2008 North Central Newfoundland Club Picnic

Well guys Ethel here. I know Ricky was posting about the National, but he's not here today, he's snoozing, so I have the helm. It was a cool weekend, as it was the North Central Newfoundland Club Annual Picnic. Originally Mom told me I could not go, cause I'm always goin somewhere with Dad, and that the others might be a tad jealous. Now I know that's not true, but I though Mom would feel better doing this. But as it got closer to the picnic, Ricky and Oreo didn't feel good, Ricky got into something (you know kids), and he was indisposed with the, hmmmmm...let's see how can I say this without grossing you out, Oh I know, he had liquidy poo. He was getting better, but he had to stay home. Oreo might have a lady problem, so she got to stay home too. So Mom and Dad took me (WhooHoo!) and Luci. Luci was all excited cause she doesn't get to go to events often.

Anyway, we got to the picnic site and their were lots of people (cool, that meant lots of Pets for ME!), and lots of other Newfies! Then I found out there were games! I got to play some of the games and won a prize in the Flooger Contest, I finsihed third, getting gyped out of second when I got bumped and my longest flooger broke. But it was OK, I got a cool prize (a cookie), and Dad got a magnetic Board for the Fridge. We met some new people, they had just joined, and played with their Newfie. I told her this was a cool club, and she would like the Water Seminar next month with my cool friends Roger and barbra Frey, I like him, he shows me how to be a Water Dog, so I can't wait until next month and lots of swimmin! Luci made lots of friends (she's kind of shy), and was having a good time. Dad feed us some macaroni and cheese, and some carrots, tomatoe grapes, and watermelon. It was a good lunch snacky. Then it got booring, cause the two legged guys had a meeting about hosting a National, and there was a lot of talking about that. Then they had the Brown Bag Auction, and Mom won some cool looking books, and a nice Newfie Pin. The Pin looked like Oreo, so I know my Mommy liked it. Then we all went home, and chilled out for the rest of the day, except Dad tricked us at the top of the Deck Stairs and took our photo all together. Then it was beddytime, and we all snuggled in bed together. It was a good day. See you soon.

2008 Newfoundland National Specialty - Part 2

Well its Ricky here again. I tell you, it’s hard enough being “Mr. Smooch” the World’s Greatest Smoocher, when you have sisters that try to foil you at every turn. As I told you we had to go and have another doctor check our hearts. Mine of course was great, as I am the Perfect Specimen of a Landseer, but Ethel was another matter. They checked and the Doctor said he wanted to do a Doppler. At first I thought it was something to eat, but I found out that they let you lay on a table, and then put a funny thing on you and the box makes this cool bump…bump….bump….noise and then there’s really terrible looking TV everyone was watching. After a while I figured out it was Ethel’s heart beating…Wow now that was really cool!!! It turned out that Ethel has an extra something on a valve (whatever that is) and it makes a funny noise, so Ehtel’s heart beat sounds funny, even though there is nothing wrong with her. Now that was good, but it delayed my smooching schedule.

After that we wandered around and I got to meet lots of cool people that I got to smooch, and some other Newfies too! Of course I had to formally Sniff before Smooching, I mean after all, I have to make sure I’m primarily smooching girls, even though I like guys, in a manly Newfie sorta way, but there’s a rumor that smooching guys is not cool, so I tend to make sure it’s OK first. Then much to my dismay we returned to the hotel. I heard Dad tell Mom that they were going to the Annual Meeting and Plate Sale. I was real excited then, they were going to buy us plates of food. Boy was I disappointed later on that night, when Dad & Mom returned home with plates, but NO FOOD!!!!!!! Rats, I was looking forward to a late snacky. But I did get to give out extra smooches, because Dad arranged with some friends on Newf Net to have a Personal Assistant cater to me while they were out. A nice girl named Jennifer, who was a student came to visit with me, and yes the girls too, while Mom & Dad were out. She was pretty cool, she gave me cookies, water, and then took me outside to goof around. She did that several days and it was really cool.

