Success Stories

"Panzer", FL
Hello, My name is Michelle Rühnau and I would like you to meet our new "baby" Panzer. I have owned Neo's before, my husband has never had the experiance until now. We have a 6 year old German Shepard who is registered with Florida Search & Rescue, she has been an only child, and now is adjusting to having a little brother. I love the tenderness of the Neo but the massive look. They may be big and mean looking but my Panzer is as sweet as can be. Pictured here with my friend as you can see he loves attention. Panzer would enjoy nothing more than stretching out with you and taking a nap, but any little sound and he's up to investigate. Panzer has been a joy since day one, everyday he does something to make me smile.
Thanks so much, we wouldn't be a complete family with out you!!!
Much love,
Michelle & Dale Rühnau
Added: June 10, 2003

"Babe", FL
My name is Roger we have adopted Babe the Neo from Karen Hermanspan here in Florida we are about six months into being owned by her, both me and my wife has had big dogs in our lives before, I helped my father from an early age with pitbulls and coonhounds and the wife had Danes so anyway we stumbled onto the breed done some research and through an AKC judge we know found this wonderful person in Karen Hermanspan she is one of the best people I have ever met in my 35yrs of life and those dogs sure are lucky. She has made me want to join in and help Rescue and we have done that our first rescue was Leo in Florida that is my little girl is hugging him in the picture on the rescue site just before we dropped him off to Karen. Babe is a 3yr old tawny that if I had to put it in one word it would be awesome !!!!!
she is so sweet and perfect I guess you could say she is just like the volunteers we have in our rescue program . We have two other dogs and they both love her and the older dog really likes her because Babe plays with our young dog and the old dog can sleep. We take her to Petsmart and to the dog parks she likes the dog parks the best.
And loves to ride no matter where you take her she wants to be right with us which we all love she has a nice yard to go into but if we are in the house that's where she wants to be and we like that to. Sorry this is so long and if you can use this for the website and you need to shorten it up that's fine. We also have a cat that's a rescue from 16yrs and 2 birds which we rescued also and we all love Babe and she loves us too. Thanks to people in Rescue and people like Karen , Babe has brought us so much happiness and a wonderful breed that we will never be without again.
Added: April 28, 2003

"Blue", MA
Hi! This is Blue, the newest member of our family. We happened upon him
while looking up mastiffs online. We were so excited to discover such a great
rescue league. We already had two dogs, and were looking to add to our family
to ease the impending pain of the loss of our aging Rotweiler Maxie. We all
fell in love with his story and picture. Before he came to us, we made copies
of his picture and our kids took it to school. Our whole extended family
thought we were absolutely crazy! He looked huge and ugly in the picture.
Nydia delivered him to us on a cold rainy day in October. It was then
that we thought everyone was right, we were crazy! He had a bad cherry eye, a
huge cyst on his back and a stench that made us gag! After a quick shower, he
came into our home. He immediately attached himself to us. We fell in love!
He is so sweet!
We can't believe how easy the transition has been! He had never been an
inside dog, and he preferred doing his business on concrete. The first two
weeks were tough, (We still have not been able to put our carpet steamer back
in the closet!) Blue tried to mark every corner of the house. we followed him
around and the minute he raised a back leg, we pushed it down and ran to the
door with him!! After two surgeries to correct his cherry-eye, neuter him and
remove his cyst, things got better. He looked so much better, and the marking
stopped.
Blue quickly broke all the rules, and earned a spot on our bed. He goes on
every car ride with us, has gone to work with Lou, and gone to our 4 year olds
pre-school for show-and-tell. Can you believe that not one of them was afraid
of him!? Our extended family has also fell in love with him. He is our gentle
giant. Nothing melts my heart more than seeing him snoozing, with his jowls
and wrinkles all spread out. After a month, he learned how to play with our
mastiff-mix Gabby, now the two of them are inseparable. He has eased her pain
with the loss of Maxie in December, as well as that of the kids.
We check in with the web site often, to read the profiles of the dogs
waiting to be adopted and wish we could adopt all of them. Can you believe
since October, the number of Neapolitans waiting to be adopted has doubled?!
We hope this does not scare anyone away from them, it is not their fault! Too
many uneducated people see the breed and think they can either make a bundle
selling puppies, or turn them into vicious guard dogs. We hate to think of the
dogs that did not make it to the rescue league. People have to understand too
that not all of them have been abused. They are extremely intelligent and
learn the rules very quickly.
Our road to "happily ever after" with Blue has been a bumpy one, but
definitely worth it. Just last night he peed from our kitchen, into the hall,
and all the way up the stairs. He managed to get every single step. We all
are learning that he needs to go out every couple of hours, and he still is not
sure who to ask to go out! Apparently, last night he thought our four year old
Lucy at the top of the stairs was responsible. These incidents are less than
once a week now, and getting fewer and further between. Also, he can't be left
alone in a car with a cup of coffee! He doesn't knock the cup over, he picks it
up in his mouth, tips his head back and drinks it like a shot!
I hope our story inspires others to let a gently used giant into their
hearts. It is truly one of the best pet experiences we have had!

