Skip to Content

Grey Hairs On My Dog, Oh No, Bring In The Wagon!

As many of you can probably tell my recent posts over the last few weeks have mostly focused on Sherman.

There’s a reason for that.

Sherman’s getting grey hair!

I noticed it a few weeks ago.

I thought he had some dust on his mush and I went to wipe it away and it didn’t come off.

I tried again.

It was still there.

I yelled for my husband.

“Look at what’s on his mush!” I yelled.

“Slobber?” my husband replied.

“No! I think it’s grey hair!” I yelled.

“All I see is a slobber.” he said.

“I still don’t see it.” he said.

The kids didn’t see it either when I yelled for them to come take a look.

I guess it’s only something that a mom can see.

Anyway it was devastating to me.

Sherman is going to be six in November.

A giant breed, such as the Newfoundland, is considered a senior at age seven, sometimes even earlier. Because of their size they age much quicker than most average sized dogs. Newfoundlands have a life expectancy of 8-10 years, but many also live well past that.

I plan on having my Newfs around for the long haul.

And when I say haul, I mean haul, like as in “Sherman is going to haul a load of firewood.”

Yup. That’s right, it’s time for Sherman to start another chapter in his life as a working dog.

The grey hair isn’t going to magically disappear, even if I use a brown Sharpie to color over it, so I have no other option than to bring in the wagon.

Having the dogs do carting or drafting as it is called, has been something that I have always wanted to do with them and since time is not on my side here, there is no better time than the present to have him work like his breed was intended to.

Sherman is still in great shape and certainly has the potential to haul. A draft dog does not pull his load, he pushes the harness with his chest, pushing the harness forward, and the harness and traces pull the load.

Sherman is not hooked up to the traces here but I hope it gives you the idea of him pushing the harness forward with his chest and transferring the weight to the traces, which pull the load.

My husband is in the process of modifying a red wagon into a cart that is easier for him to maneuver.  All we need is some bigger wheels and a breaking mechanism and then Sherman will be working! In the meantime I am  getting him familiar with the idea of the wagon and the harness.

While you won’t see us in any drafting competitions or pulling massive loads, it is my hope that by winter Sherman will be hauling a few pieces of firewood from the backyard to the fireplace to keep us warm in the winter!

Maybe, if Gracie can stay little forever, he will be able to haul her too.

Sharing is caring!

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Vicki

Saturday 25th of August 2012

Buddy will be 8 years old on September 6th. The years have flown! Not so much the white muzzle because he is already white there but He moans and groans so we know that he is aging, poor boy. Nothing to be done but keep 'em healthy and well for as long as we can.

I think if Sherman gets this carting business down, you should put him into service hauling Christmas trees at a local farm. That would be very cool.

Good luck Sherman and keep the awesome pictures coming!

Misty Shores Chesapeakes

Tuesday 21st of August 2012

I see the gray, I know that doesn't make you feel better but maybe this will I think it is premature gray; Cheyenne has it too and she is nine but I refuse to think of her as a senior dog ;)

I can't wait to see more photos of Sherman and the cart.

Nichole

Monday 20th of August 2012

HA! Tut has been prematurely grey since he was a kid... LOL :) Miss Lola has become quite grey over the past couple years though!

houndstooth

Sunday 19th of August 2012

Those grey hairs are hard to accept! Greyhounds are notorious for greying up really early. I hope we get to see some cute video and pictures of Sherman and his cart soon!

That would make one adorable Christmas card picture! Just saying!

snoopy@snoopysdogblog

Sunday 19th of August 2012

Hey Sherman,

Don't worry buddy my Black puppy fur went Grey before I was even one, I just say it makes us look distinguished!! :)

That cart thing looks like fun, maybe your Mom could fill it with treats and you could pull them into the house instead of wood? :)

Have fun,

Your pal Snoopy :)

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Homemade Cranberry Dog Treats 20 Easy Halloween Pumpkin Carving Ideas The 4 Stages Of The Newfoundland Dog Homemade Apple Dog Treats No-Bake Pumpkin Dog Treats