Category: Rescue

  • Tips for Fostering Puppies and How To Make Their Adoption Successful

    Tips for Fostering Puppies and How To Make Their Adoption Successful

    Tips for Fostering Puppies: 10 Tips I Follow Myself in my Fostering Experience

    Tips for fostering puppies can be found EVERYWHERE, but are they really the tips you want to follow if you are embarking on your foster journey?

    The main thing I notice in that sentence is emBARKing… Yes… foster puppies bark, and poop, and pee, and they also chew your stuff up!

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    Fostering Puppies is Rewarding but Has Challenges

    As a foster parent myself to puppies, I’ve come to realize that while there are countless tips available for fostering, not all of them may align with your individual journey. Nobody on the internet is telling you that your foster puppies might BARK all night long or that you may end up waking up to poop covering your walls.

    Absolutely, there are many positives to look forward to, from the joy of watching them grow to the satisfaction of knowing you’re making a difference. However, along with the positives, there are also challenges to navigate. From sleepless nights to unexpected messes, fostering puppies requires resilience, patience, and a willingness to embrace the unexpected.

    Having said that, here are my ten biggest tips for both the challenges and the fun of fostering puppies!

    10 Tips for Fostering Puppies

    1. Embrace Flexibility: Be prepared for the unexpected. Plans may change, puppies may have different needs than anticipated, and challenges may arise. Flexibility is key to adapting to whatever comes your way during your fostering journey.
    2. Prioritize Socialization: Expose the puppies to a variety of experiences, people, and environments to help them become well-adjusted adults. Early socialization is crucial for their emotional development and future behavior. (Puppy Culture – Early Socialization for Great Dane Puppies)
    3. Set Boundaries: Establish clear rules and boundaries from the beginning to help the puppies learn appropriate behavior. Consistency is key in enforcing these boundaries and teaching them what is expected of them.
    4. Practice Patience: Fostering puppies can be challenging at times, especially during the training process. Be patient with the puppies as they learn and grow, and be patient with yourself as you navigate the ups and downs of fostering.
    5. Provide Structure: Establish a routine for feeding, potty breaks, playtime, and rest. Consistency helps the puppies feel secure and confident, and it makes training easier for both them and you.
    6. Seek Support: Don’t be afraid to reach out for help when you need it. Whether it’s from fellow foster parents, rescue organizations, or professional trainers, seeking support can make a world of difference in your fostering experience.
    7. Take Care of Yourself: Fostering puppies can be physically and emotionally demanding. Remember to prioritize self-care and take breaks when needed. A happy and healthy foster parent is better equipped to care for their foster puppies.
    8. Celebrate Milestones: Celebrate the puppies’ milestones, no matter how small. Whether it’s their first successful potty training session or learning a new command, acknowledging their achievements helps build confidence and strengthens your bond with them.
    9. Prepare for Goodbyes: Saying goodbye to your foster puppies can be bittersweet, but it’s an inevitable part of the fostering journey. Prepare yourself emotionally for the day they go to their forever homes, knowing that you’ve played a vital role in giving them a second chance at life.
    10. Reflect and Learn: Take time to reflect on your fostering experience and learn from it. Each litter of puppies brings new lessons and insights that can help you become a better foster parent in the future.

    Stop Puppy Biting in 3 Easy Steps

    Embarking on a Mission: Why I Chose to Foster for Moms and Mutts

    Fostering animals isn’t just about providing temporary care; it’s about being part of a larger mission to save lives and make a difference. When I discovered Moms and Mutts (MAMCO), their multifaceted approach to animal rescue deeply resonated with me.

    Their commitment to supporting pregnant and nursing dogs and cats, as well as their emphasis on building relationships within the community, showcased a level of dedication that I knew I wanted to be a part of.

    By fostering for MAMCO, I wasn’t just opening my home to animals in need; I was joining a movement dedicated to compassion and care.

    Puppy Care 101

    Unveiling the Stars: Meet My Foster Pups

    Each foster experience brings a whirlwind of emotions, from the first moment of meeting to the bittersweet goodbye.

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    My time with these five precious puppies wasn’t filled with laughter, cuddles, and endless surprises like you see in the movies. Fostering can be a difficult task, marked by sleepless nights, potty accidents, and the constant worry about their well-being.

    Yet, amidst the challenges, there were moments of pure joy and fulfillment that made every sacrifice worthwhile. Seeing their tails wag with excitement, witnessing their first playful antics, and knowing that I played a part in their journey to finding loving homes made every moment of hardship fade into the background. Fostering isn’t always easy, but the rewards of knowing that you’ve made a difference in the lives of these innocent creatures are immeasurable.

