A Big Brown Newfie Named Olaf

Olaf and I are so proud to join the ranks of the . We’ve been huge fans of for a while now, but I had no idea just how far this bandana had traveled until we received it ourselves. It came with a notebook dating back to 2021, with entries made by Newfie parents living everywhere from Volcano, Alaska to Charlotte, North Carolina.

If I had to identify the one thing that has kept us on Instagram all of these years, it would be the incredible community that surrounds us here. I love knowing that Olaf is now an official member of the traveling Newfie bandana club, and our journal entry is just a single page in the book of adventures this bandana has seen.

Thank you again, , for including us in this amazing community and giving us the chance to enjoy the many stories of the Newfs who came before us. We love you guys! ♥️

Hey little fighter, soon things will be brighter.✨
And just like that, they are. I am so excited to share that I have a new job I absolutely love, and never saw coming. As many of you know, the past few years have been a series of ups and downs, and I’ve often questioned if the path I’ve been on is the right one.

It wasn’t until interviewed with this new company that I finally found that sense of peace I’ve been searching for so long. Each person I met with only further solidified that feeling, and the day I received an offer was one of the happiest I’ve had in a long time. I am officially three weeks in, and I can honestly say that if I had to survive the past three years to get here, it was worth it.

I took these pictures of Olaf yesterday after a long walk through the forest preserve during my lunch break. As always, he insisted on bringing back a stick, which he enjoyed right next to my desk as I hopped into my next Zoom meeting. Did I mention that this job is completely remote?! From the company culture to the product to the nature of my role, it finally feels like I belong and I am determined to prove myself worthy of this incredible opportunity.

Thank you to each and every one of you for being the most supportive friends I could ever ask for. This community has been a reprieve in some of the hardest moments of my life, and I am so excited to finally have something happy to share with you so we can celebrate together. Sending love from me and Olaf, and don’t be surprised when you start hearing from us more again. ☺️♥️


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Because when I look at you, I can feel it. And I look at you and I’m home.✨ - Finding Nemo

Okay, I’ll admit it. I spend way too much time “Pixar-izing” Olaf. What can I say? From his giant head to his golden eyes, he is the perfect subject and each image is somehow cuter than the last.

These pictures are the result of way too much time spent on ChatGPT and I am completely obsessed. It felt wrong to keep them to myself when they bring such a big smile to my face.

That said, I hope these silly caricatures add a little extra joy to your day too. ☺️

The day I met you was the beginning of everything.✨
Oh, how I love my Olaf. He truly is the embodiment of all things good in this world. His unconditional love and enormous heart make him the best friend I ever could have asked for, and I can’t imagine my life without him.

These are some of my favorite puppy pictures of him. His face is so expressive that the joy literally radiates from it. We were on our way to the lake so he could take his first swim. I remember being amazed that a creature so small could already have such strong instincts. The moment I splashed in the water, he swam out to me and he’s been a water dog ever since.

I can honestly say that every day of my life is better for having him in it. I feel like the luckiest girl in the world to have him by my side, and I make sure to remind him every day just how loved he is. ❤️
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Cozy companions.✨
I’ve actually had to upgrade my iCloud storage plan since Oliver came home with us. The sheer volume of photos and videos of him and Olaf is pretty unbelievable. Their interactions are adorable, and worthy of capture every time.

Olaf’s patience never ceases to amaze me. He’s really playful too, and I can’t help but laugh when he joins Oliver in his nightly zoomies. My favorite part of the day is time spent on the couch with my boys. I can’t help but smile when I look over and see them cuddling. Oliver always seems to find his way over to Olaf’s side of the couch, and the snuggles are endless. ❤️
catanddogcuddles

Nothing is more important than our friendship.✨ - Monsters Inc.
If “Olaf” didn’t give it away, I’m a bit of a Disney nerd. Granted, I wouldn’t label myself a Disney adult 😆 but I will definitely burst into song when the mood strikes. The 90s classics are my usual go tos, and Olaf has been on the receiving end of countless serenades. I swear, I’ve count him dancing along.

