Newbie to the world of Newfies

[Charlie]

Just thought I'd stop lurking and drop a line and introduce myself. I am not yet a Newfie owner but am thinking about it. My fiance, a nurse with an air ambulance unit, works with a SAR Newfie (2 yr old male) and would like to bring him home to live with us during the "off-duty" hours. Arnie (the dog)is owned by the owner of the company since his previous handler left to go to another job and couldn't take the dog with him. The owner has both Arnie's Mom & Dad (they both are SAR dogs with the company too) and would very much like Arnie to have his own family that could spend more time with him. He apparenly has bonded really well with my fiance inthe 3 months they have been working together.

I'm looking forward to it actually cause all the research I've done says Newfies are friendly, affectionate,smart (with out being too dominant) and fairly laid back - which is what we (my fiance & I) were looking for when we started about 18 months ago looking at various breeds.

Anyhow, just thought I'd say Hi and ask for any tips on what to expect with a Newfie. I'll meet Arnie next week when hubby to be brings him home for a sleep over visit.

Cheers!!

PS - Not overly worried about hair as we have one Siamese/tabby cat that sheds HUGE amounts of hair. I can brush her daily and take 4-5 brush fulls of her hair out. She has a very thick, dense undercoat even though she is a short-haired cat.

 

[Juli]

Charlie,
Welcome. This is a warm and informative group. Sounds like you are being given a nice opportunity. We have a pup and I don't think I ever want to go thru this stage again! Having a such a well trained dog sounds great to me. What will your responsibilities to him be? Will you be responsible for more of his training or just the loving

They are a wonderful, sensitive breed. I can't imagine ever living without one. Good luck with your first meeting.
GAD has an informative FAQ if you haven't seen it.
Juli

 

[shawn]

Welcome!!! I am the PROUD owner of a wonderful 6 month old newf (Newman), who is very much loved. I think that any newf is a grand experience. I have cat and another dog who are both 12 yrs old and when I got my Newmie 4 months ago it turned our quiet, calm world unside down!!

Newmie is much like a tornado. He is so hyper and nosey and loving. I absolutey adore him, but it has taken alot for my others to warm up to him. My cat especially, since poor Bear usually has "Newf Glue" all over his head from frequent ear washings by Newmie.

I have had MANY dogs in my life, but my Newmie is definitely my favorite. He is worth all of the drool, hair, and the other numerous things he tears up, hides and eats.
You just have to love 'em!!
shawn

 

[HeatherL]

Charlie,
Welcome, newfies are a wonderful bread and I'm sure you will grow to love them as much as we all do. Glad to have you on board.

Heather

 

[Greg L]

Charlie sez "PS - Not overly worried about hair as we have one Siamese/tabby cat that sheds HUGE amounts of hair. I can brush her daily and take 4-5 brush fulls of her hair out. She has a very thick, dense undercoat even though she is a short-haired cat. "

Heh heh heh (evil grin)

When Fezzik is shedding I can usually get 4-5 cat fulls of hair a day from him.

Welcome. I think that it would be a good idea to bring him home with you. You miss out on the joys

of puppyhood, but it sounds like he is already well trained. We rescued Fezzik a few months ago (18 months old now) and he is just starting to figure out the "sit" thing. He tries but is stubborn at (most) times. Still, I wouldn't trade him for the world (where would I keep everything

). He is our 3rd newf. We lost one back in Jan and were newfless for the first time in over a decade. The house didn't seem right without one around. So have fun and enjoy him, but once they are in your heart don't expect them to leave.

Greg

 

[AmyPC]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Greg L:
Still, I wouldn't trade him for the world (where would I keep everything

).

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Heehee.

Welcome Charlie.

I know about the shedding thing too. We used to have a Golden Retriever. 'I know all about long haired, high maintenence dogs', I though. 'A Newf? No problem!'

HA!

The Golden Retriever was a sinch, in hindsight. But I don't mind. I actually like to brush and comb my girl. It's kind of a challenge.

People ask me "Oh, does she shed much?".
Words just can't explain. And she's not a Newf with a massive coat either...(we live in warmish temps)...I just can't imagine what that would be like!

Anyway, can't wait to hear all about your little zoo!

 

[Charlie]

Thank you for all the encouragement. We should have Arnie for one night on Wednesday and after that we'll see how it goes. I know I've missed the puppy stage but I'm kinda glad abouot that one. Stephen my hubby will be responsible for doing some more SAR training (they have done water and wilderness rescue training and want to do some urban)with him but for me it is just loving part.

About the cat hair - I'm not kidding - I figure Bella (the cat)is trying to make a replica of herself in fur. the 4-5 brushfuls is just what I brush out before I quit. I could go back 10 minutes later and do the same again.

Well thanks for the encouragement, I'mm really looking forward to this and expect lots of questions.