| They're BIG and HAIRY and they DROOL and SNORE. You can
HUG them and they don't break, they have a perpetually GOOFY look on their
faces. They are just like inquisitive 8 yr old kids,
but you don't have to send them to college, or pay for a shrink when they're
16 yrs old because you screwed up their potty-training or left them with
a baby-sitter for a week. They like to SWIM and PULL CARTS, and are just
MORE FUN than your a-ver-age dog!
Judi, Pat & the Cru |
| I grew up with Saint Bernards and then acquired two Border
Terriers. In a year spent as a purebred Dog Rescue foster parent I fostered:
a Basset Hound a Jack Russell an Australian Cattle Dog a Wire-haired Fox Terrier a Border Terrier 2 beagles an Akita a Labrador Retriever and...... a newf, Raleigh I loved all the dogs I fostered (okay, well I could have lived without the basset and the lab). All my fosters lived in the house as my pets until I found homes for them and I would have kept any of them forever if I had been unable to place them. I didn't have any intention of keeping Raleigh but no one wanted him. He was polite and happy to be petted by people at adoption days but was stuck to my side like glue. The other dogs all seemed to have some idea that they needed to be especially cute to find a home; Raleigh knew he had already found a home. At one adoption day another member of our rescue group had taken Raleigh out of his crate to meet people and when he tried to put Raleigh back in the crate Raleigh balked. I looked up and said, "Raleigh, crate" and he happily popped inside his crate. I've never in my life had a dog that was so positive that he belonged to me or with me or however you want to put it. I was still technically trying to find a home
for Raleigh when he rescued my two Border Terriers (next door neighbor's
niece and nephew opened the gate). After that I gave up, or gave
in. For me Raleigh is just "one of those dogs", you know the ones
I mean, they seem to understand exactly what you tell them. I discovered
what a responsibility "those dogs" are, Raleigh is a therapy dog and friendly
with everyone but it's me he watches, he pines when I leave him.
The only thing he wants is to be right with me no matter what I'm doing.
Is it the breed, or is it his personality? A little of both
I think. He chose me and all I know is that I don't ever want to
be newf-less.
|
| I own a Saint Bernard Kennel, we raise and show Saints
- the Newfoundland breed perhaps just snuck up on us and one day, we woke
up and realized we were hooked on the breed. We did have the
opportunity to meet some absolutely wonderful Newfoundlands, very good
representatives of the breed, at shows along the way, got acquainted with
their owners and them, and I will tell you that we liked all we met.
In other words we never met a Newfie or a Newfie Owner so far we didn't
like.
About eight years ago at the Louisville Dog Show, our son was with us standing ring side, where the Newfoundlands were coming in after the Saints, he came over to me and pulled on my sleeve and said "Mom, there is the breed I want to own someday", they are absolutely wonderful. He became acquainted there at that show with a gentleman from NJ that had a beautiful Landseer male that he fell in love with, the gentleman bless his heart answered an hours worth of questions regarding the breed for us and let us pet and play with his beautiful male, after that the search was on, we had to have one. So we first acquired our "Jammie" and it was love at first black fur ball sight. Our "Lash" came along three years later. Its been quite a trip, and we have enjoyed every minute
with our beautiful
|
| When I was about 7 years old, my father wanted to get
either a Saint Bernard or a Newfoundland. He wanted the dog.
I think my siblings and I wanted a smaller dog. My father visited
a number of kennels, mostly Saints. I always went along. We
visited a breeder of Newfoundlands. As soon as I saw those beautiful
dogs with the gorgeous long coats, proud expressions and heard the deep
bark, I knew I wanted a Newfoundland.
Unfortunately (for me), my father decided he wanted a
Saint Bernard. We lived across the street from a lake and he was
not interested in having a dog that liked to get wet. He thought
it would be too cruel to live so close to water and
not let a Newfoundland swim. He was right of course,
so he got a Saint Bernard. I was heartbroken and didn't
get a Newfoundland until I was an adult. There
is a bit of irony to this story. Thirty-three years later, my parents
still live across the street from that lake. I live nearby.
While I am at work, my father "puppysits" for my Newfie
puppy. The puppy spends most of her days playing
with Saint Bernards. To cool off, she tips over the water bowls and
lays in the puddles. Now my father complains not only is the Newfie
puppy wet, but she gets his Saints wet too. (Payback can be tough.)
|
| I grew up with a wonderful Saint Bernard named Brandy.
After her we rescued two puppies we thought would get big but they didn't.
I have always wanted another big dog. My husband had never had pets
(other than a pet frog). He knew going into our marriage that someday
I would have another big dog. I had read about the decline in the
St. Bernard disposition because of their popularity. I didn't want
to take the chance on getting one that was aggressive so I started looking
around at other breeds. That's when I found out about Newfs.
