Rehoming Success
Come and meet a few remarkable Great Danes
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.
Delilah
The benefit of experience
Though she did not technically ‘come through our books’, we were instrumental in finding her a new home. She has adjusted very well to the different lifestyle she now enjoys.
With vast experience of Great Danes who need time and understanding to settle, Delilah’s new companion has the knowledge to comfort her in her time of great need.
Florrie and Betsey
Both girls have settled in wonderfully
Six year old Florrie and inseparable companion six month old Betsey were re-homed together. It took three weeks for Florrie to accept her new home and family, and indicated this by leaping on their bed in the morning and spreading herself onto her back, totally relaxed.
Betsey decided everything had to be investigated, perhaps chewed, whether on the ground, or on top of kitchen work surfaces. She now has her toy box which she loves and is learning fast. Both girls have settled in wonderfully.
Latest update on Stan…
Stan’s expensive eye operation has improved his vision, and a liver shunt operation further improved his health and wellbeing.
Stan (nee Blue)
A difficult start
Stan came into our care as a six month old puppy. His owner couldn’t afford to keep him anymore and Stan had a medical condition. His vet had diagnosed a liver problem, which will involve an operation, a liver shunt. He also has Entropion. He went into our foster home while he was being diagnosed by Langford Veterinary Hospital. At this time we were not sure the state of his health, until a scan could determine exactly what his problem was.
Happy home
He now has a home on the understanding that when he has reached maturity he will under go major surgery, hoping the outcome will cure the problem. Both operations will cost thousands of pounds and we will be creating a diary on his progress to raise the money needed to pay for his treatment. He will be having three monthly veterinary check-ups with blood tests.
Making new 'friends'
Stan travelled over 380 miles to his new home, enjoying the long ride. He has settled into his new home with ease. He is very affectionate insisting everyone cuddles him, his new ‘companion’ the cat isn’t so sure, yet. He has become a celebrity in the local pub enjoying all the attention. Stan finds the sea frightening even a still lake causes concern, but planned walks on the beach with a load of doggy friends hopefully will put him at ease.
Benjamin
Very contented chap
An elderly 'gentleman' sadly needing a new home when his owner passed away, has found his retirement home.
An acre of garden to explore, sedately, a sofa to sleep on in the day and after his supper another bed by the Rayburn; a very contented chap.
Loki
Teenage tantrums
Four homes in the first eighteen months of his young life! Untrained, destructive, strong willed, as his hormones are screaming for attention. With the assistance of a plant water spray, he has realised that he cannot get his own way.
Neutering will take time to relax the boy, however he enjoys learning and is quick to realise that everyone enjoys his company, when he is obedient. Now settling into his new and last home, he has accepted the love and caring from his new family and in return has become very affectionate.
Foxy
Loving the attention!
After a very traumatic start, Foxy has settled into her new home and is now enjoying life. Having rejected many offers of very nice dog beds, she insisted on her own new single mattress! She loves attention particularly enjoying the company of a four year old human boy, and sharing her toys with him.
Learning to love the beach
Foxy was very wary of other dogs, barking at them from across the road. But with patience, she has come to understand that it is acceptable for other dogs to be around: cats are another matter!! She adores the car, whether just sitting in it or for a ride. The beach was another learning curve, but now enjoys it.
Willow
She is an absolute joy
Well, as of 2nd December, it's 12 months since we ventured some 300 miles down from Grimsby to Taunton on a very cold and snowy morning to collect Willow. She immediately bonded with our other dog, a nine year old Italian Spinone called Hector. She was 'trained' by Hector and quickly surpassed his training to master opening doors.... even inward opening doors...!! Regrettably, we 'lost' Hector this year to bloat and Willow misses his companionship.
She has settled in very well during the last year though she had to have her dew claws removed and this was followed a couple of months later by Entropion Surgery to her right eye. She recovered well from both operations, though she 'wasn't best pleased' with having to endure the 'bucket of shame' during the recovery periods and, as you would expect with a Dane, she preceded to take out her frustrations on any furniture, ornaments or indeed anything in her way...!
Willow continues to enjoy walks on Cleethorpes Beach as well as in local woodland and parks. Despite having dozens of toys, her preferred 'item' for entertaining herself and something that gives her countless hours of enjoyment is a length of rope that she offers to any visitors to house.
She is 'quite feisty' and constantly tries to 'rule the roost' but is settling in very nicely and is adored by family and friends alike and it remains entertaining when visitors knock on the door and 'the Great Dane Doorbell sounds'.
