Meet Newton, the Newfoundland!

We've brought a new family member home...he's a BOY, of course, and his name's Newton. Like Sir Isaac Newton. Newton the Newf. He's just a baby, barely 7 weeks old when we brought him home from the breeder.  

Our previous Newfoundland, Toby, was a rescue. We got him at about 1 year of age and he was a wonderful dog, a great companion, and was loved by everyone who met him. Rescue was very positive for us, but missing that first year meant that our Toby who only lived to age 9, spent just 8 years with us. Newfs are a giant breed, so their life expectancy is anywhere from 8-12 years. 12 is VERY lucky. Our Toby had terrible degenerative arthritis in his spine and we had to say goodbye to him at age 9 when he could no longer walk. We tried a rescue St. Bernard last winter, but while he was a lovely dog, he was NOT safe around our children. Call that a "bad placement," but it put a bitter taste in our mouth for rescue. At least at this stage of our lives.

We also decided that after the loss of Brad's parents this summer, a sweet little puppy was a great idea. Something to love, something that would love us all back, something to do together as a family project, something to distract us all from the sadness we feel. Yes, yes, I know--the sweet little puppy will grow into a ginormous dog that drools, sheds, digs--but we're game!

So we researched breeders, selected one, checked her references (which were great!), and brought home Newton. At not quite 7 weeks old. Which is too young, I agree. I won't be writing any glowing reviews for this breeder, but I will say our little Newton was well cared for, the dogs in the breeders care were well-cared for, and Newton is just a little doll.

 He is sleeping through the night, has learned to sit to get a treat, and comes when called (most of the time!). He also has a fascination with shoes.

Bryce is REALLY enjoying playing with him!

He has gained over 5 pounds since we brought him home two weeks ago and is starting to escape his very expensive and elaborate containment system:

Yeah, I know. Rubbermaid tubs aren't exactly the best containment system-but they worked for 2 weeks! Now we'll just get out bigger ones, hee hee. In the above photo, he's crying for me to rescue him. Big baby!

Now my gardener readers are probably thinking, "what about your garden?! Won't a ginormous dog ruin it?" Well, yes. He probably will ruin my garden until I can get him trained to leave it alone. Most of my perennial beds were around when we had Toby and he learned to just leave them alone. I love the dog more than I love my plants (anyone believe that? lol) and I'm sure Newton will get into trouble with my plants come Spring, but my kids have trashed my plants before and they're still here....

Welcome to the family, Newton!