Sincerely,

Lou and Michelle Grignaffini

Added: February 01, 2004

"Sasha", VA
Dear Sheree,
I hope you are doing well. Sasha is doing great! I would say she is completely adapted to our home. She is very attached to me and follows me around. If my husband tries to hug me, she tries to separate us. (We do it just to see her reaction!!) We've had a parade of relatives (including children) this summer and she has behaved stellarly. My nieces (8 and 10) wanted to take her with them. My best friend's children thought it was great to be able to give a dog a "full-body hug". They, too, wanted to take her with them!
Sasha went to the beauty parlor a few weeks ago (since it had rained for more than 40 days we hadn't been able to give her a bath outside). It took 3 people to get her in the tub!!!!;-) I told them this is why I would rather pay THEM than do it myself!
All in all, she is having a good time and is spoiled rotten.
All the best,
Mayra M

Added: November 21, 2003

"Caesar", VT
Our family adopted a beautiful male Neo who we named Caesar. We have 3 children all under the age of 7 and were a little nervous about adopting. Caesar came to our home in Vermont from a city and didn’t know what to make of the country. He had obviously never been in the woods, as he would jump at the sound of a twig breaking and could not figure out how to get around a fallen tree.

He had also been badly abused by someone and unfortunately for me, it was someone who I reminded him of. Caesar loved our children and loved my husband but would not come near me or let me touch him for the first month we had him. He was petrified of me and would jump and run away if I moved. I was heart broken that someone could do this to such a beautiful animal. But I was patient and knew Caesar just needed time.
I made sure I was the only one who fed him (at first he refused to take food from me, but he must have got very hungry). I also made sure to go with my husband on walks with the dog, and I made sure never to make any fast motions towards him that would make him nervous, I let him get comfortable in our home first and eventually he came to me.

Well it has now been 2 months and I can’t imagine our family without him. He is a loving gentle dog and has come to be my best buddy. He has even learned to love the woods and we go for long walks alone together everyday.

-- Elpi Arvanitakis
Added: June 29, 2003

"Bella", IL
My husband and I had been searching for the perfect companion dog for quite some time. Both of us are in love with large dogs, and once we discovered the Neapolitans, our heart was set on rescuing one. Already we were owned by a clever, happy chocolate lab named Payton, so finding one that suited him also was of great importance! He was to be the big brother.
After application and house checks, I can’t stress enough how thorough the adoption process was. Our rescue coordinator, Heather Weglarz, was so kind and informative, and put the needs of the dog first. We were both very pleased with the process, and waited until Heather had the appropriate dog in mind for us, since we already had a male dog in the house.
Then along came BELLA! Bella was 10 months old at the time we rescued her, and once we saw a picture of her and heard about all her little idiosyncrasies, we fell in love with her before we met her! We picked Bella up after a long awaited drive to Michigan, where we met her wonderful foster mommy, Dana. It was apparently very hard for Dana to let go of Bella, but once my husband and I laid eyes on the pup, it was a match made in heaven.
Bella rode home to Chicago with us, very VOCALLY I might add- she howled and sang at all the trucks and cars that went by! We got Bella home, and she met our Payton, who gets along with all cats, dogs, people, hamsters, squirrels, etc. Bella took two seconds to let Payton know she was going to be the queen of the castle, and now the two are inseparable and best friends since that day. They are like 2 peas in a pod, and I believe that neither one of them could be happier. She also enjoys cuddling with our two bengal cats- she really likes little dogs and small cats! Bella goes with us almost everywhere we go, loves to go in the car, go on long walks, and romp out in the yard with the family. She even has her own “chair and a half” that she has taken as her own doggy-bed. Although she does and probably always will have some dog aggression issues, we have chosen to let her be content with the home and lifestyle she leads now. Too much change tends to stress her out, as we have learned from experience!
The adjustment period is now over, and Bella has brought countless smiles, laughs, joy and happiness into our lives! It is also a pleasure to bring giggles to other people’s faces also when they look at her- most people don’t get the chance to be exposed to a dog that LOOKS the way a Neo does… so wrinkly, big, GOOFY and drooly! There are so many reasons why Bella is in our hearts, and I thank the Neo rescue for all their efforts in rescuing and furthering this breed’s survival. I am an avid animal lover, as obvious due to my profession as an Animal Trainer, however our Neo Bella is held on the highest of pedestals. Thanks to you all, and please know that these dogs are going to homes that would put them even before their owners.