Thunder is everything I ever wanted in a dog and more. Both of us
love him and can't imagine life without him. Newfs are definitely
the greatest breed out there and I plan on always
having one.
Brenda Zimmerman and Thunder |
| Well, about 15 years ago while living on the South Shore
of Boston I was introduced to a monstrous 225 pound Newf named BEAR.
Though huge, Bear was the most gentle, playful dog I'd ever seen.
It was love at first sight
and I vowed then that I would have my own Newf someday. Here in 1997, I just recently celebrated my 6th anniversary with Clancy and am now on the verge of getting another rescue. I couldn't be happier. Craig Dunn & Clancy |
| One day when I was watching the news -there was a missing
little boy and they showed the search for him - in a boat was the most
beautiful Newf named Zachary. He was so noble looking and didn't move or
tip the boat - I was so impressed with this dog, he
was so cool and calm . It was love at first sight. Can't imagine living
without one.
Newf Addicted Cindy |
| I woke up on Sunday, October 1, 1983 and told my husband
I wanted a dog. We brought home a 5 month old Newfie that day and named
her Abby! That was 14 years ago and we lost her when she was 12 years old.
We also rehomed Bruin when he was 2 1/2 years and lost him last September
1996, at age 11 1/2. We now share our home with 15 month old Nick
and he is a real sweetheart. I wouldn't be without a Newf ever again!
Pam and Dan Newsom |
| Actually, I kind of came in the "back door" on Newfs,
too. I have loved dogs all my life, and we have always had one or
two pet dogs around. I got seriously "into" dogs in the late 60s,
starting with 4-H obedience. I began exhibiting in conformation in
the early 70s. My sisters and I, at various times, had Collies, Irish
Setters, Keeshonden, and even a Basenji.
My late husband and I got together in 1979. At that time I had two Australian Shepherds. My husband used to drive trucks that pick up milk on dairy farms. He talked quite a bit about the "huge black dog" that "looked over the fender of the truck" at this one farm. Investigation revealed that this was indeed a Newfoundland dog. In the early 80s we became acquainted
with Bill and Helena Linn (of Edenglen Kennels). Our first Newf was
a 7 1/2 year old male, own son of Edenglen's Tucker, that was given to
us by a friend who was moving and couldn't take the dog with them.
That was in 1984, and I've been hooked ever since. At one time we
were up to 11 Newfs, but my own personal limit now is 3! I may own other
breeds in the future (in fact I'm considering a Flat Coated Retriever--similar
to Newfs, but smaller and less hair), but I'm sure I'll always own at least
one Newf, too!!
|
| My life with newfs began back in the late fifties or
so. Lets not be too definite :-) I was going to a lecture hall at
UNC on a bright sunny day. I Entered the building and my vision was still
blinded by the sun. I Noticed a dark shape in the lobby but there was lots
of modern sculptures there and I didn't think much of it. The dark shape
moved and a pink tongue darted out. Well, after screaming there's a bear
in the lobby and generally making an idiot of myself, a nice gentleman
came out of an office and gently extracted me from some sort steel hanging
modern art and assured me it was not a bear and would not eat me. The Newf
was also very nice and polite. Huge brown eyes. I'm a sucker for those
eyes. A year later Cherokee Beauty entered my life.
Grandma Dee and the Georgia Slimebuckets but oh those brown eyes! |
| When I was 10 years old, we visited my uncle in Ohio.
He had a BIG black dog (yes, a Newf) that my aunt was afraid of, so he
was not allowed in the house. He lived in a thicket of blackberry
bushes out back, or in the garage. I was told not to go anywhere
near him (by my aunt) because he was vicious. Being a typical 10
year old, and just KNOWING that this was not a dangerous dog, I visited
him every chance I could get during our two week stay. Of course,
I begged my parents for a Newf from that day on, but to no avail. :-(
(My Mom wanted little dogs, although she loves my Newfs now.)
