Happy Birthday Jack (Karazan Giacomo Poochini)

For Andrew On His Birthday

Sometimes I look for traits in you, Of a great big dog you never knew . . .. A dog that loved me all his days, And understood in special ways. But that's not fair to you, Andrew; You're not a substitute, but yourself; You've eased the loss, soothed the pain, And tugged my laugher back again. Yet "puppy" at times I almost start; When your eyes recall him to my heart. You'll never lack for love, it's clear. Because of him, you're twice as dear. Bless you baby boy.........

An Officer, A Gentleman, and a Newfoundland (Father's Day Reprise)

(As told by Satchel & Andrew)

We wanted to bring you the story of our Grandpa and his first Newfie. Grandpa served for several years in the U.S. Air Force in Italy and the Persian Gulf during World War II. He was a highly decorated Lieutenant and spent much of his time in dangerous reconnaissance work. One of his last assignments came in leading a supply platoon into Russia during the winter of 1944. After successfully getting the supplies into the hands of Russian troops, Grandpa was approached by a young Russian soldier. The soldier had a Newfie puppy and he was being shipped out and could not take the Newfie with him. He pleaded with Grandpa to take the Newfie so that it would have a good home and not face a very uncertain future. Grandpa agreed and the brief encounter between two soldiers was enough for handshakes, hugs, and best wishes to be exchanged.

Only a few weeks later, Grandpa received his orders to return home after years away from Grandma and his family. He had named the puppy "Franny" and was very concerned about how he would get Franny back home with him. After considerable thought, he decided to see if the pilot of the Air Force plane would take some money and store Franny underneath the pilot's seat. The pilot agreed, and Grandpa put Franny in a cardboard box with holes in it so she could breath. He gave her a sleeping pill so that no one else would know of the precious cargo. Well, all went well, and Franny made her way with Grandpa back to Chicago and then on to San Francisco, where she lived until 1958 with two daughters who loved her dearly. Grandpa had brought back a Persian rug he kept in his office overseas. He put it in his basement office at home when he got back, and he and Franny spent many fond hours there curled up on the rug.

Not long after finally getting home, Grandpa wrote a poem to Franny, entitled, "Lines To A Curled Up Franny": "Little Franny, lax and lazy With a mind extremely hazy In regard to human cares Far removed from worldly affairs. There you lie your tail around you With no Charlotte to hound you With no taxes to be met With no spending to regret. There you snuggle on the Persian; Bothered not by reconversion; Void of grief and sacrifice; Dreaming dreams of cats and mice." (Lt. Samuel D. Sayad) (March 30 1913 - July 29 1986)

The Most Wanted Dog Breed In Swindon Revealed By Those Who Sell Them

(By Ben Gardner, Yahoo News, June 10, 2024)

"The most sought-after dog breed in Swindon has been revealed by a dog-selling website. There are 360 different dog breeds in the world, according to The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), the world’s largest dog organisation. Dog breed popularity come and go with fashions, meaning that the demand for breeds changes all the time. According to puppies.co.uk, the most searched-for breed in Swindon is Newfoundlands, or Newfies with approximately 10,000 monthly searches. The website said: 'Newfies are renowned for their intelligence, sweet disposition and gentle nature.” Charity Newfound Friends UK trains the breed in sea rescue, as well as to be therapy dogs. It describes Newfoundlands as “the calmest, most intuitive animals you will ever meet.” The American Kennel Club says: “Newfs are born swimmers, complete with partially webbed feet, and strong enough to save a grown man from drowning. Their prowess as rescuers is the stuff of legend: What the Saint Bernard is to the Alps, the Newfoundland is to the icy waters of the North Atlantic.' However, Newfoundlands are not cheap to keep. In fact, research by Sambla suggests they are the second most expensive dog to keep over their lifetime at £28,332. The Newfoundland, originating in what’s now modern-day Canada, can weigh anywhere between 55-80 kg, which explains the over £1,200 you will have to spend on food each year. A Newfoundland also costs just shy of £500 a year to be professionally groomed. After Newfoundlands were Golden Retrievers, considered by many to be the perfect family dog with 7,200 searches. In the third spot are German Shepherds at 5,500 searches, followed by 5,400 searches for Toy Poodles and 4,600 searches for Cockapoos. Meanwhile the most expensive dog according to Sambla is the Tibetan Mastiff costing a staggering £31,530 on average across their 13-year lifespan. Tibetan Mastiffs are an overall affectionate family dog breed, but one of the most expensive to buy as a puppy, costing an average of £2,333. Their food costs are also particularly pricey, costing on average £1,079 per annum. Meanwhile, the most affordable dog breeds are terriers. The Patterdale Terrier from England came out top as the most affordable dog breed to own costing £5,763 over its 13-year lifespan. This pet has an £893 average buying cost and the average food bill costs £99 per annum which works out to just £8.25 a month."

