Gunner, the Newfoundland

Gunner came into the Mesquite Newfoundland Club Rescue with his brother Houston.  Unfortunately for Gunner and Houston, and others like them, the story is often the same.  Giant breed dogs are often the first to go when family dynamics change or money becomes tight.  Giant breed dogs have giant vet bills and food bills, and too often individuals do not take the costs, or the possible changes in life, into account when choosing to bring home a new puppy. Gunner, along with his brother Houston, were rescued when their owners found out they were pregnant and they did not feel they could care for either dog any longer.

Houston and Gunner were litter mates and had been together since birth.  At 150 pounds when they were only 10 months old, together they were a lot of Newfoundland!  They were both scheduled to come in together for their photo session for the book. Then Shana from the rescue group contacted me to let me know that they had located a wonderful potential adopter to take both dogs.  So they were taken in for routine neuter surgery.  Sadly, Houston died within hours of his neuter surgery.  It turns out he had a blood disease common to the Newfoundland breed, called Von Willdebrands Disease.  This disease prevents animals from producing the platelets needed to cause blood clotting.  The wonderful vets who cared for Houston spent hours trying to save his life and stop the bleeding, but sadly he was too far gone.

Gunner being the surviving brother and knowing VWD can be hereditary was watched closely the night following his surgery and within hours of losing Houston, Gunner began to crash as well.  He was rushed back to his doctors to discover that he too was bleeding and suffering major complications due to the low platelets in his blood.  We can only believe that it was through the combination of many prayers and the wonderful care his doctor gave him, that Gunner survived a second surgery to contain and stop the bleeding.  Unfortunately, Gunner will live the rest of his life with this incurable disease.  A disease that is hereditary and known to be found in Newfoundlands.  Those who breed these dogs should test all parents and puppies before breeding or selling them.  Yet sadly for Gunner and our departed Houston, when breeders do not test these magnificent animals, they pass on a deadly disease and death that could have been prevented.

Gunner was one of the calmest and sweetest dogs I have ever photographed. I was in awe of his mammoth size and was completely in shock that he was only 10 months old. I felt humbled by his greatness… He is just an amazing dog that took my breath away. Oh, did I mention that Newfoundlands drool….a lot?

Mesquite Newfoundland Club Rescue has been involved in rescuing Newfoundland Dogs in Arizona for over 15 years.  Dedicated to rescue, rehabilitation, adoption, education, and breed welfare for Newfoundland Dogs.

For more information about Mesquite Newfoundland Club Rescue or the Newfoundland breed, you may contact them by phone at 480-229-2922, via email at shanakerr@yahoo.com, or you may visit their website at www.mesquitenewfrescue.petfinder.org.