This might be the best trend I’ve seen in awhile. It took me a while to get the description just right, but I think these images capture us pretty well. It’s a fun assortment of Olaf’s adorableness in true Pixar form.

Let me know which one is your favorite! 😊

Dogs are how people would be if the important stuff is all that mattered to us.✨

Olaf is my happy place. He has so much personality that I’ve become convinced it is impossible not to love him. I’m actually starting to feel guilty about how attached I am to him, because I can see his separation anxiety growing over time.

I’m so grateful to Woof in Boots for being so understanding and accommodating of my crazy dog mom ways. They also happened to take these wonderful shots for me, which captured a bit of that personality I’ve been talking about. 😉

If happiness is the goal – and it should be, then adventures should be a priority.✨
As you all know, Olaf has made a joyful return to doggie daycare. He is going to twice a week, and couldn’t be happier. Receiving these pictures when we’re apart is the highlight of my day, and I absolutely love sharing them with all of you.

My mom is in town for the weekend, which means there are adventures in store for the three of us. Olaf absolutely loves his grandma - it doesn’t hurt that she spoils him with food I’d never let him eat. She has a way of leaving things much better than she found them (including me). I am so lucky to have her and couldn’t imagine my life without her.

I promise to share more pictures next week. Just know that we appreciate you so much, and you’re the reason that my favorite goober is able to play with his friends again.

I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.✨
Olaf and I had the best time at Barktober Fest together. We met so many wonderful people and even saw some familiar faces in the crowd. Going to weekend markets has definitely been a highlight of Colorado living for us, and something we’ll miss in the winter months.

He was his usual friendly and outgoing self, giving out kisses and bringing smiles to the faces of everyone he’d meet. It never ceases to amaze me how truly special Olaf is. He has a heart bigger than any human, and I am so proud to call him mine.

We’re hoping to participate in some exciting events this month, so stay tuned. I’m eager to share his sweetness with as many people as possible. I’d feel selfish keeping him all to myself, no matter how tempting it might be. 🍁🍂

Ikigai (noun): a Japanese concept that literally translates to “a reason for being,” “a reason to get up in the morning,” something one lives for.✨
Olaf is my ikigai. Sometimes I can’t believe how much happiness he brings me. On the hardest days, he gives me a reason to get up in the morning, and his unconditional love has been my greatest source of comfort.

Since the new rule went into place, Olaf has been spending his days at Woof in Boots () playing with his friends. They are kind enough to appease me with pictures throughout the day, and his joy is contagious. It is comforting to know that he is happy, although I worry that he’ll overdo it and reinjure himself. The staff there do a great job of monitoring him, and it’s obvious they care about him which has done wonders for my anxiety.

I appreciate how supportive you all have been during this period of transition - it means the world that you genuinely care as much as you do. We are so lucky to have you, and don’t take a single one of your friendships for granted. Trust me, we know how lucky we are. ♥️

I admire those who choose to shine even after all the storms they’ve been through.✨
Olaf sure is shining! Maybe a little less so tomorrow when he realizes that we have to spend our first day apart since his injury. Unfortunately I was told that he is no longer allowed to go into work with me. It was a surprise - to say the least - and I’m still trying to process what that will look like.

I was really beginning to love our daily routine - his excitement about going into work was contagious. He had a positive impact on everyone he came into contact with, and I know that his absence will be felt by many. I wasn’t aware of WeWork’s 50lbs limit for dogs, as even the employees were loving on him every day. If anyone is aware of any remote positions currently available that I may be suited for, please let me know.

I promise that I’m doing my best to be more active on here, as we love our community way too much to be this absent. For what it’s worth, I’ve found myself really focused on being present with Olaf during our time together. I have captured some really cute content along the way though, so rest assured that he’s still up to his typical shenanigans.