Years later, after one husband and his Irish Setter obsession had moved on, I re-married, and tried to convince husband #2 that a Newf was in our future. No way, says he. (He had NEVER had a dog, only cats, didn't know what a Newf was except from pictures in books.) I took him to our local Kennel Club match, introduced him to the big, handsome dog that turned out to be Clarence, and my husband said "Oh, one of those? Yeah, we could have one of those, they are nice!" I contacted a breeder I had known for ages, and arranged for a bitch from the next litter - husband wanted a male, but I didn't. Alas, sister-in-law left her husband, moved in with us, there was no room in the inn when the litter was born. Sister-in-law moved out, a second litter was born the following year. Three puppies. All male. I had waited long enough - my husband got his male. Arlo is the best, most laid-back dog!!! Of course, the understanding all along had been that this would be MY dog. NOT. He is my husband's dog. Without any doubt. Along came the 1992 National - the first I had attended. I met Ellen Katz, NCNE Rescue Chair. Rescue? I didn't know there WAS a Rescue committee. On that fateful day, I said to Ellen, "I don't need a dog, but if you find one that needs me, just give me a call." It was probably a month or so later that I received a call from Ellen about a bitch :-) named Abby, who needed fostering for a while until they could find her a home. I said sure, no problem. Two weeks later, I called Ellen and said, "You don't need to find Abby a home, she has one!" What a sweetie! In retrospect, I wish my uncle's dog, Sam had been taken
better care of, but I didn't know any better at 10. I never did find
out why my aunt was so afraid of him. But Sam introduced me to the
breed, and I will never be without one again!!!
|
| I met my first newf when I was around 10 years old. I
kept my horse at a friend's house. Across the street lived Rufus Bear,
a huge, slobbery, lovable Newf. I never knew that such a wonderful kind
of dog existed. I always loved the bigger dogs. Loved being able to sit
down and be eye to eye with my furry buddy, Rufus. Someone to put my arm
around and really *feel* him. Rufus was everything I could imagine in a
dog.
I couldn't convince my parents that such a big dog was
just what our family needed. They got me a large Lab who was a good friend
to me when we moved away from Rufus. But I missed him and never forgot
him. I told myself that as soon as I could find one
I would get a newf back in my life. I got married
in the early seventies and moved out to the country. He was more of a cat
person but was willing to give newfs a chance. We visited many breeders
and went to a lot of shows. He was hooked! Finally found our puppy down
in the San Diego area. Seaworthy's Southwind was the best dog, the most
perfect, loving friend you could dream up. She was with us for 11
years. Her death was the lowest point in my life. But we have opened our
lives to many other wonderful newfs. Each is so different but each has
that newf look in the eyes, that *kind* gentle temperament. Even
abused, neglected rescues have it! But it goes beyond temperament, too.
It is a sensitivity that is so hard to put into words. Friends that fall
in love with them feel it too. There sure is something special and unique
about them. Now I think I have to quit typing and go hug some newfs,
snif, snif....
|
| Almost 13 years ago I saw a BIG BLACK NEWF in the back
of a black pick-up
truck parked in the lot at Farm and Fleet in Woodstock. I wanted to take that dog home so badly!!! I had no idea at the time what kind of dog it was. This dog caused a rather nice person to go totally nuts until I found out what kind of dog it was. Since then I've been totally obsessed. I checked out books about Newfs. Stood in book stores
looking at pictures and sometimes crying!!(I'm somewhat emotional) What
really caught me right away was the size, but I like small dogs too! The
clincher was a book I saw with this adorable face and it read "The Gentle
Giant". And as I stood and looked at the pictures and read about the loyalty,
love, playfulness and need to guard their loved ones I knew I had to have
one. I must add I also fell in love with labs first for some of the same
reasons. But then when I read that they came from relatively close parts
of Canada, well gotta have one of each. I love them both.
|
| I read Karen as a youngster. Began to research
newfs as a youngster. Got my chili as a 30 year old. My husband had
been bothering me about getting cable TV . I personally thought it
a waste of mind and money (my children were not allowed to have nintendo
until last year) so I said "Ya'll can have cable when I get my newf"
Two weeks later(very close to the Thanksgiving day football games :)he
gets me in the car and says "I found your newf" and chili comes home.
Her name "chilita de la pica" is our attempt at humor. An English
translation is "Little Hot Pepper" Anyway she has
totally changed my life and perspectives. I will always be grateful
to her and cable tv :)
Pat Escalante |
| Last year or so I went to a goat show (goats are great!)
and was captivated by the beautiful pyrs (and one stately kuvasz) there.
Well, this May after my cat died I finally decided to get a dog, and I
started to research the pyr and kuvasz breeds. I was flipping through
the working dog category in a dog book, feeling a little worried that neither
breed was for me since they sometimes are very dominant dogs, when I noticed
a picture of the Newfoundland. I don't know what it was, but something
just clicked. Before I even read anything about the newf I knew it was
the right breed for me Now, lots of books later, I'm even more sure, and
I can hardly wait until I get to share my life with a slime- and fur-ball
of my own. :)
Katherine Dazazel Who still thinks pyrs and kuvaszok are great dogs too. |
| I always loved dogs and as my husband began to plan that
we could build our own house I said ok, if we are going to build a house
I want a dog. That was years ago. Then we lived in the house and there
was still no dog. We were both working the whole day
and didn´t want to leave a dog alone at home all day. But we went
to dog shows, read books about dogs and so on to decide which breed it
should be. He wanted a big dog, I wanted a dog to hug, a gentle one, good
with kids and no hunting dog. So a Newfoundland was already on our list.
