I was so impressed (and grateful) with the Rescue Program I developed a web site (www.NewfRescue.com) and rescue brochure as my contribution to help Newf Rescue efforts; to try and give back to the program what I was so blessed to received from them, Pebbles & Dino. This web site assists all the regional rescue clubs. The site generates a tremendous exposure to the rescue cause and is recognized on a national level. Adoption inquiries are continually received from throughout the United States on a daily basis, benefiting all the NCA recognized regional rescue clubs. Just take a look at some statistics; over 1,300 Site Visits and more than 2,100 Page Views per week—that’s over 5,000 hits per month and more than 8,000 page views per month. Over 90% of the applications received are referred by an Internet search. As a result of these spectacular numbers, Newf Rescue has placed Newfs with close to 80% of the online adoption requests received (stats from PONC 12/5/01). Now that's exposure!

My husband, Randy, and I have owned Newfoundlands for 15 years. Randy’s parents were breeders of Irish Setters and had shown them for many years. I grew up with dogs all my life (a poodle, Labrador retriever, Irish setter and mixed breeds). We love all animals but have a special passion for Newfoundlands.

Additionally, I have worked with my own Newfs and helped Dino to achieve his CGC, TDI and WD and currently training to obtain his WRD, DD and CD this year. I am also an active participant with local city council, recreation department and participate in many civic functions.

I have been a member of the Penn-Ohio Newfoundland Club and involved in Ohio newf rescue since December 2000. I am in very good standing with my local regional club, the Penn-Ohio Newfoundland Club (PONC), and have letters of recommendation from current and past president and board members, and even been referred to as, "an ambassador of the breed" by PONC members. 

I also founded a "social" organization in January 2001 called Newf Neighborhood. The group consists of people who are owned by our Newfies in Northeast Ohio. About once a month, the people of the neighborhood pick a place to gather or let each other know of "events" in our area, which are "pet-friendly". As we all know, people absolutely love this gentle, giant breed and especially children who are magnetically attracted to the enormous size of these pooches. I always loved going places with my Newfies as we enjoyed the time together tremendously, and I thought how wonderful it would be if we could share these "Kodak moments" with others, hence... the beginning of Newf Neighborhood (www.NewfNeighborhood.com). At every Newf Neighborhood social event, I (and the other people of the 'hood) make sure people are aware of what it takes to be owned by a newf and provide information about rescue.

I have instituted many functions in Ohio for the purpose of providing knowledge about the Newfoundland breed, such as:

• Fundraisers/Auctions (Silent, Chinese and Live)
• Pet Palooza's
• Parades
• Picnics
• Garage Sale
• Demonstrations on grooming, carting, water rescue, etc.
• Pet First Aid class and certification
• Promotional items for the benefit of rescue were created and sold (calendars, sweatshirts, etc.)
• Local celebrity backing (Dick Goddard of TV8) and radio broadcasts (WQAL)
• Participant in the "Working Dogs" and "Hero Dogs" themes at the Natural History Museum
• Chartered Cruise to the Sandusky Islands with Newf Neighborhood
• Arranged for Newf Neighborhood and PONC to participate in achieving the Guinness Book of World Records 'most canoes attached at one time'
• Presentation for the Brownies on the proper caring of a pet
• Accepted into the Pet Pals program for Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital of UHHS
• Lobbied to reverse a local city ordinance now allowing pets into city parks
• Interviewed and had an article published (attached) in the Cleveland Plain Dealer providing knowledge about our breed after Josh won BIS
• Invitation to speak at a Kiwanis Club meeting regarding the Newfoundland breed
• Dino and I participated in an exhibit at the Great Lakes Science Center for the showing of the Lewis & Clark Journey West at the IMAX Theatre where Dino portrayed Seaman. Here is a link to photos of the story telling and exhibit: http://www.LoveNewfs.com/Flinstones/lewisclark.htm I had Seaman's collar replicated (photos of it are on the above link). I was going to donate it to a museum where it would be cataloged and represented as a replica created from the best available information, but since they were not willing to make a donation to Newf Rescue I decided to cherish the treasure myself for now. Dino also pawtographed copies of Seaman's Journal that the GLSC sold and they are making a donation to Newf Rescue from a portion of the proceeds. (poster attached)

Additionally, I have established a sound rapport with many of the local purebred rescue associations and working-dog associations.

I have supported quite a few rescue clubs throughout the NCA with gift donations, and will continue because of my passion for the breed and what rescue stands for. I have also created a Coloring Book (http://www.lovenewfs.com/ColoringPage.htm) that has been used by breeders as an informative tool and a Coloring Page to help children understand the importance of proper pet care which I make available at no charge. I have made numerous donations to NCA Rescue as well as to regional clubs throughout the US individually.

If you have any questions, please contact me. 

Newfoundly yours,

Gina
Proudly owned by Pebbles, Dino & Bedrock