When we sold our tech company in 2021 we also made a lifestyle change and moved from Wellington City to acreage in the Wairarapa.

I (Nicky) wanted land for practising dog sports and to establish a breeding kennel. I was lucky enough to chance upon the Lagotto Romagnolo breed in 2019 and acquired my darling Amico in 2020. From then I was smitten with this breed and I am keen to promote more being used in dog sports.

Rosie (our foundation breeding bitch) arrived in 2022. Her full sister, Hydra, will join us late May 2023. And to complete the set, our stud dog, Bacchus will arrive June 2023. A first litter is anticipated from late 2024.

Our property has a beautiful small villa (having been sympathetically extended from the original cottage which dates back to the 1920s) which is named 'Rose Cottage'. As a nod to this the name 'Rosa Casa' was chosen for the kennels.