    From the mischievous troublemaker who always found a way to escape to the gentle soul who stole everyone’s hearts with a single glance, each puppy had their own unique personality that left an indelible mark on my heart. Through patience, love, and a touch of puppy-proofing, we navigated the ups and downs of puppyhood together, forming bonds that I’ll cherish forever.

    Let me now introduce to you my five foster puppies!

    Fred

    Fred is the only boy among the five foster puppies, and he’s certainly not short on personality! This mischievous little fellow is always up to something, with a twinkle in his eye and a playful spirit that’s infectious to everyone around him.

    Fred is incredibly smart, picking up on new tricks and commands with ease. Whether he’s chasing after a toy or exploring every nook and cranny of his surroundings, Fred’s adventurous nature keeps things exciting and lively.

    Despite his antics, Fred has a heart of gold and loves nothing more than snuggling up for some well-deserved cuddle time after a day of fun and games. With his boundless energy and charming personality, Fred is sure to bring endless joy and laughter to his forever family.

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    Wilma

    Wilma is the epitome of sweetness, with a gentle nature and a heart full of love. This adorable pup has a penchant for affection and adores nothing more than being held and snuggled close.

    From the moment you scoop her up in your arms, Wilma melts into a puddle of contentment, her tail wagging with pure joy. Whether she’s nestled in your lap or nuzzled against your chest, Wilma’s warm presence is like a ray of sunshine on even the cloudiest of days.

    With her irresistible charm and unwavering affection, Wilma is sure to steal the hearts of everyone she meets and bring endless happiness to her forever home.

    Betty

    Betty may be petite in stature, but what she lacks in size, she more than makes up for in personality! This pint-sized pup is bursting with spunk and sass, with a personality that’s larger than life. Betty approaches every situation with confidence and gusto, never backing down from a challenge or adventure.

    Despite her small frame, she’s fearless and always ready to take on the world with a wagging tail and a playful bounce in her step. With her infectious energy and spirited attitude, Betty is proof that great things truly do come in small packages. Get ready to be amazed by this little dynamo as she charms her way into your heart and becomes the biggest personality in the room!

    Bam-Bam may have started her journey as the runt of the litter, but she refused to let her size define her. Despite being the smallest of her siblings, Bam-Bam possesses a fierce determination and an indomitable spirit that sets her apart. While she may still be a teeny little thing, Bam-Bam’s heart is as mighty as they come. She approaches life with boundless enthusiasm and an unwavering zest for adventure.

    Nothing fazes this little powerhouse, as she fearlessly explores the world around her with curiosity and courage. With her resilience and tenacity, Bam-Bam proves that strength comes in all shapes and sizes, inspiring everyone around her to embrace their inner warrior and conquer whatever challenges come their way.

    Pebbles

    Pebbles is as angelic as they come! Her sweetness radiates from her gentle eyes and tender demeanor, capturing the hearts of all who meet her. This darling pup possesses a serene disposition and a pure soul that’s simply irresistible. Pebbles exudes kindness and compassion in everything she does, from her soft, affectionate nuzzles to her soothing presence by your side.

    She has a natural ability to bring comfort and joy to those around her, spreading warmth and light wherever she goes. With her angelic nature and loving spirit, Pebbles is a true blessing to anyone fortunate enough to welcome her into their home.

    Crafting Dreams: Sending Home Gift Baskets for Each Adoptive Family

    As the time approached for my foster pups to embark on their next adventure—finding their forever homes—I wanted to ensure they had everything they needed to start their new lives with a sense of comfort and security.

    With the generous support of Dr. Harvey’s, I was able to create personalized gift baskets for each adoptive family, filled with essentials and a touch of luxury. These baskets weren’t just a collection of items; they were a symbol of hope, love, and endless possibilities for the future of these precious pups.

    Hearts in Harmony: Getting Donations from Dr. Harvey’s

    Dr. Harvey’s commitment to providing natural, high-quality products for companion animals made them the perfect partner for this endeavor.

    Dr. Harvey’s donation to Denver Animal Shelter: Bringing Joy to the Denver Animal Shelter

    With over 30 years of experience and a dedication to excellence, Dr. Harvey’s products are trusted by pet owners around the world. Their donation of canine health supplements, digestive aids, and delicious treats ensured that each puppy received the best possible start in life, setting them on the path to health, happiness, and lifelong companionship.