P.S. Check out Olaf’s new ‘do! I found an incredible groomer solely through Newfie community referrals - her name is Laura and I would be happy to pass along her number to anyone in Colorado that may be looking for a new groomer. She is kind and caring, and the most reasonably priced groomer I’ve had since he was a puppy. Seriously… her prices and accommodations are crazy! ♥️

You fought to be in the sun, so never hide in the shade.✨- C.S. Lewis

It has been quite the journey these last few months. I’d like to apologize for our extended absence - it feels like we’ve missed out on some pretty monumental events in some of your lives. We’d like to be here to provide support in any way that we can, and I am so sorry if we haven’t been the friends to you that you’ve been to us.

Olaf is taking it easy these days. He comes to work with me every day (attached is an understatement), with the exception of the one day he spent at (captured above). My plan is to surprise him with the occasional day of play, while also enforcing limitations in an attempt to reduce the risk of another injury. The scariest part of this whole ordeal has been my lack of control over it. At some point I’ll have to let him live the happy and playful life he’s been missing out on. I just hate seeing him in pain.

We will never stop thanking you for your generosity and support in our time of need. We are incredibly lucky to have friends like you in our lives. Please know that just because you can’t see us, doesn’t mean we aren’t there. I’ll make an effort to be more present moving forward - we really miss you guys. ♥️

Happy National Dog Day to the best friend I could ever ask for. Every day is better with you in it, and I wouldn’t trade you for the world. I love you, Olaf. I’ll take any opportunity to celebrate your gentle, goobery self. 😘♥️

A Big Brown Newfie Named Olaf

When joy is a habit, love is a reflex.✨
This felt like the perfect quote to accompany this picture. To me, Olaf epitomizes joy. His mere presence brings smiles to the faces of everyone around him, as children point and giggle over his large size and gentle nature.

Being the giant goober that he is, Olaf lavishes in the attention, the extra pep in his step apparent as he trots through a crowd. Our favorite thing to do together this summer has been to check out different farmers markets, where he can soak up lots of attention without overexerting himself.

On Sunday, we spent the afternoon at the farmers market. We saw lots of new and familiar faces, with one in particular catching Olaf’s eye. I hope this photo brings you the same joy it gave me in that moment and every time I’ve seen it since. I’m convinced this dog is magic, and we’re long overdue for a happy Olaf post. We love you all so much.♥️

✨UPDATE✨

Please scroll through for a detailed update on how Olaf is doing. He had his MRI, spinal tap and joint tap on Friday. He’s finally starting to come down from the anesthesia. He really is the sweetest boy. I’m just glad to have him home. ♥️

💸🏆GIVEAWAY TO SUPPORT OLAF🏆💸

To participate, visit . I’ve included some of the highlights below. ☺️

💙 There will be four (4) separate winners.
💙 Each winner will receive a prize pack valued at approx. $400.
💙 Each $5 donation to Olaf’s GoFundMe will count as one entry. In other words, a $20 donation will count as 4 entries.
💙 Prize packs are designated for the United States (x2), the UK, and internationally.

🎁 This is all possible because of the incredibly generous friends and businesses who organized and donated a variety of amazing prizes (valued at a minimum of $1️⃣7️⃣0️⃣0️⃣). 🎁

Instructions for entry are available at . The link to the giveaway page and our GoFundMe can be found in our bio. We are so incredibly grateful for the friends who made this possible. Love you all.♥️

Finally, an update! I cannot thank everyone enough for all of the well wishes and generous donations - I am so grateful for this community and the love you all have shown us during this difficult time. Sadly, I don’t have answers yet, but I do have next steps and that’s really all I can ask for at this time. ♥️

Yesterday, we drove to Fort Collins for Olaf’s neurology appointment at CSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital. From the moment we checked in, I knew we were in good hands.

Olaf underwent a series of tests and evaluations, including a blood draw. Unfortunately, I didn’t realize that by waiting more than a week to have him seen, I made it nearly impossible for the neurology team to determine the root cause of his pain. I was advised to bring him in immediately in the event of another flare-up, as additional testing can be performed at that time.

