Speaking of Newfis and the Slobber

[Dave Fleming]

Our sorely missed Rona.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid79/p4e001b6d32f861a05c44eac254d127bb/fb1764e5.jpg

[Donn]

What a beauty!

[NormMessinger]

What an expression! Wonderful.

I read an article recently about the ability of dogs to communicate with people, specifically their ability to read peoples expression. Wolves do not have that ability so the asumption was made that dog's ability has evolved over their long association with people. Keep them away, I could get to likeing the mutts.

[Donn]

IT doesn't take long for a wolf to learn how to comm with a human. I took care of 3 of them over the years, and had no trouble talking to them at all.

Newfs are amazingly intelligent and people oriented. They need a longer lifespan, because losing one is really tragic.

[Dave Fleming]

They need a longer lifespan, because losing one is really tragic.
So true, Jake at 3, Rona at 11, Buck at 7, tough lads tough.

All with that heart problem. We had to put Rona down. The others died in their sleep. Not a nice thing for 3 young sons to go out and find their dog in the long sleep.

<insert big gulp here>

[Bob Smalser]

Nan is 12 and still going strong....

...being a 100lb mere runt probably helps longevity, tho.

http://pic3.picturetrail.com/VOL12/1104763/2597650/33784389.jpg

[skuthorp]

Much sympathy Dave. We had 2, Shannon and Jackson, both made round 11. You never get over a Newfie, they're such a big presence in your life.

[Ed Harrow]

Oh what a face... what a look...

Beau had the slobber drool part pretty well locked up - he could get it a good 6' up a wall, but couldn't hold a candle to that face. Not hard to miss, but damn hard to loose.

[Bob Smalser]

http://pic3.picturetrail.com/VOL12/1104763/2595357/33822434.jpg

Ship's dog. Fisherman's dog. Water dog. Children's lifeguard. Loves all critters and all people...will work for anybody....and pull anybody or anything out of the drink when needed.

Second only to the Polar Bear in swimming ability...have had Nan tow people against a 3 knot tidal current, make headway, and not quit til the job was done.

If ya want another...and you do need another....I strongly recommend Judi Adler at this Portland kennel...bred to work and not to show...real work ethic bred out of many of the bench lines..and healthier, happier dogs as a consequence:

http://www.sweetbay.com/

http://www.sweetbay.com/intro6.jpg

http://www.sweetbay.com/KyakWD.jpg

http://www.sweetbay.com/SloaneWRD.jpg

http://www.sweetbay.com/water2.jpg

http://www.sweetbay.com/Kirbywatch.jpg

[Dave Fleming]

Bit of a story.
Was injured on 9/9/89 result inner ear damage on left side, the balance chamber don'cha know.

Rona was a rescue dog aka rescued from the pound by the local Newfi Club secretary. We had been in touch with the club about a dog for me. Finally we were informed of Rona. Sec. brought her to our place, I was still in the initial recovery period and pretty drugged up. Sec. came in with Rona and let her off leash. She came right over to me and sat down with her big head on my lap. It was love at first sight. That Newf without any training could sense when I was about to have a vertigo attack and put her 135 Lb body right in front of me so that I could lean against her. If I went out by the swimming pool she would be between me and the pool at all times.
Dogs ain't they some'thin'???

[Bob Smalser]

Perfect work dog for me. My Safety Officer. Doesn't chase game.

Guards me constantly as I work alone....how she figures when something is dangerous and needs her close attention I don't know.

She also patrols the ponds for trespassing kids to guard.

Felled a 30k lb tree once that went the wrong way...right at her....she calmly watched the tree come at her until she was sure of where it would land...and walked, didn't run, out of the path of danger. Thought I lost her that day but she emerged from that tangle with her usual grin.

Amazing dogs...the only cure is to replace them.

[ 09-15-2003, 09:54 AM: Message edited by: Bob Smalser ]

[Figment]

My wife read something off the web last night about the latest additions to Italy's "Dangerous Dogs" list (usually includes pit bulls, rottweilers, etc.)

Welsh Corgi
St. Bernard
Newfi

I thought she was joking, but there it was on the screen. I know they're big, strong dogs and as a result of irresponsible training could therefore be dangerous, but MY GOD!!!

I think too many italians have been watching Cujo.

[DavesFlatsBoat]

My Newfi runt - Lucky - 105lbs is the gentlest of giants, but when he tangles, he tangles for keeps.
Won't bite a biscut without an invitation (though he begs & drools shamelessly) - but woe be it to anyone doing the family harm - they wouldn't hear a thing until his jaws were firmly imbedded.
Just wish I could swim him, but it is Florida & we have a bit of a reptile problem.

[Bob Smalser]

Hard to imagine a "dangerous" Newf...but I spose if your tried real hard with serious abuse, you could make one mean....I did know a dangerous Springer Spaniel once...and that would take some work, too...but it was a fear-biter rather than mean.

But having said all the good things...there's a downside, too. Heavy, oily, smelly, hard-to-care-for coats. Messy, wet-mouthed dogs that like to stand in their water buckets. Many bench-bred lines are unhealthy and have poor work ethic and weak courage....select breeders carefully....and the better the work ethic, the more active the dog, so ones like Adlers that are bred to work might not be the good apartment dogs the more cold-blooded bench-breds are.

They also generally have zero loyalty - ship's dogs took commands from everybody. Nan lives for trucks as much as people...she'll gladly accept a ride in yours and gladly adopt your family...and one meal later, she's your dog.

[Fishboat]

My condolences Dave. I lost my 8 year old Golden to cancer last March & I'm still not right.

http://users.wi.net/~datuboat/images/myboy2.jpg