    Unveiling the Treasures: What’s in the Baskets

    The gift baskets curated for each adoptive family were carefully crafted to meet the unique needs and preferences of each puppy.

    From wholesome meals to irresistible treats, each item was selected with care and consideration.

    The baskets included a variety of amazing items including a Big Barker bed which was donated generously, a TON of Dr. Harvey’s items, also donated generously, and some amazing toys and blankets that the pups will need in their new adventures.

    Lets have a look at all of the items in the baskets!

    Dr. Harvey’s Canine Health

    We wanted to make sure that the foster puppies gets the best nutrition! I love Dr. Harvey’s Canine Health and knew that their new parents would too!

    This holistic blend of organic grains and vegetables provides essential nutrients for optimal health and well-being. Made with real ingredients and free from dyes, chemicals, or preservatives, it’s the perfect foundation for a healthy diet.

    I am so excited to see what my foster puppies think of this diet– because I know my dogs LOVE IT!

    Dr. Harvey’s Runs-Be-Done

    Ensuring the digestive health of the foster puppies was a top priority for us. That’s why I included Dr. Harvey’s Runs-Be-Done in their gift baskets.

    This digestive supplement, recommended by holistic veterinarians, contains natural ingredients to promote digestive health and comfort. No more tummy troubles for these pups! I can’t wait to hear how much better they feel after trying this supplement.

    Dr. Harveys Rabbit Treats

    Treat time is always a highlight for dogs, and I wanted the foster puppies to experience something truly special. That’s why I included Dr. Harvey’s Rabbit Treats in their gift baskets.

    Made with just one ingredient—pure, USA-sourced rabbit—these treats are a natural, wholesome way to motivate the pups. I can’t wait to see their tails wagging with excitement as they enjoy these delicious treats.

    Dr. Harveys Salmon Treats

    Every pup deserves a tasty reward now and then, which is why I made sure to include Dr. Harvey’s Salmon Treats in their gift baskets. Made from high-quality, freeze-dried salmon, these treats are packed with protein and essential nutrients.

    The puppies were going insane over these already! It was hilarious to see them freak out over their very first treat ever! SO cute!

    A Soft Blanket For Each Pup

    Transitioning to a new home can be stressful for puppies, so I wanted to provide them with a sense of comfort and security. That’s why I included a soft blanket for each pup in their gift baskets.

    This will also help them because we are going to make sure their blankets smell like our home/eachother before they leave! This helps dogs have a sense of security as well.

    Perfect for snuggling up and feeling safe, these blankets will help them feel right at home in their new surroundings.

    Tennis Balls – What’s Better?!

    Every puppy needs a good toy to keep them entertained and active, which is why I included a set of tennis balls in their gift baskets. Whether they’re chasing, fetching, or simply enjoying a game of catch, these tennis balls are sure to provide hours of fun and exercise. I can’t wait to see the foster puppies’ eyes light up with excitement as they play with their new toys.

    A Big Barker Bed- Because They Deserve THE BEST!

    A good night’s sleep is essential for growing puppies, so I made sure to include a Big Barker bed in each gift basket.

    Designed with orthopedic support and durability in mind, these beds provide the ultimate in relaxation and rejuvenation.

    I’m confident that the foster puppies will sleep soundly and wake up refreshed on their luxurious new beds.

    What are Big Barker Beds?

    The Best Bed

    Not all beds are created equal – some are too small, and others just don’t offer the support your furry friend needs. That’s where Big Barker comes in.

    Ensuring that our foster puppies have a comfortable place to rest and sleep is paramount. That’s why each gift basket includes a Big Barker bed, renowned for its durability and support, ensuring that even the smallest of puppies have a cozy spot to call their own.

    10 Year Guarantee

    Ensuring that our foster puppies have a comfortable place to rest and sleep is paramount. That’s why each gift basket includes a Big Barker bed, renowned for its durability and support, ensuring that even the smallest of puppies have a cozy spot to call their own.

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    Orthopedic Qualities

    The orthopedic qualities of the Big Barker bed are particularly beneficial for young puppies, whose joints are still developing. By providing a supportive surface for them to rest on, we can help promote healthy bone growth and reduce the risk of joint issues in the future.

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    Dogs Love It

    The puppies’ reactions to their new beds have been nothing short of heartwarming. They eagerly snuggle into their Big Barker beds, finding comfort and security in the plush surface. Seeing them content and relaxed brings us immense joy and reassures us that we’re providing them with the best possible start in life.

    Big Barker Dog Bed Review- A Comprehensive and Non-Biased Review

    A Leash and Collar Set

    Safety is paramount when it comes to taking the foster puppies for walks, which is why I included a leash and collar set in each gift basket.

