Chewy, a Newfoundland dog, is more than just a pet to Amy Savino and her family. He is a gentle giant, a water rescuer, a gardening assistant, and a devoted companion to Amy's 96-year-old grandmother, Barbara.
From Puppy to Protector
Amy Savino brought Chewy home when he was just eight weeks old. The family drove five hours from North Carolina to Georgia to get him. 'It was love at first sight,' Amy recalls. Chewy, short for Chewbacca, grew rapidly from 10 pounds to 100 pounds in his first 10 months. Now four years old, he has calmed down into a fluffy, long-haired bear of a dog.
A Dog for Every Occasion
Chewy's personality adapts to whoever he is with. With Amy's grandmother, Barbara, he is soft and gentle. With Amy, he is needy and loves cookies. With Amy's children, especially her 15-year-old daughter, he is playful and energetic. 'They like to tackle each other,' Amy says.
Water Rescue Instincts
Newfoundlands are natural water rescue dogs, and Chewy is no exception. At the beach, he instinctively pulls family members to shore if they fall in the water. 'He will not let my kids swim. He just wants to save them,' Amy explains. This behavior was never taught; it is automatic.
Gardening Buddy
Chewy also helps with gardening. In April, he dug holes for Barbara's plants on command. 'He knows she is older and doesn't have as much strength,' Amy says. A video of Chewy digging went viral online.
Family Member
Amy considers Chewy her fourth child. 'He's full of compassion and so loving and caring,' she says. Chewy and Barbara see each other multiple times a day as they live next door. 'I think he's a big part of her longevity,' Amy adds. 'Being able to stay active and care for him gives her purpose, and he adores her.'
Chewy's presence has enriched the family's life in ways Amy never expected. 'I never thought I could love a dog as much as I love him,' she concludes.