Willow
She is an absolute joy
We travelled 280+ miles to fetch Willow and bring her home on the 1st of December last year. She was an absolute dream in the car and slept virtually all the way with only one comfort break. She immediately bonded with our other dog, a nine year old Italian Spinone called Hector. She was 'trained' by Hector and quickly surpassed his training to master opening doors.... even inward opening doors...!!
She adapted to life in our house very well virtually straight away, once she had determined her place in the house, that was and still is, directly in front of a raging coal fire or on her own place on one of the settees that ironically is the nearest seat to the aforementioned fire.
She is an absolute joy to have, affectionate, attentive, good company, very sociable as well as being a food monster. Regrettably, we 'lost' Hector a few days ago to bloat and Willow is roaming the house looking for him, which is very sad to see. We are doing our best to fill her time with more toys and walks around local woods, parks and Cleethorpes beach".
Gabbar
Gabbar had spent long months in kennels during his four years. It took him a while to realise that this was his home and his new family, and that he wasn’t going to be taken back to another kennel. Because he had very little home life, everything had to be investigated, at full speed. Walks were controlled carefully, as he appeared to dislike seeing other dogs.
Relaxed and happily settled
However, after careful training and understanding what worried him, Gabbar has relaxed into a very loving dog, eager to please. It will take time for him to desensitize to things that he finds scary, but he is learning.
Nessie and Verity
Two adorable litter sisters
Nessie and Verity, 7 year old sisters have found a new home! Having flown through all their assessments they are now happily settled with their new family.
Great news!
It is so wonderful. They will be a great asset to any family. They are great with people, children and all other dogs and love to play in the garden and enjoy having attention and cuddles.
Hollie
She touched the hearts of many
Hollie sadly passed away on 17th June 2021 at the grand age of 10. We have attached a few photos of her during the with her family. We adopted Hollie (was known as Twinkle) from NGDR in April 2012 when she was about 9 months old. Hollie was a Albino Great Dane who initially struggled to trust people. Overtime she settled in really well, enjoying numerous holidays and making friends with her new pack members over the 9 years she was with us. Hollie was a gentle giant touching the hearts of many people we met. Hollie sadly passed away on 17th June 2021 at the grand age of 10. We have attached a few photos of her during the with her family.
Manny
Remarkable courage
Sadly, personal circumstances brought Barrack (Manny) with his mother Bella into our care. Bella was rehomed after a short assessment, and Manny went into our Foster home. Manny had his leg removed when as a puppy, Bella rolled on him and damaged the leg.
He has proved to be a lovable chap coping extremely well with his disability. He was examined by our Orthopaedic Vet who diagnosed that it served no benefit to alter his leg, as his whole body had adjusted to the infirmity.
It of course slows him down, but he enjoyed his walks and play with his Foster mate. When out on a longer walk, Manny has a special harness that attaches to his body with a wheel for his missing leg, he manages the device extremely well.
Contented
He has now settled into a wonderful home where he enjoys life, loving all the attention from family and neighbours. He also adores his food, to a point that he eats too quickly. A bowl with restricted parts was purchased. After stuffing the food in Manny ate the top layer then cried because he could not get the rest out! Back to the bowl with just one restriction!
Cyril (alias Blue)
A tad apprehensive
I rehomed Blue in March the weekend before lockdown, he has been renamed Cyril, as he is deaf he doesn't mind what he is called! Cyril was a tad apprehensive for a day or so, new people, new dogs but he immediately bonded with my tiny Patterdale. I don't think he had much choice in the matter as she constantly sat on him, nibbled his ears or feet to get attention which he takes with good humour and is very gentle with her.
A joy to see
I managed to take him to work with me once before the shops were closed, he basked in the attention from all the customers and met a six month old Harlequin, there were gangly legs and flappy ears everywhere as they chased around.
Adventure time
Yesterday we went for our first public outing in a local forest, Cyril was off lead and romping around with the other dogs taking in all the flora and fauna, it was a joy to see. Thank you NGDR for everything.
Ringo
His Journey
Ringo had been bred in Poland. When his previous family came to the U.K. he had to spend weeks in quarantine. He was only 18 months old, a ‘juvenile delinquent’ comes to mind. He appeared to have had no training, certainly didn’t know what a lead was for. He had separation anxiety, which with all the travelling and kennelling, is no surprise, but very hard to teach the dog that he is now safe and secure. He still is wary of some dogs when out on a walk, and will react aggressively, training is ongoing. But, a loving dog, getting settled into his home and now not anxious when he is left.