Mike and Lyssa McGurren, Bella and Payton

Added: November 15, 2004

"Bartholomew(bam Bam)", NJ
Bam Bam, now Bartholomew, is finally where he was always meant to be. His dads, Mauro and Paul, are all Bartholomew as always dreamed of.
He now lives in NJ, a real happily ever after story... For a young boy who truely deserved it...
Thank you so much, Mauro and Paul



Added: January 04, 2005

"Caesar", MI
Just wanted to send you an update about Caesar. We love him! He came to us about 7 months ago very thin and a little shy. I have to send you a picture, words won't do him justice,but will try... He now weighs 169lbs. He has really filled out. He is so handsome, people stop their cars to tell us so and ask about him. He loves to walk and run. He gets lots of excerise. The weight is all muscle. He has become very protective and a big baby at the same time. We call him our big boy and his tail wags so fast and his butt wigglies, then he will roll over to let you rub his belly. He is a gentle giant who loves the cat (thinks it's his) and will let the cat move him over to eat his food. He also thinks he is a lap dog and loves the couch. He will accept all the attention you can give him. He is always at my feet,can't go anywhere without him, he won't let me. He is such a baby with a big bark when someone knocks at the door. And a good thunderstorm will send him right into my bed wanting me to protect him. He loves my sons, gets so excited when they come home from school. He won't stop wiggling for a least an half an hour. We are very happy we rescued Caesar, we love him very much. He is really a part of the family. Thank you
Helen
Added: March 22, 2004

"Zeus Di La Rescue'", ID
Meet Zeus, he is a permanently fostered neo through USNMC rescue. Zeus is 7 years old and came into the program in very rough shape, physically he has extensive pressure sores from laying on hard bedding, very thin due to lack of care and his teeth are virtually non existent. Mental wellness was not optimum either, Zeus is a very friendly and outgoing neo, and was really starved for affection.

Now a few months later, he has gained weight, being taken care of properly, and is getting all the attention he can handle, a success story for Zeus !!

Zeus is now a happy and healthy companion, he has a home where he is treated with dignity and respect and has all he needs or wants. USNMC Rescue has a few special needs dogs in their program right now, all supported by our volunteers. Zeus has all he needs but the others still need a little help, wont you please find it in your heart to give a little to the other neos who need it? Regardless of donation amount, every little bit helps.
Added: July 27, 2003

"Hooch", MD
It has been two months since Hooch came into our lives. I cannot remember life without him. Thank you Jenn for meeting me on short notice so I could pick up Hooch. When I first came home with him I was a bit overwhelmed. I thought what have I done. It has been close to ten years since I had a dog. At 4am the first night I could not sleep and Hooch was awake. I took him for a walk. So peaceful. I told him how I felt and he seemed to understand. He took it slow the first couple of weeks until I seemed to get back into the flow of having a dog. Now he is so loving, adoring, rambunctious, playful, curious, gassy, and the most wonderful loving dog. He is my baby boy and goes everywhere with me. I was suffering from the empty nest syndrome and he has lifted my sprits. I don't even mind if the kids don't call on a regular basis although they think I have gone over the edge. He loves to go for walks with my husband in the woods behind our house but if he hears my voice inside the house he comes running home. What a great feeling of being loved. He loves to bark and protect me from the wild turkeys in the woods. Big Bad Dog! Here is a picture of him relaxing after burying bones in the backyard. Look at that dirty nose!!! - Cindy
Added: May 28, 2003

"Adonis", VA
Donny has been our most successful failed adoption. He came starved, all bones showing, and still let his rescuer, Jenn, take a hamberger from his mouth. Of course he got it back and then some! It certainly was love at first site, but we do rescue, and of course he had to get better, and be placed. Donny had a different plan in mind...
He mended well, and showed us the gentle, noble neo hiding under that neglected body. He was adopted to a wonderful young couple, who just adored him, but it was not meant to be, Donny came home to us, never to leave again. We have since found he has an enlarged heart, but that just makes him more special to us. Donny is where he belonged from the beginning, and my husband and we couldn't be happier about this failed adoption.
Thanks USNMC!
Sheree & Glen Turk
Added: November 21, 2003