Wednesday arrived, and Ethel went off to Rally. I went too, but there were a lot of new people to smooch, so I stayed busy. It was nice out, and we strolled around and met people while Mom drug me around to all the vendors, but that was OK, cause some of the stuff she got was for me! WhooHoo!!! I got some cool toys, and treats, and got to smooch the vendors, so that was a bonus.

Thursday, I got to go to the “Rescue Parade.” Oreo came too. It was really great!!!! First, I got lots of attention and smooches, Yeah! Ladies gave ME smooches!!!!. Then Mom got a goodie bag that was for me only. It was great, I got a towel with my name on it, and a cool scarf! Then there were some snacks inside, and some other stuff (I didn’t have to share with the girls!), and we got to parade around while everyone clapped. Since I got to first, I thought all of the clapping was because they all know I was the World Famous “Mr. Smooch.” But then I learned that it was because my Mommy and Dad rescued me when I was little, so they were clapping for that. That was OK, cause I’m glad they did, cause I have a cool Mom and Dad, and my sisters are OK, and my Gmom is cool too. Oreo got to parade to, so I Whoo…Whoo….Whooed for her. I like Oreo, she’s cool, she doesn’t get mad and growl at me when I forget that she owns some of the toys too, and let’s me play with her toys. The rest of the day oreo and I went around and I showed her everything there was to see. She got lots of pets and hugs, and we got to meet more cool people, some even had a treat for us!

Well that’s all for this edition. I will have Dad post more pictures soon.

The 2008 Newfoundland National Specialty, Part 1

Well guys Ricky here. I’ve returned for my triumphant engagement at the Newf National Specialty. All I can say was that I was a hit with the Newfie Public. I was way overbooked on smooching events, but I managed to get everyone at the National Smooched that I saw. Some even were smooched on different occasions, even though I had already smooched them at least once before. But they were my adoring fans, so what’s a Landseer to do? But I’m getting ahead of myself here, and I’ll tell you about our week.

We left on Sunday, and the weather was great. The only issue was that I had to ride in the back of the van with the girls. While I like them and their OK, it’s still kind of insulting, as I’m the world famous “Mr. Smooch,” and I though I should ride up front. Mom said I was getting a big head, but I looked in the mirror, and my head was the same size it’s been, so I didn’t understand that! After a long drive (we did stop for potty breaks), it got dark and we stopped at a Holiday Inn Express in PA. It was a nice place and of course I had to smooch the staff. After all they deserved a tip. I got a decent snooze in, and was ready to go in the morning, after a hearty breakfast. The only bummer was it was raining. Boy it rained all day! We finally arrived in Rhode Island, which I didn’t understand, I never saw any water surrounding us, so I don’t know why they called it an Island?

The next (Tuesday) day Ethel got to have all the fun, and went to Rally, and then I got to go with her to walk around and meet my fans. It seemed like I had fans everywhere, cause when we stopped, I got to give smooches to everyone Mom & Dad met. So even though it rained, it was a good day, as my smoochin quota was ahead for my normal standard. It was kinda neat to, there were a lot of Newf’s around that I had never met before, so I got to sniff a lot of new sniffs! So between smoochin and sniffin, I was a busy guy. Later in the day, we got to go to something called a cardio clinic. Some guy put this thing on me, which was OK cause I got pets, and then I found out he was a Vet!! I didn’t smell any Vet smells so he surprised me and kinda snuck up on me in a way. But Mom said I had a good Heart (Heck, I knew that, you hafta be to be Mr. Smooch), so I guess it was OK. Then Dad took me next door. I thought hey this place is cool, there givin out cookies!! Little did I know I was going to get stabbed, and not just once but twice!! My Dad said something about DNA Research. I thought that meant “D”og “N”ummy “A”ssociation Research, and they were testing new cookies or something, boy was I wrong, next thing I know another Vet was stabbin me with a needle and trying to suck my blood out of my leg. When that didn’t work, they stuck a needle in my NECK!!!!!!!!! Holy Cow! Afterwards I found out that it was a project for all Newfies to help other Newfies so they won’t get sick and stuff like that, so it was OK after all. Boy my Mom and Dad are smarter than I thought. Well that’s enough for today. I’ll post more on the rest of the week maybe tomarrow. Pictures will follow, but probably not today.