Newfoundland Fowl Feather Friends Sven and Olaf Are An Inseparable Pair and Protagonists of Book Series

(By Madison Walters, Tulsapeople.com, May 31, 2024) "Looking to add a little light into her family’s lives during the pandemic, Jessie Vallier adopted a Newfoundland puppy named Sven and a flock of ducks around the same time. Tragedy struck the small Broken Arrow farm one morning when it was discovered a coyote had attacked the flock, leaving a single survivor. A few days after the event, Vallier noticed the duck, fittingly named Olaf, had begun shadowing the puppy. It wasn’t long after that she found the two lounging in a kiddie pool together, and the pair has been inseparable since. Vallier and her family were surprised by the odd pairing’s unlikely friendship. 'It’s so funny to see this little duck do everything with this huge dog,' she says, adding 'it would make (us) forget for a second what was happening in the world.'

Not thinking anything would come from it, Vallier began posting videos of the pair on Instagram and was blown away by the response. 'We had the sweetest messages from people all over the world, saying their friendship was helping them get through the dark days,' she says. Fans began to leave comments saying the dog and duck’s friendship would make for a great book, and finally after a year of seeing these comments, Vallier decided to try her hand at writing a children’s book about the friends (with Sven going by “Biss” and Olaf by “Olee”). She enlisted illustrator Krystal Kramer, who lives in Mississippi, to create art for the project. The result was a book series titled “The Adventures of Biss and Olee,” of which the sequel “The Adventures of Biss and Olee: Work on the Farm” will tentatively release at the end of summer. The books can be purchased on Amazon and via publisher Bookbaby Bookshop at store.bookbaby.com. You can keep up with the duo on Instagram @adventuresofbissandolee."

Newfoundland Stops at Senior Living Community to "Demand Pets From All His Grandparents'"

(Devan MCuiness, Parade Pets October 15, 2023)

"When someone asks us to do something, and we don't want to, it's not unusual for us to drag our feet. That same sentiment is true for dogs, even the most easy-going ones will ignore requests. That's what one TikTok user experienced when their dog, Homer the Newf (@homerthenewf), politely ignored what his parent was telling him to do, and it's really cute. In the 33-second video, we see Homer, a giant Newfoundland dog, standing on the edge of the bed, looking out the window. "Is your friend walking by," the mom asks Homer before prompting him to get down. "Are you supposed to be up there," she asks. Homer doesn't break eye contact with whatever is going on outside. He politely tries to ignore his mom. "Homer," she says again, trying to get him to look at her. "Are you supposed to be in the window," she says, "Think you need to get down now. Come on." Homer hears his mom, and it looks like he's going to listen and get down. He takes his front paws off the window, but only for a quick second. He ignores her and goes right back to the window. "Oh, come on, you can do it. I can't lift you. You're too big. You gotta get down," mom pleads with the pup. Homer looks back at mom, then back outside, then at mom, before he decides to get down. "There you go, good boy," she praises Homer. It is an adorable video because it's easy to see that Homer really wanted to listen to his mom and get down. But he also really wanted to keep looking outside and politely ignored her. People in the comment section thought Homer was really cute in this video. He’s busy momma," one person shared. He is absolutely supposed to be up there," a TikTok viewer added. He says I'm looking for squirrels; leave me alone, Mom," someone shared. Ma’am. Homer has a job to do," another joked. According to the American Kennel Club, Newfoundland dogs are known for being "devoted, sweet, [and] patient," which is 100% what Homer was doing. Good boy, Homer!"

