At around seven years of age I regularly looked through my mother’s large, old, leather-bound dictionary. I particularly enjoyed the pages with the illustrations, especially the few that unfolded into three plates of photographs. Needless to say, those of dogs delighted me, my favourite picture being that of a Newfoundland (my first introduction), next a St Bernard then the Great Dane.

Thirty seven years later I noticed an advertisement in the local paper: "Newfoundland puppies for sale". You can imagine my excitement! It was a couple of weeks after my birthday and I hadn't yet chosen a present! Trevor, my husband, asked "What on earth is a Newfoundland?" - I answered "Big and black". That same afternoon we set out on a mission and returned home with a 14-week old bundle of fluff, "Glen", who was to become our wonderful friend and soul-mate. Our lives changed overnight.

As to be expected, after a short while we decided Glen needed a companion. Following a few telephone calls we made another trip, this time to Norfolk where we met and enjoyed the kindness and hospitality of Gloria and John Burrows, and were introduced to the "Mayoss" girls and boys. (I believe John and Goria received their affix a couple of weeks after our visit). What a dream, we had never seen a full litter of puppies and adult Newfoundlands all together. It didn't matter that I had dressed (really sensibly) in a cornflower blue skirt and white silky blouse, it was a joy just to be there. I was very taken by their huge American boy, Zak, and can still remember his lovely sloppy kiss on my cheek. The following day we chose our very special friend "Troy", who grew into a lovely big boy and was gentle beyond belief.

Toby and Angus, our two Labradors, took a while to accept these new additions to our family. When they tried to join in their house games, this definitely didn't work. Eventually all games stopped when Glen appeared. He was the 'leader of the pack’ and also kept us organised. However, they really enjoyed themselves on on their walks to Brusssleton together. Their trips to the river were also memorable. Toby and Angus liked to retrieve, while Glen and Troy were happy just cruising around like battleships. At these times Glen's selective hearing really came to the fore - those of you who live with Newfoundlands will know what I mean!

We still have Glens 'stick', a large, heavy piece of oak which over time he whittled down from a huge branch. It stayed at Brusselton wood, usually tucked under a tree. If there had been a heavy fall of snow, he would stand for a moment to get his bearings and then hurry off to bring back the stick - he only missed two or three times over the many years he played with it. Glen is pictured carrying this in a large painting we had commissioned, which was completed just before we said our goodbyes. When it was delivered and uncovered Glen gave a loud woof, almost as if he recognised himself, or perhaps his stick! (As some will know, our parting from Glen was very different from the expected, but I will wait until another day to put this into writing.)

Troy wasn't bothered about sticks, but liked to carry or chase his Mini car tyre, bounding after it down through the bluebells etc until it stopped, or he dived on it. He would also disappear into the wood for quite a while (we believe chasing deer) and eventually turned up steaming at the mouth, tongue almost to his knees. He was a fabulous mover, a pleasure to watch. When running he appeared to glide along so strongly, back perfectly straight, and seeming almost as if his feet weren't touching the ground.

Later in life Troy earned the endearing addage 'Nanna'. What a gem he was. He always waited for Toby when he was getting old (16+) and couldn't quite keep up with the others. After Glen crossed Rainbow Bridge, Troy could not be persuaded to go for his Brusselton walk where we had spent so many happy hours - it seems like yesterday. He was the most difficult to say goodbye to, since when the time came he was still quite alert.

Isn't it strange/heartwarming: since writing the above, Trevor told me he came across Troy's tyre down in the wood, still in the area where he used to chase it 6+ years ago. Trevor sent it bouncing down through the trees and watched till it came to rest in a secluded spot and out of sight.

Devastated at the parting from each of our four faithful companions within two years, we decided we could never endure such over-whelming sadness and loss again.

A year and a half later, however, after new carpets and cream full length curtains, the house felt too empty. Following various enquiries (as excited as children at Christmas!) we set off to Graham and Vickie Birch's home at Sleaford to collect our puppy. We spent a good while meeting their Newfoundlands and chose Krystalcove Beachcomber ("Elliot"). Before setting off for home Elliot let us know he was unhappy in the boot of the estate car, so was soon cuddled up in a blanket on the back seat, alongside our grandson. Elliot helped fill part of the huge empty place in our hearts. We were elated.
As to be expected, we soon decided Elliot needed a companion. Once again we contacted Gloria and John Burrows about their next litter of puppies, but all those expected were taken (and more besides). However, Gloria suggested we contact her friend, Anne Springthorpe, who had a litter of 5-day old puppies. I rang Anne and was immediately impressed, just in speaking with her about the new puppies. Her love, warmth and commitment to the puppies was so evident, I felt as though I wanted to go down there and then to meet her. When asked about the possibility of having a dog puppy to show, Anne said we could have pick of the boys.

We visited Anne and Terry's home to see the puppies when they were five weeks old. Anne showed us all of them with their mother and then placed the one she had selected for us in my arms - he was beautiful. We then noticed another fellow with lots of top-knot and asked about him. Anne had picked this puppy for herself, but said we could have him if he was the one we wanted. However, we decided on the boy she had chosen for us - Millthorpe Olympic Spirit ("Dillon"). We count ourselves very lucky to have him as part of our family and will be eternally grateful to Anne for choosing him for us.

Just over a year later, on the day before Christmas Eve, next but by no means least, we brought home Millthorpe Rodney ("Rodney"), Dillon's younger brother. Once again, our warmest thanks to Anne for another wonderful friend.

"BALRYAN"
When applying for our affix, as first choice we thought it only fitting to have something relating to our first Newfoundland - hence "Balryan" the last part of Glen's registered name.