Winnie was our very first Mastiff, and she came into our lives with a personality all her own. From the moment she arrived, she had an attitude that couldn’t be ignored. As a puppy, she was a whirlwind of mischief—chewing through a couch and countless other items. The moment the front door opened, she’d bolt out, running as if she had some grand destination in mind—who knows where she thought she was headed! And if you did something she didn’t like, you could be sure she’d get her revenge by peeing somewhere out of spite.

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When we first got Winnie, my husband and I were both working shift work, so she’d spend her days at his parents’ farm when we were away. The farm was a dog’s paradise—endless acres to explore, unlimited treats, other dogs to play with, and a warm bed to curl up in. For the most part, Winnie loved her time at the farm. But things took a turn when I was laid off for a couple of months, and Winnie got to spend those two months with me. We’d go on long walks, and she became my constant companion.

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When I got the call to return to work, Doug had the unenviable task of taking Winnie back to the farm. He stopped for a coffee on the way, and when he came back to the car, he found Winnie had crawled into the driver’s seat, peed in it, then calmly returned to the backseat. That’s Winnie—stubborn but full of character. She’s always done things on her own terms, but despite her quirks, she’s been a loyal and loving companion.

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By the time she was three, I was no longer working shifts, and Winnie officially made our home her permanent residence.

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Now, at 11 years old, Winnie is living her best life. She spends her days lounging on the couch, waking up only for breakfast and dinner. She still enjoys her daily walks—though they’re much shorter now—relishing the routine of it all, even if her pace is a little slower than it used to be. Winnie may have been a handful as a young dog, but she’s grown into the sweet, content companion we adore.