In the spring of 2006 I lost my beautiful golden retriever at the age of 13 1/2. I couldn´t have another retriever, much as I love the breed, as he just would not have been Sammy. All my life I have wanted a giant dog, but I thought they all had a short life span. Looking on the internet to find out about different breeds, I learned that Newfoundlands have the same life span as retrievers. I was delighted to realise that I could have a giant dog after all. I chose a breeder who had bred lots of champion dogs because I knew that I would get the right temperament and bone structure, even if he cost a bit more. I found out all about the breed before I took the plunge and was recommended to a particular breeder, who had one pup left. He was a little older as he had suffered a hernia, which they had already dealt with. They sent me his photograph and I just knew he ought to be Ferdinand. It just suited him. I bore everyone silly about this dog, as I am besotted with him. Newfies are a very intelligent breed and it didn´t take long to train him in the basics. He is so gentle and loving, especially when he comes and lays his head on my lap. I have had to give up the battle and have him chopped, and it has really enhanced his life. I have never had a dog as oversexed as him, but now after a year, I can let him off his lead again and not worry that he is going to jump on the smaller dogs (and lets face it, they are all smaller). I can have visitors again without warning them not to turn their backs on him! Every night when he sees me locking doors and turning off lights, he climbs up onto my bed in the hope I will let him stay. I always drag him off, as there is not room for both of us! In the morning he will come in and lay himself down next to me. I would love to hear from anyone who has a Newfie and willing to share their experiences.

I bought Joshua last July (2008) as I really wanted ferdie to have someone his own size to play with. It seems to me that all giant dogs I have met get a real gleam in their eyes when they see another dog their own size. Joshua (otherwise known as Little Worzel) is not one bit like Ferdie, even though he came from the same breeder. He is a very quiet dog in that he never does puppy things like running off with stuff so you will chase him. On the other hand, he cries and barks a lot, sometimes enough to drive me potty. Ferdie only barks when he wants something. What has really pleased me is that they are devoted to each other. Ferdie loved him right from the first and has never been jealous and they never, ever try to take each other´s food. They both know which is their bowl, and that is the one they go to. Two giant dogs! My dream come true!

Wednesday 28th September 2011, my darling Joshua passed away. It seems he had internal bleeding from a ruptured tumour in his stomach. He had been ill for two weeks, but we thought he was recovering. He had a lot of pain in his short little life, first getting arthritis at only 18 months old. He could never run and play like a proper puppy, but he enjoyed his life and he loved playing with Ferdie. I miss him so much. He was only three years old.