We were walking the partners the other evening when a woman walked toward us. She stopped a dozen feet away, a look of shock and awe on her face. She looked at Georgie and looked back at us. Is it…..a bear?

Another day, a guy slowed his car down to a stop, opened his window and shouted out, “It’s illegal to be walking a bear on a leash.” Right. Thanks for that.

Of course, since we live with Newfs, we’re used to the obvious fact that they’re big beasts.

A typical encounter on the street:

OMG he’s big.
I look at George like I never noticed before. You’re right, he is!
You must have a big house OR You’re food bill sure must be high.
What kind of dog is he? OR Is he a St. Bernard?
They’re Newfs, I say.
I didn’t think they came in brown.
Yes, they’re not supposed to be brown, I say. We don’t tell him though. He thinks he’s black.

Will the puppy get that big? So far, growing is her best thing.