"Bruno", NH
Early Spring of 2003 a Neo named Bruno came to stay with our family as a
foster.
Bruno lived in a couple of different homes before he came to stay with us.
We decided to foster Bruno because of his special needs due to seizures. We
were unsure if we would be able to meet all his needs on a permanent basis
therefore we thought fostering him was the best thing to do.
After spending one week with Bruno we knew we couldn't part with him. We
will let Bruno tell the rest of the story......
I was picked up by two strangers on a Sunny Sunday afternoon. I greeted
them with a wagging tail and lots of drool! I eagerly jumped into their car
and began my 2 1/2 hour drive to what they thought would be my foster home. I
knew better! How could they possibly not want to keep me?
I was introduced first to my new teenage boy whom I greeted with my happy
wagging tail and of course lots of drool! I then met what they called their
dog, a bossy little 4-lb. Maltese named Trinket. This went just fine. Trinket
gave me a little growl and I walked away. I guess we will work on our
relationship over time.
To my surprise they had several cages in the home with what I thought was
live animated toys! I soon discovered they weren't toys for me and I should
keep my nose away from their beaks.
IM starting to figure this out. Trinket is the alpha dog. At least I will
let him think he is. The parrots do have a use after all. They drop yummy
treats from their cages that Trinket will on occasion share with me.
A week has passed. I have jumped on bird cages, marked all the furniture
in the house and soiled some carpets. After all this, they still want to keep
me.
Week Two....The dreaded Vet! Nice guy but I am now neutered. We discuss
my seizures, medication and diet. They are reducing my Phenobarbital doses to
find a safe but effective level. My diet has been changed to a holistic dog
food.
Week Three....I am settling in quite comfortably. Mom and Dad should buy a
king sized bed we are a bit squished at night! Its a good thing Trinket
doesn't take up much room.
Week Four.... This is a very rough week for me. I began seizing early a.m.
I continue to have seizures on and off around the clock for five days. I saw
the emergency vet and my regular vet. Everyone is very worried. I was
prescribed valium to try and help control the seizures. My mom slept in the family room
with me the entire time. I lost my vision, balance and control of my bladder
and bowels for the 5 days. IM glad my mom was with me, we were both scared.
The 6th day I was feeling much better and stopped having seizures. My
Phenobarbital was increased but still at a safer level than it was previously.
They have added Potassium Bromide to be given with the Phenobarbital. We hope
this will help.
It has been six months since my last seizure. I have gained a much needed
20lbs. My mom and dad have been kind enough to replace the soiled carpets with
wood flooring. Should I have more seizures in the future the new flooring will
be much easier to clean.
We all had a really rough start getting to know each other and figuring
out what everyones needs were. I have been taught what is and isnt acceptable as
far as behavior and where I am supposed to go to the bathroom. It took time,
patience and love but we have worked through everything.
I am very happy here and quite spoiled. My favorite toys are stuffed
animals. I will happily greet you at the door with one. I enjoy going for walks,
rides in the car, wading in the river, playing fetch and last but definitely not
least.....wrestling with dad!
Thank you to the rescue for finding me a good permanent home. Thank you
from my mom and dad for placing a really affectionate special dog like myself
with them!
Added: October 20, 2003

"Kayla", MD
This is Kayla's story. She is a 4 year old blue female Neapolitan Mastiff. She was turned into a shelter because she was found guilty of protecting her home. When a stranger came into her house, Kayla responded by grabbing his arm and holding him.
Kayla's owner decided that she no longer had the time to give, so Kayla was taken to the shelter. She was placed in Rescue for an evaluation, and that's where I found she has a very high defense drive and has been taught to be aggressive to anyone who is carrying a stick ( or broom etc). She has such a drive that she is considered unadoptable. I have decided to keep her as she is very well behaved when in my control. She is a wonderful companion to my other dogs, and very sweet and loving to those she knows and trusts.
Neapolitan Mastiffs should NEVER be trained to be aggressive. Kayla's story would have had a different ending had Rescue not been there. But, she is now a much loved member of our family.
Added: August 04, 2003

