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I got a very sad glance from my aging Newfoundland this morning while on our morning walk. I make it a point to walk her in the cool morning’s, she is after all a 130lb Newfi with a triple hair coat. For some time I have noticed her lack of interest in the local squirrel population. Typically she doesn’t bother or care about them unless they push a certain personal barrier. But now, even they know this dog is not a threat and don’t even bother to scamper away as they do with other dogs.
This morning it wasn’t a squirrel it was a nice fluffy bunny, It seemed that even the bunny knew this dog wasn’t an issue, it didn’t run, It didn’t freeze in place it just kept on nibbling on grasses. I got the glance, she wanted to bark or even case but It’s just not in her any longer. I could have given her the code word command “who is that” and she would have barked and come to attention but it was 5:30am and I don’t think the neighbors would appreciate that.
It’s sad to watch this once majestic animal in her later years, at one time she competed in water rescue challenges and did very well. Her gentle nature has always been on display but really came forward with my grandchildren. I knew of this breeds dedication for children and babies but this was so very pronounced. It’s not in a guard dog type of way, she just slows down into gentle mode being very carful to not knock the kids over or scare them. With a crawling baby she will lay down as a barrier and try to keep the baby contained and safe and gently move as the child moves, sort of a play pen between the very large paws.
This morning it wasn’t a squirrel it was a nice fluffy bunny, It seemed that even the bunny knew this dog wasn’t an issue, it didn’t run, It didn’t freeze in place it just kept on nibbling on grasses. I got the glance, she wanted to bark or even case but It’s just not in her any longer. I could have given her the code word command “who is that” and she would have barked and come to attention but it was 5:30am and I don’t think the neighbors would appreciate that.
It’s sad to watch this once majestic animal in her later years, at one time she competed in water rescue challenges and did very well. Her gentle nature has always been on display but really came forward with my grandchildren. I knew of this breeds dedication for children and babies but this was so very pronounced. It’s not in a guard dog type of way, she just slows down into gentle mode being very carful to not knock the kids over or scare them. With a crawling baby she will lay down as a barrier and try to keep the baby contained and safe and gently move as the child moves, sort of a play pen between the very large paws.