The Newfoundland A Hero in History and Most Loved Companion
When Joe–at the age of seventeen–neared his last days, I ran away from home. I knew I wouldn’t be able to take it. Yes, literally I escaped witnessing my favorite pet’s death. Probably that’s why he still feels alive to me.
Joe, a Newfoundland mix, was plucked from the town’s pound when he was a six week-old puppy. Although a mix, he had all the traits of the breed, starting with loyalty, gentleness, and watching over our children. He loved life and he loved food. Twelve years after his passing, our sons still consider him as their younger brother. As a breed, a Newfoundland is considered a working dog, but Joe was the most wonderful pet one could ever wish for.
The Newfoundland is thought to be a cousin to the now extinct American Black Wolf, which also had the classical white spot on its chest. During the first attempts of the conquistadors to settle the new continent, Newfoundlands roamed the plains in huge, wild packs since they were indigenous to North America.
What Thoreau said in Walden about Newfoundlands does not even begin to do this breed justice. “A man is not a good man to me because he will feed me if I should be starving, or warm me if I should be freezing, or pull me out of a ditch if I should ever fall into one. I can find you a Newfoundland dog that will do as much.” Newfoundlands are much more than that. They are not only working dogs but also the most loyal companions one can ever hope for.
Wolf Jewelry Dances With Vogue
When shopping for jewelry, one can see two extremes in any motif lineup: the delicate, feminine extreme, and the strong, masculine extreme. Among the “strong” extremes, wolf jewelry stands out as a common favorite — it is, after all, the symbol of virility and independence, rebellion and complete self-possession. When one wears the most common types of masculine wolf jewelry, one is virtually saying, “I’m tough; don’t mess with me.”
But nowadays, a greater diversity of designs exists for jewelry themes, even wolf jewelry. For example: the popular fantasy comic Elfquest’s artist Wendy Pini has popularized the use of delicate wolf motifs, which are smoothly curving, streamlined and sensual without compromising the impregnable visage of the real-life wolf. Pini’s wolf designs symbolize neither male nor female, but nature as a whole.
Kevin Costner made a smash hit with his appearance in the romantic period dramatic film “Dances With Wolves.” In that movie he celebrated the qualities that are as essential to humans as they are to wolves: loyalty, honor, trust and freedom. Wolves remain a symbol of all these virtues. The moon is also associated very closely with the image of the wolf, as images of wolves howling at the full moon continue to be popular in today’s culture.
The Irish Wolfhound – Easygoing and Soft-natured Giant
Although not for the faint of heart, Irish Wolfhounds are strong, muscular, beautiful dogs that are usually even tempered and friendly. Originally they were used in Ireland to hunt wolves and Irish elk. But today they are a favorite among dog enthusiasts for their gentle disposition and commanding appearance.
The temperament of this dog breed is soft-natured and easygoing. They are calm around the house and patient. These qualities make them a good dog with children, pets, and other dogs.
History of the Breed