Near this spot are deposited the remains of one who possessed
Beauty without Vanity,
Strength without Insolence,
Courage without Ferocity,
and all the Virtues of Man,
without his Vices.
This Praise, which would be unmeaning Flattery if inscribed over human ashes is but a just tribute to the Memory of Boatswain, a Dog.
-Lord Byron from Epitaph to a Dog

Meet Enzo

Everyday at 7:00am EST we go for a mile walk.
Everyday we get at least one car stop in the middle of the road to ask the same questions.
Everyday we get at least one other walker stop us to ask the same questions.

I know these people aren’t going to read this, but here’s and Enzo FAQ:

  1. Is that a bear?
    No. We’re both straight. wakka wakka

  2. What kind of a dog is that?
    He’s a purebred Newfoundland, Newfie for short.

  3. He’s big.
    That’s not a question.

  4. How big is he?
    That’s better. He’s 110 lbs.

  5. He looks much bigger?
    it’s all fur.

  6. How old is he?
    Almost two. as of the posting

  7. Is he as big as he’s going to get?
    Yes. He’ll get a little broader, maybe a little heaver, but that’s about it.

  8. How much does he eat
    He gets four cups of dry food and half a can of wet food at dinner time.

  9. Does he sleep in bed with you?
    Why does everyone ask that? No. He’ll start in bed with me, but I think it gets to warm for him. He mostly sleeps in front of the fireplace on the marble or on the couch.

  10. Is he friendly?
    Almost too friendly.

  11. Can I pet him?
    Since you stopped us, he won’t give you the option. Prepare to be kissed too.

  12. Does he shed a lot?
    Oh god yes. Hair and slobber everywhere. It’s amazing he’s not bald. Twice a year he blows his undercoat and we get tufts of fur everywhere.

  13. What were they bred for?
    Water work. Towing boat lines and rescue. They have webbed front paws like a Golden Retriever for swimming, but his are much bigger. They’re mouths are shapped to hold something and still breathe out of the back. Those jowls also collect spit and you get the insane slobber the breed is known for.

  14. Is he named after the car guy?
    No. He’s named after the baker in The Godfather. The only truly good person in the movie. He escaped Italy to avoid facists and the war. He fell in love with the baker’s daughter and wants to stay and be with her. Don Vito takes care of it. Later on when the Don is in the hospital he comes to visit with flowers. This is when the hitmen are coming back to finish the Don for good. Michael warns him, but no… he stay. He pops his color and puts his hand in his coat like he has a gun. The hitmen see them and leave, thus saving Don Vito’s life. See… a loyal hero.

  15. He seems like a good dog?
    You can’t get a better one.