Gittin Ready for the National

Hi guys; Mr. Smooch here! (Yes it's me Ricky). The house is more than the usual Newfie Nut House this week. Were getting ready to go to something called the "NATIONAL." Now me being kind of young still, even though I am the "Worlds Greatest Smoocher," I don't know a lot about what a "National" is, but apparently it is a big deal. I have already had to overbook smooching sessions with all my Dad's Newf Net and Newf-L friends, so my time will be pretty much taken up. But my sister Ethel is entered in the show, and Oreo is coming also. Oh and my favorite older sister Luci is coming so I will have plenty of sisters to do my bidding. So I will try to have everyone post their thoughts, but we may have to wait until we return. So I'll see you all later. In the mean time "smooches" to all.

Ethel's Introduction - Rally Girl

Hi, I'm Ethel May Dakota Bear! I'm 2+ years old and I'm a Beautiful Black Newfoundland Girl. I was born in Illinois and my Mom (who just passed) and Dad live in Northern Illinois. So I'm a typical Midwestern Girl. My Mommy and Daddy love me very much, and take very good care of me. I came home a little early for a Newfie, at 9 weeks, but I quickly made myself at home, and learned how to be cute quickly. On my second day at home, I discovered the bestest way to check the counter for goodies. There was a stool in the kitchen and I found that I could get on it and sit so I could see better. That is a famous photo in our house according to Dad. He has his camera and caught me on it. I thought I would get in trouble, but Dad said it was cute and so did Mom, so I guess it was OK. Now I can only get two legs on it, but I can sure see better what's on the counter, even though I have manners, and never take anything unless I have permission. From the start, I've always been on the go. I love riding in the car, and trips are always lots of fun. So far I've gone to lots of Dog Shows, Newf Camp in Michigan, Newf Net Get-2-gether in Iowa (Thanks auntie Rhonda for inviting me), and River King Newfie Club's Rescue Parade (so Oreo could parade). Dad takes me to a lot of places but my favorite place is my Auntie Sara's Rally Training place. We get to have lots of fun with Rally Obedience. I get to show off at dog shows how good I am. I now have a Rally Advanced Title, and 2 Legs of my excellent title, and I hope to finish my title at the Newfoundland Club of America's National Speciality in Rhode Island. Now I'm not sure where Rhode Island is, but Dad says it's a long trip, but I'm ready! Then (paws crossed) I'll have a Rally Excellent Title. That would be nice. I've been very lucky so far, I've had 2 1st places, 2 2nd places, and 1 3rd place, and 2 4th places. I'm proud of my Daddy for helping me get them. So I'll let you know how I did. My favorite things are snugglin with Dad and Mom, annoying Grandma by givin her smooches when she's not watching. It's especially fun if she's in bed napping, and I can sneak up and give her a smooch. She is very funny when I get the chance, and makes the best noises when I can get her smooched without her knowing I'm coming. I also like to play with my older sister Oreo. My younger brother Ricky, is a pain, but he's my brother, so Mom says I have to be nice to him. You know how younger brothers are.....always pestering you, and what's worse, he's know as Mr. Smooch, the World's Greatest Smoocher, so he's always trying to smooch me and Oreo, and Luci too, but she likes it (Yuck)! Luci is my oldest sister, she taught me to go up and down the stairs, the best spots in the yard to lay in the grass, and how to get Dad to pass out cookies (a very important thing to know)! it's been a busy year so far, I got put in the OFA database, my DNA is helping to research Newfie Medical Issues, and I thought I was going to do special Water training, cuase my Daddy said me and Oreo were going to CERF, I though it was something to do in the water, turned out some lady was shining a light in my eyes, Rats!!! Well I'll have more to say when we return from the National. So remember, a flooger a day, will keep the cat away! Oh, PS - Dad will post more pictures of me soon!

