Joey

About Joey

On August 8, 2000, we adopted 11-month-old Joey, who was surrendered to Newf Rescue because of behavioural issues. Untrained, unsocialized, and without bite inhibition, Joey was to be one of the greatest challenges of my life. I had expected a “gentle giant”, but Joey was anything but gentle. Joey chewed on everything, including me. He counter-surfed, raided the garbage, terrorized our cats, and stole everything within his reach. Joey was my wild child.

Joey was playful. His favourite game was “guess what I have”. The game would commence with Joey confiscating an item. His preference was the remote for the television, but anything would do. After the treasure was stashed deep within his jowls, he would approach his opponent and make direct eye contact. Once he had their attention, he would casually open his mouth, exposing his bounty and taunting his adversary. If there were a hint of commencing pursuit, he would be off and running If ignored (this was harder than it sounds and more expensive than I care to remember), Joey would give the item a few chews, then lose interest and drop whatever he appropriated.

Joey was two years old when Webster experienced sudden onset blindness. Joe seemed to sense the changes in Webster, and his rambunctious behaviour spontaneously dissipated, revealing a sweet, docile Newf. Once Webster adjusted to his vision loss, my focus returned to Joey, and we returned to class. Joey excelled in obedience; by the age of three, he was exceptional, and by four years of age, he was perfect. It was hard to believe that the puppy hellion we adopted had matured into such a well-mannered companion. His behaviour was always exemplary, and I could take him anywhere. Joey was gentle, calm, patient, and intuitive with humans and dogs alike.

Joey was a soft-hearted giant, standing 32 inches at the withers and weighing 185 pounds. His temperament was beyond reproach, and he embodied all that is good, kind and gentle. Never before had I met a being so pure of heart, sweet or devoted. At the age of four years and nine months, Joey passed away. The void he left behind was incomprehensible. The world was a better place because of his presence, and I am a better person for having loved him.