Flashback Friday

THEN:
Neo is a seven year old blue Neapolitan Mastiff. I fostered him last August for about three weeks before he was adopted. Neo is one of those rare dogs that we don't usually see in rescue. A rare and sought after purebred - he normally would have been easily adopted out. And in Neo's case, we did receive several applications on him once he was placed on the website. But as a giant-breed dog, Neo is approaching old age quickly. He has some health problems. And he drools. A lot.

Neapolitan Mastiffs - also known as Italian Mastiffs - are not as large as their English Mastiff counterparts (like Mango - at 230 pounds, he's the heaviest dog I know!)  Neapolitan Mastiffs have more wrinkles though - it's like a tradeoff.  I have a theory that more wrinkles = more drool.  Just look at his loose jowls - do they do doggie jowl-lifts?  All I know is he drooled everywhere.  Constantly.

Many people met him at adoption events and were immediately drawn to his many wrinkles and large size. And most were immediately repulsed by the constant drool, made worse by the fact that he was nervous. I wasn't worried about finding him a home - I just wanted to make sure it was the right home. So after a lot of thought and many e-mail conversations with one applicant, I finally set up a meeting for her to meet Neo.

Maria lives in Tennessee - I think she had about a nine hour drive just to come meet Neo. She drove here with her female Neapolitan Mastiff, who was also a rescue. She met me and Neo, and I immediately realized she was perfect for Neo. She was prepared for his medical issues, and with another Neapolitan Mastiff, was also prepared for the drool!  So I waited anxiously, hoping that she would come to the same decision. And she did!

NOW: 
So now Neo lives in Tennessee, on a farm with his mom and dad, a female Neapolitan Mastiff named Kira and a white Boxer named Chewy. Here is part of a recent e-mail from Maria, updating me on Neo.

"I thought I'd send you a couple more pictures of Neo and let you know he's doing awesome. He's such a cuddle bunny (if you can believe a bunny that weighs 130 pounds) and adores attention. He's my constant companion when I'm outdoors feeding critters or working on stuff around the farm. And loves to lay at my feet when I'm watching a movie. Probably so I'll scratch his back with my foot... LOL!"

She went on to say he's doing well on medication for his lower back inflammation, and that even though she has shown him several times that there is no back door to the chicken house, he still insists on running behind it and checking everytime she goes inside.  I love that he's so attached to her, and that he's so obviously happy in his pictures.  Thank you Maria!!