Ricky's Story - AKA Mr. Smooch

Hi; I'm Ricky, also known as Ricky Ricardo's Cuban CongaBoy. I'm a Newfoundland and best of all I'm a "Landseer!!," and you know what they say about Landseers! I am 1 year and 3 Months old. I also have the distinction of being called "Mr. Smooch!" I had to earn that nickname, it's a dirty job, but someone has to do it. I currently hold the title of "World's Greatest Smoocher!" It's a tough life being the worlds greatest smoocher, but the rewards are pretty cool. Anyway, on with my story...... It all started last year shortly before I was born. My Mommy (Camillea) was bred with my Daddy (Barkley - Cool name for a Dad), and then, Mom and Dad went to Rescue. I'm not really sure why, after all they are Landseer's and they are the coolest Newfoundland's of all! At least that's what I think. So back to the story.............they go into rescue and my Aunt Donna, at Autumn Acres was surprised to find that my Mom was pregnant when she arrived. Needless to say I was born (Taa-Daa!!!!!!!!!!!!). Then, Auntie Donna called my new Daddy, and wanted help to find me a home, she even sent him a picture of me (I knew just how to pose to be cute) so that my new Dad would be wanting to bring me home. The next thing I knew one of Anutie Donna's friends drove me half-way to my new home, and now I have the coolest Mom and Dad I know!! I even have three sisters (although they are a pain sometimes, especially when I'm trying to get my quota of smoochin in!). So I went from being a cute 25 pound pupper, to being the man I am now at a whooping 97 Lbs (Oh OK Dad I'm not quite a man yet.......but I'm working on it). My day is spent guarding my G-Ma who is almost 88, and she needs my help to keep my sisters in line. I also have jobs to do, I check the counters periodically to ensure that no food has been left out to spoil, I mean after all, I don't want Mom and Dad to eat bad food. I also make sure that the Birds in the backyard don't hang around too long, cause they might hog the feeder in the yard. And of course I have to go to this place called Pet Smart. I'm responsible for "inspecting" the shelves to see if any cookies or toys are out of place! I also have to visit my frined the "Blue Buffalo Lady" who is kinda my girlfriend, and I always make sure she gets lots of extra smooches. She has good cookies too!! I like her a lot even though I don't eat their dog food, although I'm sure it's as good as what I get. Well any way, for those of you going, I will be available for authgraphs and smooches at the Newfoundland National Speciality this year. Due to the high demand for the world's Gratset Smoocher, I will be there all week. So stop by, I always have a smooch available for my adoring public! By the way, since many of you will be traveling long distances to see me, my normal personal appearance fees will be waived for the week, of course, if you happened to have a wheat and corn free extra cookie on you, I wouldn't be snobby and turn it down. After all that wouldn't be polite.

The rest of the NutHouse

I don't have a lot of time today, but thought I would introduce some of the other Nuts of the NutHouse.

Luci - She's the one that started the Newfie NutHouse. We were at a PetSmart in South Bend, IN, near my MIL's House, and we had just lost our Rottie (Hattie) to cancer. We had to get dog food for the Pom's so we stopped in. It was Puppy Adoption Day. There is a crate was 4 Newfie Mix Puppers. Luci was in the back of the Crate. The lady told us they were Newfie Mixes and that the one on the back was shy. After that Luci came out of the crate to us and climed in my lap. Guess we went home with a Pupper.

Elise - The Mini-Newf Pom - We lost three of our Poms to the Bridge within the last 12 months, Coco who was almost 17, Vanna 15, and Misti 15. Jusy was missing her Poms, and had alsways wanted a White Pom, so I found a Breeder who specialized in White Pom's so while we were in Indianapolis, IN for a Carnival Glass Convention (more on Carnival later) we drive another 1 1/2 Hours and picked her up from the Breeder. She has turned out the be a combination of the three, and is perky and bouncy just like tigger.

Freda the MaCaw (Blue & Gold) - She is a Rescue from out Vet. We have had MaCaws before, and thought she should have a home. She is about 35 Years Old.

Abby the Pom - This is the MIL's baby. She is 15, and has now lost her vision. She is still fiesty, and loves to lay on the bed and eat treats, and of course get spoiled by her Mom.

That's about all for now, more later....................