Observations of a Newf Owner - a Lesson in Inevitability

This is a message I posted to Facebook a while back. I'm re-posting it, because I feel that we all need to be reminded of the relationships we enjoy with our Newfs from time to time - as well as the brevity of life itself. ~ed.

Today, I opened my inbox and in there was a post from one of the many Newf-related mailing lists I belong to. It heralded the passing of another beloved Newfie. These notices, sadly, are not uncommon; Newfs generally don't live much longer than 10 or 12 years of age. This particular notice I read was a beautiful tribute to a dog I didn't know from a person I had never met. But, I cry at every announcement of a dog's passing, whether I know them or not.

Those of you who know me well, know that I am a very empathic person, blessed (cursed) with the ability to feel the pain (or happiness or stress) of others. Much of my sorrow at these notices is empathy, raw and painful. I have no mechanism for filtering this kind of stuff out. Some of it, however, is the knowledge that I will someday have to post the same type of message. Merlin is almost 4 years old, you see, and although hale and hearty now, I know - just as I've known all along - that he will eventually leave this earth and I will be forced to suffer the same loss.

Each one of us Newfie people will have to do the same. We must. It is the cost of loving a member of such a noble, yet short-lived breed. This seemingly huge cost still does not outweigh our desire to love and care for these gentle giants; on the contrary, it makes our love for them - and especially their love for us - all the more precious.

There are days, like today, when the mere thought of facing the same fate, the inevitable passing of Merlin, is almost too much to bear. Boston, the new member of the family is just a baby, not yet one year old. I can only hope that she will be there with me - and for me - when I must say goodbye to Merlin. And, I hope that I will have another Newf around when Boston leaves me, to help heal the hurt.

I am reminded of something I said to a group of Newf club members gathered last year. To paraphrase, I had said that I have been the owner of many dogs of different breeds, and I had loved each one very much. But, I never knew that I could be in love - so desperately smitten and enamored - with a dog until I got Merlin. It took acquiring, caring for and loving Merlin for me to understand the treacherously deep bond one can have with their Newf.

So, I write this in the full knowledge that I will someday lose my beloved Merlin. And, I face it with dread and trepidation. But, also, I face it with hope. Hope that there will be another Newf by my side, that I am also desperately in love with, to help me face the inevitable.

Copyright - Danielle K Bingham

Heartworm – A Year-Round Concern

Florida is a state of transplants; most of the population is from somewhere else. I am a relatively new resident, myself, having moved here in 2007 from Washington State. A number of states – Washington included – don’t have a high incidence of heartworm infestations, and so many of the residents there treat their dogs seasonally or not at all. Florida and the southern United States are warm enough to keep this nasty parasite active all year long, so it’s important to have a regimen in place for prevention of this insidious killer.

Heartworm disease is present all over the world in various densities except Antarctica. This is a recent development, with increased road and air transport of pets, and the presence of mosquitoes nearly everywhere. Once considered prevalent only in the south, it has spread to all 50 states and is now a major global concern. According to statistics conducted by the Heartworm Society, the highest incidence of heartworm disease occurs within 150 miles of the Gulf and Atlantic coasts and along the Mississippi River, including tributaries. This puts Florida firmly on the heartworm’s map of favorite haunts.

The Parasite

The heartworm parasite (Dirofilaria immitis) is transferred to the host by a mosquito bite. After undergoing a number of changes in the dog’s bloodstream over a period of 6-7 months, the worms travel to the right side of the heart to reproduce. Once established there, the heartworm takes up space, preventing the heart’s proper function by sheer volume and obstruction of the valves. The young (microfilariae) can travel around the dog’s circulatory system for up to 3 years before another mosquito comes along and gives them a ride out to the next unprotected dog. This cycle is repeated – often several times – in the unprotected dog’s increasingly compromised circulatory system until the heart is working so hard for so little benefit that congestive heart failure becomes inevitable.

The Symptoms

There are few, if any outward symptoms of the heartworm parasite in the first several months after initial infestation. For many affected dogs, heartworm disease is not even detected until the heart is so severely compromised by the large numbers of worms, normal activities, such as chasing a ball or running up stairs, becomes difficult. The worried owner takes the dog to the vet, blood is drawn and the grim discovery is made with a simple snap test. The blood sample is then checked under a microscope to determine the level of infestation. Once that is established, the vet must evaluate the overall health and function of the heart, liver and kidneys to ensure that the animal can tolerate the treatment regimen.

