About Newf Friends

Newf Friends Newfoundland Dog Rescue is a volunteer run, foster home based rescue group for Newfoundland Dogs in need in Ontario, Canada.
We place Newfs into carefully screened homes in Ontario and surrounding provinces and states.
Established in 2008.

Follow us on Facebook for daily updates
Also find us on
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/newffriends/
Twitter @NewfFriends

Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page for general information about our program and our adoption policies and procedures.



Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Fundraisers!

There's a bunch of fundraisers happening in support of Newf Friends right now! Why not check out the auctions and online stores and pick up some early holiday gifts for the Newf lovers on your shopping list?

Thank you to all of the donors who have donated these fantastic items!


We have a set of 4 custom Irish Coffe mugs from Cafe Newf with the Newf Friends logo on them! How awesome is that???? I KNOW a bunch of you like Irish Coffee, so start bidding.

Here's the link.

The second item which was posted last night thanks to a kind donor is a very rare book from 1934, a Purina Dog Book ..... signed by Helena Linn! Newf Memorabilia collectors will be super excited to see this piece. The auction is only up for a few days, do not miss out!!!!

The link to the book auction is here.
Also be sure to visit the Teddy Bear Picnic store where proceeds will also be donated to us!
And if you haven't been there yet, check out the OC NN gathering online store. They are also sending all proceeds to us!


And of course lets not forget the official Newf Friends online store with all of our cool products, many of which were custom designed for us. Our 2012 calendars are GORGEOUS, printed on heavy, glossy paper featuring photos from NewfStock. You're going to love them, order yours today before we sell out!

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Just a Dog


From time to time, people tell me, “lighten up, it’s just a dog”, or, “that’s a lot of money for just a dog”. They don’t understand the distance traveled, the time spent, or the costs involved for “just a dog”.

Some of my proudest moments have come about with “just a dog”. Many hours have passed and my only company was “just a dog”, but I did not once feel slighted. Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by “just a dog” and in those days of darkness, the gentle touch of “just a dog” gave me comfort and reason to overcome the day.

If you, too, think it’s “just a dog”, then you will probably understand phases like “just a friend”, “just a sunrise”, or “just a promise”. “Just a dog” brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust, and pure unbridled joy. “Just a dog” brings out the compassion and patience that makes me a better person. Because of “just a dog” I will rise early, take long walks and look longingly to the future.

So for me and folks like me, it’s not “just a dog” but an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the past, and the pure joy of the moment. “Just a dog” brings out what’s good in me and diverts my thoughts away from myself and the worries of the day.

I hope that someday they can understand that it’s not “just a dog” but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being “just a human.” So the next time you hear the phrase “just a dog”, just smile, because they “just don’t understand”.

~author unknown

Monday, September 26, 2011

Auction Items to support Newf Friends!


The first of the online auctions has opened in support of Newf Friends! CAFE NEWF is donating the proceeds from the sale of these awesome Irish Coffee mugs to Newf Friends to put towards River's care! Thank you Vicky!

Here's the link to the auction--bid generously!!!!!

Update: September 26, 2011

Here's this week's wrap-up......

PoochPalooza a success! Thanks to all of our supporters who came out to visit us at PoochPalooza on the weekend. With so many Newfs in attendance we sure made a statement, and we raised lots of much needed funds too. It's always great to have a visit from so many of the Newfs who have gone through our program.

A big thank you to Deanna and Bryan, owners of The Caledon Inn for organizing this fantastic event and making us a part of it.


New arrival Chewy is doing fantastic in his foster home and we are reviewing applications for him now. Read all about this little cutie here.

Handsome boy Alex is getting settled in foster care. This 2 1/2 year old is still under assessment. Details about him can be read here.

5 year old boy named Tycho is coming along nicely and proving to be a really sweet boy. He has been to the vet for his first exam and is undergoing treatment now for his severe reaction to flea infestation. Details about Ty can be read here.

4 year old beauty River had her first TPLO surgery on September 22 and is recovering well in foster care. The little monkey is feeling great! River's bio can be read here.

A huge thank you goes out to everyone from around the globe who pulled together to raise funds to cover River's treatment and rehabilitation. We met our fundraising goal and can go ahead with giving River ALL needed care. Thank you!

