In the Company of Newfies: A Shared Life

The author recounts a year in the life of a litter of Newfoundland puppies and the other Newfoundlands in her household who helped to rear the puppies, and offers her own insights on the bond between humans and dogs

Ben came into the family as a pet, opening the door to the author's complete devotion to a breed. A decade later, novelist Lerman (Animal Acts) breeds and trains champion Newfoundland dogs in Cazenovia, N.Y. She tells a captivating story of a year spent with a new litter and six adult dogs. It appears that Newfies form an extraordinary bond with humans; Lerman thinks they even regard themselves as human. She gives some remarkable instances of communication between herself and Ben and offers many diverting tales?about Molly and her pups, Ishtar at a dog show, party animal Toby and about the breed in general. Lerman found that, early in this century, Newfies, noted as rescue dogs, were caged at the docks in Halifax for fishermen to rent by the day.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

A highly romanticized account of life with six jumbo-size Newfoundland dogs and a litter of newborn Newfie pups, as told by longtime novelist Lerman (Animal Acts, 1994; God's Ear, 1989; etc.). ``This is a book about the dogs who look steadfastly into my eyes and move their lips in vowel shapes, speaking to me as I speak to them, because they want to be like me, because their life's work is not to be dog, but to be human,'' says Lerman on the opening page. And from this ardent perspective, she proceeds to recount the many details of her canine-oriented life of recent years. When one of her females, Molly, gives birth to six pups by a difficult cesarean section, Lerman and her husband take turns staying by her side night and day. The sights and smells of the whelping box are vividly recounted, as are Lerman's philosophical views--especially when she searches for meaning after one of the tiny pups dies. Other recurrent themes include Lerman's urgent desire to communicate with her dogs and to show them that she understands what they're thinking, as well as her wish to connect ``with the wonders of the natural world'' through her animals. Lerman's first and most beloved dog, Ben, the pack leader of the household, is struggling with cancer and, sadly, loses the battle by the end of the book. Lerman is extremely sensitive to his condition, and with good reason: Both she and her husband had been (successfully) treated for cancer. In addition to the day-to-day details of Newfie life, we learn of the efforts involved in teaching these dogs water-rescue work and preparing them for national competition. Though much of the book is overly subjective and intensely speculative, it should be of interest to Newfie lovers and devoted breeders; otherwise of limited appeal. -- Copyright ©1996, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

In this loving, sentimental reflection, author and dog breeder Lerman describes life with her dogs, the popular Newfoundland (or "Newfies" ). Having spent several years observing and studying her Newfies, Lerman provides interesting insight into their mentality, learning processes, and behavior. She also describes assisting the dogs with giving birth, raising litters, and dealing with illness and death. Some of the anecdotes are silly and happy, but when Lerman discusses the death of one of her oldest dogs, Ben, it is very sad; however, her ultimate optimism in this instance may be helpful to those grieving over a deceased pet. Her reflection that "dogs protect us from strangers, sadness, pain and loneliness during their lives" will surely touch a chord with dog lovers. Lerman's attachment to dogs, Newfies in particular, is obvious, which makes it hard to understand why she perpetuates dog breeding, a practice that has been shown to promote deformities and diseases in many breeds. Despite this incongruity, her book will be an excellent reading choice for dog fanciers. Kathleen Hughes

This is a book for anyone who has shared life with a dog. Lerman raises prize-winning Landseer Newfoundlands at her upstate New York home. Her book chronicles a year in the life of one of her litters, from birth to young adulthood, and introduces the reader to her almost-human canine family. Lerman and her dogs have transcended the traditional boundaries between dogs and humans to reach a higher level of communication and understanding. This is evident throughout, as the reader gets to know the unique personality and characteristics of each of Lerman's dogs. These animals clearly see themselves as members of the family, and we smile at their antics, share their triumphs, and cry for their losses. Lerman (Animal Acts, LJ 3/15/94) is an experienced author with six novels to her credit, and her writing style is captivating. The book will appeal to dog lovers and breeders everywhere and is recommended for purchase where interest warrants.?Deborah Emerson, Leroy V. Good Lib., Monroe Community Coll., Rochester, N.Y.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.