Community Corner
Photo Gallery: New To Newfoundlands At Mentor Public Library
Library patrons got a chance to learn about a specific breed of dog (and, perhaps, more importantly, hug a puppy)
patrons got a chance to learn about therapy dogs and Newfoundlands, in particular, at the Newfies at Noon children’s program.
Perhaps, more importantly, they also got to hug a puppy.
The program drew a crowd of 35 children and their families for an opportunity to play with Norman, a nine-week-old Newfoundland puppy and his uncle Wilson, a three-year-old Newfoundland therapy dog.
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Dog owners Barbara and Dale Kramer provided a presentation of the Newfoundland dog breed and Wilson’s duties as a therapy dog and regular volunteer at the library’s .
According to the Kramers, the Newfoundland dogs, dubbed the “gentle giants,” are known for their size, strength, calm dispositions, webbed feet and water rescue/lifesaving abilities. They were the dog of choice for U.S. presidents, poets, royalty and a companion for the Lewis and Clark expedition.
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The Kramers have also trained their Newfoundlands to be therapy dogs. Norman is in the first phase of his training to be a therapy dog, which is socialization.
To the delight of Theresa Simon, Norman and Simon’s 4-year-old daughter Reagan were engaged in a barking contest; each trying to bark louder than the other.
"This is the closest Reagan has ever come to playing with a dog," she said. "She is learning that dogs are not these strange hairy creatures. She is learning not to be afraid."
The barking contest eventually graduated to a game of peek-a-boo -- with Reagan jumping out from behind a bookcase to leap toward Norman and hide behind the bookcase again.
"I am surprised at how playful and accommodating these dogs are with the children since children are not easy with dogs,”"Simon said. "I have a new respect for Newfoundlands."
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