One day at a dog show we talked with several owners and while we spoke
with a Newf-owner her dog laid down beside her with an expression only
Newfies have.
He was so bored from being hugged by a lot of kids and adults and being such good dog, you can´t imagine it. So she told him to go into his crate in the back where he can sleep without hugs. First he didn´t want to, then she told him again so he stood slowly up, walked into the crate, turned around in it and laid down. His eyes were saying "why must I be in this stupid crate? I am only here because you told me to be." After a few minutes she said that he can go out again if he wanted to. He stood up, looked at her, took two steps forward and laid down again. So he laid half in half outside and with a satisfied very soft "Whoof" he closed his eyes and took a nap. Our decision was made in this minute , it must be a Newfy.
Not long after this I got the ok from my boss to take a dog with me to
the office. Now we have had our Whoopie for almost a year and we love her.
|
| While apprenticing as a Canine Obedience Instructor,
I was assigned to work on a basic obedience routine with a beautiful black
Newf, to be trained as an SAR dog for the North Shore mountains in my hometown
of North Vancouver, BC. Always a dog lover, I favored Goldens, however,
this big guy struck me as such a kind and gentle soul, yet spunky.
It was love at first meeting!!! From that first meeting, I knew a Newf
was my destiny. At the time, I had a Golden Retriever and a Lab mix, and
lived in a city where housing was unrealistic in cost and large dogs were
not welcome in rental situations. My Newf had to be put on hold.
Six years later, I moved to Prince Rupert with my aging Golden and started to make "plans" to purchase my Newf whom I'd already named in my mind as Jonathan. One day a friend called me to say she was talking to someone, who knew someone, who saw an ad in a Vancouver paper for two, four year old Newfs for sale; one Black, one Landseer. Through the grapevine we worked, tracking down the person who saw the ad, for the breeder's telephone number. Several weeks later, I called the breeder simply out of curiosity. Turned out the Boy's parents made the heart-rending decision to give them up, and they were returned to the breeder. The Landseer, Kody, was re-homed enroute but it didn't go well. The Boys had been together since 8 weeks and never before separated. While Ben pined for Kody at the kennel, Kody pined for Ben at his new home. Kody is very sensitive and didn't adjust well. He also showed anti-social behavior toward the other dog(s) in his new home and it just didn't work. Back to the breeder he went, to be reunited with his Ben. After several interviews with the breeder, and consultations with my vet regarding what to look out for in Newfs, we made the 3000 kilometer [about 2000 miles] trip to meet the boys. LOVE AT FIRST sight and it was mutual! The breeder said we were the first people who met them that they had shown such enthusiasm for. Out of exuberance they knocked us both over and the breeder [Joan] figured it was all over and we wouldn't take them. NOT! From that moment on, they were our dogs whether we liked it or not. It was awful to leave them behind, however, like a good breeder, Joan insisted we go away and ponder our commitment. Two days later I phoned her and made financial and registration arrangements. Arriving home presented a big glitch .... the Landlord absolutely forbade us to bring our boys home. Dirty words! Called Joan back and since she felt we were a "forever" home and the boys so obviously liked us, that if we still wanted them, she would board them for us [for food and necessary medical costs only!!!] until we could get a down payment together and buy our house. It took seven months before the deal was done. If that's not dedication to our breed, I don't know what is .... because Ben was not even from her kennel! Just Kody. Last July, I made the 3000 kilometer round trip, all by myself in a Sunfire! to pick up the Boys. That was "cozy" but they were well behaved. The first day we were together [we lived out of my car, while in the city], I almost returned them because the responsibility overwhelmed me. My brother, who thought I'd lost my mind, said my fear was a sign of sanity [for which he was grateful] and I've never looked back ..... well, maybe once after Ben murdered a porcupine. Ben and Kody are the light of our lives and we don't remember, nor can imagine, life without them. We still keep in touch with "Auntie Joan" and their "real"
Mom and Dad through email and consider them a part of our extended family.
The Boy's mom sent us baby pictures so we now have a complete picture of
their lives even though we weren't involved until last year. It also turns
out that Ben's sire is "JOHN Houston" --- and I wanted
Jonathan ..... Seems like destiny to me.
|
| Over and over, the same characteristic is stated for
the initial attraction and continued devotion to the Newfoundland - temperament!
Breeders and Judges are you listening (reading)?