"Grace", NY
Hi! I am Lenore Howland and our family adopted a wonderful Neo re-named Grace Elisabeth, Grace for short. When we filled out the application Kate Hayes contacted us to meet. Kate told us that because
we have a 6 year old son, a cat and a dog that it might be hard to find a suitable Neo. We needed a female because we have a male chocolate lab. We also needed one that was raised around children. About 3-4
days after we were approved Nydia Thornton called Kate about a Neo that needed a home ASAP. Grace's family no longer wanted her. Nydia went to evaluate Grace and the only problem that Grace had was that she
submissived peed when she met people. Grace was raised with a 2 year old and a 5 year old. We learned that Grace probably submissive peed because she was not properly socialized. Socializing her would not be a
problem, I own a pet grooming shop, she could met 8-10 people a day.
When we got Grace home, she met Jaxs our lab and Patrick the cat. They all got along fine. The only time Grace peed in the house was the 1st 2-3 weeks It was always by the door and when I put her leash on. That
made me feel really bad, so I relucently let her go outside off -leash.
( I had about 5lbs of dog bones stuffed in my pockets, Grace is your
typical Neo when it comes to dog bones.) I also followed closely
behind. Grace was great off-leash I would call her name and she would
come. I called Nydia and Kate to tell them I had let her off- leash and
that she was coming when called. They were both excited, and said that Grace is bonding with us. That made our family feel good.
Our son Hunter and Grace are inseparable when they are outside. We have 15 acres for them to explore, they go in the woods or catch frogs in the pond. One day Hunter, Grace, Jaxs and I were outside. Grace and
Hunter were by the pond and I was by the garage. I heard Hunter tell
Grace it was okay. I walked over and asked him why he said that, he said she was talking. I looked at Grace and realized she was watching our neighbor across the street and 2 football field away. When he
walked away from us she relaxed, when he walked towards us she watched more intently and sat up straighter. I could not believe that a dog that we had for 2-3 months, at the most, was watching over Hunter! At first Hunter did not understand and when I explained to him that Grace was watching over him.. He went over and gave her a big hug and kiss.
Grace in return gave him a big kiss and a Neo paw. When my husband got home I told him what she did and he was proud of her. We were excited because now we truly believed that Grace was feeling part of the family. Nydia and Kate told us it might take 6 months or more for her to think of us as family.
Grace has had a few health problems: a severe bladder infection (fixed
after 5 months), 2 entropian surgeries (fixed after the bladder infection), and she tore her ACL (fixed on June 15th by a wonderful vet Dr. Greg Varney in Ottawa). Grace and Jaxs go everywhere with me, to
my work, to my husbands work where Grace gets to meet lots of people, and the park. Grace has learned that people are nice and there is no reason to be afraid or worried. Before we adopted Grace I read two Neo
books, the one by Dr. Allen and the AKC one. After we had Grace for a few days my goal for Grace to look as confident and loved as the dogs in those books. I hope that you agree when you look at her picture that I have achieved that goal.
Everyday I am thankful that Kate Hayes and Nydia Thornton thought enough of my family to give us the opportunity to adopt this wonderful dog. And thank you Nydia for listening and talking to me about the
breed when Grace had us perplexed. I hope every dog ends up as lucky and loved as Grace.

Added: July 05, 2005

"Rocco", IL
Rocco came to us from a friend at a local animal shelter. It was lucky for Rocco that our friend has connections at this particular shelter, because they put Neos and other similar breeds to sleep there.
Rocco's original owner died when Rocco was just a puppy. A relative "inherited" Rocco but lived in an apartment. When the people at the apartment complex found out there was a dog in the apartment, they threatened eviction. Not knowing that there was a rescue for Neos, the relative placed Rocco into the local animal shelter. Thanks to our friend at the shelter, Rocco's life was spared.
Rocco now lives in Indianapolis with his new owner Jerry who spoils Rocco silly and shows Rocco the same dedication and devotion that Rocco himself is so quick to show.
Added: April 28, 2003

"Molly And Zeus", NY
Below are excerpts from 2 emails received from Gabe R. who adopted Molly (through Neo rescue) and Zeus (via the Bklyn Shelter).

EMAIL #1

“Molly and Zeus are becoming good friends. Molly wants to know his every move, and when Zeus is still she lies next to him. We have taught Zeus to eat carrots as a treats rather than fatting stuff. When Peg (my wife) first saw him she said "is that a tummor? I said "no that’s his belly" Anna from the shelter told me that Zeus did not do well on the leash, and the way he looks, it seems like he went on walks from the fridge to the couch. Molly wants to play and not walk. When the two are on the leash it is like they were trained by the same drill sargeant, They march side by side, till Zeus tires and falls behind a little. Zeus is a God send, and an angel, he is so well behaved. When I yelled at him for what I thought was inappropriate behavior, he hit the floor and stayed there for 5mins. Discipline is not an issue here. I think that we are the right ones to cherish the Budda, I mean the Zeus. Thank you, Gabriel

PS I told Peg if she divorces me, then I can have more dogs, and be more happier, She will never let me be that happy. So no more for now. I should have gotten a pre nuptial agreement, when I had bargaining power."

