The Lights Were Meant for the Tree. A Newfoundland Had Other Plans.
A string of warm white lights is wrapped all around a very large black Newfoundland, and she lies in the middle of the tangle with a calm and patient face. Her thick coat glows where the bulbs touch it, and her big paws stretch out on the floor. The living room behind her is full of life, with a couch, a decorated tree, toys, shoes, and a window with sheer curtains letting in bright daylight.
Newfoundlands are big, soft-hearted dogs with thick double coats, famed for their patience and love of children. Their size, though, means they can pull a whole string of lights off a tree with one wag. Lights and cords are a real risk to pets, since chewing on one can cause a shock or burn, so unplug lights when you are not around and tuck cords away. If a large dog gets wrapped up, stay calm, unplug the lights, and unwind them slowly. Contact your vet if she chews on a cord or shows any signs of injury.
She does not look the least bit upset. In fact, she seems fairly pleased to be a glowing, living decoration. It is likely that someone will have to spend an afternoon unwinding the lights, but the dog will wait with the patience of a true gentle giant, and she makes a lovely tree for the moment.