Yogi still needs a family to love! We have had some great applications come in but they have just not been the right family for Yogi. He is such a good boy, surely there is someone out there who wants to love him? Yogi the Saint (who we are fostering for our parent group HART) is still waiting for a family to come along - please spread the word!!! This sweet boy loves people and is friendly and social, he really is a wonderful Saint. Read all about him here. Yogi is a loving boy and will make a wonderful companion for the right adopter.
Because Yogi's needs are unique we WILL consider placing him into a home outside of our catchment area. Please cross post his bio to help us find him a perfect home!

Don't you want to run and play with this boy??? Handsome boy Duke is a super friendly boy who is playful, fun loving and cute as can be. Look how adorable he is! He is having a blast playing and being a total goof ball in foster care. He's a great boy for an active family who wants a playful dog to accompany them while they are out having fun. Read about him here.

Beautiful Jade was adopted by an awesome family on Saturday--they came to PoochPalooza to pick her up! Congratulations Jade!

6 year old love bug Otis has an adoptive home confirmed. He will be joining them after he recovers from his neuter surgery.

Adorable Pandora has an adoption pending, just waiting on the paper work!

Our new line of Newf themed merchandise is ready to go! Our Online Store is updated and we are ready to take orders!

Our parent group HART has dogs of all shapes and sizes available for adoption. If you know of any loving families who are looking to adopt a dog, please direct them to HART!

Thursday, September 22, 2011

River's Surgery Update

Thank you once again to Dr. Kim Facey - Apsley Veterinary Services and Dr. Michael Faessen, Soft Tissue and Orthopaedic Small Animal Surgeon for your exceptional care, your generosity and your commitment to helping animals in need.**


River came through her surgery well today. She is resting comfortably now at the vet clinic, tolerating the pain meds well. We will be checking back in later this evening and expect to have her return to her foster home tomorrow.

The damage to her knees is extensive, her ortho vet stating this is the "worst he has ever seen", a chronic issue that has been ongoing for some time. In addition to the torn cruciate ligament in each knee River also has a luxating patella in both legs (not just one leg as previously discovered by her former vet). River's right leg was operated on today. The luxating patella was not corrected at this time due to the extensive damage to her knee from the cruciate tear taking priority. The damage to the meniscus was severe, which is extremely painful, so River should feel great relief now. Her surgery took a long time but was successful.

The plan of action now is to focus on allowing her right knee to heal. In 3 weeks River will begin specialized therapy on her repaired knee to assist with her healing, strengthen her muscles and prepare her for the surgery on her left knee. Details about this therapy will be posted once she sees the specialist in a few weeks time.

We will repair her left cruciate in 6-8 weeks, assuming her recovery is going well on her right knee. Given the severity of her cruciate injuries, corrective surgery will bring River tremendous relief, and give her the stability in her knees that is needed to lead a good quality life. Her prognosis for vast improvement following the surgeries is very, very good.

There is also a chance that with the successful repair of her ligaments, surgery for her patella can be avoided, but this will not be known for several months. Relieving the pain and joint instability from the damaged cruciate is the most important step at this time for restoring River's quality of life. Today's surgery was the first step in helping her lead a pain free, happy life!

All of the Newf Friends volunteers extend their sincere THANK YOU to everyone who has given donations towards River's care. The outpouring of support for this sweet girl has been incredible, and we have exceeded our fundraising goals and can confidently move forward with all necessary treatment for River. THANK YOU TEAM RIVER! As of this morning, River's fund sits at $6107!!!!!
We know there are still several fundraising initiatives happening right now for River's care and we will be putting all funds raised into River's fund for the time being. Once her treatments have been completed, any remaining funds will be transferred to our general Newf Friends fund and used towards the care of other Newfs in need.
___________

** Dr. Facey has been instrumental in the care of many of the Newfs who have gone through our program and many of the dogs who have gone through our parent All Breed rescue group HART. Thank you Kim from all of the us!
Dr. Facey has enlisted the assistance of Dr. Faessen for some of the more challenging, delicate or specialized surgeries including surgery for Ella, Mackenzie, Jade and Geordie. Thank you Michael for your support and compassion towards the care of rescued dogs.
Without rescue minded vets like Kim and Michael, as well as our other key veterinarian Dr. Janice Selinger (Bridle Trail Veterinary Clinic) Newf Friends would not be able to make such a tremendous difference in the lives of so many Newfs. Your support is greatly appreciated and we are so fortunate to have you all as part of our team.

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Chewy


Chewy
#3665

October 15, 2011: Chewy was adopted!

This adorable 5 month old pup is Chewy! Gorgeous, sweet and good natured this guy is looking for a super family to welcome him into their home and hearts.


"I'm all wet!!"


Irresistible wouldn't you say?

