back ready for new challenges.

At seven, when most dogs are settling into middle age, Freyja discovered agility. She soared over jumps and blasted through tunnels with beginner’s glee, earning her OAP and OJP and moving into the Excellent/Masters classes in record time. Our next quest is audacious: bringing home a Preferred Agility Champion (PACH) title before her tenth birthday. If anyone can, it’s Freyja—she attacks weave poles with the same determination she uses to hog the pillow at night.

Yet the truest measure of her greatness isn’t printed on an AKC certificate. She is my constant shadow, the silky-soft therapist who senses stress before I do. She’s the dog who greets strangers like they are best friends, who starts every day patrolling her property for any intruders. Sweet, opinionated, and endlessly affectionate, Freyja reminds me daily why Icelandic Sheepdogs steal hearts so effortlessly.

If you’re curious about life with this remarkable breed, come meet Freyja. One cuddle and you’ll understand why a Grand Champion, late-blooming agility star, and champion snuggler can all fit inside a 30-pound bundle of fur—and why my life, and Loren’s, are brighter for it. ~Paula 🐾