When I was 16 my family took out a holiday home in Donegal in the West of Ireland. Just outside the little town was a beach, 'Tullan Strand', which was always empty and seemed to go on forever. One day , one wonderful summers day I walked along with it with two dogs. An ancient Labrador bitch called Sheba and a young insane German Shepherd whose name escapes me. After a few miles I was stopped by a very small river about the breadth of a swimming pool and a large red sign which warned people no to swim because of very dangerous currents. So of course , being young and mad I decided to swim across. Half way over the current caught me and I could no longer go forward or back. Just stay treading water as the outward current tried to sweep me far,far out to sea. My arms gave out with tiredness and I accepted I was about to die. I knew it was no good calling for help, there was no one for miles. I made an Act of Contrition. Then I turned to Our Blessed Lady and begged her for help. A deep feeling of peace and joy came over me and the sudden thought came to shout for the dogs to come and help me. I thought the idea was crazy , but what had I to loose. I shouted and both dogs swam in at once, even though the German Shepherd hated water. They came beside me and holding on to them both they helped swim me ashore, though they both went under them selves a few times. When I got ashore I could not even stand I was so exhausted and kissed the sands. I told the local Parish Priest who said it was certainly a Miracle and said a Thanks Giving Mass.
Don't even get me started on terrible breeders! Good breeders don't let our pups go until they are 10 weeks earliest because for one thing a Cardiologist needs to check all the pups hearts and that cannot be done until 9-10 weeks of age. Also if our dogs don't meet breed standard (and this is checked by expert Judges and other breeders throughout a process of a Championship Title) then the dogs are not bred. It's not just looks but temperament is HUGE for each breed. A guard dog like a Rot SHOULD bite. A Newfie should NEVER bite. Each breed has a purpose and with so many dogs needing homes in the world unless one is an expert in their breed and has access to the top bloodlines, and do all the health clearances, they have no business breeding.
