Zoey

Zoey, pictured above with new lifelong friend, Savannha

Breeder:  Old Town Mastiffs

Submitted by Billy Phillips, Old Town Mastiffs

Written by father and owner, George Aretino

Savannha was diagnosed with a very rare bone disease called hypophosphatashia.  She was not expected to make it to her first birthday.  From the time she was five months old until she was two, she was in a hospital.  After two bone marrow transplants, bone chips in her tummy, and numerous transfusions....she is her with us now.

Savannha is going to be seven next December.  She has accomplished a lot.  At one point she had to do therapy four days a week, was on constant prescriptions, and had to learn how to do everything a normal child would do naturally.

She is one of the most gentle and loving children I have ever seen.  I am not just saying that because I am her dad.  I am saying it because it is true.  She loves animals most of all.  We have had pets such as a bird, cats, (still have one), a bunny, and fish.  She has always loved dogs.  After searching for the right one, my wife and I decided on a mastiff.  But I was very hesitant.  They are big dogs, and to me they always looked like trouble.  When my wife talked me into it, we started to research them.  I was surprised!  I found out that they are loving, gentle creatures that need their family more than we need them.  Yes, they are big, and I mean BIG.  They are just a tad smaller than a horse!

When we decided to get the dog, the hardest part was to find a breeder.  I did not know what I was in for.  Mastiffs are expensive!  Not only to buy, but also to care for.  I did not really care though.  Savannha wanted one.  We don't have much, but Laurie (my wife) and I saved up as much as possible to get her one.  We called and e-mailed about fifty different breeders.  Their price ranges were from $300-$3000!!

Finally we found the right breeder.  Savannha was excited.  After everything she had been through, it made me so happy to see her happiness.  I don't care what I have, I don't care what car I drive, and I don't care how nice I look when I go out—I just want the best for my girls.  Plus, the breeder and his wife were more concerned abut picking the right dog for the family than just the sale.  I will never forget that.

Savannha wanted her puppy so badly that for days, all I heard was “When can we get her, daddy?”  But I personally was filled with anxiety.

Finally the day arrived, and we got the puppy.  I would never have thought that a dog would become a part of the family with the speed Zoey did.

Today we don't go anywhere without her, especially since she is very attached to Savannha.  I have never seen this with any of the other animals we have owned.  It is like she is a guardian angel.

I am proud of getting a mastiff and would recommend getting one to any person who has a lot of love to give.  It has made Savannha happy and that's all that matters.