As a child, my big brother and I studied all breeds and came up with the Golden Retriever as our favorite. My mom was not a "doggy" person and we had to wait until we were on our own to have our pets. My wife's parents had a number of Bassetts when we got married and we sort of assumed that we would have a Bassett when I got out of Graduate School. Then I met a newf.... We were still in school, living in a duplex (side by side) apartment built into a hillside. We were in the apartment on the higher side. Our neighbors had the two-car garage under their apartment. One day, they told us that some friends would be visiting with a big, big dog - who would be kept in the garage for a few days. "Don't worry when you see him, he's not a black bear - just looks like one." Well, with that build-up I had to see this big, big dog. I was surprised when a little green VW bug turned into our drive and saw that someone had apparently painted the back windows black! Then they got out and this huge black dog started coming out of the back of the bug. It was like the 30 clowns coming out of the little car at the circus, he just kept coming and coming. I took my 10 month old son, Kevin, out to see the doggy. The owner assured me he was safe, and we talked about Newfs while Kevin walked under the dog and reached up and patted its belly. The dog "smiled" and never batted an eye. I got so engrossed with our discussion that I didn't notice that Kevin had gotten bored and was toddling down the driveway towards the street. My first notice came when the newfy slowly got up and casually sauntered down the drive, got in front of Kevin and got him to turn back up the driveway. The newfy then came back to us, but kept glancing back to make sure that Kevin was still following him. I fell in love. I had to have a newf. About two years later, we had moved from Florida to New Hampshire in September, 1971. By October we found these very nice people, the O'Neils. They had a small kennel and the sire of the litter had recently finished his Championship. We liked the people. Loved the dogs. Kevin was given the "responsibility" for picking our pup from the "pet" group. He picked the smallest pup. Six weeks later, he was the biggest pup and the O'Neils offered us any pup of those remaining. We stayed with Gus, who became Indigo's Gus. For those of you who remember Indigo's Fritzaker, we had a Fritz son - who I believe was better than his sire. Of course we were too naive to know what we had. He was our pet. I suppose if he could have spoken he would have used the Marlon Brando line from On the Waterfront: "I coulda been a contender!" He was a simply wonderful example of the breed. Huge (180lbs), well-muscled, sweet, protective in an almost charming way, and a friend to all. He used to get loose on Saturday nights, wander down to the Moose club (only bar in town) and lead "over-imbibers" home. On weekends, when we were working in the front of the house, he would wait at the curb for VW's and stop them and just stand with his front legs up on the hoods while he licked the windshields. Some VW owners would go blocks out of their way to avoid him, some would go blocks out of their way to enjoy him. We fondly remember Gus, who eventually was followed by
Gus II, Gus III, Gus IV, and our present newfy who was destined (by me)
to be Gus V. My sons (now married and with children) said: "Dad,
give it a rest. There's gotta be another name that fits a newfy."
Watching an old Bob and Ray routine on TV one day, the name came to me,
Wally Baloo. So, our latest guy is Dockmaster's Wally Baloo. And
we are eternally grateful to Sheila Sosa (on the list) for sharing him
with us.
|
| Before Venus came along (2+years ago) I had never given
a dog a thought. I was a confirmed cat person and had four marvelous
felines to prove it. Unfortunately, time takes its toll and one by
one my fab four left to conquer and bewitch another world. Through
word of mouth I had heard that someone was looking for a new home for his
Newfie. I recalled having read many years ago in a now defunct
magazine (Connoisseur -sp?) an article about Newfoundlands
but that was it. I don't know what came over me but I called the
guy up and said I would try her out for the weekend to see if she liked
us (my husband and two remaining cats).
My first image of her is etched in my heart-the little red car pulling into my drive, a young couple with a child, and the most enormous, shaggy, smelly black life form disgorging itself from the back seat! There was a tearful good bye (I believe they loved her but could not cope with her size) and they closed the door behind them. Venus stood with her forehead pressed gently against the door for a good 30 seconds and then entered the living room with me. I could have died. Anyway, before the weekend was up, I called her previous
owner and told him he did not need to pick her up.
She was going to be mine. Her sweetness and gentleness and infinite
patience with life are virtues I wish I could have. When she lays
down at my feet, she has a look in her eyes, she is pondering her universe
and I hope she likes what she finds. My life has so changed since she entered
it. Yes, I am busier, I am cleaning constantly, I gloat over how
beautiful she looks and smells now, I give her the
hundreds of kisses and hugs every day that she deserves and am also enjoying
catching a glimpse of what she might have been like as a youngster in
her granddaughter, Lucy.
|
| When I was growing up, my older sister lived next door
to a family who had Newfs. When we would go to visit her, she would take
us to visit these wonderful creatures. The people had a pond in their yard,
and a rowboat, they would load the kids in the boat, and the dog would
pull us around the pond. I have wanted to share my life with these noble
beasts ever since.
