Rehoming Stories
Come and meet a few remarkable Great Danes
Scooby
A breed apart!
We travelled to see our prospective new family addition. Two weeks later we took Scooby home. He was approximately two and a half years old and had not had a settled life. To say the power of a Scooby is immense, would be an understatement. He has transformed our house. The vibe is now optimistic, inclusive and filled with fun and love. All dogs are great and can offer so much to so many people. But a Dane . . . now they're a breed apart.
Sterling
Out of the blue!
Sometimes, a dog comes into our lives just when we need them even though we doubted the timing. Sterling is one of those dogs. When Helen first contacted me from the charity, I had an elderly Dane, who while still active and happy, was on palliative care, so I was very much keeping a close eye on her quality of life. I was hesitant about bringing a new dog into the mix.
Helen suggested I perhaps just go meet Sterling (known as Ozzy at the time, but ignored it) and we could always figure out a plan around my old girl if I felt he would work for me. He had come from a tiny flat and was now stuck in kennels, so finding him his forever home was a top priority. I have land and experience with Danes and other large breeds, so it would be perfect for him.
He had the most wonderful temperament and he deserved a better life
A few days later, I was met by an overly-excited, 16 month old puppy. He was a dog (I’d wanted another bitch), he was the same colour as my girl (I’d wanted a different colour), he’d been neutered early, had weak pasterns and his eyes were too close together! And yet I could tell he had the most wonderful temperament and he deserved a better life. So, the coiled spring came home with me, taking to farm life like duck to water!
Sterling is a total rock star!
It was a rocky start with my old girl and yet a week later, while out on the farm with my parents and their dogs, she suddenly accepted him and went to have a little play with him. It was the first time she’d let him anywhere near her. That night, she suddenly went downhill and I had to have her PTS. It was as if she felt he was now the right dog for her to pass over the baton and was then ready to say goodbye. Losing her left a huge, huge space to fill; she was my absolute shadow at all times and had lived with me in NY, the Hamptons and then the UK. In her place, I was left with a dog who was the polar-opposite of her! He was independent, had bad habits and was completely and utterly manic. And yet he was exactly what I needed! Focusing on training him took my mind off things and he has become the most wonderful dog. I could not be happier that I was able to give him the life he deserved and I adore him. He still does things Guinevere would never have done; like steps in his own pee, drools in his sleep, lies down in dirt and jumps gates he shouldn’t jump, but he is a total rock star! Thank you, Helen, as little did I know that I would end up needing him as much as he needed me.
JOJO, a remarkable story about a remarkable Great Dane
We received a call that an old deaf Great Dane needed help, as both his owners had passed away.
He was fostered with close family, but they couldn’t keep him. We contacted one of our foster carers who adores deaf Great Danes, and the next day Jojo was collected and brought back to live with another four deaf dogs!
This is not remarkable in itself, if it wasn’t for the fact that Jojo was 13 years old. On having a vet check he proves to be in remarkable good health for his age.
JoJo has just celebrated his 14th birthday!!!
Jojo The Wonder Dog
He embraced the beaches and rain forests of mid Wales with pure delight
We don't think Jojo had ever lived as part of a pack before, so meeting our other four Danes must have come as something of a shock. To his credit, he adapted beautifully. We also suspect he was more accustomed to city life than country living, yet he embraced the beaches and rain forests of mid Wales with pure delight. Watching him discover these new adventures was a joy in itself. Considering his age, we didn’t expected to put much weight on his skinny ribs. Yet, as he settled into life with us and relaxed into his new routine he gradually transformed. His condition improved dramatically, his coat gleamed, and he developed a lovely topline.
Age is beginning to slow our wonderful old boy down a little, but he still greets each day with enthusiasm
Fast forward six months and, inevitably, age is beginning to slow our wonderful old boy down a little. His back end is becoming weaker and sometimes he needs a helping hand, usually in the form of his Help 'Em Up harness. Even so, our vets remain delighted with him, and more importantly, Jojo remains delighted with life. He still enjoys his adventures, still greets each day with enthusiasm, and still looks at the world through those extraordinary blue eyes with the same sense of wonder. And that, surely, is worth celebrating. So, custard slices all round.