    Here are a few pictures of some of the puppies in their new collars with their new leashes! For the price point, these leashes and collars come in at (as a set) they really cannot be beat for a puppy set. They are rather high quality and so cute! I love the colors on the puppies!

    Made from durable materials and designed for comfort, these sets provide reliable control while allowing the pups to explore the world around them safely. I can’t wait to see them proudly sporting their new accessories on their outdoor adventures!

    A Stuffed Animal To Call Their Own

    Every puppy needs a cuddly companion to snuggle up with, which is why I made sure to include a stuffed animal in each gift basket. These soft and plush toys provide comfort and companionship, offering a sense of security during times of uncertainty.

    I can’t wait to see the foster puppies bonding with their new stuffed animals, forming special connections that will last a lifetime.

    A Lambie Toy Cause Every Dog Needs One

    Every dog needs a lamb stuffed animal. No puppy’s toy collection is complete without a soft and snuggly lamb stuffed animal, which is why I made sure to include one in each gift basket. These adorable toys provide comfort, companionship, and endless entertainment for pups of all ages.

    From comforting cuddles to playful pouncing, a Lambie toy is sure to become a cherished companion for the foster puppies as they embark on their new adventures.

    Bam-Bam Bone

    I had to try out these Bam-bones, after all one of my foster puppies was named Bam-Bam. These bones are made with strong bamboo and nylon and smell/taste like beef, but they are not for ingesting. The puppies seemed to really love the idea of them and wanted to try them so much, but I was waiting to let them try them until they went home!

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    I think something like this is really good for puppies as it can help deter them from chewing on things like your shoes or couch!

    A Chuck-It Ball

    For endless hours of fetching and fun, I made sure to include a Chuck It Ball in each gift basket. These durable and bouncy balls are perfect for outdoor play, providing the foster puppies with plenty of exercise and excitement.

    Whether they’re chasing after it in the backyard or playing a game of catch at the park, I know these Chuck It Balls will become instant favorites for the pups and their new families.

    Expressing Gratitude: Dr. Harvey’s Contribution

    Dr. Harvey’s generosity knows no bounds. Through their commitment to giving back, they continue to make a positive impact on the lives of animals in need. Their donations of high-quality products ensure that rescue organizations like Moms and Mutts have the resources they need to care for animals and prepare them for their forever homes.

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    We are immensely grateful for Dr. Harvey’s generous donation to the foster puppy baskets. Their commitment to providing high-quality, natural products for companion animals aligns perfectly with our mission to ensure the health and well-being of the puppies in our care.

    Supporting Puppy Health and Nutrition

    Dr. Harvey’s donation of Canine Health and Runs-Be-Done supplements ensures that each foster puppy receives the nutrition and digestive support they need to thrive. With their holistic approach to pet health, Dr. Harvey’s products are a valuable addition to the puppies’ diet, promoting overall wellness and vitality.

    Enriching the Puppy Experience

    The inclusion of Dr. Harvey’s Rabbit and Salmon Treats adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the foster puppy experience.

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    These delicious treats not only provide a tasty reward for good behavior but also contribute to the puppies’ mental stimulation and enrichment.

    Extending Gratitude: Big Barker’s Generosity

    Big Barker’s dedication to canine comfort extends beyond their exceptional products. Through their philanthropic efforts, they bless the lives of countless dogs in shelters and rescues. Their donations of orthopedic beds provide much-needed comfort and support to dogs in need, ensuring they can rest easy as they await their forever families.

    We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Big Barker for their generous donation to the foster puppy baskets. Their commitment to providing orthopedic beds of the highest quality ensures that each puppy can rest comfortably and securely as they transition to their forever homes.

    Ensuring Comfort and Support

    Big Barker’s donation of orthopedic beds ensures that each foster puppy has a cozy and supportive place to rest. These beds are designed to provide superior comfort and relief for dogs of all sizes, ensuring that each puppy receives the restorative sleep they need to grow and thrive.

    Making a Difference in Puppy Lives

    Big Barker’s contribution goes beyond providing physical comfort; it makes a tangible difference in the lives of the foster puppies. By ensuring that each puppy has a comfortable bed to call their own, Big Barker helps to create a sense of security and belonging as they embark on their journey to finding their forever families.

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    Igniting Change: Giving Back to Rescue Animals – Why Does It Matter

    Supporting rescue organizations like Moms and Mutts isn’t just about saving individual animals; it’s about igniting a movement for change. By raising awareness, promoting responsible pet ownership, and advocating for animal welfare, we can create a brighter future for all living beings.

