After literally 2 years of research, going to shows and talking to Great Dane Breeders, my husband and I decided that a Great Dane was for us. We always wanted to give an unwanted dog a home, so when I found out about the Great Dane Rehoming and Rescue Service that June provides, I couldn't believe it. It was the perfect solution.
I contacted June in March, 2003 and before too long she had put us in contact with Charlie. A nine month old fawn female who lived with caring people who, because of circumstances beyond their control, just couldn't keep her.
We drove up to visit her the first chance we got and we instantly fell in love with her. She still had stitches from being de-sexed so her previous Mum wanted her to stay there until they were out. That next week was a long one for us but the following weekend we drove up again to bring her home. It took a few weeks for her to really settle in and taking into consideration that she was still a pup we didn't mind too much about the couple of towels and the old dog lounge that she shredded! She soon took over and made our home her own and she has never been anything less than wonderful since.
Charlie has some endearing habits like sniffing armpits, sneaking onto the spare bed and taking unsuspecting visitors shoes for a walk. From what I've read about Danes they all seem to think they are little lap dogs and Charlie is no exception. She loves her cuddles and is a big smoodger. It amazes me how gentle such a big dog can be.
We have been to obedience together and since teaching her how to get out of the pool she now loves to swim, but for the life of me, I can't teach her to get into the back of the car by herself. I'm sure it must look a sight when we're out and I have to lift the rear end of a 65kg dog into my car.
Last month, after the loss of our other dog earlier in the year, we decided to add another member to our family, so we all (including Charlie) headed down to the Animal Welfare League, where we found Sprocket. He's an Irish Wolfhoud x Labrador. They get along so well and she loves having a playmate around again. My husband started Sprocket at Obedience on Sunday and the trainer there loves Charlie, so I took her along too, just for the outing. She was a favourite with everyone there and everywhere else she goes too.
I am so glad we have been opened up to the world of the Great Dane. Thankyou again to June for the wonderful service she provides; without her we never would've found our Charlie. She is now nearly 2 and we couldn't imagine life without her.
Carolyn, Jason, Charlie & Sprocket. |