Henry Meets The Seals

At Pillar Point Harbor in Half Moon Bay

A Newfound Easter

Happy Birthday Dad

Newfoundland's Unlikely Friendship with Duck Should Inspire a Children's Book

(By Genny Glassman - PetHelpful - March 6, 2024)

'We tend to think that big animals and little animals could never get along. But the sweet friendship between a duck and a Newfoundland is proving everyone wrong. The pair are practically glued at the hip. Very fittingly, these two are named Sven and Olaf. Sven is the Newfie, while Olaf is his duck BFF. The pair live together on a farm and are basically living in a storybook. A video shows the two walking together around the grounds. Olaf is right by Sven's side. Even when Sven starts to run round the yard, the duck makes sure to stay close by. The two rough house a little one part of the video. And in another clip they take a dip in a baby pool together. So sweet! They couldn't be any more opposite from each other, but for some reason they totally fit. Later in the thread, their owner shared that while Sven and Olaf didn't grow up together their friendship was fast. "They were adopted separately but the duck imprinted on the dog a few months after we brought him home,' she wrote. Makes total sense! Commenters loved their friendship. 'Can this possibly make me any happier?' wondered one person. 'Every time the dog runs and the duck quacks; I swear the duck is saying; 'Hey, wait for me, I got small legs!' someone else joked. 'Had a Golden Retriever and a Mallard Duck growing up and honestly they did everything together. Awesome bond between animals,' a third person shared. Sven and Olaf's friendship is so special that their owners have turned their story into a children's book, 'Adventures of Biss & Olee Play on the Farm. The two even got to travel together and meet kids all over promoting the story. In another video on their page the duck and Newfoundland greeted children in Chanute, Kansas. The kids were so happy to see them. The two also cozied up with their owner while she read from their book during a reading too. Elsewhere on their page, it shows the pair shopping together. Is there nowhere they won't go as a duo? Olaf even had a little leash to keep him in check while they shopped. 'When your human takes you shopping for your mental health and your dog is slowing you down,' the video's onscreen caption reads. Too cute! It's like these two can't be apart. You'd never think that a dog and a duck would be as close as these two are. But their TikTok page proves their bond really is something special."

"Newfoundland's Unique Napping Spot Is Enough to Make Anyone Laugh Out Loud"

(Gabrielle LaFrank - PetHelpful - March 3, 2024)

"If you're a fan of dogs like I am (you're reading this--of course you are), then you know that there are endless things to appreciate about our four-legged friends. They show us unconditional love and keep us entertained, and their personalities are one in a million. You'll never meet two dogs who are exactly the same, even if they come from the same litter. From odd-sounding barks to weird ways of showing love, there are so many things to appreciate about your dog's individuality. Just ask Cocoa the Newfoundland's owner! This aloof Newf helps herself to any napping spot that tickles her fancy, and her loving owner has simply accepted it. Even so, Cocoa's viewers are still getting over the unique nap spot that her owner shared in a February 25 TikTok video. LOL! I thought this massive dog was snoozing on the kitchen floor at first, but it was actually the kitchen counter. For a tall girl like her, she probably barely has to jump to get up there, but for her viewers who are used to having smaller dogs around--it's quite a shock! Commenters love that this dog owner has just accepted where Coco prefers to sleep, but others have questions. Does she not have a dog bed? Of course, she does! Both Cocoa and her brother (also a Newfoundland dog) have extra large dog beds just for them, but this stubborn pup prefers the counter instead. This is far from the first time she's counter-surfed, though her canine brother hasn't seemed to pick up on the habit. 'I think she likes it there because the counter is cold. Imagine popping a granite slab on the floor,' suggested @chelseaberrytoronto. 'She’d never move!' I think you're onto something! Dogs with double-layered fur coats, including Newfoundlands, can get warm rather easily, so it makes sense for her to seek out a cold surface. But it turns out she likes the elevation, too! Her owner explained that they've tried everything, but she always goes back to the counter. Why Some Dogs Like the Cold: As I introduced, there are some dog breeds that are built to withstand the cold. These breeds have two layers of fur in their coat, and their fur is also water-repellent. This comes in handy when you get stuck in the rain on your afternoon walk, but it can become an annoyance when a dog like Cocoa is indoors. She could be a bit too warm! If this is the case, the cool countertop likely feels soothing with all that fur. But as her owner explained, not even her very own granite slab on the floor would do the trick. This gal needs the counter and nothing less!"

