Abandoned Dog Finally Caught

[Brutus]

I have been following the story of Shaggy the Newfoundland in Michigan, he has been living in the wild since last July and avoided capture. He was finally caught and is safe with a rescue group. Here is his story-
After 7 months on the loose, Shaggy the dog is caught - Pete Thomas Outdoors

and his facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/www.helpshaggy

I have a soft spot for Newfies they are a lot different from labs but very loveable, loyal, and very vulnerable.

[ZoeysMommy]

Im glad they caught him. I hope he has a wonderful life. Ive never met a newfie, i someday i will

[Jollymolly]

I hope they find him a home where he will be loved and spoiled rotten.

[Snowshoe]

So nice to have a happy ending. I could see someone taking him for a bear and shooting him.

[POPTOP]

Hurray! Sounds like he has been found by a great situation for him.

You may not know it now Shaggy, but you have hit the jackpot. Give the humans a chance, you're going to love it.

[labsnewfy]

I have been watching his story too. I was so afraid when the local shelter was taking funds to buy a net gun to capture him, newfies are a very sensitive breed. Was so happy to see the family that had been keeping an eye on him were finally able to catch him without to much drama. Shaggy is in a good place now with people and dogs that will love him and help him find his place again.

[KenZ71]

Ok, I'll ask the silly question. Why are newfies so vulnerable? Always thought they would be a lot of fun to share a home with.

[MikeLynn]

Ok, I'll ask the silly question. Why are newfies so vulnerable? Always thought they would be a lot of fun to share a home with.

That's a good question, and I'd also love to know. They're wonderful pups; have three newfie buddies, and I/we love them all, but considering their size and strength, they never looked/felt vulnerable to me. Is it their soft and gentle, loving soul that's to blame?

[Brutus]

Maybe wrong choice of word but Newfs do get mistaken for ferocious beasts because of their size and mastiff-like countenance. A few years ago in Washington a Newfy named Rosie was killed by police as she was cowering in bushes because they thought she was ferocious, i was afraid this would happen to Shaggy so I'm very happy this had a good outcome. I have had people come in my house and freak out at the appearance of my Heidi, when all she wants is to be petted. Labsnewfy is correct when she describes them as 'sensitive'.

[labsnewfy]

I think vulnerable is also a good word to describe a newf they are at the mercy of those around them. Brutus is right some think because of their size they should be able to be rough and tough in playing and unfortunately in training. While some are afraid of them because of their size, in the case of Rosie the outcome isn't always good. Rosie was a sweet 2 yr old that got loose running around her yard, but because of her size some of the neighborhood being afraid of her, the cops were called. Before animal control could get there the cops decided it was a good idea to use a taser on her a couple of times. Those same 4 officers then open fire on her while she was cowering in the bushes up against the fence of a neighbors fenced in yard. After the woman said Rosie could stay there safe in her yard until her family got home.

For some reason the bigger the animal the more some think you have to have a heavier hand with training and discipline. Like Elephants because of their size are beaten, suffering much pain all in the name of training. The elephant is a very intelligent and docile creature, which is why I don't do circus events and cringe every time I see a commercial or movie with an elephant in them.