Now the way I got my first Newf Sasha, we were living in an apartment outside of Boston, when Dan proposed. Knowing my wish for a Newfie, he popped the question with a card that promised one Newfie engagement ring when we got settled in a house. Well, a 3000 mile move, several months, and much looking
later, Sasha was born on our wedding day, and came home soon after we got
back from our honeymoon. I may not be able to wear him on my finger, but
I certainly can't accidentally wash him down the drain either.
|
| I can't recall what my initial attraction to Newfies
was, other than a strong presumed) affinity to their reputed good nature
and loyalty, but I do distinctly recall what sealed it: Byron's Epitaph
to a Dog brought tears to my eyes the first time I read it and very nearly
does to this day. I first encountered it in Bruce Weber's Gentle
Giants and the combination of words and pictures created an undeniable
attraction to the breed that was cemented forever with my first personal
encounter. Now I can't imagine my life without those endearing slimers.
Mike, Sandi & the gang of fur |
| My wife responded to my "hints" about a dog with definite
"NO WAY NO HOW!" She had just graduated from the school of 24 hour
a day child care, as our youngest was starting preschool, and the
other three were in K, 1, and 3.
Why take on another child? She "allowed" me to read books about dogs in her presence, however. First was the one about choosing a breed. Out of nowhere one night she said, "A Newfoundland would be okay -- if we were getting a dog, which we're not, and never will." (Remember the quote from Hamlet? "Methinks she doth protest too much.") Anyway, the next book was Life with Newfies, the next Bendure's, the next was the Newfoundland Puppy book. We visited Newfs, went to a Fun Day, and then BOOM!
Black gold, a Newf puppy. Is anyone surprised that my wife is the most
proud of the pup, totally pleased, barely complaining about the messes?
She arranges for neighborhood kids to visit, neighbors to walk the pup
as families, and so on. She wants Tessa to be a therapy dog. We love
our girl.
|
| What attracted me to this breed?..........Insanity??
It couldn't be the drool or the black tumbleweeds of hair. Like others
I have been asked why on earth I would want such a big hairy drool monster.
I have no idea why I am so crazy about Newfies. I just know that
no other breed of dog grabs my heart and holds on to it like a Newf can.
Other dogs don't seem to have any personality, and they are sooooooo small
that I always ask "where's the rest of him".
I have been owned by two Newfs for almost four years now, it is much to late to turn back now! Katrina Simpson Lacy (who me?) & Goliath ( I didn't do it, honest) |
| Growing up, I can't remember a time when there was no
dog in the house. We had Cockers, Boxers and later Collies.
My Mom was a real animal lover and would take in strays as well as purebreds.
We even had a wonderful pointer who adopted us. His owners finally
gave up and just came and got him during hunting season. My
wonderful husband, on the other hand, is not an animal person but he promised
me that I could have my dog when we moved into our new house in the country
which was soon to be under construction.
I was visiting with friends in the Lake Tahoe area in June of '75 when out of the woods bounded the most wonderful "black bear". I was instantly smitten, and as luck would have it, the breeders of this dog had just had another litter (yes, they were backyard breeders). Tahoe's Hodur of Asgaard came home with us about a month later. My husband picked him out because he was the most laid back puppy of the litter, and Hodur has always been his personal favorite Newf. Hodur and my youngest, then a three year old, were inseparable.
Although of nondescript lineage, he was sound, healthy, big and
beautiful. I had done no research, knew nothing about the breed,
didn't know the right questions to ask, and knew nothing about the special
care a Newf requires. I just fell in love. Hodur lived til he was
nearly twelve years old. He was a faithful companion to all of us,
and like the rest of my gang taught me so much. If you have a catalog
from the Newfoundland Club of Northern California 's 20th Anniversary Regional,
you can see Hodur there pictured with his "brother", Brian (now 25 yrs.
old). I will always be thankful to this special dog who taught me how beautiful
and wonderful this breed is. Though I like and appreciate many breeds
|
| The first book I ever *voluntarily* read was when I was
15 years old. It was 'Karen' and I immediately fell in love with
the Newf in that story - sight unseen, no clue what they even looked like
- but the love/fascination stayed and grew. I married, had kids and
oodles of pets through the years, but the desire for a Newf was always
there ... someday ... but we just couldn't afford it and I had tremendous
guilt over *buying* an animal when so many *free-bees* went wanting for
homes.