    Every action, no matter how small, has the power to make a difference and create a ripple effect of compassion and kindness that extends far beyond our own backyard.

    Joining Forces: 10 Ways You Can Help Rescue Animals

    There are countless ways to get involved and make a difference in the lives of rescue animals. Whether through volunteering, fostering, donating, or adopting, every contribution helps support the invaluable work of rescue organizations like Moms and Mutts.

    Here are ten practical ways you can help a rescue animal in your own life:

    1. Foster a Pet: Foster homes provide temporary care for animals until they can be adopted. Fostering helps shelters and rescues save more lives by freeing up space and resources. It’s a rewarding experience that allows you to make a difference without a long-term commitment.
    2. Volunteer at a Shelter: Offer your time and skills to help out at a local animal shelter or rescue organization. Whether it’s walking dogs, socializing cats, assisting with adoption events, or helping with administrative tasks, volunteers play a crucial role in supporting animal welfare efforts.
    3. Donate Supplies: Shelters and rescues often rely on donations to provide for the animals in their care. Consider donating food, bedding, toys, grooming supplies, and other essentials to help meet their needs.
    4. Offer Transportation Assistance: Many shelters and rescues need help transporting animals to veterinary appointments, adoption events, or foster homes. If you have a vehicle and some free time, volunteering to provide transportation can be a valuable service.
    5. Spread Awareness: Raise awareness about animal welfare issues in your community and online. Share information about adoptable animals, promote spaying and neutering, and advocate for responsible pet ownership practices.
    6. Educate Others: Help educate others about the importance of adopting, spaying and neutering, and proper pet care. Share resources and information to empower people to make informed decisions about their pets.
    7. Support Spay/Neuter Programs: Donate to or volunteer with organizations that offer low-cost spay/neuter services to help reduce pet overpopulation and prevent euthanasia of healthy animals.
    8. Be a Responsible Pet Owner: If you have pets, ensure they are spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and receive regular veterinary care. Provide a loving and safe environment, proper nutrition, and plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
    9. Report Animal Cruelty: If you suspect animal cruelty or neglect, don’t hesitate to report it to the appropriate authorities. Animal abuse is a serious crime, and speaking up can save lives and protect vulnerable animals.
    10. Support Legislation: Advocate for stronger animal welfare laws and regulations at the local, state, and national levels. Support candidates and organizations that prioritize animal welfare issues and work to enact positive change for animals in need.

    Conclusion: A Journey of Compassion and Care

    Fostering for Moms and Mutts has been more than just a journey; it’s been a transformative experience that has touched my heart in ways I never imagined. Through the support of organizations like Dr. Harvey’s and the unwavering dedication of rescue volunteers, we can create a world where every animal has a chance at a happy, healthy life. Together, we can continue to make a difference, one paw print at a time.

    READ MORE:

    1. My Personal and Unbiased Review of the Insane Dexas Petware Mudbuster Portable Dog Paw Cleaner
    2. 5 Dog Products That Are Made in the USA for Your Dogs Safety, Health and Happiness
    3. Are Mushrooms for Dogs Dangerous or Healthy?
    4. How to Keep Floors Clean from Muddy Paws
  • I Found a Stray Dog, What Should I Do?

    I Found a Stray Dog, What Should I Do?

    Coming across a stray dog can stir up various emotions and uncertainties. You’re compelled to help, but you might not be sure where to start or what actions to take. If you’ve found yourself in this situation, this article is here to provide you with guidance on safely capturing the stray dog (feel free to skip ahead if you’ve already completed this step) and navigating the next steps.

    This article will cover:

    • How to capture a stray dog
    • Contacting Animal Control and when to surrender the stray pet
    • Finding the owners with microchip scanning and local resources
    • Preventing dog bites and aggression
    • Minimizing the chance of exposing your family and your pets to parasites and illness
    • How to handle stray or abandoned dogs that are tied up
    • Whether or not you can keep a stray dog if the owners are not found
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    How to Capture a Stray Dog that Doesn’t Want to Be Caught

    Capturing a stray dog that is hesitant or unwilling to be caught requires patience, empathy, and strategic planning.

    Start by creating a safe and inviting environment to entice the dog to approach. Try and lure the dog to you with canned dog food.

    Humane traps (like this one) can be effective tools for capturing elusive strays. These traps are designed to safely and securely contain the dog without causing harm. If you don’t have one or don’t want to invest, contact your local animal control.

