Yesterday my husband came home from golfing and was immediately greeted with happy tails wags and kisses from Odin.
Odin loves my husband and is always happy to see him when he comes home.
When my husband sat down Odin gave him a proper Newfie greeting and climbed up onto his lap for some lovin.
I watched the two of them and then I thought about how far my husband has come over the past 20+ years in regards to Newfs.
When I first met my husband he was not a fan of big dogs.
I wouldn’t say that he didn’t like dogs but his experience with dogs wasn’t extensive.
The first time that he came to pick me up he was greeted by Thunder, my 180-pound Landseer.
The expression on his face when Thunder was standing on the other side of the door with slobber swaying back and forth from his jowls was one of fear.
I opened the door and invited him in but he shook his head no.
At first, I didn’t realize what was going on, but then as he started to back away, I got it.
I offered to put Thunder on the back porch and he gladly accepted that offer.
I don’t know why but that first impression really didn’t phase me too much.
Perhaps I was noting it subconsciously for future use but as we continued dating, it wasn’t needed.
It took some time for him to warm up to Thunder but he did.
Maybe not 100%, he was mortified by slobber, but he liked Thunder.
The day my husband proposed and before I said yes, I made sure that Thunder was included in the package.
“Where I go Thunder goes. So when we move in together, Thunder moves in too. Kapeesh?”
Obviously, he nodded in agreement.
When Thunder passed away my husband was there and it was the first time he ever shed a tear over a dog.
Fast forward almost 22 years and he has fallen deeply in love with this breed as I knew he would if given the time.
He adored Sherman and Leroy and he absolutely loves Odin.
He’s even overcome his fear of slobber, which in the beginning was enough to make him dry-heave when it was in the same room as him.
If slobber got on him I would have to wipe it off before he puked and if it was a total emergency wipe and I used any part of my body, he would gag uncontrollably.
The other day I caught him doing the pinch and fling and I couldn’t have been more proud.
And it gets better.
A few months ago my kids asked him, “If you could have any breed of dog what would it be?”
Without hesitation, my husband said, “A Newfoundland.”
My heart burst.
He inherited Thunder, I begged for Sherman, he wanted Leroy, he pushed me to take a leap of faith and get Odin and he’s definitely on board for future Newfies.
His love of Newfies wasn’t at first sight kind of like mine wasn’t but the fact that I’ve been able to watch it evolve over the years is a beautiful thing.
I just wanted to share that story with you because, without the support of my husband, I wouldn’t be doing what I do.
Also, this may give hope to any future brides. Lol.
So tell me, was your significant other a fan of Newfies like you or did it take some time?
Tails Around the Ranch
Thursday 13th of August 2020
What a sweet story! Sometimes those who aren't fans to begin with become the biggest advocates once they realize what they've got. ?
Jen
Thursday 13th of August 2020
Exactly! He has just fallen in love with them and that makes me so happy!
Helen Cohen
Wednesday 12th of August 2020
My husband was pretty grossed out upon meeting my family Newfies. He came to love them, but not the way I do, but he also thinks mine were all spoiled. This is the only breed I have ever known, from birth! He is also appalled by slobber. Our next one will be brought into our home together. This is non-negotiable.
Jen
Thursday 13th of August 2020
Hahaha. My husband thinks that ours have all been spoiled too and I tell him that's the way it supposed to be. Lol
Susan Pollock
Wednesday 12th of August 2020
My husband and I have always heard about the Newfy's in Newfoundland during the was as my dad was a coast watcher for the U.S. Army. Their barracks had 2 as mascots. When we finally encountered one at a rendevouz it was love at first sight. We got our first one a couple years later. Since we got the first one we have mainly done rescue. I couldn't stand it that these loving dogs had been tossed out. Right now we are dogless only because of my husbands health issues, but we are hoping to get another one or two next year.
Jen
Thursday 13th of August 2020
I love that you and your husband are able to share the love of Newfies together! Sending good well wishes to him also <3
Holly Mitchell
Wednesday 12th of August 2020
My hubby LOVES newfies. The sloober doesn’t bother him a bit!!! Not one of my kids are fans... but they are grown and have their own lives. I wish they could see past their sloobers and stinkies and size but that’s ok... we love them all!
Jen
Thursday 13th of August 2020
My kids have grown to love the Newfies but I got them in at an early age. Both of them have said that they will own one of their own one day and that makes me so happy! Of course, they both want other breeds too so I'll be a busy dog grandma one day!Hahaha