Remarkable Survival: Missing Newfoundland Mix "Costa" Braves Pembrokeshire Winter for Five Months

(By Israel Ojoko - March 2, 2024)

"Amidst the wild and rugged landscapes of rural Pembrokeshire, a heartwarming tale of survival and resilience unfolded over the past five months. Costa, a three-year-old Newfoundland Cross, miraculously weathered the harsh winter conditions after disappearing from his new owner's car en route to his forever home. His journey from a hopeful rehoming to a desperate fight for survival captured the hearts of the local community and animal lovers nationwide. Vanishing Act to Victorious Return: Costa's story began with his escape during a car ride, a mere 50 minutes away from Greenacres Rescue Centre in Haverfordwest, sparking an exhaustive search. For months, sightings of the nervy pup were sporadic and fleeting, fueling concerns for his well-being amidst the season's worst weather. The search effort saw a glimmer of hope when Drone Search and Rescue for Lost Dogs detected Costa on their cameras, leading to his capture with the aid of chicken broth. This moment marked a turning point, bringing Costa from the precipice of despair back to safety. Recovery and Renewal: Upon his return to Greenacres Rescue Centre, Costa's condition, although a bit tatty, was remarkably good considering his ordeal. The staff, overjoyed by his survival, noted his recovery phase mostly involved rest, indicative of his exhaustion from the months spent in survival mode. Costa's resilience not only demonstrates the incredible survival instincts of dogs but also highlights the importance of community and technology in rescuing lost pets. His clean bill of health from the vets was the best outcome the rescue team could hope for, painting a hopeful picture for his future. Looking Forward: Costa's tale is more than just a story of survival; it's a testament to the spirit of hope and the power of a community united for a common cause. As he awaits his forever home once again, Costa's journey serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges and dangers faced by animals in the wild, and the remarkable resilience they can exhibit. His adventure through the toughest months of the year, surviving against the odds, has not only given him a second chance at life but also brought to light the incredible work done by rescue organizations and volunteers. Costa's story, fraught with peril, yet ending in triumph, encourages a reflection on the bonds between humans and animals, and the extraordinary lengths to which both will go to protect and save one another. As this brave dog now rests comfortably, his future looks bright, symbolizing hope, resilience, and the indomitable will to survive against all odds."

Bobby Kennedy's Newfoundland Dog - Brumus

(Reprinted from "Robert F. Kennedy - His Life and His Legacy" - Time (2018)

