The Journey Begins...Newfoundland Life.

Getting acquainted.

Today, our home welcomes a new member. Her official name is Royal Flush's Lady Freyja Limerose. We just call her Freyja. (Yes, the 'J' is silent.) So, here is the story of her name. First, she comes from a wonderful line of Newfies. The Royal Flush Newfoundlands. So, that is the first part of her official name. Next, her mama is (shortened version) Lady Tutu, hence the "Lady" in her name. Then we have her "regular" name...the one we call her by: Freyja. (As we move forward with our Newfies and explore the possibility of breeding, our Newfs will sport Nordic and Viking Names. Lime was her identifying collar color. (When a litter is born, it is common to put a colored string around each one so you can identify them as they slowly mature.) Rose is our home name...as in DEAD ROSE MANOR (Thank you, Vix and Ivor!)

Yes, she knows she is pretty. But tell her anyway.

Over the next few years, Freyja will be learning various fun things that allow her to gain an array of titles. There are obedience titles, companion titles, draft cart titles, water rescue titles...get the picture? There is a lot that goes in to trying to create a champion. And the truth/reality is that we may not be perfect. We may not win a wall full of ribbons, and for a competitive person like me, that will be a lesson. What this MUST be is a special time for Freyja where she gets to enjoy doing what a Newfie is born to do.

She loves to lay like a seal...especially in the shade.

I will be training her and doing all I can to reach the mark that each title requires. If she loses due to my handling her wrong, then I will have to learn from my mistakes. But the funny thing about that will be how little she will actually care. For Freyja, it will just be play time. She will be told how wonderful she is each and every day. And through it all, I will be journaling the experience as I compile a book about owning, training, and ENJOYING the Newfie.

"Really? More pictures? Can't a gal doze in the shade in peace?"

And there will be pictures. Yes, there will be pictures. I recently completed a photography course and will be putting that to good use. If you love puppy pictures...be ready for LOTS of them. And once she starts her journey in all the certifications that will go on her pedigree, my photo journal will grow to epic proportions.

We have been waiting two years for this moment. That patience paid off as we have had the pleasure of working with an amazing breeder who will be friends for life with Denise and I. They will actually be coming over for dinner in a few weeks to see how she is doing (and fill up on my barbecued delights). They will be joining us at the many events and helping us become more knowledgeable in the world of the Newfie. 

Cuddle time!

This is not just bringing in a new dog to the house, this is the growth and expansion of our family. After all, when it comes down to it...Freyja will be a new member of the family.