Boris
He was big and blonde and nobody ever forgot his name!!
We adopted Boris in Dec 2017, aged 3 years, and from day one he was the perfect gentle giant with a huge personality.  It was an interesting journey in the first few months. We learnt so much about him and his "previous" life because he let us know! He showed apprehension with gloved hands, hi-viz jackets, tractors and farm machinery, cattle, horses and off road cyclists.
Giving him time and space and respect
When he was introduced to our 3 grandchildren he was pleased to meet our grandsons but displayed anxiety with our young granddaughter. She gave Boris time, space and respect and they soon became the very best of friends. Twice daily walks in the countryside with new experiences and new friends both dog and human became the norm for Boris. He even managed to chase rabbits occasionally but never with much enthusiasm !!
Written with a heavy heart
Boris's diabetes was diagnosed in January 2023. He quite enjoyed going to the vets because all the staff loved him. So every 2 weeks we would go to the vets for them to fit a Freestyle Libre sensor stuck onto his shaved skin. He was a good boy having his twice daily insulin injections. He needed arthritis medication in his last year and our 2 daily walks became 2 shorter strolls with socialising. Boris passed away, peacefully at home (vets think it was his heart) with us by his side, stroking and talking to him all the time.
It is a tribute to a very special "rescue"
We were so fortunate to have his love, loyalty and his undemanding company for 6 years. Thank you Andrew for choosing us on Boris's behalf. Boris was an exceptional dog, he settled into our lives and home so well. We cherish all the memories but miss him so much. We were so fortunate to have his love, loyalty and his undemanding company for 6 years. Thank you Andrew for choosing us on Boris's behalf. Boris was an exceptional dog, he settled into our lives and home so well. We cherish all the memories but miss him so much. If you were our last Dane Boris, the joy and peace you bought into our lives will never be underestimated and always treasured.
Boris
He was big and blonde and nobody ever forgot his name!!
We adopted Boris in Dec 2017, aged 3 years, and from day one he was the perfect gentle giant with a huge personality. It was an interesting journey in the first few months. We learnt so much about him and his "previous" life because he let us know! He showed apprehension with gloved hands, hi-viz jackets, tractors and farm machinery, cattle, horses and off road cyclists.
Giving him time and space and respect
When he was introduced to our 3 grandchildren he was pleased to meet our grandsons but displayed anxiety with our young granddaughter. She gave Boris time, space and respect and they soon became the very best of friends. Twice daily walks in the countryside with new experiences and new friends both dog and human became the norm for Boris. He even managed to chase rabbits occasionally but never with much enthusiasm!!
Written with a heavy heart
Boris's diabetes was diagnosed in January 2023. He quite enjoyed going to the vets because all the staff loved him. So every 2 weeks we would go to the vets for them to fit a Freestyle Libre sensor stuck onto his shaved skin. He was a good boy having his twice daily insulin injections. He needed arthritis medication in his last year and our 2 daily walks became 2 shorter strolls with socialising. Boris passed away, peacefully at home (vets think it was his heart) with us by his side, stroking and talking to him all the time.
It is a tribute to a very special "rescue "
We were so fortunate to have his love, loyalty and his undemanding company for 6 years. Thank you Andrew for choosing us on Boris's behalf. Boris was an exceptional dog, he settled into our lives and home so well. We cherish all the memories but miss him so much. If you were our last Dane Boris, the joy and peace you bought into our lives will never be underestimated and always treasured.
Merlin and Maisie
Brother and Sister settling in well
These two amazing 8 year old brother and sister, needed a new home due to the sad passing of their owner. They have settled in beautifully, enjoying celebrity status in the neighbourhood.
Redesigning the garden!
Obviously the garden had been overlooked for some time, so they both helped to ‘redesign’ it removing the pretty flowers instead creating a moon like surface with big muddy craters!
Lincoln
Dreams do come true!
My ‘mum’ had dreamed of owning a Great Dane called Lincoln since she was a little girl, but family life came first. Then one day when checking the NGDR website, there I was, waiting for my new family.