    Place the trap in an area where the dog has been spotted, baiting it with enticing food such as wet dog food or meat. Monitor the trap from a distance, allowing the dog to enter and trigger the trap mechanism.

    If getting a humane trap isn’t an option, consider a makeshift trap! Find a way to lure and then corner the dog into a smaller area. The space between a shed and a fence, for example, can work! Use steak to make that spot appealing, then stand by out of sight. Close it off as soon as the dog enters.

    Approaching a Stray Dog

    Approach the stray dog calmly, avoiding sudden movements. Speak gently and use non-threatening body language to help the dog feel safe and comfortable. Crouch and turn your body to the side whenever possible, and keep your hands and arms close to your body.

    Do not make eye contact with the dog. Sigh, yawn, and turn your head away to show the dog you are not interested in harming them.

    If you think you can catch the lost dog without a trap, a slip lead is your best friend.

    You can use high-value treats or canned food to lure the dog close if needed. Remember, many stray dogs are skittish and may run into traffic to stay away from you. Don’t be afraid to call animal control if you cannot quickly and safely capture the dog.

    Use a slip leash (like this one) or makeshift restraint to prevent the dog from running off or getting into danger. Keep in mind that even friendly dogs may become anxious or scared in unfamiliar surroundings, so handle the dog with care.

    If the dog seems aggressive, don’t get close. Instead, call animal control.

    (Pro Tip: I keep inexpensive slip leads in my car and around my home in case of emergencies).

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    Assessing the Condition of a Lost Dog

    Start by assessing the dog’s condition, behavior, and surroundings to gauge the urgency of the situation. Take note of the dog’s appearance, behavior, and surroundings. Is the dog injured or in distress? Is it wearing a collar with identification tags? Does it seem aggressive or fearful?

    If the dog appears to have large nipples, puppies may be nearby and are worth looking for as well.

    Assessing these factors will help you determine the level of urgency and the best approach to take.

    Check the Lost Dog For Identification

    Look for a collar with identification tags.

    If there are no tags or they’re illegible, you can try scanning the dog for a microchip using a microchip scanner. Many veterinary clinics, animal shelters, and animal control agencies offer this service for free. Call them first and let them know you have a stray dog.

    Contact Animal Control or a Shelter

    Reach out to your local animal control agency or shelter for assistance and guidance on what to do next. They can guide you and may be able to send someone to pick up the dog if you’re unable to keep it temporarily. Be prepared to describe the dog and its location, as well as any relevant information about its behavior and condition.

    Provide Temporary Care, If You Can

    If you’re unable to reach animal control or a shelter for advice, you may need (or want) to provide temporary care for the stray dog. This could include providing food and water, finding a safe place for it to rest, and keeping it away from hazards like busy roads or other animals.

    Keep in mind that while you may have the best intentions, it’s important to prioritize your safety and the safety of others when caring for a stray dog.

    I’ve included some information below on keeping your home safe from dog aggression, parasites, and diseases that may be introduced by dogs that have been on the run for a while.

    Seek Veterinary Care

    If the dog appears injured or ill, seek veterinary care as soon as possible to address any health issues. In some situations, you may be asked to pay the fees associated with this care. Many veterinary clinics offer discounted or subsidized services for stray animals, so don’t hesitate to reach out for help.

    You can surrender the pet to a local rescue or shelter if you cannot afford to pay for the veterinary bills.

    Pro Tip: When surrendering, mention that you are available and interested in fostering! This may make it so you can continue to care for the animal, while it gains access to the valuable resources (such as spaying and neutering, as well as vaccines) offered by local pet rescues.

    Spread the Word to Find The Owners

    If you choose not to surrender the animal to your local shelter, utilize social media, community bulletin boards, and other platforms to spread the word and help locate the dog’s owner.

    Post pictures and descriptions of the dog on social media platforms, community bulletin boards, and lost pet websites. You can also contact local veterinarians, pet stores, and grooming salons to see if anyone recognizes the dog or has any information about its owner.

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    I Found a Stray Dog, Can I Keep It?

    If efforts to locate the dog’s owner are unsuccessful or if the owner is unable to be found, you may consider adopting the stray dog yourself or helping to find it a new home.

    Don’t immediately jump to keeping the pet, however. You must make reasonable efforts towards finding the original owner, first.

    Before making this decision to keep a stray that you found, consider factors such as your ability to provide for the dog’s needs, your living situation, and any existing pets you may have. If adoption isn’t feasible for you, reach out to local animal rescue organizations or shelters to see if they can help find a permanent home for the dog.

