Callard & Bowser's Baltik was born on August 24, 1981 out of Callard & Bowers Olivia (Livvy) by Boradaile’s Black as Ever (Sever) He is one of two unexpected Bronze newfs to come out of this litter.  His sister, Hannah, is the other.   He is friend and companion to Cliff and Oksana Jackim in Carver Massachusetts.  

 

Baltik and his 'mom', Oksana

Cliff previously had a Landseer Newf. named Nemo. Conversely, Oksana had little experience with dogs growing up in the city of Chernitivsy, Ukraine.  Her only Newf experience during her college years when she skipped class to walk her friend's dog - who was a Newf - and was subsequently spotted by her professor being dragged around the city by the huge dog!   Apart from this brief episode, Oksana’s life had been dog-less, and it was beyond her wildest imagination that someday a Newf would be a major part of her life. And yet, here you see Oksana and Baltik (to the left) with neither imagining life without the other.

 
Cliff had always wanted a bronze Newf but had given up hope of getting one given the rarity of that color. However, in early September, the Jackims visited us at Stone Ridge Farm. They describe their visit

"This was quite an experience. We were greeted by the entire matriarchy of Baltik’s family. Grandmother, Aunts, and Mother descended on us as we came up the walk, coming to check us out and get a sense of our intentions. Soon after, having passed this audition, we were introduced to the puppies. All newf puppies are adorable, but, that day, it was Baltik who won are hearts."

 

 Baltik is the last puppy on the steps

Baltik with his toys at home in Carver

 Baltik went with the Jackims to their home in Carver, with a  large lakefront yard, and is now such a full part of their family that they can't imagine life without him.  

Cliff and Oksana report that, shortly after moving in, it became apparent that Baltik was gastronomically undiscriminating. One afternoon Oksana returned from work and was alarmed to discover a blood red substance all over Baltiks stomach. Was something seriously wrong with him? The truth was soon reveled when Oksana’s mother admitted to feeding Baltik beets while cooking borsch. (The beets had turned his urine bright red.). 

There is very little in the way of human food that Baltik won't eat. We are told that he has refused only 3 things: peaches, olives and uncooked mushrooms. Dog food is a different matter altogether. It is often a struggle to get him to eat even a portion of his dog food (dry or wet) as he clearly feels that he should eat the same table fare eaten by Cliff and Oksana. He loves his toys - balls, especially - and will use his paws as 'hands'.

 
One day Cliff and Oksana went out to work in their garden. Baltik went from room to room trying to get a view of where they went. About half an hour latter Cliff came in the house to get a tool. Unusually, Baltik did not greet him at the door. Cliff went around the house looking for him and discovered Baltik perched on a windowsill like an overgrown parakeet. In an effort to see them, he had climbed over a couch up onto the sill of the bay window in their living room. He had moved several African violets aside (without tipping any over) to make a place for himself.. Unfortunately, in the process of climbing on the window sill, he had gotten one of his hind legs stuck between the window and the couch and could not move. He was soon freed, but only after having his picture taken in this embarassing position. (Photo to the right)

Note: if you are wondering why Newfs are often relegated to the house while their humans perform gardening tasks, picture a huge dog with huge, webbed feet (just like big shovels) being vicariously 'taught' to dig by watching his 'parents' dig. On our farm, Bob planted fruit trees in our orchard with Maggie for companionship. Maggie decided to 'help' Bob with the digging. Don't know quite why, but when she started digging, Bob laughed and said 'Good girl, Maggie'. To this day, Maggie is a confirmed digger having created holes just slightly smaller than Texas. 

 

At 3 years old Baltik is a lean 150 pounds.  He is exceptionally tall with his back being 3-4 inches taller than most of his compatriots He has an enormous head on which is often plastered with a goofy grin. He is the only creature who can simultaneously look silly and dignified!

The Jackims' report:

"Baltik sticks to us like glue. At times it’s a bit annoying when he won’t get out of your way when your trying to get to the phone or somewhere in a hurry. Putting on shoes can be especially challenging. He knows that when folks put on shoes they are going outside, and may take him on an outing. He had developed a sixth sense to alert him to when shoes are going to be donned. He will suddenly appear and place himself in your lap as you try to accomplish this task"

 

 
As you can see from the photo above right, Baltik has a beautiful head, and very soft, expressive face which is indicative of his lovely, sweet nature. He has a gregarious personality and loves meeting new people. He is gentle and devoted to his family. His favorite hobby is swimming which he does frequently since he has a large, lakefront yard. Although the Jackims are showing him in conformation, they are also training him for his water test. He is an excellent swimmer!
Baltik is being shown and handled by Kathy Kalos with Karen Friedman (see their web page at http://www.kkdoghandling.com/ ) The photo to the right shows him being 'beautified' for the ring by Karen Friedman. While many dogs don't enjoy the grooming part of showing, Baltik clearly loves both. He enjoys being blow-dried, brushed, the crowds and is a consummate showman in the ring! You can contact Baltik personally at baltikj@adelphia.net 

Baltik's health certifications are:

Hips: OFA good, 

Elbows: OFA normal

Heart: OFA normal.