Life couldn't be better!
I have settled well into my new home and enjoy the country walks with all my doggy friends. Life at 8 years of age couldn’t be better!
Eve
She's happily settled with her new family
At 8 months of age, Eve needed a new home and eye surgery. Her foster home consisted of 4 deaf white Great Danes (look on the Home page), who totally accepted her into the pack. Her eye surgery went well and is now settled and she’s not leaving.
Moomin
Snow-white queen
Initially we had gone to the rescue to meet Leila, a beautiful merle lady, but it quickly became apparent that she was not the biggest fan of our other dog Elmo. At which point Andy asked, “I don’t suppose you would be interested in a deaf Dane would you?”
A sad diagnosis
Fast forward to January 2021 and Moomin was starting to show a few signs of aging, but very few considering her years. One morning, she seemed to have trouble placing her back legs where she wanted them, and within 24 hours, her back legs were paralysed. Our amazing Pain Management vet referred us straight to Highcroft Hospital in Bristol who were so kind and understanding with our angry, frightened, incredibly vocal, vet-phobic snow queen. They quickly diagnosed that she was in spinal shock due to several crumbling disks, that had damaged her spinal cord and that any improvement would be minimal.
Health care
Thank goodness for 'Help Em Up' harnesses, pink wheelchairs and Moomin’s stubborn determination to prove everybody wrong. She had a lot of help along the way from Veterinary Pain Management, Hands On Animal Physiotherapy and Woozelbears Hydrotherapy, but her sheer force of will has got her back to the point where just one back one foot isn’t working as it should.
It’s testament to her that back in June, she had 60 guests come to her 12th birthday party. And yes, each and every one of them sang Happy Birthday to her and although she may not have been able to hear them, she regally acknowledged their efforts and knew perfectly well that it was all for her.
A force of nature
There followed 3 months of destruction, rage and the incredible joy that coming to know and love her brought us. It is safe to say, that she nearly caused divorce and bankruptcy, as she took us to pieces and put us back together as better humans. She has a love for the colour pink, and steals pink gloves, pink scarves, pink purses and anything that is the shade of pink.
Her determination
As a result, she will never be able to walk unaided, as she trips over her droopy foot, and she is beginning to lose some of her strength. However, she lives a happy, relaxed and busy life with her minions helping her to go wherever she needs to go, whenever she needs to go there. The sight of her charging down the beach in her wheelchair, is something that will always bring tears to my eyes, especially if I don’t jump out of the way quickly enough, as she will take you out Boudicca- style, with a grin on her face.
Moomin
Snow-white queen
Initially we had gone to the rescue to meet Leila, a beautiful merle lady, but it quickly became apparent that she was not the biggest fan of our other dog Elmo. At which point Andy asked, “I don’t suppose you would be interested in a deaf Dane would you?”
A force of nature
There followed 3 months of destruction, rage and the incredible joy that coming to know and love her brought us. It is safe to say, that she nearly caused divorce and bankruptcy, as she took us to pieces and put us back together as better humans. She has a love for the colour pink, and steals pink gloves, pink scarves, pink purses and anything that is the shade of pink.
A sad diagnosis
Fast forward to January 2021 and Moomin was starting to show a few signs of aging, but very few considering her years. One morning, she seemed to have trouble placing her back legs where she wanted them, and within 24 hours, her back legs were paralysed. Our amazing Pain Management vet referred us straight to Highcroft Hospital in Bristol who were so kind and understanding with our angry, frightened, incredibly vocal, vet-phobic snow queen. They quickly diagnosed that she was in spinal shock due to several crumbling disks, that had damaged her spinal cord and that any improvement would be minimal.
Her determination
As a result, she will never be able to walk unaided, as she trips over her droopy foot, and she is beginning to lose some of her strength. However, she lives a happy, relaxed and busy life with her minions helping her to go wherever she needs to go, whenever she needs to go there. The sight of her charging down the beach in her wheelchair, is something that will always bring tears to my eyes, especially if I don’t jump out of the way quickly enough, as she will take you out Boudicca- style, with a grin on her face.
