Today is January 10th, 2002 and that date holds special meaning for us as it was exactly one year ago today that my little darling Liquorice first entered our lives, casting her spell and breathing new life into our existence. Liquorice has totally changed our outlook on living in ways that her gentle soul could never comprehend. We have always had two canines at a time, a Newf and another, “lessor” breed. Liquorice has been in need of a playmate for some time now and her folks were ready for a second Newfie, too! So it seems fitting that on this day I reveal that Liquorice now has a puppy of her very own, a little Landseer gentleman nearly five months old. And a real sweetie he is too.
His “litter name” was “Patch” however, to me, Patch is a lifetime name given to a dog, and Newfoundlands are so much more than mere canines! Patch has now been renamed “Keaton”, after Buster Keaton the silent film comedian. He has that same “stone-face” of his namesake when staring at anything that eludes his comprehension and the brightest and happiest of smiles when that stone-face crumbles!
Wendy Scheeres, the lady whom has the honor to be called Keaton’s breeder, thought he would be most suitable for our home situation as this little man is not the rambunctious type, rather laid-back and kindly by nature. An important consideration with Liquorice’s oldies in residence!
When Wendy arrived with her daughter and two puppies Liquorice went to meet her visitors, happy and gay as she always is when greeting those who come our way. Wendy introduced Patch/Keaton to Liquorice and me, then followed an introduction to Patch’s littermate and at length, an introduction to Kate, Wendy’s daughter. Kate seemed used to that position in the “pack”!
A number of other canines have come to play with Liquorice but these were her first Newfoundland visitors. Her reaction was not the overly playful, silly-Newf that has always characterized her on such encounters. Whether these being Newfies or she sensed something different in my reaction, I cannot say, but she was more “accepting” than “playful”. Both puppies were delighted to be free from their “conveyance” after a longish journey, and understandably, were excitable. Keaton was certainly the little gentleman Wendy had described him as, even barking at any strange sights he came across! Once, the two little ones dashed off, under the electric fence and into the cow paddock, headed, at a rate of knots, straight for a little dam containing only muddy water after our drought! Wendy had them trained magnificently, and on calling their names this pair of eager babies stopped and looked to their Mum. A second call had them scampering back to her side, although Keaton stopped to bark a warning back at the electric fence as it was rude enough to give him a little “bite” on his return journey!
Liquorice found Patch to be acceptable but had little interest in his littermate. But then Patch cleaned her jowls of excess saliva, as I do, though in a different manner. Perhaps too my focus was on Keaton and Liquorice read the situation well. Ma and Pa came out to greet Wendy and “family” and after the youngest members of our group quietened and relieved themselves after their journey, we all retired inside to the air conditioning! Wendy allowed plenty of time for Keaton and his prospective family to become acquainted in an unhurried way, to ensure that his behavior toward Ma and Pa was compatible and that Liquorice would be accepting of her little “brother”. Liquorice was only 8 weeks old when she joined us and her temperament was perfectly suited, we could not be so fortunate a second time with a baby. Keaton is old enough for his character to show through, and it was not found to be wanting in any way!
Now, in the past, Liquorice has only shown only total unselfish hospitality to her “guests”, even allowing them her treats, food, toys etc without a sign of disapproval, willingly giving of her treasures and delighting her “guest’s” enjoyment of same! Not this time. Toys they may have, treats too if they are offered by her people, but Liquorice’s treats were her own. I guess that Liquorice felt the younger generation should show proper respect for their elders! Keaton learned quickly but the little girl would test Liquorice’s tolerance more than once, and found it lacking! Nothing serious mind you, but a revelation to me as Liquorice has never shown any indication of possessiveness!
All the do’s and don’ts were explained to our understanding and satisfaction. And so after several hours a saddened Wendy, Kate and the little miss walked down the pathway toward the shed where their vehicle was parked in the shade. Their little man sat with us and watched as they walked away most concerned at this change in his circumstances. He did not try to follow or bark a reminder to them that he was left behind, but the concern on his little face, as I stroked him, spoke volumes. He relaxed once they disappeared into the shed but his anxiety returned as their vehicle moved slowly from the shed and disappeared again behind our garage. The sound of Wendy’s 4WD coming through the breezeway had him concerned again as he briefly glimpsed its passing. Liquorice came and gave him a comforting lick and I believe that Keaton adopted us at that moment. He has settled in happily, and tries to fit into our routine. He learns with remarkable speed what is and is not permitted when around my parents. Liquorice accepts his annoyingly submissive behavior with grace. As we three walk along and I stop, Liquorice stops too and, Keaton walks under Liquorice’s belly to stand on my side of her! A habit he will surely grow out of! To Liquorice such behavior is undignified, however she finds it acceptable. He did not approve of laying down for his first grooming from me, however can now see the wisdom in the possibilities of napping at those times. Having littermates his eating habits may best be politely described as “enthusiastic” compared to Liquorice’s totally relaxed manner, however in time he too will realize that no one will eat his food other than himself! Even Liquorice looks into his dish as he eats but knows that it is Keaton’s, and leaves him to it. Considering Liquorice’s passion for edibles, I find that amazing! If he notices something not as he expects then he barks at it, until told that it’s OK. After a leak this morning he was walking toward a small birdbath held aloft by the raised hands of three naked cherubs. As he realized they had human form he barked manfully at them, however when they would not lower the water on his command Keaton simply walked on.
Keaton thoroughly inspected Liquorice as I was brushing her this morning and ensuring that my actions and style met with his approval. Then the sounds of some hungry Noisy Minor chicks at the other end of the front verandah distracted young Keaton as I continued to brush Liquorice. So little Keaton made his way along the front of the verandah while I continued to busy myself attending my little darling’s needs. As he walked along a low wandering tendril from a Wisteria gently tickled his back causing his sway to be even more exaggerated. Once past, and the tickling ceased, Keaton looked back at the tendril now seductively beckoning for him to return, his head following the movements of this friendly Wisteria however a young bird’s noisy chirping further along the verandah proved of greater interest so he was off again!
With Liquorice, I shared all her encounters with other creatures from a young age and can understand her reactions to them. For Keaton, that will take some time, however I look forward to gaining that understanding. For now though, he has fitted into our family as if it was preordained by a greater power! Keaton is Home, and what they say is true, two Newfs means twice the love!
Arthur Witten
Liquorice – It’s a BOY!!!!
Keaton – WOOF!