We added a new member to our family. Meet Charly:
She is a three year old St. Bernard/Pyrenees mix and we’re head over heels. A true, gentle giant. You can really see her size in this photo I snapped with my phone:
We have talked on and off about getting a dog, but I wasn’t so ecstatic about going through the puppy stages of chewing and house training, and we wanted something on the large size so Greta could comprehend he/she wasn’t a toy. We hit the dog lottery with Charly and completely bypassed the puppy stage, and she weighs 4x what Greta does. It’s no secret we have been anxious to expand our family with no luck in the baby department. While infertility has been tough on Chris and I, we feel even worse for Greta–who desperately needs a friend, a companion, someone to play with! As I was searching our local online classifieds, Charly’s former family was looking for a new home for her with a spacious, fenced-in yard (their new place was tiny!) and just like that, we jumped at the opportunity to learn more.
She’s calm, 100% house trained and amazing with kids. And to see her and Greta together. It melts my heart. Greta has a friend and live-in play mate.
While Chris grew up with dogs, Charly is my very first. Eeee!!! So when she breathes heavy, I worry. When she coughs, I ask if it’s normal. I’m learning, but already in love.
hi! i’m commenting belatedly, ahem, on this post because i just found your blog! but i think your house is just gorgeous (both old and new, actually) and wonder if you have ever posted about keeping the house clean with a large dog? we have a bloodhound who slobbers like a maniac and the shedding, all the hair! wondering if charly (who is adorable) has a drool problem and how you cope?! any tips are appreciated!
Hi, Kate! We don’t have too many drool issues with Charly but the hair is insane! She has two big shedding times a year, each lasting about two weeks and it is impossible to stay on top of. I could vacuum three times a day (and I do during those times!) and it’s still just hair everywhere. The other times we use a Furminator which helps a lot and just try to keep things swept. We’re not perfect though.
thanks! we recently bought a furminator too and love it! so far, i have found no good tips for the drool. i think our dog needs a maid ;) thanks for the reply! good thing they are so cute!
Love Love Love, that you adopted, it’s the best way since so many need a good home. He is adorable and I love that picture with Greta, I am sure she is ecstatic. Enjoy every moment!!
xo
Natalie @ DRB
Congratulations! We adopted our two Black Labs about a year ago and haven’t looked back. You, Greta and Chris have many years of happiness ahead with your wonderful new furry friend — best wishes! Kate of Peonies and Power Tools (peoniesandpowertools.blogspot.com)
What a sweet looking pooch! We adopted a retriever/Pyrenees mix about a year ago – hair aside :) it’s been a fun ride. A couple weeks after adoption she was less docile but she had been in a shelter/foster. so once she settled in she’s gotten in to some mischief but watching my son (5) with her makes it all worth it. Our pack wouldn’t be complete without her…have fun!!!!!! ~Jamie
holy moly me oh my! he is a big pup :)
I grew up with cats but my husband really wanted to add a dog to our family. After a lot of research, we ended up getting a boston from a friend of ours. I’m amazed at how much I’ve grown to love him [even if I’m not his favorite]. Just wish the cats felt the same way ;)