WHO WE ARE
Greetings from Finland! My name is Mervi, and I am a veterinarian living in Nastola which is near to the popular sport city of Lahti. Thank you for visiting my website! Well, where do I start?
Before, I moved to Nastola, I grew up and lived in Helsinki until I graduated from veterinary school in 1975. I was married to a veterinarian and we made the move further up north. It was here where I started to establish my small animal practice, ”Päijät-Hämeen Eläinlääkäriasema” and the Dobermann kennel, ”Clinics.”
Clinics was actually founded in 1977, 10 years after I bought my very first Dobermann. But, through those years to now, I have been an active participant within the Dobermann world. From 1971 onwards, I worked on the Finnish Dobermann Club’s (SDY) breeding committee, first as a secretary, and then as an active member. In addition, I have been a member of our local kennel club (Salpausselän Kennelpiiri), and have served as a board member for the Finnish Kennel Club’s (SKL) breeding committee and our local working breed club, Lahden Käyttökoira (LKK). As a result, I have been given the honour to receive several “golden” merit awards from these various organisations. My most treasured accolade is the Breeders Statue from the Finnish Doberman Club; the first ever awarded by the organisation.
But, my passions do not end with just Dobermanns. As a veterinarian, I also have some special interests including soft tissue surgery, dermatology, cardiology, obstetrics, gynaecology, and behavioural therapy. I have given lectures and published several articles in many dog magazines (i.e. our own “Dobermann” magazine) regarding canine diseases, breeding, genetics, and behaviour. However, as time has moved on, room has been made in my personal life, for activities beyond the dog world. Gardening, travelling, and wining and dining with my family bring a nice brake to daily routines. Time with my husband, two grown up children, and my sister (who also is a veterinarian) are always appreciated.
As my little biography draws to a close, I would like to thank all the people in Finland and abroad with whom I have had and still have the pleasure to work with. Without such teamwork and trust, there could never have been such enjoyment and success. I say in closing, “Take good care of your Dobermanns!”
Mervi Ihantola
