I'm NEW HELP

[melldbrown]

I rescued a 4 month old newfoundland pup 3 weeks ago and need all the information I can get. Please any and all information concerning this breed and how best to help him be the great dog I already learned he could be would be a god send. He was found in a snow covered road with two ropes tied so tight around his neck he was choking to death. Over the past three weeks we have had him in our home, he has recovered from his wounds around his neck. But, I know almost nothing about this breed before I took him in. Please e-mail me any thing that could help us.
Thank you very much,
Mel and Gulliver

 

[sarnewfie]

Wowza!
i take it his name is gulliver.
it is good you came along and saved him, how bad were his wounds? and do you think he was dragged behind a car or something? or what he dumped?
how awful for this newf, do you have photos to share of him? we would love to see him.
the board here is a wealth of knowlege, if you like you can go to the newfoundland club of america website and cruise around reading all the information there, maybe jeanie and annie can post the link the the regional club in the ohio area?
you can meet other newf people, watch the water work in the springand summer!
it sounds like he has found a wonderful family to love him

 

[dragonmeister]

Hi and welcome,

Can you give us more details about his physical condition. What about his coat? And his behavior?

Anne

 

[melldbrown]

I work in the construction field, one of my co-workers found Gulliver in the road coming in to work, it was a very snowy morning,Bad road cond. Randy risked his life to pull the pup out of the intersection. Put him in one of our sorage rooms for safe keeping, not knowing he had ropes tied around his neck, his furry coat covered them. He showed him to me mid morning, saying he could not understand why the dog only choked when he trid to drink the water he was giving him. I felt the knots in his fur and realized there was more there then just fur. It took us over twenty minutes to cut the ropes off. They had worn into his neck, all healed now. Gulliver, I call him because he is going to be big and has traveled who knows where, just licked me and feel into my heart. We believe he was likely hit by a car, and he could not use one of his back legs for a few days. I took him to the vet, there was no broke THANK GOD. It took him a week to feel better. His wiskers where almost gone. And he is more then just bones and fur now. He started getting his teeth cut this friday, which is what the vet told me to look for so we could judge his age. His first bath was a real mess but, he still likes the tub. His coat is the softest coat I have ever felt on a pup and is slightly curly. He looks just like all the black newfoundland pics I have found. He is the most laid back animal I have ever met. There are a few thing that just scare him silly, any machine noise. But, he is stuck to me like glue. Very smart, but very laid back. Sorry I have no pictures at the moment I will get some this week. How anyone could be so mean to such a sweet creature... The area I am working in at the moment where he was found is not a good area and some of the guys there say people steal dogs to use to train their fighting dogs with, that is what some of the guys at work believe was his fate until we found him. They say he was probably going to be used as bait. NOW he is almost King of the house, Thank you. Any hints on helping him over his fears, besides letting him know no one will ever hurt him again.

 

[Jeannie]

Mel,
Where in Ohio are your from. I am in Ohio and I know many people in the state that have newfs. We can hook you up with your local newf club. There you will find a wealth of information. I would also like to find a mentor for you, someone to help you with your pup.

First things first. What are you feeding him? Do not I repeat do not feed puppy food. Feed only a low protien (low 20% range) adult dog food, otherwise your puppy will grow too quickly and be prone to many health/joint problems.

I work with rescue by fostering surrendered newfs till they are healthy enough to go to their forever home. I myself have three newfs, all are rescues.

Please email me. I would love to help jggrosch@newfland.com

 

[Kodiak]

Mel, welcome to NewfNet!

I applaud your friend for risking his life to save this puppy! If only Gulliver could talk and tell you what he's been through. He sounds like he's had a rough start! You'll get alot of information from those on this board who are involved with rescues. We're sending newfie hugs and slobbery kisses to you all!

 

[dogger]

Mel, you are a star and an angel

. thank god Gulliver has found you (destiny) and thank god you found newfnet. Jeanie will hook you up, she is a gal in the know. Welcome to the page. I so look forward to pictures of this wonderful fur ball of joy who has fallen into your family and your heart.

 

[Annie Milliron]

Mel,

My husband & I live in Beavercreek, which is a suburb on the east side of Dayton. If we are anywhere near you, we'd be happy to meet and help you anyway we can.

If you're not nearby, we're here on Newf Net, which is a very special place where you can learn and get support.

I'm horrified by Gulliver's story. Thank God he was found and is now safe with you!

Annie

 

[Pam G]

Mel,
Welcome to Newf-Net.

Wow...that is quite a rescue story. There are several of us here that have pups around that age..so this is the right place to learn how to care for your new baby. I can't wait to see pictures. Good luck with him.

 

[AmyPC]

Mel,

I am so, so sad about Gulliver's story.

Poor darling.

Welcome to Newf Net. It sounds as if you stumbled into Newfoundlands almost by accident, so feel free to ask anything of anyone...I know all the Newf Netters will be willing to answer any questions and to direct you to any information.

