Big Paws Only Dog Forums

I'm just looking forward to seeing Drake's mug on next months page!  Yeah, it's probably too late to start a 2007 calendar, nice idea though

Very cool, I wish we had time to get Drake into a program like that.  Even though it's exhausting, I'm sure it's very rewarding for you as well.  We really enjoy taking Drake to visit the elderly on Saturdays when we have extra time.  Sharing a Newf is such a joy, especially when it brightens someones day.

As for Michaels view, NICE!  Although I feel Nor Cal is 10x better than So Cal, you can't beat an office with an Ocean view.  I get to see Mt. Tamalpais from my office, which is nice, but not quite the same.

We use the Earthbath Spritz on Drake and it works great.  It's all natural, conditions his coat and it helps him smell good between baths.  You just spray them, rub it in and brush them out.  It's handy to buy two, one for your house and one to keep in your car if you bring Rosie to someones house and she doesn't smell too good.  You can find this stuff at most pet stores. Here's a link to it.

http://www.earthbath.com/press.html

You may already do this, but you really need to brush Rosie every day too.  We use an undercoat rake at least once a week and we use a carder every day.  This will really help with the smell, hot spots and just the general health of Rosie's coat.  Spraying stuff on their coat once in a while is probably OK, but every day can't be good.  Hope this all helps you, let us know what happens.

Thanks guys, we are so excited to see Paige and Drake together.  We didn't even pose that picture either!  We lay down on the floor with Drake almost every night and talk to him and pet and love him.  Sarah was really tired and passed out and he put his head up on her preggo belly all on his own!  What a good boy!  Animals do the strangest things....

Sadly this isn't at all unheard of...What is sadder & sicker yet is what these snake owners do to make sure the kittens don't scratch their snakes...I wish there was a "puke" icon to add to my post.

http://www.ahimsatx.org/nnl/docs/Free.htm

What, cut their paws off?  I'm sure that's what they do, what do they care?  Their are so many large rats available, it's gotta be some sicko perversion.  Or they're just cheap, sure they can drop a few thousand on an exotic snake, but they can't pay a few bucks for some rats to feed it.  My disgust in my fellow man has just gotten larger, now I know why there are so many scared, bitter, distrustful old people in the world.  They've seen and heard about too many horrible things committed by man. 

Drake is going to be a great big brother to our soon to be here baby girl.  Here are some pics of him listening to Paige kick her Mommy.  He really did lift his head when she kicked hard, as if to say,"Wow"!  They are going to be best buds.

Owning a Newf is a big task and is not for eveyone.  They require a lot of love and attention and a TON OF GROOMING!!Drake is an amazing dog and a great Newf, he has learned tricks and obedience fairly easily, is quiet and well behaved, is fun and loving, but he is a big responsibility for us.  Since my wife and I both work, he is home alone all day, but when we get home, he has all of our attention.  He gets very depressed when he isn't with us, as most Newfs do, so we make sure he is never left alone for too long.  Here are some things to think about if you're considering a Newf:

- they require a lot of brushing and cleaning up as their hair is long and thick.  They are prone to hotspots so if they are not washed or brushed regularly, you can count on them getting one.  They also tend to stink if you let them go too long without brushing or washing.  We brush Drake every day, wash him regularly and clip his hair short every 3 months to combat this and the shedding.

- many Newfs have health issues.  Not that we are anything special, but our vet constantly remarks on how lucky we are that Drake is so healthy.  Many Newfs that he sees are a mess.  This means that you really have to research your breeder and see what kind of dogs they breed and what certifications or licenses they have.  A quality Newf pup can cost anywhere from $1200 to $2000 US, so make sure you are getting one whose hips and heart have been cleared. A cheap Newf pup can become an expensive and unhealthy adult Newf.  Don't buy a Newf from the Newspaper, they invariably are backyard breeders.  Newf rescue groups are good to look into as well, you can get a good dog for very little money sometimes.

- Newfs need attention and you already have two dogs so this might be an issue for you.  They aren't the type of dog that entertains themselves.  Unless you have lots of free time for all 3 dogs, you may be getting into a sad situation for your Newf.  Newfs have been known to self mutilate themselves due to loneliness or lack of attention.

- NEWFS DROOL & SHED.  There's no getting around it, if you are a neat freak, this is definitely not the dog for you.  They like to shake their heads, especially inside, and drool goes everywhere.  And the hair, where do I begin, they shed a lot!  And to get them groomed, it can cost anywhere from $60 to $100 US, unless you buy some clippers and learn how to do it yourself.  Drake has so much hair, I made a hat out of it.  In case you didn't see I posted pictures at this link (yes, I'm weird):
http://www.bigpawsonly.com/index.php/topic,11695.msg146659.html#msg146659

- many Newfs require a special diet or high end kibble because they tend to have irritable stomachs.  This will require you to spend a little more money than you are used to for dog food.

I don't mean to dwell on what seems to be the negative or downside aspects of Newf ownership, I just want you to understand what you would be getting yourself into.  These dogs are so cute and cuddly and everyone wants one, but they aren't for everybody.  I hope you really do your homework before you get a Newf, there are many other things, aside from what I listed, to consider before you get one.  Please only get one if you really can take care of them and handle their issues, they are very special dogs. 

We've noticed that Drake has become extra protective and alert when he goes on walks with Sarah.  He must know she's pregnant now and feels the need to be over protective.  If someone else is walking down the same road, his ears get perked and he slows down and puts himself between Sarah and the other person.  If a person comes behind her, he tries to turn around and even sits until the person passes by.  For the first time ever we have had to warn people not to approach too quickly.  He's never been like that before, but he sure is now!  What a good boy, he's going to be a great brother to our little girl.  Has anyone else experienced this with their dog when they were pregnant?