Ringo is now a 5 year old gentleman
He is full of health and loving life. His aggressive tendencies have all but disappeared and he hasn’t pulled on the lead for a good two years.He has been to Spain with us twice in the last year. He is such a character who is extremely talkative, he is still in great shape and very active although the last 4 months we have tailored his exercise to give him more rest days.
Miley
Full of character!
Miley arrived at the age of 7 ½ and as our foster home can only take males, she stayed in our kennels. Probable because of her age it was 3 months before a lovely home came forward. Unfortunately the night before she was due to go to her home she suffered a Bloat attack. Miley came through a Gastroplexy operation well and after the recovery time in hospital, was able to go to her new home. She has now settled and enjoys the company of her companion Luke. As she now has a delicate stomach, a fish based food she seems most comfortable with. Perhaps her senior years allow for her stubbornness and selective hearing! Also, she is very vocal should her needs not immediately be answered.
Bertie
Great company
Bertie came into our foster home at the grand age of 9 years old. He was fit and healthy and looking more like a Great Dane half his age. His foster companion Tilly, had to teach him to share the toys. He had his own ideas of how life ought to be, and could grumble his dissatisfaction. In his new home he befriended a Labrador called Holly, enjoying walks on the beach together. He greets people and all sized dogs respectfully and enjoys playing with them. He has a particular fondness of pugs and bulldogs and has to be caught, when off lead, before he follows them home. Bertie has fitted into his new home so easily and enjoying life to the full with his doggy friends.
Buddy
The BFG
At 8 weeks Buddy and his brother came into our care, both white, both deaf. Buddy had a lovely home for 18 months, then very sadly he had to come back to us. He was ‘looked after’ by Tilly and her family. Though he proved to be the most loving, obedient easiest Great Dane, nobody was interested in a deaf dog! After 3 months with Tilly and her family he came to me. I was waiting for an oldie as they are sometimes difficult to rehome.
I’m so very glad Buddy became part of our family, what an absolute pleasure he was, a perfect gentleman. He never chased animals, even a squirrel popping up right in front of him didn’t cause him to stir. Mind you, he did chase Tilly when she stayed with us, and their tug of war games were epic! On a walk through the woods one day a lady was approaching us, she was in awe of Buddy saying “she thought it was a Polar bear coming towards her”. Everyone, dogs of all sizes and their owners adored him, such a gentle, calm boy. He did have a little hearing, could never work out how he heard particular noises. He adored riding in my old Mercedes estate (tinted window for his privacy!). Wherever we took him we always allowed extra time as people stopped to admire such a handsome, placid fellow.
Tilly
Foster Mum
Tilly was not always the easiest dog, but she was a much loved family dog and went everywhere with us. Tilly also helped us foster about 15 Great Danes, doing it her own imitable way, as she would not tolerate bad behaviour. One of her ‘boys’ she looked after was a deaf dog called Buddy. They became close friends staying at each other’s houses when their people were on holiday.
A strong character
Tilly was coming up for 9 years old when one day she became ill and died. She shared eight wonderful years with us, always ready for fun and games, a strong character. She was our first Great Dane and now as a family we could never imagine owning any other breed.
Tilly the matriarch
Tilly did not suffer fools gladly or shall I say dogs that were rude or became too big for their boots! This was particularly the case on home territory. A new foster dog was given respect for a short period of time before they had to live by her rules. If they did, they would be her best friend and she would play and also share her rug and if they were special even share her basket. But if they crossed her........ Tilly would wait at the bottom of the stairs to ambush any dog that came down.
She loved going in the car and would go and get her lead in anticipation. Also sunbathing was a particular pleasure of hers. The sofa gene was ever present but she knew she was not allowed. Upon hearing us she would slope off but the tell tale dent in the cushion and warm patch told it all, plus of course, the guilty look. Tilly would sit near the bottom of the stairs with her bottom on one step and front paws on another to look out of the window to see what was going on in the world.
Ruby
Spirited Lady
Ruby arrived one Easter rather bewildered, it took her a while before she would wag her tail. She was senior in years and also over-weight, probable due to lack of exercise and poor feeding. She had 2 companions so she had to negotiate sofa sharing terms.
Sadly the Ridgeback died aged 12 leaving Ruby with her Terrier pal Timmy. He adores her and they are always together. Ruby has blossomed into a very happy Great Dane. We’re greeted on arriving home with Ruby throwing a blanket or cushion around gleefully and making a funny whistling noise.
