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Say Hello To CJ The Newfoundland

Back in February I wrote a post on some of the dogs that were going to be showing at Westminster and shared a little story about each of them that was featured on the post.

Among one of those dogs featured was a Newfoundland named CJ.-

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CJ getting serious in the show ring

CJ, a Newfoundland owned by Pamela Ruegger-Danielson and Roger Danielson, of Beloit, Wis., was paralyzed as a puppy and was adopted to become a family pet, as the breeder was uncertain about his recovery. Surprise! By the time CJ was a year old his recovery was complete and it was decided to give conformation a try. He is now 5 and is the No. 1 Newfoundland in the country.

CJ’s story intrigued me and I wanted to learn more about this handsome young Newf so I got in contact with CJ’s owner Pam and asked if she would be willing to answer a few questions from me so that I could feature CJ on the blog.

Pam was more than happy to share CJ with us!

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CJ with his owner Pam

1. Can you explain a little bit about CJ’s medical issues as a puppy?

1. When CJ was 4 weeks old he suffered hind leg paralysis. They think it was due to a reaction from his first puppy shots.
He was one of 15 puppies in the litter, 4 had similar reactions. They had to be hand fed by the breeders as they couldn’t win a spot to nurse naturally. 3 of the 4 sick puppies recovered. The one that didn’t has had long term issues, however, was adopted by a wonderful family that has earned water, obedience and drafting titles!
2. It’s my understanding that CJ was sold as a pup because of his condition, when did you realize that CJ had the potential to be a show dog?
2. When CJ was 18 months old I wanted to have him neutered . I was asked by the breeder to bring CJ to visit him before I went ahead with the procedure. I told the breeder CJ was a good looking dog. But, I think all my dogs are good looking!
After seeing CJ, the breeder asked me to bring him to conformation classes in Waukesha, WI to see if CJ might take to the ring.
CJ was a natural, he loves to show. CJ had success early and often and the rest is history!
3. What is CJ’s personality like? Is he a goofy newfy, a velcro newf or both? (I have one of each:)
3. CJ is very needy. He wants to be with his family! He, as an intact male, is also a bit bossy. He is so sweet though and loves so much! Everyone loves CJ. Great with kids and adults. A bit afraid of small yippee dogs!
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4. What does CJ like to do when he’s not showing?
4. CJ spends his days with his brother Max, a gnarly rescue Newf we adopted. He loves to walk and hike on snowshoeing trails.
I plan to show less in the future and do more training with CJ. Hopefully, as a therapy dog!
5. Is CJ your first Newfoundland. Your first show dog?
5. CJ is our 7th Newfoundland.
He is the first dog we have shown.
6. How long does it take to prepare CJ for the show ring?
6. CJ is bathed at home which is just a wash and dry.
He is groomed before a show for about 45 minutes. He has a very easy coat. He doesn’t mat up like some of our dogs have in the past
7. Can you tell me a few things you like about showing? Anything that you don’t like?
7. I hate showing, I feel like I’m going to throw up every time he gets in the ring, I am a wreck!!!
I wish I was kidding!
I am happy to see him in the ring though, he really does love to show. I understand his Dad (Zeus) did too!
8. What are CJ’s plans for 2013? Will he continue to show? Crufts? Newfoundland Nationals? 
CJ is still showing, however, a much reduced schedule. I think he gets bored at home and misses the ring some days. He loves people and attention.
He will be at Nationals, not Crufts as I wouldn’t fly him.

Special thanks to CJ’s owner  Pam,  for taking time out of her busy schedule to answer these questions and share some fabulous pictures of CJ!  He sure seems like special Newf and we wish you both the best of luck in the years ahead!

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Pam Ruegger

Wednesday 3rd of April 2013

Thanks Jen! Very nice! I love your pictures and this site!!!!

Jen

Friday 5th of April 2013

Thanks Pam and thank you so much for sharing CJ with us! Hope you are all doing well!

Bichonpawz

Sunday 31st of March 2013

Stopping by to wish you a very Happy Easter Jen!!

Kari

Saturday 30th of March 2013

I am pretty certain a Newf will be our next dog. Do you have any rescue connections? Getting one in AK is hard!

Stop on by for a visit Kari http://dogisgodinreverse.com

Jen

Monday 1st of April 2013

I can certainly point you in the right direction if you would like.

http://www.ncarescue.org/pages/rescuemap.html#.UVm_FZOUT-U

The above link has a contact name for Newf rescue in Alaska.

Max's Mom

Friday 29th of March 2013

I have to tell you that I virtually knew zero about Newfs until I found you and if I could afford the upkeep and food I might really have to think about it but probably not a good idea in Houston, Texas climate. I loved that CJ ended up with sorta the best of both worlds and went from a special needs pup to superstar! That's a great story and thank you for sharing it! They seem like such giantic lovebugs!!!

Nichole

Friday 29th of March 2013

What a stunner! Handsome boy!

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