KRYSTALCOVE BEACHCOMBER OF BALRYAN
" Elliot "

After our previous heartache, understandably Elliot (a bouncing, very happy character) was very precious to us. He enjoyed running around the garden with a plant pot in his mouth and standing on top of the rockery as if playing "I'm the king of the castle". We have shown Elliot from being a puppy, but only twice in 2003 as he makes it very clear he doesn't like it. Even so he has gained 3rd, 4th and 5th placings at Crufts and has qualified for 2004.
Each weekday morning Elliot enjoys his walk through Brussleton Wood or somewhere else locally, with Trevor, Dillon and Rodney. However, he objects to this when I'm at home. When Trevor says the magic word "wellies" and reaches for the leads, Elliot runs upstairs and peeps through the banister spindles, hides behind my chair, or stands firm and refuses to move! This certainly pulls at my heartstrings - how can I refuse?
Elliot loves 'chase me' games. With a woof and a mischievous look he picks up a ball/toy and goads me to run after him around the dining room table. This is such a good game until Rodney (who is a big boy) decides to join in. Elliot always submits the ball or toy to him, as he can't be bothered with fracas. He is also greedy, eating being a favourite pastime and helping himself on occasion. At the moment he is supposed to be on a diet, ha! - we try.
Apparently unaware that he is supposed to enjoy water rescue, Elliot has ventured only just midway between his tummy and back, on tiptoes. I expect he'll swim one of these days when the need arises. Perhaps I should push Trevor into the water and hope!
Elliot has matured into a laid back, don't need hassle, boy. At night, as I'm sure most Newfies do if allowed, he comes upstairs to say "Goodnight" and in the morning "Time to get up". An acquaintance who deals with the behavioural problems of dogs and had been watching Elliot as a puppy, told us he was an intelligent boy. I think she was correct, as he sure seems to have it right: his philosophy being "let's eat, eat, play and be happy!"