EMAIL #2

“Hi, Some people say that it is as easy to take care of 2 dogs as one, it is ten times easier to take care these 2 than to handle Molly alone. The Zeus lost 5 pounds, and that was after a bath, we are watching his diet, and he is losing the belly. Zeus is a saint,. I told you I yelled at him, he was putting Molly in her place, for wanting to play. Well, now when Molly starts he comes over to me, and lets me deal with the puppy. It is amazing how perfectly these 2 get along. We have a right to be happy, Molly and Zeus are THRILLED to share their lives with one another. When we took Molly home, she wanted to get back to her previous owner in the worst way, but she is comfortable now. Zeus never looked back, he is happy with us. We are getting the camera repaired, and in the mean time a friend said she will take and send pictures this week end. Even Peggy says what a pleasure it is having Zeus, Molly leaves Peg alone to find out what Zeus is up to. Thanks, Gabriel "

Added: May 11, 2007

"Neo", MA
This is an email which was received from Judy who adopted Neo:

Hi Cathy,

"...We got a package today from Neo Rescue with a stuffed toy, leash and collar. A very nice surprise. Neo loved the toy. He is a great dog and very loving all is going well with our dog family. His Neo character is blooming with his clownish behavior and big big feet. We are lucky to have him and you for making this possible."

Good Luck to beautiful boy Neo with his new family!!! May you all have many, many happy, healthy and wonderful years together!!!
Added: October 28, 2007

"Medina", SC
Suzi,
It is really important to me to wish you a very happy Thanksgiving. You helped give me a wonderful Thanksgiving by allowing this dear big girl at my feet to come live with us. Thank you. She is a dear part of our lives already.I can appreciate how hard it was for you to see her go. Please tell your mother a heartfelt Happy Thanksgiving also since I know how much she loves Dina too.
I have watched both sons try hard not to get too attached to her since they were both crushed by the loss of Lee (we got him when they were two and three and now they are young men of 16 and 17). They had spent their whole lives with this dog and it broke their hearts when he died. Now here comes Dina. She has worked her way into their hearts so subtly. She puts a head on a knee here and a nose in a hand there..then it's a paw on your foot and a gentle lean against your leg. They never stood a chance. I have seen my oldest son whispering into her big soft ears or with his forehead pressed against hers while he rubs her shoulders. Or just stroking her ears while we watch television. Bliss! She is so happy with all the hands to rub and touch her. She was very jumpy about being touched when napping, but now she is almost oblivious of it. She has grown to expect it. She and Jack are the best of friends and so loyal and loving to each other.

Thank you for Giving,

Jenn
Added: February 09, 2005

"Pebbles", NJ
My wonderful Pebbles,how lucky can a foster mom get, a great foster for 11 months, and a perfect new family to love her for the rest of her life, it doesn't get any better than this...
Sheree Allen Turk

A short note from her new family;


Nivea (Pebbles) is a doll. She has adjusted so
fast!! Considering all the troubles she had as a
puppy and the nature of the breed, I expected it to
take several weeks, but by day 2 it was like she had
been here a month & by night 5 she was no longer
sleeping in her crate.

Bogus, my Rotti is somewhat jealous. He sulks
when I play with her, but when they go outside, they
chase and play together. They had bonded by day 2.
She is a very playful gal, acts like a pup, and he
loves to play with her.

She is very interested in my 2 cats. The only
time she seams to care is if they run! Reminds me
of a bear...play dead you might be ok...run your
dead! She hasn't tried to harm them, she's just
curious.

Well today was Thanksgiving day , so off we
went leaving the dogs behind for 3 hours. Can you
imagine my fear when I came home and couldn't locate
my new Neo gal? Well silly me, she was laying in my
king sized bed. Why didn't I think to look there?
I would not have known she was there except that
when she snores it sounds like a huge military
helicopter is hovering over your house.

I thank God for people like Sheree and Glen who
take in dogs like Nivea and bring out the best in
them so they can come and be a part of a family like
mine. My family is thrilled to add her to the crew.

~Teresa, Lexie, Terry, Nivea & Bogus
Added: November 27, 2003

"Tony", NJ
Tony is happy and well, living in Carteret, NJ, with my sister Pat. It's been 14 months since Tony showed up in a NY shelter. Sue anderson brought Tony to Pats house to be fostered, and it was love at first sight. No adoptions came through, Tony didn't want to eat dog food, and she was older, not what most families wanted. She was almost adopted to one family, Sue even drove and met them, Tony was not happy, the lady wasn't happy, seems Tony was too quiet, too drooly, and she certainly didn't want to deal with a picky eater.
Pat would like to thank this lady, and all the others who did not want to take a chance with Tony, it turned out to be the most blessed failed adoption possible! Pat and Tony have become the greatest gifts either one could ask for. Thank you USNMC rescue, and thank you God...

Added: November 21, 2003

"Onyx", NH
Our family adopted Onyx on April 4, 2003. We met Sheree Allen Turk in Virginia to pick her up. Sheree was her foster mother and had told me about Onyx long before we decided to adopt again. Sheree told me that she had found the perfect dog for us. I had no idea how right she was! The moment I saw Onyx, I knew she was the dog for me! She was so pretty, soft and friendly. She just melted my heart!

