Photo Credit: hlundqvist.blogspot.com

Growing up in the Chicago suburbs, I was surrounded by neighborhood dogs, but none were more beloved to me than my neighbors’ Dobermans. Growing up, every day after school I would spend a few minutes petting them through the chain-link fence. Over time, I developed a passion for these lovable dogs, and that ultimately led to me serving as their designated dog-sitter. I absolutely fell in love with their quiet natures – at times, they were dignified, during other times, they were just silly.

When I saw that New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist owned a Doberman himself, I was intrigued. I wanted to know more about Nova, and Henrik was kind enough to answer some of my questions about her for his website.

I was surprised that Henrik was new to not just being a dog owner, but being a pet owner all together. He did not grow up with any pets as part of his family, with the exception of a rabbit owned by his sister.  However, by the second year of living in New York City, Henrik and his wife Therese made the decision to own a dog.

“My wife really wanted a dog,” Henrik said.  “She grew up with dogs, I never did.”

After debating between a Doberman and a Rottweiler, they purchased Nova at a breeder in Sweden. Interestingly enough, docking tails and cropping ears – commonly done here in the United States – isn’t practiced in Sweden, and Nova maintains her “natural” Doberman look.

“I was not 100% convinced on the idea,” Henrik said about dog ownership, “but after a few weeks I knew it was a great decision.  She brings a lot of happiness to the family.”

… And a lot of joy to others as well.

In September 2012, it was Nova’s love of walks in the park – not to mention the great cause – that made Henrik’s participation in the Rangers Dog Walk an easy decision.

“She was really excited and I had fun as well,” he said.

And now?

“I must say, the personalities of Dobermans are so misunderstood. Such a great dog!  Smart and friendly.”

I think it’s safe to say Henrik is a dog lover for life.