"Robert Kennedy was an animal lover, with a collection of pets, primarily dogs. Of this menagerie, his well-known favorite was a Newfoundland Dog named Brumus from Little Bear kennels, who was his devoted companion, often accompanying him to his office while he served as Attorney General in his brother's administration. Seen here in a pose familiar to many Newfoundland owners, Brumus curls up next to his master's chair, keeping him company during his long hours at work. 'The most notorious (of Kennedy’s pets) was Brumus, the malodorous Newfoundland, who peed once on Senator Harry Byrd’s spaniel and twice on two ladies picnicking at Hickory Hill, and who got his name and mug shot on the lyric sheet of the Jefferson Airplane’s Crown of Creation album. The doors to RFK's office was often open, and the staff felt free to drop in. The walls of his office were covered with his children's drawings, and his oversized, undersupervised Newfoundland dog, Brumus, annoyed visitors. When Bobby brought to work his beloved Brumus, the black Newfoundland who was the size of a pony and could drool at will, he let nature call in the courtyard and trusted the guards would clean up after him. Taped on the walnut paneling were brightly colored drawings done by Bobby and Ethel's children. There was a dartboard on the wall, a football on the desk. And, more often than not, there was Brumus - a huge, ill-tempered Newfoundland who nipped at visitors, stole food, raised his leg on the furniture, drooled on staff. Bobby adored him. If the dog was left at Hickory Hill, he whined at the front door until his master returned. Bobby couldn't bear the idea of Brumus spending a long, unhappy day at home, so every morning, the attorney general and his shaggy sidekick climbed into a chauffer-driven Cadilac and set off for work. Bobby found the limosine a little embarrassing, but the ride gave him a few uninterrupted minutes to go through paperwork - - and besides, Bumus liked it.'"

"Seaman" Statue Repaired After Vandals Strike

(By Doug Flanagan - February 22, 2024 - Cames-Washoul Post Record)

"One of Washougal’s most visible public art installations has been restored after receiving an unwelcome new coat of paint last month. Heather Soderberg Greene, a Cascade Locks, Oregon-based artist, traveled to Washougal on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, to show some love for her creation, “Seaman,” the bronze sculpture of a Newfoundland dog that has stood in downtown Washougal’s Reflection Plaza since 2015. Molly Coston, the president of the Washougal Arts and Culture Alliance president and a member of the Washougal City Council, told other city officials on Feb. 12, that the sculpture had been vandalized. 'It was painted with oil-based paints — the whole face red, white and blue. It was very, very obvious. It’s really very ugly. It’s unfortunate,' Coston said. 'This, of course, reminds us that we do need to maintain all of our public artwork, which is an expense for the City.' The Washougal Police Department ("WPD") said they have no leads or suspects, but that the vandalism occurred over the New Year’s holiday. “On. Jan. 3, I was made aware of a cold (case of) malicious mischief at Reflection Plaza. I was told the dog statue ‘Seaman’ had been painted,” Washougal police officer Kyle Kinnan stated in a police report. 'Upon my arrival, I found (the sculpture’s) face painted red, white and blue (and) took photographs of the damage. Looking around, I did not see any businesses with security cameras. I contacted the employees at Mary Jane’s (House of Glass), as they were closest to the damaged statue. They confirmed they did not have cameras that would pick up the location of the statue,' Kinnan stated in the report. “They did tell me the statue was already painted on Jan. 1, when they arrived at work in the morning and believed it was a New Year’s Eve prank.” Green used metalworking tools to remove the sculpture’s patina — a colored film on the surface of the bronze that is produced by oxidation over time — and apply a new one. 'Because of the age and weathering of the statue, I couldn’t just fix his face where the vandalism was done,' she said. 'First, I took a large propane torch and superheated the metal, burning off all debris, wax and clear-coat. The largest problem was the paint used for vandalizing was industrial heat-resistant paint. That was a major problem and took a lot of work removing. I had to use a pneumatic buffer to take it off.' Once she’d cleaned the sculpture, Green applied a fresh patina. 'I airbrushed a black patina oxide that chemically permeates the hot bronze, turning it black,' she said. 'Once the metal was cool to the touch, I sealed the whole statue with a clear lacquer. When that was completely dry, I waxed the statue to protect the patina and clear-coat from the elements.' Greene said she was 'very sad and disheartened to hear' that her sculpture had been vandalized. 'I have been very fortunate, and this was the first time it has happened to my statues,' she said. 'I am mostly very sad for the person that damaged him. I am sure they would be very hurt if someone destroyed something that they created. I truly hope that maybe instead of vandalizing other people’s work and property that maybe they would take that energy and put it towards creation and finding an outlet in their own painting — they seem to like colors. Creating art soothes all of my anxiety, pain and uncertainty in the world right now, and I wish for everyone struggling to be able to find a source of comfort. Greene created the sculpture, which depicts Seaman, the only animal to complete the famous Lewis and Clark Expedition of the early 1800s, in 2015. WACA purchased and installed the structure later that year."