    Being Prepared for the Unexpected

    Stay flexible and trust your instincts as you navigate the complexities of helping a stray dog in need. Remember that every situation is unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to helping a stray dog. Be prepared for the unexpected, and trust your instincts when it comes to assessing the dog’s needs and determining the best course of action.

    Your efforts to help a stray dog in need can make a world of difference in its life and the lives of those around you.

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    Preventing Dog Bites, Disease, and Aggression with Other Pets

    When interacting with a stray dog, it’s crucial to take precautions to prevent dog bites, the transmission of diseases, and potential conflicts with other pets in your home. Here are some tips to minimize risks:

    • Approach with Caution: Always approach a stray dog slowly and calmly, allowing it to assess you and your intentions. Avoid making sudden movements or loud noises that could startle the dog and trigger defensive behavior.
    • Maintain Distance: If the stray dog shows signs of aggression or fear, such as growling, baring teeth, or backing away, give it space and avoid attempting to touch or handle it. Respect the dog’s boundaries and avoid escalating the situation.
    • Avoid Direct Eye Contact: Direct eye contact can be perceived as a threat by dogs, especially those that are fearful or defensive. Instead, avert your gaze and allow the dog to approach you on its terms.
    • Offer Food and Water Safely: If you need to provide food and water to the stray dog, do so from a safe distance or use a long-handled utensil to avoid putting yourself at risk of being bitten. Place the food and water in a secure location where the dog can access it without feeling threatened.
    • Wash Hands Thoroughly: After interacting with a stray dog, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to reduce the risk of transmitting any potential diseases or parasites to yourself or other pets in your home.
    • Introduce Slowly to Other Pets: If you decide to bring a stray dog into your home, introduce it to your existing pets gradually and under controlled circumstances, only if the stray does not seem stressed, anxious, or aggressive. Keep them separated initially and supervise their interactions closely to prevent conflicts or aggression, if you do decide to introduce them. It’s best to keep stray dogs and your house pets completely apart until the veterinarian has treated the stray.

    By taking these precautions, you can help ensure the safety and well-being of both yourself and the stray dog, while also minimizing the risk of negative interactions with other pets in your home.

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    What Should I Do If I Find a Dog That is Tied Up?

    If you come across an abandoned animal that is tied up, it’s essential to approach the situation with caution and prioritize the safety of both yourself and the animal.

    It’s very important first to assess if the tied-up dog is abandoned and not just tied out for some exercise. Many people tie their pets out for several reasons (such as fence jumping or aggression) and it’s not always a bad thing!

    Before taking any action, consider property boundaries and the potential for trespassing. Ensure that you have permission to be on the property and that you are not putting yourself at risk of legal consequences.

    If you are concerned about the property owner, contact the authorities!

    If it’s safe to do so, provide the animal with food and water to alleviate hunger and thirst. You can use a stick to push a bowl of food or water towards them. Proceed slowly and speak softly to avoid startling the animal.

    If the animal is tied up, the animal seems safe to approach, and you have the authority to do so, place a slip lead over the dog’s head and then carefully untie or free it from any restraints.

    If you’re unable to safely intervene or if the situation requires immediate attention, contact your local animal control agency or animal shelter for assistance. Documenting the situation with photos or videos can be helpful for authorities in assessing the situation and taking appropriate action.

    Additionally, consider raising awareness about the issue of animal abandonment in your community to promote responsible pet ownership and support for animals in need.

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    What Should I Do With Abandoned Puppies?

    It is not uncommon for people to abandon young puppies when they realize how much work they are, when they cannot find homes for them, or when the mother rejects them.

    This unfortunate situation is heartbreaking and requires a lot of care. Here are some key considerations:

    • Puppies have parasites such as hookworms and roundworms, which they may transmit to other animals. It’s crucial to keep them away from other pets until they have undergone thorough veterinary evaluation and deworming to prevent the spread of parasites.
    • Young puppies may need milk, especially if there is any chance they are under 6 weeks of age. You may need to contact a local rescue or veterinarian for guidance. They can become dehydrated very quickly.
    • Be Parvo Aware! Parvo is a deadly disease that is extremely serious and unfortunately common in young pups, especially if they haven’t been vaccinated. See a veterinarian immediately if the puppies appear sick in any way. If your pets aren’t up to date on their vaccines and parasite prevention, don’t bring the puppies into your home or yard.
    • They poop a lot and must be kept warm. If you think you’re going to put the cute puppies into a room in your house and care for them, think again. Young pups are messy with food and poop (which again, may contain parasites). They also need to be kept warm, especially if they seem very young. If you are not prepared for those scenarios, contact a dog rescue ASAP.
    • See a veterinarian, ASAP. Young abandoned pups must be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible. This can be accomplished at your expense, or by working with a rescue and volunteering to foster the puppies.
    • Keep them until 8 weeks of age, minimum. No matter how noisy, bitey, or messy they are, they must stay together until 8 weeks of age. If you work with a rescue, they will help you find appropriate homes.