As it stands, he is scheduled to undergo an MRI and a joint tap with general anesthesia on August 4. The purpose of these tests is to identify any underlying conditions that could potentially be causing his pain. The primary goal in his case is to rule out Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), a degenerative disease that can affect a dog's spinal cord and cause a range of painful mobility issues. If anything is detected, we will have identified it early and can begin the necessary course of treatment right away. Early detection is very important to me, which is why I have decided to move forward with the testing right away.

Until then, Olaf will be taking anti-inflammatories as well as Gabapentin to address any nerve pain. He is on strict activity restriction, which means no running or playing for this big guy.

I think that about covers it for now, but please let me know if you have any questions. I am exhausted and almost certainly left out at least one important details. You are so incredibly appreciated, and I cannot thank you enough for caring about this incredible pup. Olaf is my heart, and I will do everything in my power to ensure that he lives forever and without pain.♥️

To donate: https://gofund.me/15cd7537

Thank you so much to everyone who has already contributed to Olaf’s recovery. I get choked up every time I log into the site, and I hope you know how much I appreciate each and every one of you for caring about my big, brown bear. Your generosity means more than I’ll ever be able to put into words.

Thought I’d share some of my favorite photos from when Olaf was feeling better to spread a little cheer. It’s a good reminder for me, too. ♥️

If you’d like to contribute to Olaf’s recovery fund, please visit our GoFundMe page (https://gofund.me/15cd7537) or send it via PayPal it to [email protected]. Thank you in advance - truly. Every bit counts.

Yesterday my biggest fear came true. Olaf had another episode involving his neck, and it was by far the worst one yet. Luckily I had taken him to work with me, so my incredible co-workers were able to assist me in getting him into the car and to the emergency vet.

I have never seen him in so much pain. I was advised by numerous veterinarians that a neurology consult is the reasonable next step, particularly with the way it affected his back right leg this time. Devastated is an understatement for how I’m feeling right now. I feel helpless as I watch him struggle to get up and cry out in pain despite a pain injection and large quantity of pills.

As you all know, my love for Olaf knows no bounds. I will do whatever it takes to pay for the MRI and any treatment necessary to ensure he is living his best life for as long as possible (which in my eyes means forever). He is literally my heart outside of my body, and I am struggling to find a way to make it better for him.

This is literally the only time in my life that I am going to put aside my pride and inability to accept help and simply ask for it. Not for me, but for Olaf. Unfortunately, all I have at this point are estimated, but the MRI + consult will be a minimum of $6,000. Depending on the results, some type of medical intervention will be necessary. If surgery is required, I’m going to need a lot more than money to get through it.

I really hoped I’d never have to make this post. He has been doing so well, and I can’t help but feel like I didn’t enforce proper limits and it’s all my fault. Just know that every bit counts. I’ll share the GoFundMe link in my bio and hope with all of my might that others recognize how special he is and help take care of him in the way that he deserves (even if his lame mom can’t afford it). We both love you all so much. 💔

TO DONATE: https://gofund.me/15cd7537

It is a happy talent to know how to play.✨
If there is one thing that people know about Olaf, it’s that he loves to play (and is the sweetest, gentlest giant). Few things bring me greater joy than his response to the question, “Do you want to play with your friends today?” - that excitement has only increased since I discovered .

I’ve always envied the parents of pups who are absolutely wiped after daycare. Olaf never seemed to run out of energy, and I always wondered what it would be like to actually see him worn out. All it took was one day at Woof in Boots and I had the sleepy, cuddly pup I’d always dreamed of.

I cannot recommend daycare enough for those of you wishing your dogs had more opportunities to socialize and burn off some energy. It is one of my non-negotiable s when it comes to Olaf, as it helps him stay in shape and satisfies the part of him that craves time with other dogs. I think that’s why I love these pictures so much. It’s the pure joy that gets me. Seeing him happy makes me happy, and I couldn’t ask for more. ♥️

A really great talent finds happiness in its execution.✨
This is the perfect sentiment to describe .mesa at . I should have made this post awhile ago, because I’m sure you guys have noticed how sharp Olaf has been looking the past couple of weeks. 😎

It is no small feat to find a groomer who knows how to groom a Newfoundland properly, let alone one with the talent that Andre showed during Olaf’s last visit. To all of my fellow dog owners in the Denver area: I cannot recommend Andre at Pampered Paws enough! Olaf has never been so soft and shiny, and he smelled delicious for days. It didn’t take nearly as long as other places I’ve brought him to, which made it a significantly less stressful experience for the both of us.