Happy President's Day

Henry Before The Storm

Newfoundland Dog Breed: The Gentle Giant with a Heart of Gold

(Political Insights - February 7, 2024)

"Regal, majestic, and downright incredible – these are just a few of the words that could be used to describe the Newfoundland dog breed. These gentle giants have captured the hearts of dog lovers for centuries, and for good reason. With their beautiful coats, impressive size, and remarkable temperament, it’s hard not to fall in love with these magnificent canines. In this exhaustive article, we’ll delve deep into the world of the Newfoundland dog breed and uncover everything there is to know about these big-hearted beauties. A Glimpse into the Origins of the Newfoundland Dog As with any breed, the history of the Newfoundland dog is a fascinating tale that offers insight into how these gentle giants came to be. To truly appreciate the uniqueness of this breed, it’s essential to understand its origins, development, and the factors that shaped its physical and behavioral traits. The Birthplace of a Breed: Newfoundland Island As the name suggests, the Newfoundland dog breed hails from Newfoundland Island, a remote and rugged region located off the eastern coast of Canada. The island’s challenging climate and harsh terrain played a significant role in shaping the dogs that call it home. The Newfoundland’s ancestors were likely working dogs brought to the island by early European settlers, who required strong, hardy animals to assist them in their daily lives. From Fishermen’s Helpers to World Renown Initially, the Newfoundland dog was bred primarily for its working abilities, particularly in assisting fishermen with their heavy nets and gear. The breed’s strength, endurance, and water-loving nature made them ideal for this role, and it wasn’t long before their reputation spread far and wide. By the 18th and 19th centuries, Newfoundland dogs had become highly sought-after across Europe and America, not just for their working abilities, but also for their remarkable beauty and gentle disposition. A Royal Connection: The Newfoundland’s Noble Fanbase The Newfoundland dog’s rise in popularity caught the attention of many notable figures, including several members of European royalty. Queen Victoria herself was a known admirer of the breed, owning several Newfoundlands throughout her life. This royal connection helped to further cement the breed’s status as both a working dog and a highly desirable companion animal. Physical Traits and Characteristics of the Newfoundland Dog One cannot discuss the Newfoundland dog breed without acknowledging their most striking feature – their size. However, there’s more to these gentle giants than just their impressive stature. Let’s take a closer look at the unique physical traits and characteristics that set the Newfoundland breed apart from other dogs. Size and Weight: Male Newfoundland dogs typically stand between 27 to 29 inches tall and weigh between 130 to 150 pounds. Females, on the other hand, are slightly smaller, measuring between 25 to 27 inches in height and weighing between 100 to 120 pounds. This makes the Newfoundland one of the largest dog breeds in existence. Coat and Coloring: The Newfoundland’s coat is thick, waterproof, and double-layered, consisting of a dense undercoat and a long, wavy outer coat. This unique coat allows the breed to withstand the harsh conditions of its native homeland and provides exceptional insulation against cold temperatures. Newfoundland dogs come in a variety of colors, including black, brown, gray, and a distinctive black and white pattern known as “Landseer.” Muzzle and Jowls: Another distinguishing feature of the Newfoundland breed is its broad, square muzzle and pronounced jowls. These facial traits contribute to the breed’s powerful appearance and also serve a practical purpose – the large jowls help to funnel water away from the dog’s nostrils when swimming. Webbed Feet: To help them navigate the rough waters of their native environment, Newfoundland dogs have webbed feet, which enable them to swim more efficiently and with greater power. This trait is not only useful for their original purpose as working dogs but also makes them excellent candidates for water rescue work. The Gentle Giant: Temperament and Behavior of the Newfoundland Dog: While their size and physical traits are certainly impressive, it’s the Newfoundland dog’s temperament and behavior that truly set them apart. These gentle giants