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By Kelly Talbot - Rye, NH

Lots of drool, drool everywhere is what we were told. If you get a Newfie you will have drool on your ceilings, we were warned. Though a whole lot of slobber would not deter us from welcoming into our lives our very first Newfoundland.

We have always been a Golden Retriever family after having grown up with Luke, after buying our first house and adding Max and finally in welcoming Champ who would grow up along with our three children.We will forever have a soft place in our hearts for Goldens. After losing Champy in the summer of 2019, my husband and I agreed that we were done. Nothing could ever replace Champ, and we did not even want to try. While we would be forever animal lovers, we would not be getting another dog.

The next four months were very lonely as I watched the beach sunrise each morning smiling at all the dogs frolicking around and chasing balls into the crashing waves. I felt that feeling that many of us have. The feeling that something was missing from my life. I knew while I could not replace Champ, I missed the love of a dog.

So, the search began. I’d always dreamed of having a Newfoundland. We’ve been a “big dog” family so the 120- to 160-pounds did not make us nervous. We began our search scouring the Newfoundland rescue sites hoping that there may be one in need of a forever home. Our timing was off as we searched and searched. Finally, our dreams were answered; and we connected with a breeder who matched us with a beautiful ball of fluff that we would name Sailor Blue. She was black with a white blaze on her chest in the shape of a heart! Our life has not been the same since. We welcomed our huge puff ball of fur and spice into our lives in August of 2020.Sailor quickly grew from an adorable puppy into a beautiful 120-pound Newfie and is still growing. It is unbelievable that she will turn two this month. Walking in the town forest each morning is one of our favorite adventures. It’s always a thrilling surprise to see what other dogs may be rounding the next tree. Sailor tries her best going up to engage each and every dog whether they are exceedingly small or exceptionally large. She has, thankfully, learned over time to determine at their greeting if they are up to play or if they simply want to continue on their way with a sniff and a wag.

While food was most certainly a motivator for our past pups, for Sailor it was not. For Sailor FUN was the motivator. While most puppies would dive into their overflowing toybox to find the loudest squeaking toy, Sailor preferred to grab the nearest shoe in the entryway as she knew a chase would ensue. Like a child she learned over time, and now her favorite pastime is her squeaking toys. Be careful what you wish for! Favorite memories of her puppyhood include digging holes large enough to climb into at the beach, wrestling with her best friend (a black Russian Terrier), gulping down a whole mackerel as her favorite snack and dragging the hose over to her pool while simultaneously barking to let the whole neighborhood know that she was ready for the pool party to begin.

It’s been amazing to watch Sailor grow up over these past 2 years. Growing larger by the week. And to be honest, we’ve never had to clean our ceiling! Needless to say, that gap in my heart is now overflowing with the love from our little bear.Sailor has not only warmed our hearts, but she has warmed the heart of her big brother, Henry our Ragdoll. Henry was not too sure what to think that first day when Sailor arrived with her massive personality. Since then, they have been inseparable.

Kreen & Marvin Reckart

By Delise West – Sit.Stay.Smile. Pet Photography – Dover, NH

In our years as pet photographers, we have met countless animal lovers. It’s so much fun to see the bond everyone has with their pets. Through the years there are a few clients who have stood out and really touched our hearts.

Marvin and Kreen fall into that group. They have a deep-seated love for senior dogs. Those dogs are often passed over at the shelter due to their age and health issues. We thought it would be nice to highlight these wonderful humans so perhaps someone reading this article will consider adopting a senior next time around.

Most people adopt younger dogs. How did you decide you wanted to rescue seniors? We didn't start out wanting to specifically adopt senior dogs, but the first dog that really caught our eye happened to be a senior with both physical and behavioral issues. It was such a rewarding experience that we decided to open our home to more seniors, especially those with issues.

What was the name of the first senior you adopted? His name was Bosley. His online write-up intrigued us, and we contacted Pope Memorial Humane Society (then Cocheco Valley). He had been available for several months after going through painful heartworm treatment and had very little adoption interest. He was being fostered by a staff member, and she was going to adopt him on the very day that we arrived because she had given up hope that he would be adopted.

How many have you adopted since Bosley? Since adopting Bosley in the summer of 2014, we have adopted Taylor in the summer of 2015, Oliver in the summer of 2016, Kona in the winter of 2017, Jazzy in the winter of 2018, and Chester in the fall of 2020. Sadly, all have passed with the exception of Chester. We have also been fostering a senior, Wally, for over two years. He has medical and behavioral issues.

A bit more about some of your rescues? Four of the six seniors (and foster Wally) that we have adopted have come from Pope. Pope has been great to work with. They are amazing in their care for the animals and their desire to find the perfect forever homes for them. They have a strong presence in the community with the following programs: humane education, food assistance, mother spay among others. It has been a pleasure to be adopters, fosters and volunteers for this organization. Taylor was a rehome when her original owner was too ill from cancer to continue caring for her, and Oliver was adopted from Yorkies Inc., a rescue specializing in small dogs, in Massachusetts. Do you typically foster first or move straight to adoption? Normally we go straight to adoption, though we did foster Jazzy for five weeks and Chester for two weeks prior to adoption. We still are fostering Wally.

If you spoke with someone considering senior adoption what would you tell them to be prepared for? We would let them know senior dogs still have a tremendous amount of love to give and are so grateful to be given a forever home again. They are usually house broken and will settle in quickly. Don't be afraid to adopt a senior

Sit.Stay.Smile. Pet Photography gives back to our local communities through their signature “Catchapalooza” events and Dover Dog Howloween. Check them out on social at Facebook or Instagram at sitstaysmilenh. (www.sitstaysmile.pet) (www.GregWestPhotography.com)