Sunday, May 29, 2011

Wow! They Really Are Water Dogs!

During a recent trip to Lake Bennett in Woolly Hollow State Park we discovered that Katie and Louie are real water dogs. Newfoundland dogs are known for their love of water and have a history of water work including saving drowning victims. Katie and Louie had been in the water a couple of times before and didn't seem to be overly excited about it.Photobucket
Louie's only time to get to retrieve the dumbbell. Katie got it the other 49 times we threw it.

This time though something just clicked and suddenly Katie, a Newf girl who doesn't even like to fetch, was begging us over and over to throw the dumbbell for her to retrieve. If we didn't throw it quickly enough she would start to whine. If we hesitated further we were treated to some very loud and indignant Newfie barks. I think it was the most enthusiasm I've ever seen from her.

Then, like a true Newfoundland hero dog, Louie came to Gary's rescue three times when he was "drowning". Gary decided to go into the lake by himself and told me he was going to pretend like he was having problems just to see what the dogs would do. As you will see in the following video, Louie's water rescue instincts kicked right in without any prior water training. It was absolutely amazing to see how Louie, without hesitation, got to his Daddy as fast as he could and then allowed Gary to gently hold onto his sides as he pulled him into the shore. Once their feet could touch bottom Louie turned to Gary as if to reassure himself that his Daddy was ok and gave Gary sweet kisses.

These dogs never cease to amaze us with their intelligence, loyalty, bravery and sweetness. We are extremely blessed to have them as friends and part of our family.




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Katie was completely enamored of her floating dumbbell toy.
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Even out of the water she didn't want to let it out of her sight.
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The car ride home was a great time for a nap :)
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Saturday, May 21, 2011

Big and Little Sights In the Backyard

Our Newfoundland dog, Louie, wasn't quite tall enough to see over our 6 foot high privacy fence.
Newfoundland Therapy Dog Rally Draft

So, he figured out that if he stood up on these bags of stones and then propped one foot up on the water hose hanger he could stretch his neck long enough to check out the activity in the neighbor's yard. Clever boy!
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After the excitement next door died down, Katie and Louie supervised Gary and I while we did some weeding in the yard. While I was cutting back some ivy, I found this little turtle.
Newfoundland Therapy Dog Rally Draft

I named him Terrance before we released him into the wilds of our front yard where he will have yummy hibiscus flowers to eat.
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We hope you all are having a great weekend. Love, Charity, Gary, Katie and Louie

Friday, May 6, 2011

Natalie's Room Has Received the Newf Stamp of Approval

Natalie's room is all ready for her...well except for toys to fill her shelves and clothes for her closet.
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Katie checked everything out.
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She gives the room a big white paw up (since she doesn't have a thumb).
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The owls are in honor of Natalie's new Grandmother.
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This is where Natalie's toys will be stored.
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Louie thinks the new rug is a great snoozing spot.
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Katie shows Louie there is room on the new rug for two Newfoundland dogs.
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