Health care
Thank goodness for 'Help Em Up' harnesses, pink wheelchairs and Moomin’s stubborn determination to prove everybody wrong. She had a lot of help along the way from Veterinary Pain Management, Hands On Animal Physiotherapy and Woozelbears Hydrotherapy, but her sheer force of will has got her back to the point where just one back one foot isn’t working as it should.
It’s testament to her that back in June, she had 60 guests come to her 12th birthday party. And yes, each and every one of them sang Happy Birthday to her and although she may not have been able to hear them, she regally acknowledged their efforts and knew perfectly well that it was all for her.
Skye
Gradually building her confidence
When I first went to visit Skye in kennels, I could tell that she was a nervous girl but because of her lovely nature and gentleness I decided that Skye was the dog for me. However, once we got home the scale of challenge quickly became apparent. Skye was afraid of absolutely everything, from the birds flying over the garden to normal household noises. She was also afraid of anyone that came into the house, to the people we meet when out walking. She didn't even know how to play or what toys and treats were. Things started to get better after a few weeks, as we started to bond, but her nervousness and fear remained. To build her confidence I have been gradually exposing her to the things which are fearful, whilst being careful not to cause her too much stress, by taking her to public places like garden centres, pet shops and car boot sales.
Getting more confident every day
Skye has recently been enrolled in a local dog training class where she gets to meet new people and dogs whilst trying to learn new things. She now has enough confidence to slowly approach people to sniff/accept tickles whilst out on walks (It took 3 weeks of visting everyday for Skye to greet my daughter when she comes to visit). Skye also gets to run around, play and learn from other dogs she trusts when I take her to a hired secure dog field.
She no longer seems stressed by the things that used to worry her and is getting more confident everyday. It's been a slow process but seeing the change in her has brought me much joy. Whilst we still have a long way to go, Skye has come out of herself and is comfortable enough to start showing us her love and cheeky character.
Essa
We had to allow her time to trust us
When I saw Essa’s face pop up on the NGDR Facebook page, I was instantly in love. We had recently lost our old Dane, and it had left a big dane shape hole in our home, something I think only dane owners will understand. After all the checks had taken place with the guys at NGDR, Essa arrived, very nervous, her giant size hiding behind her foster mum, but it was so obvious what a gentle sweetheart she was. We didn’t know her full history or what was making her nervous, so we had to allow her time to trust us and come out of her shell. But a couple of weeks in, she was happy and confident and her true character began to come out.
She is the sweetest most gentle dog
She’s fun and bouncy, and so loyal and loving. She slipped into our lives with the kids and other family pets completely seamlessly. She is the sweetest most gentle dog we’ve ever owned and it is as though she has always been there. Thank you for trusting us with her.
Lyra
So, Lyra has made it, somehow, to the grand old age of 13 today.
She can still walk with difficulty and some assistance from her human zimmer-frame handlers. She sleeps even more than she used to, but her appetite for food is still strong - she has cunning plans that she puts into use to get more tasty bits added at mealtimes. She is still eating 3 meals a day. Her spirit to live is still quite strong and she ‘chuffs’ at us to let us know when she wants something or needs to do something. She will still turf little Peach out of one of the beds if that’s the one she’s decided to occupy. Her bodily functions are all still working well even though her control of them is a little haphazard, hence the louder ‘chuffing’ at times.
She’s a tough cookie!
Her fur is now looking fairly moth-eaten and she is definitely thinner that she used to be, with a fair bit of muscle wastage at the rear, but her eyes are bright. It’s difficult to say how much longer we can keep her going, but she’s not showing any signs of giving up yet. She has the nous to look us in the eye when she wants attention. She’s a tough cookie! We do turn and turn about night shifts to cater for her nighttime needs, getting up when she calls or sets off her alarm. It’s tiring, but not too onerous usually, with calls averaging twice a night - can get a bit much when it extends to 4 times! The trick is to get her settled comfortably and then we can toddle off back to bed. We end up as the sleepy-heads!
Merlin (nee Digger)
One year old Merlin enjoying freedom in his new home
After having such a rough start in life and spending over four months in a dog pound, his new owners are giving him the best opportunity to learn and grow.
