Several years ago we had decided we were ready to add a dog to our family. We did a lot of research to determine which breed might be best for our family. Neither my husband or I had ever had a "Newf" or a dog of that size. Although, we felt the "Newfs" temperament was what we were looking for the size kept scaring us off. After several months of researching, we kept coming back to the "Newf", so we finally decided that was the dog for us.

We located an add in the Boston Globe regarding a new "Newf" litter. We placed a call, went down & looked at the puppies & gave a deposit. We brought Othello home a few weeks later. He was the best dog we had ever had and although he was hugh (Our biggest dog had been a cocker spaniel) we adjusted quite well. There was one problem, he was sick every turn we took. He had hip dysplacia, a bad heart murmur, blind in one eye. We had realized it wasn't the breed that didn't match up with us it was the breeder. We had researched the breed until there was no new information to achieve, but we had never researched the breeder. We didn't do anything other than to nurse Othello as best we could, we became a common face at the Vets, we also new we weren't going to have him long & we knew we wanted another "Newf".

This time we researched the breeder. We found ourselves at Milano Kennels and it couldn't have been a better fit. After many correspondences the decision was made by both Milano Kennel & ourselves that we were both good for each other. As impressed as I was via our internet connection, I was doubly impressed by the way Gianfranco raised his pups. The cleanliness, the health, & the love that was so apparent was beyond our expectations. Desdemona "Desi" will be turning 4 this December 3rd and is the healthiest, happiest dog we have ever had. She is not only magnificent in stature, beauty, but she is the smartest dog I've ever seen. She's a big girl, but gentle in her movements and very loveable. She's quiet and unassuming - she is the definition of unconditional love. I look forward to coming home from work, for her face is always at the front window, waiting my return. She follows me everywhere - from the garden to the laundry room. When I cry she licks my tears, when I laugh she licks my cheek and nudges my arm for more. She's the best.

When we arrived from Massachusetts to Lévis, Canada we were so excited about picking up our new "Newf" girl, which we had already named Desdemona. We didn't know what to expect and were completely surprised at how beautiful the area was. The kennel was immaculate. When we went to the area that the puppies were in, I was met by about 8 or 9 chubby, adorable black little "Newfs". I was in love, anxious to know which was mine. My husband walked over to the other corner & all but one ran to him, the one stayed looking into my eyes & I knew I had to have this one. I whispered to my husband and told him I wanted this one, he said, "that one might not be ours". I told him I had to have this one, it wouldn't leave me & kept licking my finger. He begged me not to cause any problems, that we would take the one that was chosen for us (I'm Irish and can tend to be a little stubborn). When Gianfranco came over he said ours was the one with the red ribbon (I still have the ribbon), and picked up a gorgeous Newf, it wasn't the one still licking me, my heart broke, but the ribbon on this adorable puppy was actually maroon. I held my breath as Gianfranco checked all the little guys ribbons, and much to my delight (and my husbands), the girl licking my finger, was our Desdemona. Desi & I do everything together and she follows me everywhere.

Bev Ledoux, Salem, Mass, USA