So instead, I worked with animal rescue groups for 20+ years, taking in dozens of strays, keeping 26 over the years, placing the others in good homes. At some point, I saw my first Newf - on TV in the Westminster Dog Show, but not 'up close and personal'. As I approached 50, kids were grown, money had improved (ever so slightly), family illnesses had caused me to drop out of rescue, and the desire for a Newf was stronger than ever. So I researched and read, got info over the internet (my thanks to a number of you good people), checked out breeders eight ways to Sunday, and finally, last December, 6 months into my 50th year, I got my dear, sweet Missy. Believe it or not, the very first Newfs I ever laid eyes and hands on, physically, were Missy, and her mom and sister. It was love at first slime and I couldn't be happier - well, maybe if I had started just a tad earlier in life. <g> Thirty five years is a long time to wait, but Missy is like a dream come true - everything I expected and much, much more. Btw, my darling husband of 28 years, who couldn't see
the point of spending bucks on ('scuse the phrase) *just a dog*, now has
his eye out for a Landseer, and I get the distinct impression that that
won't be the end of it either. <vbg>
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| My first newf experience was in the back of a panel truck
back in '79. I was traveling cross country with a friend and we took
a ride with a "mountain guy" from Colorado to San Francisco. We took
turns driving, and when it was my turn in the back of the truck I got to
know (and wish I could have one) a big giant black dog named Girl.
I didn't know she was a newf probably until just a few years ago, just
that she was great.
When I met Holly, my first newf (the landseer) I didn't know she was a newf either. She was one of 3 dogs in the front yard of a friend of a friend. I looked at the 3 and thought I'd love to have the goofy-looking one. It turned out that the new friend was looking to place his dogs, so I got to take Holly home with me shortly thereafter. He told me she was a newf and gave me a book on newfies to take with us. Naturally, I was hooked. Holly died after only 3 years with us, and I promised
my other dog (Greaser) that he could be an only dog for the rest of his
life, since he had never had that before. However, now that he's
old and there are things I still want to be able to do with a dog that
he can no longer do, I sought out my second newf, signed up to this list
and got my Sadie. Very goofy doofy newfie Sadie.
|
| Had a Beagle, asked for a Sheltie, got a Newf from my
husband who fell in love with one. Then there were 3 Newfs. Will have another
Newf and another. They love you back!
Suzanne Martin |
| It was the year the Newf went best in show at Westminster.
My husband always liked Great Danes but I was not a fan. When we
saw the Newf we both thought it was a gorgeous animal and started reading
all we could about them. I remember one book in particular that was
listing the good and bad traits of the animals along with
what type of personality that would be needed to deal with the breed. They
listed several good points about Newfs but under bad points they had listed
that the puppies have a disturbing habit of wanting to sleep in their water
bowls. I figured if that was the worst thing they could say about
the breed then that was the dog for me.
We visited several breeders and noticed that virtually
all the breeders we visited saw to it that you were greeted either in the
yard or at the door by masses of huge black dogs. I figured that
was to see how you reacted to them. I of course was enchanted and
let them lick and slobber on me all they wanted. I also remember
that we called the breeder from my brother-in-law's house and he was listening
while we talked to the breeder. After we got off the phone he said
it sounded like we had been trying to adopt a child from all the questions
she was asking. And I guess in a way we were, except they never grow up
and leave home and aren't fighting among themselves over your money.
|
| I was pregnant and bedridden for the majority of my pregnancy
due to complications. We had moved into a new home during that time
and it sat on a lovely hill above a river. Once our son was born,
I couldn't wait to take him walking on the road that ran along the river.
It was such a pretty area and I was sick of being cooped up.
I bundled Shane up, it was a mild and sunny day in late March, and stuck him in the stroller. We walked along enjoying the scenery until I saw this huge black dog up ahead watching us intently. All I could see was that this dog was enormous and very interested in us. I very slowly turned the stroller around and started walking back the way we came. I took one look back over my shoulder to make sure we were in the clear, when my heart absolutely dropped to my feet. Here was this huge animal running straight for us and his eyes were just glued to the baby. I stepped in front of my son to shield him and the dog nudged me right out of the way. He looked at the baby and with his big tongue gave him a big lick up his entire face! He then licked me and stuck his head by my hand for pets. I gave him a bunch and then started walking toward home. He was so sweet! He walked us all the way home, watched us until we went in the house, and only then turned to go back toward his home. I had gone from terrified to totally in love with this dog. I found out he was a Newf and swore I would have one of
my own someday. Eighteen years later I got my first Newfie.
I now have four, all under 2 years old! Their names
are Brooks (after Brooks Robinson, my husband's favorite baseball player),
Rosie (Midnite Rose because I love beautiful flowers) and Glory
(Morning Glory, for the same reason) and Gulliver (Gullivers Travels because
I loved that book as a youngster). They are the best and we love
them all!
|
| I had always loved little dogs (in fact I was scared
to death of big dogs), the smaller the better with the Yorkie being the
absolute love of my life. When I married my husband I was breeding Yorkies
and couldn't imagine life without a few of them running around the house.
