| Opt to Adopt |
Ace, our rescue boy
| "You can't change the world by adopting a dog, but you can change the world for the dog you adopt." |
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When I decided to breed Great Danes over ten years ago, it was not a decision I made lightly. My
goal was to start with healthy Danes, do all necessary health testing on my dogs, and use my
knowledge of genetics to produce healthy Great Danes with wonderful temperaments who would
bring years of joy to their families. In many ways I succeeded with that goal. But there was also
heartbreak. Sometimes we do everything right, and things still go wrong. Great Danes look so
strong and powerful, but they actually have a very delicate constitution. They are prone to many
health problems, including but not limited to bloat (gastric torsion), wobblers syndrome, bone
cancer, cardiomyopathy and other heart disorders. The best breeding in the world will not
eliminate all these problems.
After much soul searching, I have decided to turn my efforts to rescue, nutritional information and
health education.
There are many wonderful older Danes who find themselves in need of a home through no fault of
their own. Some dogs are displaced because of a divorce, a death, or a move. Sometimes their
owners become ill and can no longer care for them. Some have been shuffled from one home to
another or dropped off at a shelter because they “got too big” or “cost too much to feed.
Many people worry they will be inheriting someone else’s problems when they get an older dog.
It's true; most will come with baggage. It may take them a while to trust you and come out of their
shell. But most dogs, when put in a new situation, are looking for leadership. They want to know
what your expectations are and will accept your rules easily, even if they are new to them. And
what a wonderful feeling it is when finally they know they are truly home and they give all their
love and trust to you! It is a bond as strong as or stronger than the one you have with the dog you
raised from a pup.
There are many advantages to getting an older dog. Most have been already spayed or neutered,
and most are housebroken. Adult dogs don’t need as much attention as puppies, and have settled
down from the rambunctious puppy stage. And they are already past their chewing stage.
Sometimes I think my dogs, who have been with me all their lives, are a bit naïve. They think every
dog has good food, lots of love and attention, squeaky toys galore, and warm, comfy beds to sleep
on. They have never known anything different. But a rescued dog knows the difference. They
appreciate everything you give them. And they adore you for it.
The most important thing to consider, whether you adopt or start with a puppy, is if you are willing
and able to commit to the care of a new dog for the rest of its life. Consider the reasons so many
dogs end up in shelters and rescues, and make sure your life is stable and secure enough that you
will never find yourself in the position of looking for another home for this dog. A dog gives you
100% of his love and trust. Before you acquire any dog, make sure you can live up to it and
provide him with the love and care he needs for the rest of his life.
goal was to start with healthy Danes, do all necessary health testing on my dogs, and use my
knowledge of genetics to produce healthy Great Danes with wonderful temperaments who would
bring years of joy to their families. In many ways I succeeded with that goal. But there was also
heartbreak. Sometimes we do everything right, and things still go wrong. Great Danes look so
strong and powerful, but they actually have a very delicate constitution. They are prone to many
health problems, including but not limited to bloat (gastric torsion), wobblers syndrome, bone
cancer, cardiomyopathy and other heart disorders. The best breeding in the world will not
eliminate all these problems.
After much soul searching, I have decided to turn my efforts to rescue, nutritional information and
health education.
There are many wonderful older Danes who find themselves in need of a home through no fault of
their own. Some dogs are displaced because of a divorce, a death, or a move. Sometimes their
owners become ill and can no longer care for them. Some have been shuffled from one home to
another or dropped off at a shelter because they “got too big” or “cost too much to feed.
Many people worry they will be inheriting someone else’s problems when they get an older dog.
It's true; most will come with baggage. It may take them a while to trust you and come out of their
shell. But most dogs, when put in a new situation, are looking for leadership. They want to know
what your expectations are and will accept your rules easily, even if they are new to them. And
what a wonderful feeling it is when finally they know they are truly home and they give all their
love and trust to you! It is a bond as strong as or stronger than the one you have with the dog you
raised from a pup.
There are many advantages to getting an older dog. Most have been already spayed or neutered,
and most are housebroken. Adult dogs don’t need as much attention as puppies, and have settled
down from the rambunctious puppy stage. And they are already past their chewing stage.
Sometimes I think my dogs, who have been with me all their lives, are a bit naïve. They think every
dog has good food, lots of love and attention, squeaky toys galore, and warm, comfy beds to sleep
on. They have never known anything different. But a rescued dog knows the difference. They
appreciate everything you give them. And they adore you for it.
The most important thing to consider, whether you adopt or start with a puppy, is if you are willing
and able to commit to the care of a new dog for the rest of its life. Consider the reasons so many
dogs end up in shelters and rescues, and make sure your life is stable and secure enough that you
will never find yourself in the position of looking for another home for this dog. A dog gives you
100% of his love and trust. Before you acquire any dog, make sure you can live up to it and
provide him with the love and care he needs for the rest of his life.