have earned their nickname thanks to their incredible patience, kindness, and loyalty. Affectionate and Friendly: Newfoundland dogs are renowned for their gentle, lovingnature. They form strong bonds with their families and are known to be especially good with children, often displaying a level of patience and tolerance that is truly remarkable. Their friendly disposition also extends to other animals, making them excellent companions for multi-pet households. Calm and Easygoing: Despite their impressive size, Newfoundland dogs tend to have a very calm and easygoing demeanor. They are not prone to anxiety or hyperactivity, making them well-suited for a variety of living situations, including suburban homes and even city apartments – provided they have ample space to move around. Intelligent and Trainable: Newfoundland dogs are highly intelligent and eager to please, which makes them relatively easy to train. They respond well to positive reinforcement and gentle guidance and are quick to pick up on new commands and skills. Their intelligence and trainability have also made them valuable assets in various working roles, including search and rescue, therapy, and service work. Protective and Loyal: While not aggressive by nature, Newfoundland dogs are known to be fiercely loyal and protective of their families. Their size and presence alone can serve as a deterrent to any would-be intruders, but if necessary, a Newfoundland dog will not hesitate to defend its loved ones. This protective instinct, coupled with their gentle nature, makes them excellent watchdogs and guardians. Caring for a Newfoundland Dog: Health, Grooming, and Exercise Needs As with any dog breed, proper care and maintenance are essential to ensuring a happy, healthy life for your Newfoundland companion. From grooming and exercise to health considerations and potential challenges, it’s essential to understand the unique needs of these gentle giants. Health Considerations Newfoundland dogs are generally a healthy breed, but like any large dog, they can be prone to certain health issues. Some of the most common concerns for Newfoundlands include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, heart issues (such as subvalvular aortic stenosis), and cystinuria (a genetic condition that can lead to kidney stones). Regular check-ups with your veterinarian and appropriate screening tests can help to identify and address these issues early on. Grooming Needs Due to their thick, double-layered coat, Newfoundland dogs require regular grooming to keep them looking and feeling their best. Brushing should be done at least once a week to remove loose hair and prevent matting. Additionally, their coat may need to be trimmed every few months, particularly around the ears, paws, and hindquarters. Nail trimming, ear cleaning, and dental care should also be part of your Newfoundland’s regular grooming routine. Exercise and Activity While Newfoundland dogs are not as high-energy as some breeds, they still require regular exercise to maintain their health and happiness. Daily walks and play sessions are essential, and because of their natural affinity for water, swimming can be an excellent form of exercise for these gentle giants. It’s important to remember, however, that due to their size, Newfoundland dogs can be prone to joint issues, so it’s best to avoid high-impact activities or excessive exercise, particularly during their growth and development stages. Training and Socialization Early training and socialization are crucial for any dog, but they are especially important for a breed as large and powerful as the Newfoundland. Proper training and exposure to a variety of people, animals, and environments will help to ensure that your Newfoundland grows into a well-mannered, confident, and well-adjusted adult. Group training classes, puppy socialization events, and regular outings can all help to provide the necessary foundation for a happy, well-behaved Newfoundland dog. In conclusion, the Newfoundland dog breed is a true marvel – a gentle giant with a heart of gold, unmatched loyalty, and a stunning presence. Whether serving as a steadfast working dog, a loving family companion, or a courageous guardian, these incredible canines have proven time and time again that they truly are one of a kind. By understanding and embracing the unique needs and characteristics of the Newfoundland dog, you can embark on a rewarding journey with a truly extraordinary canine companion."

