Area Women Aid in Great Pyrenees Rescue Network

When you enter Jodi Bialik’s Newtown home you're greeted by a huge, white cloud of a dog.

Barking and bounding toward you — her size alone, at about 100 pounds is intimidating — Morgan, Jodi’s rescued Great Pyrenees, is the sweetest girl who just wants to see who is visiting and perhaps make a new friend.   

Morgan lives like a princess now. But it wasn't always a fairytale lifestyle. 

After she and her sister reached their eventual size, the young family who adopted the two as puppies could no longer handle them. The sisters ended up in a rescue network.

Their size, the decibel level of their bark, and the clouds of white fur that fly around the house or stick to your clothes, make placing these majestic creatures a challenging task.

They need lots of room, preferably not too close to neighbors who might not take kindly to their protective barking. They also definitely need a fenced-in yard because they will wander, given the opportunity. 

Jodi found Morgan though the rescue network, fell in love with her – and, the Great Pyrenees breed.      

Adopting Morgan changed Jodi’s daily existence. Involved in local animal rescue organizations for years, Jodi, discovered a critical need for homes for the endless stream of homeless Pyrs. 

In 2010, Jodi became the National Surrender Director for Great Pyrenees Rescue, although several of the foster families live locally.

“I have wonderful foster families in Woodbury, New Milford, Bethel and right here in Sandy Hook,” she said.

Among the "foster moms" in the area are Debbie Cox, of Bethel and Judy Falbo, of Sandy Hook.

“It feels so good to be part of the process that finds the perfect home and family for these beautiful creatures,” Cox said.

Falbo added, “Yes, there are always tears when they leave. But, I love seeing them with their new families.”

Debbie Cox, is “mom” to Logan, her first introduction to the Pyr breed.  This was followed soon after by Beau, a Pyr who is now 4. 

“I just love big dogs and the Pyr size and personality fit the bill for me,” said Cox, also mom to several adopted handicapped children.  “The dogs add  a level of joy to our household.”

Falbo said it's not a breed for everyone.

With three rescue dogs, most recently, Chloe, a Rottweiler-mix puppy who was abandoned during the December blizzard, her canine household is certainly full. 

One of her dogs is very timid around strangers but is great with other dogs. 

“Her personality shines when there are additional dogs in her pack. Fostering Pyrs relieves a lot of her anxiety and makes her happier and playful, ” Falbo said.  

Mother to two little girls Yael and Avigayil, and with a husband and two rescue dogs, Kayla and Morgan, Jodi already has her hands full.

But that didn't stop her from opening her heart to Denali, a Pyr mix with a very timid personality who was having difficulty adjusting to a new family. So Denali has joined the Bialik household as permanent member. 

“He’s doing so much better now,” said Jodi,  as she hugged this beautiful boy who has brought so much joy to this home.   

With their adorable puppy faces, fluffy white fur and large brown eyes, the breed is definitely appealing.  But please do your homework before adopting any dog, especially one that can reach 100 pounds or more. We need to keep them from ending up on Jodi’s list of Pyrs without homes.

If you are interested in becoming a foster family or adopting a rescued Great Pyrenees visit their national rescue site at www.nationalpyr.org or www.petfinder.com