About
hello and woof!
Welcome to Love Newfoundlands
Hi, I’m Niki — photographer, blogger, and proud Newfoundland dog mom from the wide-open prairies of North Dakota.
I started Love Newfoundlands out of pure adoration for this incredible breed — their gentle spirits, goofy personalities, and the way they always seem to know when you need a big, slobbery hug. What began as a small space to share my Newfie knowledge quickly grew into a community of people who share the same love and appreciation for these gentle giants.
Here, you’ll find everything from care tips and training advice to personal stories, breed education, and product recommendations that make life with a Newfoundland a little easier (and a lot more fun). My mission is to support, educate, and encourage everyone in the Newfoundland community — for the betterment of the breed we all love so much.
When I’m not writing or behind the camera, you can usually find me out exploring with my Newfie, Niya, editing photos with a cup of tea in hand, or chatting with other Newfoundland owners online.
Welcome to the community — I’m so glad you’re here!
Why Blogging & How Love Newfoundlands Came To Be
I started blogging back in high school as a way to connect with others who shared my love of reading. None of my friends were into the same books I was, so blogging became my outlet — a little corner of the internet where I could talk about stories that inspired me.
Then came college, and with it, required reading overload. I read so much for classes that I actually stopped enjoying it for a while. These days, I still try to rekindle that love by setting a Goodreads Challenge of 24 books each year — though I usually end up around 15.
During my college years, I also discovered a new passion: travel. That’s when I launched my travel blog, Chasing Departures, which opened doors I could have only dreamed of — from partnering with major brands and tourism boards to exploring breathtaking places across the globe. For years, my life revolved around travel… until one day, it didn’t. And surprisingly, I found peace in staying home.
Love Newfoundlands Was Reborn
When COVID hit and travel came to a standstill, I suddenly found myself at home with no new adventures to write about. But I still had a huge desire to create and share stories.
That’s when Love Newfoundlands came back into my life.
Originally started in 2017 as a simple Newfoundland-themed shirt shop while I was still in college, the site did well enough — but something was missing. My heart wasn’t fully in it, and within a few months, I let it fizzle out.
Then in 2020, I wrote one of my most popular posts: How to Come Up with an AKC Registered Name for Your Dog. That one post reminded me why I loved creating in the first place. Over the next few years, I dabbled with the site on and off, letting it rest again until 2022.
Now, with a fresh look and a renewed vision, Love Newfoundlands is here to stay — a place to celebrate these goofy Newfies, share stories, Newfie knowledge, and support the incredible community that loves them just as much as I do.
What Love Newfoundlands Is Today
Today, Love Newfoundlands is so much more than a blog — it’s a home for everyone who adores these loveable goofballs. What began as a small side project has grown into a space dedicated to celebrating, supporting, and educating Newfoundland owners and lovers around the world.
Here, you’ll find helpful resources for every stage of life with a Newfie — from choosing the right breeder and bringing home a puppy, to grooming, health care, training tips, and everyday life with these lovable, drooly dogs. I also share product reviews and reflect on what it means to share your life with such a special breed.
My goal is simple: to help Newfoundland owners feel connected, confident, and supported — and to do my part in promoting the betterment of the breed we all love so much.
Whether you’re a first-time owner or have had Newfies your whole life, I hope Love Newfoundlands feels like a cozy place to learn, laugh, and celebrate life with these incredible dogs.
Meet the pack
Niya
Newfoundland
From the moment she was born, Niya knew that she was born just for me. It took me a little longer than she would have liked for me to figure it out, but now that I did, I’m so glad it was her. She’s taught me more in a year that I’ve learned the rest of my adult life.
Niki
Human
I run the show around here and have been blogging for over 15 year. Outside of dogs and running the blog, my interests vary. My goal and dream is to someday have 10-20 acres in the middle of nowhere living off the grid in a house I built myself.
Maze
Cat
Maze was named after a character on the show Lucifer and her name couldn’t be more fitting for my Halloween kitty. A friend found her under his car one morning lost and afraid. The day he brought her over she snuggled right in and claimed me.
Get to Know the Pack
Here are a few Fun Facts About Us
- I founded the globally recognized fun holiday National Newfoundland Dog Day celebrated every year on March 25
- Niya was the last puppy born in my very first litter and I am convinced she was born just for me
- Maze adores sleeping on my chest and curling her body around my neck for sleeping
- I name most of my dogs after some of my favorite characters from movies, books, and tv shows
- I breed Newfoundlands too under the kennel name Meriwether Newfoundlands and have a litter every year or so