He entered our program on September 21, 2011 with many tears from his owner because their life circumstances changed and they could no longer keep him. They have done a terrific job to this point with training and socializing him which has resulted in Chewy being a darling boy, well on his way to being a well mannered adult Newf.








After one day in foster care, we can say that Chewy is a lovely puppy. He's fun, playful, affectionate and absolutely adorable. He knows many commands already and walks very nicely on a leash. Smart as a whip, he soaks up everything he's taught and is very eager to learn. In his video you can see how quick he is to respond and he was working for ... blueberries! He loves them!

He gets along very well with other dogs and loves to romp, play and wrestle. He also likes cats and is fine with them (though if they are playing and running, he will try and join in!). He's great about being handled, if a little squirmy while being brushed. He has no issues sharing anything he's eating or playing with. He rides great in the car and likes to go on outings, especially to the dog park. Fully crate trained, he sleeps in his crate at night without any fuss and wakes in the morning ready to enjoy all life has to offer.

Chewy is a typical busy puppy and if unsupervised he will get into mischief, such as bathroom garbage cans, toilet paper, cardboard, newspapers, shoes ... you get our drift. He is looking for a family that will continue his obedience training and socialization. He will require lots of daily exercise and stimulation to keep him busy and out of trouble. Puppies are a lot of work, especially a giant breed, and his new family should be prepared for this.

Caught in the act!!

What does he do bad? He has discovered he can just about reach the countertop and likes to check out the edges for tasty morsels. He also tends to bark when he's bored or feels the other dogs should be playing with him. Not huge issues at all and given his young age, they should be easily corrected with some training.

He is ready to join a new family now and applications are being accepted to be considered for adopting him. We are looking for a family that has another young, larger dog for him to play with and the time (and energy!) to keep up with a busy puppy. An adoption donation of $500 applies. Born on April 28, 2011, he is too young to be neutered so will be adopted with a strictly enforced non-breeding/neuter contract. At 5 months, he weighs 45 lbs.

He is being fostered in the Guelph Ontario area and his adoptive family will be required to pick him up in person.

Chewy was a huge hit on the Newf Friends booth at Pooch Palooza September 24 and 25th in Caledon. Thank you to all that came to see him and generously donated to his vest.

Monday, September 19, 2011

MA groomer steps up to support River!

Need a groomer? Why not contact Newf lover and rescue supporter Tricia Lawless at South Cape Grooming in Waquoit, MA (one of the villages that make up Falmouth, Massachusetts.)

Starting last Wednesday, and extending for 4 weeks, Tricia will make a donation to Newf Friends of $1/lb for each dog she grooms on Wednesdays! How great is that!? So, a 125 lb Newf would equal a $125 donation! This money is to support River in her recovery.

As an added bonus, Tricia has offered Newf Friends and HART adopters a 25% discount on grooming. She says she sees lots of vacationing Ontarians in Cape Cod, and we do have some adopters in that neck of the woods too, so if you are an adopter be sure to pop in and thank Tricia for her support!

Thank you Tricia for your generosity!

Adopter Update: Luke

Hi Newf Friends!

Just wanted to let you know that Luke is doing great! We’ve had a very smooth transition since he came home almost two weeks ago; he seemed comfortable fairly quickly. Luke is so well-mannered and easy going, and is excellent with our two girls. Even the cats, who had their noses out of joint at first, sit on the couch close to where Luke is; it’s so nice that everyone gets along well. We’re working on providing Luke with more socialization in the hopes of developing his confidence around other dogs, but his leash manners are good and he is learning new commands too. All in all, he is just the sweetest and has become my shadow for sure, which I love! Although Luke is laying down in these pictures, we are outside a lot, enjoying walks on these cool Fall days. We really love our new family member! He’s awesome!

Thanks so much Newf Friends!

Mindy, Tom, Ava & Beatrice




Saturday, September 17, 2011

Update: September 17, 2011

Once again, it's been a busy time for Newf Friends with lots going on. Volunteers are getting ready for PoochPalooza next weekend, and we hope to see you there! Support a good cause and have a great time!

Visit us out at PoochPalooza September 24-25, 2011 in Caledon, ON.

Say hello to Alex. This 2 1/2 year old love bug arrived today. Details about him can be read here.

Also arriving today is this gorgeous 5 year old boy named Tycho. This poor boy is in very bad physical condition and is going to need lots of TLC to get him fixed up and healthy. Details about Ty can be read here.

