In the Thursday (6/29) Wichita Eagle, there is an ad for a free one year old F Newfoundland. Ad says she is spayed, has a sweet temperament, walks well on leash, and that she needs a new home because the family is moving to a small apartment.

This is awful. In the Wichita, KS area, poorly bred newfs get listed by their BYB for $1000 to $2000, and that is considered A LOT of money for a dog in Wichita. I can only imagine the people who might call on the opportunity to get one for free. We also have several hoarders/collectors in the area, plus, the deep chest cavity of the newf can make it desirable for certain research protocols. Even if none of that grim stuff happens, going back to anybody can call. People see newf and think "awww, cute." Newfs are from the working breed and have all kinds of health and behavioral issues; the latter would suggest the dog is not for the novice, certainly not the uninformed novice.

I called, got the answering machine, and left a voice message urging caution and giving them contact info for me. I don't have space for this girl, but I'll make room for her if she needs someone to buy her time to find the perfect home. I'm hoping my message will help prevent them from going with the first caller. Probably not ... ad started today, she's probably already re-homed. Sorry for the negativity; this just really troubles me.

Wasn't Lisa (Mrs. Lisa) thinking of getting a newf??

Susan

This is awful Susan....just awful...:( :(

Thank you for taking the time to alert this person of the dangers of advertising "For Free" ads....I can only hope that this person has not already re-homed her dog and will take what you have said into consideration and think twice about who she will give her dog to....

I just hate to hear people say that they have to give up their dog because "they are moving" ...just so heartbreaking for the poor dog...

I hope that this story has a happy ending and the dog will find a proper, loving home...

I hope that everything works out for this dog, Susan. Your phone call will help them to understand that "free" means "disposable" to some people and that placing this dog will require extra attention.

I don't understand the "small apartment" excuse. You can find one that will let you put down a pet deposit. Then crate your dog and walk it. Good for you and for the dog, we can all use more exercise. Ace loves his crate, in the air conditioning, and his walks through the neighborhood, and the neighborhood next to us, and the one past that.... ;)

Are Newfs like Anatolians behavior wise? If so, oh boy!

I have been watching our shelters here - there was a posting in the feed store of a litter of newf puppies for sale. The didn't have any certifications listed - most people still lean towards dogs being tied up outside or crated in the garage :( Our youngest is only part newf, he can't take the heat and loves the a/c. Have you heard from them? Hopefully they will take your caution seriously.

I have been watching our shelters here - there was a posting in the feed store of a litter of newf puppies for sale. The didn't have any certifications listed - most people still lean towards dogs being tied up outside or crated in the garage :( Our youngest is only part newf, he can't take the heat and loves the a/c. Have you heard from them? Hopefully they will take your caution seriously.
I have not heard from them. The ad was still running, but in the Free section there is a flat rate for so many days. Some people will ask to have their number deleted from the ad if they give away their pet the first day. The fact the ad is still there, though, doesn't mean much. I had forgotten that they also the girl is housebroken. I bet she's already gone and probably was by the time I called on the ad yesterday. At least she is spayed; the bad breeders won't want her.

I just keep stewing about her. I love newfs, but they aren't all that great in this climate, especially if you don't have a real pool (not a kiddie pool) for them and or if you aren't willing to have them inside with the A/C. Yet with the blowing fur, big body, and so many of them DROOL, they are apt to be tossed outside.

I'm just working myself up. I'm in town for the Fourth of July weekend. If these folks decide they want my help, they can reach me. I also tried to role model the kind of stuff they should want to hear if someone called on her. I gave my full name; my home and work numbers; indicated some knowledge of dogs, newfs, and rescue; commented on my fenced yard; and indicated I would be happy to give them vet references. I kept it short and sweet though, so they would listen to the whole message and not feel like I was droning on and on like I am doing right now in this post. Sorry.

Susan

Hopefully she is in good hands now. Maybe you could call them again and see if they give you any info. (kinda like they actually screened the person) and put your mind at ease.

:( Very sad...
Keep us updated.
Martha