We drove her back home that very night. Onyx slept all the way home! Once we arrived home, she was welcomed by all her new brothers and sisters. Her two new human brothers were very happy to see her, also! She has now been with us for three months and it seems like she has always lived here. I can't imagine a time that she wasn't here. She sleeps beside my side of the bed and snores louder than her new dad! She loves free run of the house and likes to "talk" to her dad at the dinner table to see what he has saved for her! We take her with us everywhere. She likes to go fishing with the boys or on trips to grandma's house. She likes to go for walks, if it isn't too hot out! On hot days she can be found napping under the air conditioning vent.

I was surprised to see that Onyx has taken to my husband more than to me. She gets so excited when he enters a room and look out when he gets home from work!! He is definitely her favorite human in the world! He likes her just as much! She has taken over as "top dog" in the house and her dad likes that, too! No one can get lose to him when she is around!

Thank you so much for all the work the Neo Rescue does for these wonderful dogs. They are certainly worth it!

I especially want to thank Sheree Allen Turk and Jennifer Groves for saving Onyx. They gave Onyx a second chance for a happy, healthy and spoiled life! She is certainly a very special dog!

Thankfully,

Brenda Prochilo and family
Antrim, NH

Added: November 21, 2003

"Free Willy", MD
Free Willy was my foster for a very long time. He beat the odds with his health problems, and now, is very happy in his forever home, as he so deserved, below is a short note from his new father;

Dear Sheree
Thanks for the letter and I have that Photos with the "Ex-gang" You know Willy is the one on the front. He is my big love of my life. For some reason he and me klicked from day one. He loves Marge too, but when he has to choose, I am allways the winner. Every evening he is beside me and hes head has to touch some part of my body. The snoring could wake up dead peopel, but we love it. In the morning he jumps on the bed and starts talking to me. ( well it sounds like talk). I talk back and he returnes my Youuullll!!!
We love him and we did not know that a Dog can be such a easy going body. Give me food, some walks and love, and i will pay you back with all my heart. Thats Willy.
Love
Kurt

Added: November 21, 2003

"Tonka/bella", VA
My Dearest Bella, who shared her love with me, for a year, before finding the family she should have always had...Miracles really do happen!

Hi Momma Sheree,
Momma Ann has been busy taking care of the house, horses & Papa jim that she doesn't have much time to spend on the computer. So I've asked Papa to write this. Unfortunately we have o new pictures at the moment but that will soon be remedied.
I have 2 beds now, one upstairs & one downstairs (the one downstairs int really mine, but I'm bigger than Sammy so I claim it). Beren is my 16 year old brother & we have to do what he says. My Cousins Isabella & Thor have spent the last 3 weekends here it is so much fun. Isabella & I wrestle all the time until Beren says stop. I help Mamma feed the horses & chickens, & take long walks with Papa. He even lets me watch him in his work shop. I miss you, but these people are fun too. Papa says he is going to teach me how to swim.
Love,
TonkaBella

Added: November 21, 2003

"Daphne", MI
Hello Everyone,
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you who have contributed to the wealth of information put out on the various message boards provided by the USNMC members.
My family and I researched several Mastiff breeds for over a year and were about to get an OEM when I stumbled on your website back in September. After reading numerous postings and books we changed our mind and applied to your rescue program. We were blessed in January to receive the newest member of the family Daphne.
She was a stray found in northern Michigan out in the winter elements walking around very malnourished with a torn ACL. She was picked up and brought to a shelter. Not being able to finance the operation and not wanting to put down such a fine animal the shelter personnel had the forethought to contact USNMC rescue, Mrs. Natalia Temple. Your organization fixed her leg and provided all the medical attentionrequired. She was then placed in a foster home(one of the shelter workers) that tested her and helped her recover. Two days after her surgery we were able to meet her, love at first sight. Two weeks later she was a member of the family.
Daphne os our first Neo, we were previously Rottie owners who were looking for something different and we sure got it! She has been amazing, her sense of compassion and forgivenees to the "humans" who hurt her so is amazing to me. We have two young daughters who Daphne watches like a hwak, especially when outside. She will play with them until she is tired then lay down in a postion to watch over them, if they go in the backyard and Daphne gets up and goes with them never letting them out of her sight. If for some reason the kids are outside and Daphne isn't, she will cry relentlessly at the door until we let her out. You just can't beat this breed, the drool is very easy to overlook given all she brings to the family. It is clear Daphne has also adopted us, within the first montha gentlemen came in to give us an estimate on cleaning our carpets, she immediately began barking. She would not stop until he left, none of the Rotties I had were this persistent, once allowed in our home our Rotties would normally calm down, not Daphne, she would not have this stranger in her home. Yet somehow she knows the difference between our friends whom she welcomes and strangers even thogh it may be the first time she meets one of our friends. She is also the neighborhood favorite for kids to come pet when we are walking her, she graciously slimes each and every one of them.
Anyway enough rambling, I really wanted to say "thanks", we are truly blessed, thanks to your organization.