I have no doubt that we’ll be back soon, as Olaf is starting to shed in preparation for summer. I’ll definitely have to plan a fun weekend for when we do, because he will be looking absolutely fabulous and I’ll want to show him off. 😍

It matters not who you love, where you love, why you love, when you love, or how you love. It matters only that you love.✨🌈 - John Lennon
Oh, what a weekend! I am so proud to be part of such an incredible community, and to have such amazing friends. Pride weekend was everything I hoped it would be: a true celebration of love and inclusion. It didn’t matter how you identified or who you loved, simply that you recognized the beauty of one another’s differences and came together as one. 🌎🌈

Olaf was an absolute hit at the festival. Sporting some booties and a cooling vest, he wore his rainbow bandana with pride (thanks again, ). He had so much love to give and he shared it freely, providing me an opportunity to meet so many people I may never have crossed paths with otherwise. He truly is my connecting force, and I love the person I am with him by my side. ✨

Saturday was a day for festivals, best friends, and (so much) walking, leaving Sunday better-suited for markets and creative cuddles. We celebrated the talent of the artists at the magick makers market, where showcased her skills as both an artist and a certified herbalist. I am so proud of her for pursuing her dreams and sharing her talents with the world. Olaf and I plan to do whatever we can to support her in her new endeavor. He was a bit tired yesterday, so time was spent finding ways to use my face as a pillow (pictures included). We’ll definitely be more helpful in the future! 🤞🍃

All in all, it was a wonderfully exhausting weekend full of people I love and a community I support wholeheartedly. Thank you for welcoming us with open arms in a citywide celebration of love. ♥️🌈
🏳️‍🌈 ❤️

To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.🌈✨
I am a proud ally of the LGBTQ+ community. Love is the most beautiful thing in the world, and I struggle to understand how anyone can fail to see that. I do not view it as a political position (something I tend to avoid on this platform), but a matter of human rights for which there is only one correct position.

Olaf has been proudly sporting his pride gear from all month, a wonderful small business that creates high-quality products for animals of all sizes. I can honestly say I’ve never gotten so many compliments on Olaf’s apparel. For 15% off at their Etsy shop, use code OLAF15.

We had a great time at market on Sunday, in our matching rhinestones and rainbows. Denver Pride is this weekend, so I am looking forward to getting decked out in rainbows again to celebrate love and the fundamental right that every person has to enjoy the beauty it brings into their lives.♥️🌈


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Completely and perfectly incandescently happy.✨
There are no better way to describe how Olaf feels every time he goes to . I’m convinced he’s actually happy I work in an office three days a week now - by the time I pick him up, the only thing he wants from me is food.

Aaaand cuddles. Come on, this is Olaf we’re talking about here! I swear, he just keeps getting cuter. Being so happy definitely has something to do with it. The staff at are so good to him - they actually seem genuinely excited every time I drop him off.

When I pulled up to drop him off today, a lady I hadn’t met before asked me if he was Olaf. She said she always sees him in their stories having the time of his life. That absolutely made my day. I hope everyone is doing well - sending you all of our love and Newfie kisses. We miss you and can’t wait to get back on a schedule that allows us to connect with you again.♥️

The positive energy and love we give to others heals our own wounds.✨
Olaf and I had our photo taken on Saturday by . Aura photography is something I’ve been interested in trying for awhile. When I found out that Olaf could be in the photograph with me, I booked the first available appointment.

Rather than sharing the all of the insights that were provided during the consultation, I would love to know what you guys see in the photograph. I’m interested in hearing different people’s perspectives, especially because I didn’t think to record the initial reading and I feel like so much was lost in translation.

Would you ever try aura photography? If so, would you include your pet in the photo with you?
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