I want to rescue February 28, 2008

                                  Heaven knows there are innumberable Great Danes that are available from rescue organizations. The reasons range from someone having bought a puppy without thinking of the responsibilites, to behavior problems or illness, to even just plain nasty people who were abusing their dogs. The pictures of starvation, broken bones, and shattered spirits can rip the heart out of anyone. Sometimes I am horrified at the cruelty we humans are capable of.  

But as much as I would encourage you to take in a rescued Dane, I also must warn you not to ignore the difficulties of rescuing. Objectively analyze what sort of dogs you can take in. Don’t over or underestimate your “dog skills” with behavior problems. Honestly consider whether or not you have the time to socialize a neglected dog. If the best you can do is take in a dog who wasn’t allowed in the first owner’s new apartment complex, then there are still dogs who need you.

The most difficult Dane I ever worked with was a dominant, aggressive, wild rescue. The most brilliant and gentle dog I ever had was also a rescue. I have never regreted a single rescue! In fact, to this very day Shabah is my truest love, a favorite of all my dogs, and I can still cry when I think how much I miss my Shabah. But I was not prepared for what I faced. The learning curve was steep, and so were the vet bills. I learned, and they learned, but to make it easier, please be brutally honest with the rescue director! 

If you are willing and able to rescue a Dane, then I wish every blessing and goodness for you. You can find a link on the blogroll to Dane rescue here in SW Missouri, where puppy mills are epidemic. To find a rescue group for your state, simply google “dane rescue (your state)”. There are too many for me to post on my blogroll. But they are out there. Here is a link that has a state by state listing: http://www.great-dane-rescue.org/rescue.html

 Harley, Truman, and Deisel (left to right). Photo taken at Ft. Lauderdale Humane Society fund raising walk, March 08. Courtesy of Katherine Guerke. The event was Walk For The Animals Humane Society of Broward County  http://humanebroward.com  Pack Name PAWS (Pets Are Worth Saving)