 

[FuzzyDustBunnies]

Welcome!!! And thank God someone was there to rescue that poor puppy. His story makes me want to cry. You will find lots of knowledgable people here who are more than willing to help you out every step of the way. Please keep us posted on Gulliver.

 

[Halli's Mom]

OH MY GOSH! I'm sitting at work crying reading the story about Gulliver! How could anyone be so cruel? You are truly a saint.

 

[afreas]

My attempt at a short list of things to do, not in any order. (There are others that can add or correct it on the list, please feel free)

1) Vet check (sounds like this has be done already though). See what you need to do to get vaccinations up to date per the vet's reccomendations.

2) Socialize, socialize, socialize. Take the dog to as many safe places with nice people as possible. Bring treats and have the other people give the treats to the dog. (makes the dog associate strangers and new places with nice things.) This also extends to other dogs, see if you can find some folks with really laid back dogs and socialize the pup with other dogs as well as people.

3) Puppy proof your house. One word of caution, since you are dealing with a newf, think high. Newfies can get to things a lot higher up than most dogs. Kimber got a bar of soap off one of those shelf things that hang from a shower head, so think really high.

4) Train, find a good (kind) trainer to help you out, the dog is getting a later start than you would like so you need to make the most of the time.

5) Get some toys and such for the dog to chew on, try to find things you can put in the frige as they help with the teething. Work with your vet on what toys to avoid though. There are a lot of toys that aren't quite newf proof.

6) Enjoy! These are the sweetest kindest animals on the face of the earth.

ART

 

[melldbrown]

THANKS to all of you, I am learning alot here. I am usually a german shepherd owned person but, it has been three years since I have been owned by a dog. Gulliver was a GOD send and a blessing to me and I'm sure will teach me alot. It was me who was the lucky one to have him come into my life. He is such a baby, and he knows he takes care of him already. I hope to get him over his fears of loud machine noises. He is not much on dog treats, really. Takes them to his create to keep for whenever. We have a neighbor who brings the dog from a few doors down to play in our back yard so he has a doggie friend to play with a few hours a day. He has lots of toys already and we go shopping every friday for new ones. Gulliver understands the word "no" from me but when Daddy Bear uses it doesn't responed with much notice. He knows his daddy bear is a bit of a push-over. Gulliver goes to the vet again for another checkup on wednesday, as far all is going really good with his life change. Thank you all again for your concern for him. I did take him off puppy food, which I found out yesterday was not the best for him. Does anyone know which food is the best for him?

 

[Sound Bay Newfs]

You sound like you are on the right track with Gulliver so far. It sounds like destiny that you two came together!

As far as food goes, there are a lot of threads here about foods if you have some time to go back and read them all, but to summarize I think the brands most fed here are: Wysong, Flint River, Wellness to name a few. As long as the protein is low and there is no fillers, you should be OK.

When Gulliver is around machine noises and is scared, just try to laugh it off and ignore it. If you show concern for his fear of pet him and reassure, you actually will be praising him for being afraid. You would be better off saying with a laugh, "Wow aren't those silly machines noisy". Over time and with socialization, he will come around.

There is a wealth of information here and if you could find another newf owner in you area that would be helpful. Check with your vet or a local grooming shop to see if they know of other newfs you could meet with.

Keep us posted with his progress!

[ 03-04-2003, 08:40 AM: Message edited by: NewfYork ]

 

[AngusMcDubhsMom]

Hi Mel and Gulliver! Welcome to the best group of Newf lovers around. There are a lot of very knowledgeable people on this net and I've learned so much.Do follow tips from Annie and Jeannie and Sar and the others in your area who can maybe get to know you and Gulliver personally too. What a horrible story and what a happy ending. Big sloppy Newf kisses from Angus the Newf.

You're already finding out why we call them "velcro" dogs. Their biggest desire is to be near the one they love, in this case, you. Newfs are very sensitive and loving and you have just been blessed with a big furry angel. Best of luck to both of you. Anne and Angus

 

[alexmaddy]

Welcome to Newf Net. What a sad but wonderful tale. You won't be disappointed with your Newf. They are the most loving, gentle creatures around. Please keep us all posted on Gulliver's successes You will find a ton of excellent and helpful information on this site.

 

[dbradley]

WOW

I am so glad that Gulliver has found a good home with people who will love him.

Good luck to you both!

 

[newfpup]

All information to learn of the Newfoundland should be available through the Newfoundland Club of America website:
http://www.newfdogclub.org/

Also, there are two clubs in your area which may be a source of information and assistance:
South Central Newfoundland Club
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Prairie/3683/
And Penn-Ohio Newfoundland Club:
http://www.homestead.com/PennOhioNewfoundlandClub/index.html

Jeannie is correct, put him on a high quality low protein adult food. Have you any idea of his age and weight?

You may have been a Shepherd person before; don't be too surprised if you see something in this breed you didn't see in your Shepherds.

 

[Sound Bay Newfs]

Wonder how Gulliver is doing?