The Cure

The level of treatment at this point of infestation is considered by many to be as bad as (or worse than) the disease. Adult heartworms are killed by a series of injections of Immiticide® (melarsomine dihydrochloride) deep into the lumbar muscle. This drug is a toxin, but is proven less harmful to the dog than earlier arsenic-based formulations. Afterward, the dog must be under strict cage rest for several weeks to help absorb the dead heartworms, allow the heart and lungs to recover and to avoid embolism caused by dead worms dislodging and migrating to the lungs. This treatment is not cheap, ranging anywhere from $300-$1,500, depending on the parasite load, the size of the dog and other factors. There is the added risk that the dog may die as a result, because the animal’s system is too compromised by the infestation to tolerate the treatment.

Prevention

From the above description, many would have to agree that the preventative is a far better route, and over the life of the dog, cheaper – both in monetary and emotional cost. There are a number of prescription heartworm preventatives, in specific dosages for the size of the dog. These can run between $5-$20 per dose, depending on the brand, formulation and size of the dog. Your veterinarian can help you decide which is appropriate for your dog.

Many breeders and shelter managers opt for an over-the-counter (OTC) preventative, ivermectin, found in farm supply and feed stores. This is a less expensive alternative for prevention. However, this should not be used by the casual pet owner, as under- or over-dosing is possible. Some may attempt to use ivermectin under the mistaken notion that it will treat an active infestation. It is not proven effective – nor is it recommended – for adult heartworms already established in the heart.

Keep in mind that these preventatives are toxins, formulated in small amounts, so as not to injure the dog, yet remain effective in preventing the parasite to take hold. Some breeders are concerned with the regular use of heartworm preventatives, stating that the long-term use could damage reproductive health, specifically the male’s sperm count and viability.

With advances in veterinary science, we gain new knowledge almost every day concerning our wonderful dogs. It becomes our responsibility as dog owners to approach all avenues of prevention and treatment armed with all the information we can gather, to help ensure the long-term health and happiness of our companions.

© 2010 Danielle K Bingham

April Boofdays!

April Boofdays!!

Newfie Nation would like to wish a Newftasticly Awesome April boofday to:

• Jasper and Marlo both turn 7 years old on 4/19. They are coddled by Barb.
• Morgan turns 6 years old on 4/24. A recent rescue of Melanie’s, Morgan is now living the good life!
• Denali turns 3 years on 4/13. He is adored by Paul and Andrea.
• Jackson will be 2 years old on 4/27, and is treasured by Tammy.
• Rio is going to be 1 year old on 4/16. He gets away with murder at John and Linda’s!
• Luci will be 1 year old on 4/29. Kathy spoils her absolutely rotten!

• A very special Newfie Nation senior boofday shout out goes to Abbey, who turns 11 years old today! Deeply loved by Cindy, Abby is a grand old dame and is defying the odds. We at Newfie Nation know that we have our Newfs for a very short time, so it is a very special gift that some live well beyond the norm of 8-10 years. An extra slice of carrot cake for you, Abbey!

Treasure your Newfies - young and old - every day of the year!

Happy boofday from all of us here at Newfie Nation!

Want your Newfie's boofday on the monthly boofday list? Just email us at newfienation@gmail.com with the following information:

• Newfie's name (registered name and titles if you want to share)
• Date of birth, including year - if you don't know the exact date, we don't mind if you make one up. ;-)
• Name of owner(s)

That's it! As you can see, our seniors get extra special attention on their boofdays, so let us know about your senior Newfs!

About Senior Newfies.

We honor our senior Newfies. Each one of us knows that Newfies are not the longest-lived of dog breeds. Because the average lifespan, according to the Newfoundland Club of America, is 8-10 years, special recognition is given to those dogs who have reached 10 years of age or older. These individuals not only defy the average lifespan, but the lifespan for all Newfies is actually increasing.

(To our Facebook Group Members: Due to privacy concerns, we will not post personal information, such as owner’s last names or dog's registered names, outside of the Newfie Nation Facebook Group without the express written permission of the owner.)