Mouse
Handsome teenager
Mouse is a very handsome seventeen month old boy. He settled himself into his new home immediately, and has never needed any training other than to stop pulling on the lead. After one month he was let off the lead, as his recall has been very good. He is friendly with people and dogs, but does play rather rough!
Elsa
Home comforts
Elsa is now over 2 years old. She settled into her new home very well, with no major problems. She enjoys meeting new people and dogs on her walks, and after about 6 weeks, she was trusted to be let off lead. Elsa is fed a raw diet with very little dry food. Elsa is very playful, lots of fun and adores her new family's bed.
Sophie
Discarded, found, now safe and loved.
Sophie was found roaming the streets; she had recently given birth to a litter and was very under weight. The Vet can only guess she's about three to four years old. Sophie is now a picture of health.
She settled into her home straight away with no problems, she slept well the first night and for a stray, she was also clean. Sophie has never needed any training, in fact she is very attentive to instructions. Most dogs she is fine with just now and again there's one that she dislikes, mainly German Shepherds.
Travel in the car is a great worry to her and she is sick. Perhaps she was thrown out of one and left behind, who knows? But the family are persevering, taking small steps to help her over her anxiousness. Sophie adores people (and the Rayburn) and is not at all wary of strangers. She loves playing with her toys and now her lovely character is shining through. One particular funny trait of hers is 'cat patrol', no feline is allowed in the garden!
Berkley
The "Boss"
Berkley was re-homed at 15 month of age. Now 18 months old he has settled into his new home very well. Though he is a strong dog he hasn't needed any training, in fact he was trusted off the lead after three weeks, as his recall is excellent. He is rather 'bossy' when playing; his favourite game is with a ball. Berkley is happy to meet any other dogs but is still vary of small breeds. Berkley is fed some complete meal with tinned but mainly raw meat.
Kiera
Evermore in our hearts
Kiera came into our care at the grand age of 8 years old. She was re-homed after a quick assessment and settled in straight away. She was a perfect ambassador for her breed. She had no issues with other dogs, and when introduced to people, children in particular, there was never a problem. There were never any tricky moments other than her wanting to sit on your lap! Sadly, Kiera only had 5 months in her new home. She was the sweetest most loving character you could ever wish to take into your home and your heart.
Millie
Millie came from another dog sanctuary who could not rehome her due to her aversion to most other dogs. Her previous home was incredibly unstable and Millie found life confusing.
Secure and happy
At last a telephone call came; a family were needing a companion for their Great Dane that was pining for the loss of his friend. On the first meeting it was gratifying to witness Millie playing happily. She is slowly understanding that there is no need for bad manners. Millie and her new companion Theo cannot be separated, and she has settled in really well and enjoys long walks with Theo. She is great on and off the lead and has even started mixing with other dogs. She is most definitely the boss though when it comes to Theo.
Ralph
Superstar
Ralph is the most wonderful dog we have ever been owned by. He settled in almost immediately, taking over sofa and beds and became best pals with our current Great Dane. His favourite thing to do after sleeping and eating is popping the tops of empty plastic bottles. Ralph loves a spa treatment, he will get in the bath at any opportunity! He is vocal when he cannot figure out how to get up the stairs, so we stand at the top saying, left, right, left, right till he can get his brain and legs working in the right order! If our cockerpoo is asleep on my pillow or in his way on the sofa, Ralph will sing and bark until she gets fed up with him and moves; he knows how to get his own way.
My whole family love and adore this dopey, goofy giant of a dog, I really believe he is our once in a lifetime dog, perfectly befuddled in every way.
Lyra
Inquisitive adventurer
Lyra is the nosiest dog ever, she insists on ‘checking out everybody and everything’. Her other delight is climbing on things. If there’s a wall that needs to be looked over, then she’s up on her hind legs; if she could get on top she would, which we have to stop.
Comforter
Her favourite toy is her Scottie of which she has two, one black and the other white. She stole the first one from another dog. She has a love hate relationship with them. One minute she’s shaking it without mercy, next she’s sucking it like a dummy curled up in her bed! At training club now she will do stays, recalls and retrieves, however, if training night falls on a full moon, Lyra’s away with the ‘fairies’.
Pub Crawl
Awhile ago she spotted a squirrel on the ground, that promptly ran up a nearby tree, and Lyra charge up the vertical trunk after it, completely off the ground, and then followed the archetypical cartoon slide back down with her claws in the smooth trunk! Now she’s convinced that the squirrel is still up the tree, and every other day will attempt to get back up just to check. The picture of Lyra sitting at the bar is a typical occupation, she knows the doggy biscuit jar is on the bar. Notice the floor isn’t good enough for her, if everyone else is comfortable, so she should be!