I had quit my job the day my husband & I moved into our house and started an accounting service (we met working at the same CPA firm) and was quite content with my life. But then I turned up pregnant one day and between an older child that I had when we got married, a growing business and a new baby I could no longer keep up with breeding. My husband knew I wouldn't stay out of it forever but he asked that when I got back into dog breeding that I would go into a breed that got larger than a New York sewer rat :-) I did a year and a half of homework searching for the
traits that I needed in a furry companion and when
all was said and done the Newfoundland was the only breed left on the list.
Took me another year and a half to find my first one who will be 11yo later
this month. I got my second a year later and the rest as they say is history.
We currently have 7 Newfs in the house ranging from 9 months to almost
11 along with a 9 yr old red Chow and yes, a little Yorkie who will be
a year old this month as well who is the boss of the house. All 3 pounds
of her :-) I also have a 4yo Great Pyrenees who is currently residing with
her breeder being shown. I can't imagine life without at least 3 Newfs
and a Yorkie!
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| The question that is most often asked is, "why a Newf?"
In the eyes of the person posing the question I see evidence that I must
be a bit crazy to want to share my life with such a big dog,
one that is furry, drools, and when he steps on my foot, it hurts. The
first Newf in my life was Tinkabelle, a gorgeous black owned by my host
family when I was an exchange student in Germany. Tinka was my companion
and friend for the 9 months I was there, we ran through the forest
every day and I often would lie on the floor with her, my head cushioned
on her stomach. Tinka remembered me on subsequent visits to Germany,
including the last time, when she was blind and 14 years old. I
really hadn't planned on getting a Newf until one arrived. We had
heard of a female Newf in Eastern Quebec that had been passed from one
person to the next all summer. She finally ended up at someone's
cottage, tied without food or water. Someone was trying to get up
there every day, but they weren't always able to make it. When we
picked her up, she was 90#. All of her teeth were broken from
eating rocks and, once in the house, she didn't want to go outside.
She was a Queen of a Newf, and we loved her dearly for the three years she blessed us with her presence. When she died of gastro cancer, I realized how empty life was without a Newf. I had to have a Newf. Until recently, I really couldn't answer the question "why a Newf?" I love Newfs because of their personalities. In many ways, they remind me of myself because they are so laid-back, willing to join in, a bit goofy and, for the most part, very even keeled. It takes a lot to upset a Newf, kinda like me. We named Queen because of the regal way she sat. We didn't name Forest, but we kept his name so that he wouldn't get too confused when we acquired him at 8.5 months. We figured learning English and all the other things he had to learn would be enough of a challenge.Krys and the Biggie Boys |
| While all the stories about how we got "into" Newfs are
interesting and I have enjoyed reading them, I have to agree with whoever
started all this about how it is really difficult to put your finger on
the "gestalt" of our love of Newfs. All have been wonderfully detailed
about the "how" we were drawn to them but the "why" is elusive.
I have noticed that quite a few people stated (and I could make the same statement) that "I knew I wanted a big dog." To all those psychologist types (you know who are) that in itself could reveal a lot. For myself, I'm one of those petite people or vertically challenged for the PC among us and I could truthfully say that I enjoy the dichotomy of being this tiny little woman walking these massive beasts. Being in control of them is a powerful feeling. Even though with my two it's not really a power play, Thanatos is 11 years old and not capable of lording over anyone anymore and Haley for whatever reason will never and I mean never pull on lead. Ok, ok I admit I am one of the stereotypical short person personalities. I've just never let it get in my way. There is always something attractive about power under control. Could it be that we see in our Newfies the potential to be life-threatening and find that in combination with their innate gentleness appealing? Is it in fact their physical capability of danger that draws us in. I can say without a doubt in my mind that given the right provocation Haley would rip someone's throat out. Mind you I hope to never be in the situation of having the right provocation around and she is without doubt the sweetest creature that lives on the earth but I know physically she is capable of it. So is that we really enjoy having the "biggest, baddest dog around" who by temperament isn't that at all? Do we enjoy the sort of inside joke we play on people by having this dog that looks like a monster but is the ultimate pussy cat? I personally enjoy the security and comfort their size afford me. Other than all this above psychological rotgut I must say that what draws me to my dogs (especially Thanatos I must admit, sorry Haley) is his eyes. I won't anthromorphize and say he looks like he holds the wisdom of ages in his eyes but there is a look that says "there's somebody in there". Each one of the dogs I have had has
it's own distinct personality which is another interesting kernel for thought.
What in the world is the evolutionary purpose of a an animal having a distinct
personality? Whatever that gestalt is though, I know that I will always,
as long as I am able, have several Newfs in my life to help me contemplate
the why of my love for them.
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