We believe that dogs, regardless of their ultimate destinies, should be raised as companions. Our Newfoundlands live a low-stress, happy, secure and healthy life with plenty of fresh air and exercise on natural surfaces. We also believe that the Newfoundland temperament requires that the dogs be kept close physically to their humans. Although we have a state-of-the art kennel building which serves as the main housing for them, our dogs are not kept in the kennel full-time. During the day, they are kept in separate 10 x 10 kennels inside the climate-controlled custom-designed kennel building, which is filled with light and windows for correct ventilation. They have access to individual covered 10 x 10 outdoor areas all day, and frequently forego the building to be outside on the porches that J. C. has built for them. At night, we allow the dogs into our home to lounge around and be with us. Most days, they choose the kitchen as their preferred area, which can be trying for the cook (J. C.).

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Above left: The house and kennel layout is designed so that dogs can be easily observed and are never more than a few steps away. / Above right: Water's Edge Stained Glass.

Kennel management is something that we handle personally, along with help from Penny Shubert, who visits regularly to keep the show dogs in good trim, and our pet-sitters and cleaning folks. Our work begins at 4:00 A.M. when dogs are taken out to the kennel and fed and ends late at night, after the dogs are fed, the kennel is cleaned and they are brought in the house. All of our dogs are washed and groomed on a regular schedule. Our laundry, also in the kennel, assures that bedding and towels are always freshly-washed and ready to use.

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Above left: We encourage prospective Newfoundland owners to visit in person and interact with the dogs to make sure a Newfoundland is the breed of dog they want to join the family. / Above right: Water's Edge at Christmas.

Our dogs swim in the lake as much as possible (under strict supervision) during warm weather, and all of them have taken to the water very naturally. We love visitors and try to expose our dogs to many situations to assure correct human and outside world socialization. All of our dogs are taught to interact and play together (with the exception of girls in season, of course) and often invent the funny Newfie games that Newfoundland owners know so well.