Lucy
A new companion
Lucy came into rescue as a 1 year old with severe eye problems, Entropion and Cherry Eye. Post surgery the eyes recovered very well and she was ready for her new home. Lucy’s new ‘companion’ was a Copper Black Maran. A young chick, who became significantly more interested when food was available.
Odd Couple
The chick called Ava became caught up in a food fight with two ponies, and suffered a severely broken a leg. Lucy was always keen to chase the hens, only scattering them for fun! However, as Ava was recovering, Lucy was curious but left her alone. In time Ava recovered and Lucy accepted her within the house and the garden.
Sam
Contented in his twilight years
Sam came into National Great Dane Rescue on 1st December 2018. He was an 8 year old Black Great Dane. We travelled down to Wiltshire from Scotland to see him. When we saw him his coat was very dull, his eyes were like slits, calluses on his elbows and back legs, not much muscle on his back legs and so thin you could count his ribs. Apparently he had never been to the Vet's and was fed on Asda complete. We took him to our Vet's the next day. They could tell by looking at his teeth that he was probably 4 - 5 years old also the way he was moving his body. They also thought he was kept in the dark by his eyes, in a crate as little muscle in back legs and laying on a hard floor or concrete due to his big calluses. We fed him on Royal Canin biscuit and meat with added rice and chicken. Twice a week added Extra Virgin Olive Oil to improve his coat. At first he didn't like male dogs. So we took him to Dog Classes and meeting up with friends who have Danes for a play day on the beaches. So he hadn't been socialised much with other dogs. Now loves to see them. Took him to The Rapha Centre where they analysed his fur and said his immune system is lacking in Vitamins and Minerals. He takes three tablets a day.
Adored by all
Sam lived with another Dane called Sophie, who was nearly nine years old, but sadly they only had eight months together before she suddenly passed away August 2019.
Then came along another Dane who was two and a half in November 2019 called Nancy. She kept Sam playing nearly all day with the odd sleep here and there. He's fantastic with our three grandchildren aged between 10 - 16.
He is calm and let's you do anything for him. Loves food, laying in the sun, holidaying in our caravan, out in the car and play days on the beach with other Danes.
Loves his two beds one warm and one cool . Started cleaning his teeth with a toothbrush then progressed to a child’s electric toothbrush. Due to no muscle in his back legs Sam went on to have Physio, and Hydrotherapy.
Sadly he has Arthritis in his hips and back legs which started in June this year and is on medication. Also takes CBD Oil which he loves. He hears the bottle and you turn round and there he is, sat waiting for it.
He is such a loving and caring boy. Likes to get right in your face for a cuddle. So glad we got the chance to Rescue him and wasn’t put off by the condition he was in. We are forever grateful to Andrew at National Great Dane Rescue for letting us have him.
Chudley
Pastry Pirate
We were so privileged to take on our first rescue Dane, Chudley, from NGDR. He bounced into our lives as a hungry 2 year old brindle boy full of fun despite his difficult start in life.
He was 15kg underweight when we got him and he lost no time in raiding our kitchen to make up for those missed meals. His most favourite treats were croissants and on one memorable occasion I heard from a room guest staying with us they had tried to wrestle a bread basket full of them away from him - they lost before I had time to come to their aid. It was possibly our fault as most Saturdays we would take him to Milsom Yard in Bath for coffee and he would always have his own croissant, much to the amusement of people in the cafe.
He was the most gentle boy and welcomed other dogs into the house on a regular basis as we board dogs whilst their owners are on holiday. He shared his toys, his bed and I am sure would even have shared his food had you been quick enough!
The "Peacemaker"
On the meadows he was known as "the peacemaker" as he would on occasion use his bulk to prevent an altercation between over excited dogs. He also caused much amusement on walks because he would linger behind if he thought we might be returning along the same route - no point in over exerting oneself. He had the most stunning almond shaped Amber eyes to go with his beautifully marked coat and was meticulous about his appearance. This meant never getting muddy or going out on rainy days or even potentially rainy days, the rest of the family would return wet and mud spattered from a walk and he was always spotless unless he had come across the great joy of a cow pat and then all bets were off!! So it was Chudley that inspired me to run a half marathon for NGDR because a down and out Great Dane needs all the help it can get despite being the noblest and gentlest of breeds their size can make finding a home so much more difficult.