4 year old beauty River has been vetted and is ready for her first surgery. She is set to have one knee repaired on September 22, followed by the second knee a few weeks after that. This sweet girl's legs are a mess and we are enlisting the help of a Soft Tissue Surgeon to perform multiple specialized surgeries to help repair her legs and enable her to live the life she deserves. River's bio can be read here.

A huge thank you goes out to everyone from around the globe who has been pulling together to raise funds to cover River's treatment and rehabilitation.
As of today we are nearing our fundraising target to save River. We're very close so please, if you are able to help, considering making a donation to help us reach our goal!

Yogi still needs a family to love! He is such a good boy, surely there is someone out there who wants to love him? Yogi the Saint (who we are fostering for our parent group HART) is still waiting for a family to come along - please spread the word!!! This sweet boy loves people and is friendly and social, he really is a wonderful Saint. Read all about him here. Yogi is a loving boy and will make a wonderful companion for the right adopter.
Because Yogi's needs are unique we WILL consider placing him into a home outside of our catchment area. Please cross post his bio to help us find him a perfect home!

Don't you want to run and play with this boy??? Handsome boy Duke is a super friendly boy who is playful, fun loving and cute as can be. Look how adorable he is! He is having a blast playing and being a total goof ball in foster care. He's a great boy for an active family who wants a playful dog to accompany them while they are out having fun. Read about him here.

Beautiful Jade is still waiting for the right family to come along. Gentle, easy going, well mannered Jade is an all around awesome girl. She gets along with everyone! She needs a family of her own to love! Read all about her here.

6 year old love bug Otis has an adoption pending. Lucky boy!

Adorable Pandora has an adoption pending, just waiting on the paper work!

Our new line of Newf themed merchandise is ready to go! Our Online Store is updated and we are ready to take orders!

Our parent group HART has dogs of all shapes and sizes available for adoption. If you know of any loving families who are looking to adopt a dog, please direct them to HART!

Tycho

Tycho
# 3660


April 5, 2012: Tycho was adopted. Wooooot!

Meet Tycho, a handsome 6 year old Newf who is looking for a loving family to call his own. This sensitive boy has been waiting far too long for a family of his own. All Ty wants is someone to love him!

Ty arrived in our care along with his nephew last fall after their owners determined they were not able to meet their needs. Having been infested with fleas for over a year, Ty was suffering greatly. His coat had mostly fallen out from scratching and chewing himself, he was very underweight, weak and tired. He responded very well to a good diet and vet care and has made a full recovery.

Here is Ty on intake:

Fleas can kill your dog! Read our article on fleas for more information.

Ty on intake

Below, see Ty after only 3 weeks in foster care, you can already see a tremendous improvement thanks to treatment for parasites, and proper nutrition:


And now here he is, full winter coat, happy, healthy, neutered and looking good!


Tycho is a super loving boy who is affectionate and enjoys the company of people. Nothing makes him happier than to curl up on the couch and cuddle with his favourite people. He enjoys belly rubs and lots of one-on-one time.

I love hugs!

Lacking confidence, Ty would be happiest joining a family with someone who can take some time to work with him to help him improve in this area.
Having had little opportunity for socialization, Ty will benefit from the care of a gentle but confident handler who is experienced with giant breeds to help him. He knows basic commands and is eager to please. He is just waiting for a loving owner to come along and teach him all about how to be a happy, confident boy. Ty is full of potential, he just needs someone to believe in him!

Do it! I know you want to! Rub my belly!
I love belly rubs!

He is in a temporary foster home in the Lindsay area but we are looking to move him to a long term foster home for rehabilitation as soon as possible, or ideally into an adoptive home. We are looking for a foster or adoptive home with no other dogs, and an experienced handler who can help train Ty.

Although he lived with another intact male Newf with no issues, he does not have the doggie social skills to cope well meeting new dogs at this point. He just doesn't know what to do when he meets new dogs. He will blossom in the care of an owner or foster who can help him spend time with other well socialized dogs in a controlled environment and learn how to interact with them. At this point Ty should not join a family where there is another dog or cat.

This gentle boy deserves a chance at a new life. If you would be interested in fostering or adopting Ty please complete a foster (or adoption) application and return it to us. For insurance purposes, foster homes must be in Ontario, although adoptive homes can be outside of the province.

Ty is up to date on vaccines, neutered and ready to find a great family. His birth date is March 1, 2006. Our usual adoption donation of $500 will be reduced to $300 to off-set the expected costs of training classes for Ty in his new home.

Please consider giving Ty the home he deserves!