First Swim of 2024

Pub Attempting To Track Down Piece of "Newfoundland-Labrador" History

(Alfie Lumb - Yahoo News - January 23, 2024)

"One of the oldest pubs in Dorset is attempting to track down an antique item that symbolises the long history of the watering hole. The landladies of the Black Dog pub on St Mary Street in Weymouth, who have been at the hostelry for nearly three years, are appealing to the public to help them be reunited with their old hanging sign. The painted sign that is being tracked down features both a black Labrador and a white dove, a nod to both names the pub took on in its history. The sign, a mainstay of the pub, is thought to have been sold back in 2012. It was last seen on an online auction site after it was sold to an unknown person for £62.

Built sometime in the 16th century, probably during the reign of Elizabeth I, the pub was formerly known as The Dove Ale House until Weymouth won the contract to trade with the new colonies of Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada. The landlord (at the time) of this Weymouth pub purchased the first black 'Newfoundland Labrador' dog ever seen in the south west from one of the new trading ships from that region. The dog, apparently, brought such an amazing number of curious sightseers from the surrounding area that the landlord changed the name of the pub in honour of the dog that had brought so much prosperity and interest to the hostelry. Pub landladies Heidi Bennett and her mum Debbie said they decided to launch an appeal to get the sign back after a member of staff spotted it online after it was sold. Heidi said: 'We were looking into the history of the pub and a member of staff came across the Black Dog hanging sign for sale online a while ago and brought it to our attention. We knew that it was from our pub as it has the Devenish brewery painted below it and features the Labrador, as well as a white dove due to the pub formerly being known as the Dove Ale House.' Heidi went on to say that the antique painting was sold in the online auction for £62, and hopes that it has passed into the hands of someone local as the delivery option stated ‘local delivery only.’ She said: 'It would be nice to have it back or see who has hold of it at the very least - we’d like to either hang it inside the pub or put it back outside as the swinging sign.'

Heidi added that she hopes the current owner has a connection to the pub after purchasing the sign, saying she’d find it ‘hard to believe’ if not, due to the payment and local pick-up. 'It’s such a cool sign and it connects the old with the new and the great history of the pub,' she added. Anyone with any information is urged to make contact with the Black Dog, either by popping into the establishment on St Mary Street or call 01305 771426."

Italy's Lifeguard Dogs Work With Humans To Create A "Six-Legged Unit" For Water Rescues

(By Annie Reneau - Upworthy.com - January 4, 2024)

"If you're enjoying the gorgeous waters off the coast of Italy and find yourself swept out by a riptide or a rogue wave or in some other kind of water peril, you might be surprised by who comes to save you. Lifeguards on Italy's beaches will sometimes bring a canine companion along with them to assist with water rescues. These aren't just any old dogs—they're specially trained lifeguard dogs who are paired with a human, making a 'six-legged unit' that's able to paddle multiple swimmers to safety. According to Ferruccio Pilenga, president of the Italian School for Lifeguard Dogs, our furry friends make ideal lifeguard partners because they are able to remain calm under pressure and instinctively choose the safest path through the water currents to get back to shore safely. And because the dogs are able to keep both the rescuer and the person(s) being rescued afloat, they allow the human lifeguard to conserve energy and focus on being a more effective rescuer. 'I always say, to pull a sled you need at least six dogs. To pull six people, you only need one dog,' shares Pilenga. The lifeguard school has over 350 certified rescue dogs. They currently save between 20 and 30 people a year, with those numbers increasing each year. These heroes jump from speeding boats and helicopters to reach people in distress. The training is rigorous and exhausting, but the dogs seem to enjoy it. Pilenga started the training school after his own dog, a Newfoundland named Mas, rescued his daughter when she was struggling to stay above water in a lake as a young child. Newfoundlands make great water rescue dogs with their thick double coats, webbed feet, and immense size and strength that allows them to pull large loads behind them as they swim. But other breeds of dogs are trained at the Italian School for Lifeguard Dogs as well. The school is serving as an inspiration for other countries to utilize dogs to aid in water rescues. In fact, there's even an American Academy of Canine Water Rescue in Massachusetts. What a wonderful way to use a dog's natural strengths to save lives."

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