Newman is shown, right, at 16 months of age. We say "hello....Newman" with a Seinfeld twist as she was a hard case right from the start. While Casey is calm and collected, Newman is in your face and looking for trouble. We received Newman at 15 months. Besides being severely neglected as a very young puppy, Newman had received no training whatsoever.
	Teaching basic house manners proceeded well, as she is extraordinarily smart. Newman *watches* us- how we cook, how we brush our teeth. She is SO observant that we truly believe  she is taking notes for the home planet! Photo at left proves she is special!
Where Casey is quiet, Newman is very vocal. Whether asking for food or a potty break she will not hesitate to whine, snort, yodel, or bark directly into your face. Once we learned how to decipher her sounds, the only problem we have is moving fast enough to suit her. All of her medical problems have resolved since she has been in our care, although she will limp for the rest of her life. Newman's joyful personality following the pain she endured as a puppy is nothing less than a miracle. Newman is a shining example of all that is wonderful about dogs, and could easily turn out to be our most unforgettable dog "ever".... she is a HOOT!

Almost 8 years old now, Newmie girl......

09/20/04 update-

Such a sad year for us- losing Steve at only four years of age. This tragic event left Newman as our only remaining Wolfhound- not our original plan , believe me.

Newman is aging poorly- those first rough months of life have begun to catch up to her. Her intestinal problems are back, and severe arthritis is nearly crippling her one good rear leg. All those years of relying on the "good" leg to bear the sum total of her weight in rising and lying down has taken its toll. The arthritis medication is fairly well  tolerated by her stomach, but she is still going downhill.  We are keeping her weight as low as is healthy for her, but still she is a very old feeling 8 year old dog.

We have respectfully asked Newman to hang on until at least next year fall of 2005- we have a new puppy coming that will desperately need her guidance. How can a puppy be expected to learn how to manipulate his humans without Newman to show him the way? There has never been a dog that did it better!

Fingers and toes crossed that her body does not further betray her and make this impossible.

We love you Newman!!!

9-15-2005

Newman went peacefully on ahead this afternoon at home surrounded by her loved ones. Life had become too much of a struggle for her and although I wanted to keep her forever I could not be selfish any longer.

I will write a proper tribute for her in the days to come, but for now please raise a glass to the most awesome and funny Wolfhound girl you could ever hope to know.

Running free on four good legs for the first time in her life....
...with Casey and Steve.

We now have no Wolfhounds....