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The One Question Always Asked About My Dogs That Now Makes Me Sad

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We’ve talked about the list of questions that Newfoundland dog owners get asked when they are out in public before.

It’s just a given that when you go out with your Newfoundland your always going to get asked a set of basic questions but there’s one question, well actually two, that have hit me right where it hurts lately.

“How old is he?”

Followed by, “How long do they normally live.”

If you have a Newfoundland that is between 1-6 you answer the questions without a second thought and move on. I did that for years.

If you have a Newfoundland 7 and above, you take look at your dog with loving eyes and take a deep breath because you know that the “zone” is closing in fast.

Newfoundlands have an average life expectancy of 10-12 years which is up from several years ago when their life expectancy was 8-10.

I have an 8 and almost 10 year old Newfoundland.

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We’re not just just getting there, we are there.

I don’t dwell on it but I do think about it.

The last 10 years have gone by so fast.

So fast.

Part of me thinks of it as a victory that we are here now and when someones asks how old one of the boys are I want to kneel and raise my arms in the V formation.

He’s 9 1/2! Victory!

But then the questioner looks so sad when they find out their average life expectancy. Some of them look at Sherman like he’s going to die tomorrow.

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“Don’t look at him that way. He can see and hear you.” I want to shout.

And then I want to run to Sherman and shower him with hugs and kisses.

Deep sigh.

The thing is, I have no idea how long we have left in our journey and life expectancy is just that, it’s the expected life of a person or animal based on several different variables.

It’s not set in stone so we go on enjoying our time together.

I knew what I was getting into 10 years ago. I knew this time would come.

So now we take one day at a time. One month. One year.

So yeah, my dogs are in that “zone” and I’m fully aware of it.

Help me look at the bright side.

Don’t be sad for those of us with Newfs in or nearing the “zone”, join us in a victory formation. We’re going the distance any maybe beyond.

p.s. This post isn’t meant to make anyone sad or bummed out. It’s just a subject we don’t talk about often because no one wants to admit that they think about it. Well, you’re not alone. I think about it too.

p.p.s. If you’re a Newfoundland owner please take the time to fill out this years OFA Newfoundland Health Survey. The only requirement is that you have a Newfoundland, either living or deceased. That’s it! It’s a great survey and helps us learn more about the health of the breed. Be part of the solution! If you choose to take the survey make sure you take the time to review the results. It’s very interesting and you can see where the breed stands currently in regards to health issues, temperament….etc.


The Mountain

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Roger

Friday 20th of October 2023

I have a story to share. Some of it good, some not so good. Neighbor is a Newfoundland lady bought a Newfie girl for her 2 kids, 11(boy) and 15(girl). She's a stay at home mother. Everything was fine until the daughter moved out after 5 years. She was the primary care giver for the dog. Since then poor little newfie girl has been ignored. Father and son never paid much attention to her, the lady does love the dog but is not interested in the work involved. In 2020 I started working from home and it was impossible. The lady would ignore the dog and the poor newfie would sit out at all hours barking for attention making it impossible for me to work. One day I simply went over and got the newfie and brought her over to my place and now it's been almost 4 years and she lives with me and the owners don't say a thing.....how unbelievable is that?? If that's not sad enough, the dog is absolutely adorable, she's a Landseer with all the loving Newfie characteristics and yet her family doesn't want her. So hard for me to accept and understand how they could ignore such a perfect dog, no health issues, always playful and fiercely loyal. I'm single and I do all I can for her, walks, car rides...but I really think she needs a family. I sometimes feel she's bored or lonely. Her family lives right next door and they don't see her for more than 10min a day. Sometimes I have to leave her for an hour or 2, of course she is not happy lol, but instead of going next door to her family, she waits for me at my place and doesn't leave the whole time. She's almost 11 now, her birthday is Valentine's day - how fitting, she is such a sweetheart. I miss her already. Anyways, I could go on for days about ma lil newf. My dream is to win a lottery so I can afford 3-5 Newfies lol....nothing compares to a Newf!!

Thanks for reading!

Josh Smith

Thursday 11th of August 2016

Oh, if only we can have them forever! My dogs are also getting older and I always make sure to give them happy memories.

Connie

Tuesday 9th of August 2016

When my cat was diagnosed with cancer, we decided to not treat it (for her sanity more than anything) and so from that moment on it was painfully obvious that her time with me was limited. There was no denying it, no telling myself she could live another four or five years (she was 16). I knew our time was limited to months.. if that. I mourned her while she sat by my side, which did nothing for her health and well-being, so I finally forced myself to not grieve for her while she was still here. I made a decision each and every day to be thrilled she was still with me. and made “Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened.” my mantra.

Jen

Wednesday 10th of August 2016

I love that mantra and it's one I would like to also embrace.

Sheltie Times

Sunday 7th of August 2016

I was fortunate because until his final days people were always surprised when they were told Bailey's age. They rarely believed he was a senior.

When Katy hit the senior years I've always been aware we had two seniors and life promises no guarantees. Bailey was on the high end of the Sheltie scale when he passed. Katy may or may not be so lucky. Each day is always a gift and that's how all of us have to live with our fur friends.

As for people I"ve long since stopped expecting people to act with dignity and respect for others. Instead of being shocked by them being in the range I celebrate the idea they did make it. What I know about Newfie's I've learned from reading your blog, so I can't comment on the chances they make it to the average age. However, I know despite the challenges my two faced in being left in rescue to get here mine have both been blessed by not dying young and that is a great gift. Sadly, too many of our Blogging friends have lost their loved fur friends far younger than I did and I feel for hem losing those years.

Jen

Monday 8th of August 2016

You know, I do think that seeing the lose of so many blogging friends has scared me a bit more than if I didn't blog. A lot of Newfie friends have also lost Newfies this past year and it just gets me thinking and worrying. I know what I got into when we got Newfs, it's just the unknown right now is scary since time is closing in on us.

CATHY BENNETT

Saturday 6th of August 2016

I think that's something we all cringe when we hear that question. My stomach used to churn into knots when someone would tell me Leo was"so young" - I wanted to snap back "tell me about it" but I refrained. When people ask that question about 7 yr old Harley, I just smile answer and keep it moving. I fee your pain girlfriend, a lot of us do :(

Jen

Monday 8th of August 2016

Thanks Cathy. I know you can relate so much to this!

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