Someron Koirametsä – Our story
The story of Someron Koirametsä dates back to the summer of 2019, when Minna’s and my dogs met by chance at a puppy course at Somero Haukkukallio. Finnish Lapphund Nalle and Seiskari Seal Dog Urho got along so well that we continued to meet regularly for playdates.
A couple of years later, Urho’s little sister, Lapponian Herder Nuppu, joined the pack. While playing in our own yard was fun, the backyard began to feel small for three dogs. Nalle was content as long as his playmate Urho was nearby, but Nuppu clearly needed more space to run.
When the first dog forests opened in neighboring municipalities, Urho and Nuppu visited them first. It was clear that the dogs loved visiting the dog forest. They sniffed around, ran and played tag, hopped on rocks to survey the landscape, and enthusiastically dug holes at the base of stumps. Nalle also enjoyed himself in the dog forest, as his was with his best friend Urho.
For us, visiting dog forests also became an enjoyable hobby. It was relaxing to stroll with the dogs, have morning coffee, have a barbecue, or just be in nature. We didn’t mind driving to nearby dog forests with the dogs, but we started to dream of our own dog forest in Somero.
Finding a suitable forest proved to be challenging. The forest had to have some form of access, not be too close to residential areas or too far from the town center. A few forests were suggested to us, and while they initially excited us, yet we had to abandon them for one reason or another. When we thought we found the perfect forest, it turned out it wasn’t for sale or for rent.
In early 2024, we finally found the forest we were looking for. It turned out to be owned by the Somero parish. This was a pleasant surprise, as the parish was open to collaboration and excited about the idea of the area becoming a recreation area for dogs and their owners. We finally had the opportunity to create the dog forest of our dreams, where Nuppu could enjoy running freely, Urho could explore the nooks of stumps, and Nalle could follow his best friend, Urho.
We founded and built Someron Koirametsä together, and it is one of the most meaningful things I have ever done. Since then, the story has continued in a slightly different form. We agreed on a change in ownership in good mutual understanding, and today the daily life of Someron Koirametsä continues in only my care. I am grateful for Minna’s important role in the creation of the dog forest – without her, this would not exist.
I hope you enjoy Someron Koirametsä as much as I do. We built it with great love. It is a place where dogs can be dogs and owners can relax in the peace of nature, in a real forest. You are warmly welcome to Someron Koirametsä!
Jenni
