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."