Steve Walsh
Kingsley, MI
Added: June 22, 2003

"Ma-tia", MI
Hello to everyone! My name is Christina Harlan and I am a Neo mom.

We adopted Ma-Tia (Tia) in April 2005 after the recent loss of my eight month old Neo, Kalie. Kalie was my first Neo and was also a kind of rescue case; we just couldn’t leave her in the conditions this so called “breeder” believed as suitable. Feeling very angry and completely heart broken, I researched the breed looking for any evidence that could explain why I awoke one morning to my dead pup still in bed. Our wonderful veterinarian did suggest an autopsy, but I just couldn’t put her through that. While searching I came across Dale McDonald’s name on the rescue site and being that she lives only about five miles from us, I reached out for answers. While she could only give suggestions, she offered me much comfort with her kind words and I’m happy to say we still keep in touch.
My fiancée Chris really wanted another dog and our four year old Border Collie, Louie, took the loss almost as badly as I did. Even so, I was reluctant…until I saw Tia’s face on the rescue site. Sheree Allen Turk had been fostering her after she was surrendered by the previous owner for not housetraining fast enough. She was only four months old and extremely timid. It is also believed that Tia was both verbally and physically abused, as a result she started to submissive urinate almost whenever approached. After making the decision to adopt and submitting the application the process went quickly. We are thankful to Dale, Jenn, and Sheree for that.
Tia came to us with a urinary tract infection that Sheree had begun treating and emotional baggage that we were prepared to handle. After all this “little one” had been through it’s amazing how quickly she accepted us. With a lot of patience and love, Tia has made remarkable progress. Today she is right at home, napping on the couch that she has claimed as her own, and being reminded daily to use her manners learned in obedience school. She has hit her adolescent phase and does test my commands frequently, but despite that adorable face she gets away with little.
Sadly, Tia has had many health complications. She has had reoccurring urinary tract infections due to a recessed vulva. She also has had surgery for optical cilia in her right eye. She has digestive issues that require a special diet (much to her chagrin) and has frequent, severe skin irritations. In August 2005, Tia was diagnosed with advanced hip dysplasia and has been on Glucosmine tablets and Dermaxx for pain management. However, she quickly developed arthritis. In early December, Tia underwent FHO surgery on her right hip and although it may not have been the ideal time of year, especially with Michigan’s weather, she is making a good recovery under the watchful eye of her Momma.
Tia’s health complications were not something we were prepared to handle so early in her life, both financially and emotionally. During her recovery, she not only broke my heart, but also that of the staff caring for her. Tia is a very “feminine” Neo and she tends to be very dramatic, not that I am downplaying her obvious pain. I just don’t think the doctors and staff were quite familiar with the infamous wailing of one confused, frightened, and incredibly spoiled Neo. Tia educated them.
We knew that having a large breed dog meant more financial demands, but we truly did not expect a major surgery so soon. Chris is a small business owner, I am a full-time college student planning a wedding, and we just recently bought our first home. Thanks to our wonderful family and friends, we were given a gift of donations on Christmas Eve that paid for half of the surgery costs. They even made a little Christmas tree covered with notes of encouragement and mini milk bones as ornaments. We are truly blessed to have such people in our lives that understand that our pets are not possessions, but rather precious gifts that we depend upon on more, than they depend on us.
Despite all of the heartaches, there has not been one moment that I regret adopting Tia or Kalie. Neos are my love. I even find myself not wanting to talk about Tia with strangers that approach for fear that the breed may be misunderstood and seen only as “cool” dogs that look fierce. I would hate for Neapolitan Mastiffs to acquire a stereotypical reputation that precedes them, as a result of irresponsible ownership. I respect the breed for their strengths, while also acknowledging their faults. Chris & I both wish to become more involved in the Club and in rescue.
Tia is a treasure that we are thankful for everyday. She has her own personality and through “Neo talk” is quite capable of telling us what she thinks. She and Louie share a special bond and despite the fact that he enjoys stealing the toys and taking them to the basement where he is quite aware she is not capable of going, she stills loves him. These rescued “little ones” demand a lot of special care and attention, but it is a rewarding experience. Every rescue deserves to find their forever home and thanks to these wonder volunteers, Tia has.
Added: March 06, 2006