Puppy News!

[HPond]

ok, taking breaths......My breeder called tonight to let me know that my puppy's Momma is definitely pregnant and looks like she will be having 4 puppies. (due mid-March) Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh! I get 2nd pick of a female. So now all these 'what-ifs' are flooding my brain. What if there are 3 males and 1 female, what if they don't pass health clearances, what if there are only actually 3 puppies and they're all male,....etc.!!!! I have wanted a Newf since I was 9 yrs. old and 23 years later I'm so happy that being owned by a Newf is a soon to be reality. SO now I just worry about if something goes wrong, etc. I won't be able to relax until puppy is on my lap and we're on our way home. Ahhhhhhhh!!!

So what I'm wondering is how everyone dealt with this period...that moment when you know your puppy is on the way, but you're not quite there yet. Any advice, input, thoughts, stories, I would love to hear it all! Thanks!!

 

[Kanela]

Extreme excitement, nervousness, worry, doubt...but most of all, I remember the butterflies in my stomach. And the dreams! I averaged at LEAST one dream a week. Intense, colorful, realistic dreams where I could actually hear, feel and smell my puppy. I thought I would lose my mind with impatience. This was also my first Newf after a lifetime of loving them from afar.

I remember constantly visiting the Library and all manner of bookstores for any and all information pertaining to puppy care. Particularly Newfy puppy care if I was fortunate to find such books. It had been 11 years for me and not only do you forget a lot during that time, training techniques have also come a long way since then.

I also remember scouring the Internet for resources on Water Rescue and Drafting competitions. I visualized my baby being the highlight of Christmas and St. Patrick's Day parades, pulling a festively decorated cart with me walking proudly next to her, waving to the crowd. I could picture in detail her black, glistening fur dotted with water that sparkled like jewels knifing powerfully through the water to rescue a boatful of vacationers.

Next, I hit Petco with gleeful abandon. I spent whole paychecks on everything from toys to grooming stuffs to yet more books to the giant crate she's now sleeping peacefully in. The parrots now greet me personally when I walk by their department...

I have never, in all my living life, felt the happiness that comes with having a Newfoundland share my home. With my elderly gentleman, Bear and two playful kittens, my home was quite content. When I carried my baby Newfy through the door for the first time, my home became so much more. It fairly bursts with love.

Kanela



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"To err is human.
To forgive, canine."
Newfieland.org

 

[bridge2itnf@aol.com]

You Will be fine and u will never be the same i had alot more to say but i got lost in Kanelas story , Kanela you should write books, i felt as though i was right there in your story!
Bridget
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Until We Newf Again

 

[mudji]

Hey , you sound like me.... I grew up with a newf (see newf photos later today. I'll be posting some history there for all to giggle at

). We lost his when I was about 9. Tried other dogs, but no comparison... Then Shoot forward 30 years, and Angus came into our lives...

Things have not been the same, especially 2 more newfs later....

BUT, what was more amazing to me was that the feel and the smells I remember from childhood were exactly the same when I met with newfs again after all that time. WOW

Things I might suggest you acquire....Judy Adler's Newf Puppy book. I just received my copy from Dog Works. It's great..... Start stocking up on toys... For a newf they can be expensive, so start now, gummy bones, kong, balls to be chased....soft things to be thrown around... I could go on, but I won't bore you.....

hannah in freezing Maine

[This message has been edited by mudji (edited 02-14-2002).]

 

[HPond]

Kanela, I too was captivated by your story. You should write books, you definitely have a talent!
Bridget, if you remember what you were going to say, please share!
Hannah, I will never be bored by anything Newf! I've gotten the standard big stainless steel bowls, collars (3 different ones), leash, towels, and a supersized tennis ball. A Kong (or two) is on the list, more toys, and all the necessary grooming supplies.

I have also imagined my Newf doing heroic deeds, bringing smiles to kids everywhere, getting her WDX,TDX titles,the admiration of the crowd as they wonder 'Who is that wonder Newf?',.....but most all I can picture her here in my home,getting and giving lots of hugs and slobbery kisses and thinking 'here she is...at last!'

 

[windyhill]

Oh, I'm in pain...I'm so happy for you and so jealous at the same time. We're meeting two more breeders next month and then hopefully we will "just click" with someone and we can make a decision to get on a list.
I hope, hope, hope your puppy is in that belly!

 

[HPond]

Windyhill, I know the feeling. I hope you get on 'the list' soon!

I noticed on your profile that you are from Western Washington, we should get the kids(2 and 4 legged) together in the future.

 

[mudji]

Just wait until it's 4am, the puppy is barking, and it's 4 below zero outside with 30 mph wind gusts.. Did I mention that it's DH turn, but he says that he just got back to sleep, so I had better take out the puppy. Let me tell you it can be mighty chilly outside with a puppy on a leash and only your jammies on.

That's the time you wonder why you did not get another rescue. ;D

Okey....then he jumps on the counter, chases leaves floating in the breeze, and furiously attacks the dog bed tearing through the house after each sneak attack..... You then laugh, have a warm feeling inside, and know why you did it.

hannah

 

[Sunny]

Hi. been lurking here tonight. So happy for you. I am sure she will be everything you ever hoped for.

 

[mudji]

HPond..I was thinking about you yesterday when I got home from Puppy Days at the local pet shop. I think that all your firends should get together and have a puppy shower. Then the pet stores could have puppy registries (at least for newf owners). That way all your friends could get you the things you want, in the sizes you need, and you'd have a good excuse for a party!

They now arrange birthday parties for you dog. As I was leaving with Mudji, I heard this woman say as I was leaving that she could not imagine arranging birthday parties for you dog. I so desperately wanted to stop and tell her that not only are birthday parties appropriate, but I sent out announcements announcing Mudji's arrival! (Most of my friends thought they were funny and cute!)

hannah

PS shots of puppy party to come

 

[HPond]

Hannah, that is a great idea! Puppy showers...why not?! I like the idea of sending out puppy arrival announcements too. Can't wait to see party pictures!