And speaking of my Eros (mastif/lab mix, remember....yeah, I know..."how could we forget?)
the pictures below were sent to me in email. They were taken by a friend of a friend who has a full grown Mastif. It just shows you how incredibly gentle and protective they grow up to be...I can't wait! Now mine will probably be a little smaller than this one, but these pics were too cute not to share with yinz guys! (*note: no babies were harmed in the taking of these pictures!) ENJOY!
ATTENTION ALL DOGS!!!
THE FOLLOWING ARE IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS FOR EVERY DOG TO KNOW
Instructions for properly hugging a baby.
1. First, spy a baby.

2. Second, be sure that the object you spied was
indeed a baby by employing classic sniffing techniques. If you smell baby powder and the wonderful aroma of wet diapers this is indeed a baby.

3. Next you will need to flatten the baby before actually beginning the hugging process.
**Note: The added slobber should help in future steps by making the "paw slide" easier.

4. The "paw slide"
Simply slide paws around baby and prepare for possible close-up.

5. Finally, if a camera is present, you will need to execute
the difficult and patented "hug, smile, and lean" so as to
achieve the best photo quality.

Dogs, if this is properly done, it will secure you a warm, dry,climate-controlled environment for the rest of your life.