Spirit is a big, goofy love bug who needs a home where he is the center of attention. He’s an 8 years old, purebred Landseer Newfoundland, he came to HANR from a home where he was loved since he was a puppy. His owner’s circumstances changed and she was no longer able to keep him. Spirit was terribly stressed when he was separated from his Mom and it took him several days to adjust to a new home without her.
He weighs 150 lbs., he's neutered, in good health, has had all his shots and is currently on heartworm preventative. Spirit is house trained, but will need plenty of potty breaks at first, due to his initial anxiety in a new home. He may have some minor orthopedic issues, but gets around very well, although he probably cannot do a full flight of stairs. He has the sweetest temperament, but will be anxious if he is left alone or confined away from his family. Spirit needs the full run of the house and will want to be able to go wherever his people are. He will not do well if his owner is gone for hours or travels without him along, so he needs a stay-at-home owner or a retiree who can handle his size.
Spirit’s former owner told us that he was afraid of thunder and fireworks, and also, that he had chewed some holes in the wall of her apartment. So far, he has been anxious when it thunders, but will calm down pretty quickly if he is close to his human and is loved and petted during the storm. If he is left alone or shut away when it storms, he is much more worried. I believe that if he is anxious, confined, or left alone for too long, that’s when he might get worried or bored enough to chew on something. He has not shown any destructive tendencies here because he gets all the support he needs during times of stress and is free to roam the house if he likes. If I need to run out for a short while, he retires to my bedroom until I return. He simply does not like to be left alone, even with another dog in the house.
Spirit is a fellow who loves short leisurely walks, where he can smell all the roses, and he does well on a leash, with only some minor pulling. He loves to meet strangers and other dogs and gets somewhat excited when he sees them. He won’t be your running partner and may get tired, stiff or sore if over exercised. He has a very gentle nature and the ability to get along with other animals. But he needs a human near him and wants to always be in the same room as his owner. If you move to another room, so does he. He does very well with small children; although, as with any large dog, he could accidently knock a toddler over and should be supervised. Spirit is not a rowdy dog, just a big guy who needs space to turn around.
He can be somewhat playful, and knows the basic commands of sit, down, and come (when used with his name). He also responds to a gentle “no”, if necessary. He would not do well with harsh or heavy handed corrections, and honestly, doesn’t need them. Spirit is quiet in the house and wants nothing more than to lay at your feet. He would enjoy an occasional large raw bone to gnaw on, or possibly a durable chew toy. He will destroy a cooked bone or rawhide. For safety’s sake he should not have them, and should be supervised when he is given a chew treat due to his enthusiastic gnawing. He also enjoys a good grooming and will lay quietly while you comb his beautiful coat. He craves physical contact and will insist that you keep petting him, by nudging you gently. It’s important to him that he is allowed to sleep by your bed at night.
Spirit’s confidence will grow as he adjusts to his new home. His initial anxiety will lessen when he realizes he is not being abandoned or shut up away from his people. He is an easy dog to live with once he adjusts to your home life, but will probably always need to be near his family.
If you think you have the time to devote to this big, cuddly senior fellow and would like to apply for him or get more detailed information about him, please contact HANR. Our email is beardogs1@msn.com
Once your application is approved you will be able to talk to Spirit’s foster, who can answer any questions you have and help you decide if he’s the dog for you.
Our adoption fee is $200.00 for seniors. A fenced yard with a minimum height of 4-feet is required for adoption.
If you plan on submitting an application and you are out of our region, once your application is approved we require that you come to our area to meet the dog and foster family. If that goes well you will be able to take your Newfie home with you.
To request an application or contact us with any questions please use the email link in the contact information below.
To see more Newfoundland rescues or to learn more about our rescue program please use our website link in the contact information below.
To learn more about the Newfoundland breed click on the Newfoundland Club of America link below.