    Here is a bare minimum list of “must-have” puppy supplies for raising a litter of abandoned puppies:

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    Can I Keep a Stray Dog That I Found?

    Keeping a stray dog that you found is a decision that requires careful consideration and adherence to legal and ethical guidelines. Here are some factors to consider:

    1. Ownership: In many places, stray animals are considered the property of their owner, even if they are lost or abandoned. Before deciding to keep a stray dog, make reasonable efforts to locate its owner by checking for identification tags, scanning for a microchip, and posting lost pet notices in the area where you found the dog.
    2. Legal Considerations: It’s essential to familiarize yourself with local laws and regulations regarding stray animals and pet ownership. Some areas have specific procedures for handling stray animals, including reporting them to animal control or surrendering them to a shelter.
    3. Health and Safety: Prioritize the health and safety of both the dog and your household. Ensure the dog receives necessary veterinary care, including vaccinations, spaying or neutering, and treatment for any existing medical conditions. Consider whether your home environment is suitable for a new pet and whether you have the time, resources, and commitment to provide for the dog’s needs.
    4. Behavioral Assessment: Assess the dog’s behavior and temperament to determine its compatibility with your household and lifestyle. Some stray dogs may have behavioral issues or require additional training and socialization to adapt to life as a pet.
    5. Rehoming Options: If you’re unable to locate the dog’s owner or if keeping the dog is not feasible for you, consider exploring rehoming options through local animal rescue organizations or shelters. These organizations can help find a suitable permanent home for the dog.

    Ultimately, the decision to keep a stray dog should be made thoughtfully and responsibly, taking into account the best interests of the dog and your ability to provide a loving and stable home. If you’re unsure about what to do, consider seeking guidance from animal welfare professionals or local authorities.

  • Adopting a Great Dane: What to Know & Expect

    Adopting a Great Dane: What to Know & Expect

    If you are considering adopting a Great Dane, we at Hello Danes LOVE you for that. There are many beautiful, wonderful Great Danes in rescue right now waiting for a new couch to lounge on. Great Danes are not for everybody though, and it’s important to know about the breed and what to expect before you commit.

    Great Danes are known for their gentle nature, imposing size, and unique characteristics. They make wonderful companions for the right owners! However, like any pet, they come with their own set of considerations and responsibilities, especially if they come from a past of neglect, abuse, and poor genetics.

    In this blog post, we’ll explore what you need to know and expect when rescuing a Great Dane!

    BONUS – I’ve included a helpful shopping list at the bottom of this post so you know exactly what to get for your Great Dane!

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    Understanding the Breed Before Adopting a Great Dane

    It is so important to know and understand what it’s like to live with a Great Dane before you adopt one. Great Danes, often referred to as “gentle giants,” possess distinct characteristics and requirements that may not align with every lifestyle. They take up a lot of space, are expensive, and can be intimidating to strangers and children. Not only that, Great Danes eat a lot of food.

    Great Dane Size

    One of the first things that come to mind when thinking about Great Danes is their size. Great Danes are HUGE.

    You may have noticed that many Great Dane rescues will not adopt Great Danes to owners with no giant breed experience; this is a big reason why. People return big dogs to rescue all of the time, not realizing how much space they take up.

    Adult Great Danes can weigh between 140 to 175 pounds or more, and they can stand over 30 inches tall at the shoulder.

    An untrained Great Dane is a danger to themselves and to others, because it’s easy for them to accidentally hurt somebody by pulling, lunging, running, and jumping.

    Many new Great Dane parents are shocked at how much space these dogs take up.

    Personally, we live in an average suburban home with an open floor plan and there are times when I just want my big male Dane to stop following me around! These dogs are human sized and you absolutely notice their presence jamming up the hallways, crowding you in the bathroom, and using up all of the space on the couch.

    We still love them for it, but you’ve been warned…

    Great Dane Personality: the Gentle Giant

    Despite their imposing stature, Great Danes are often referred to as “gentle giants.” They are known for their friendly and affectionate nature, making them great family pets.

    Unfortunately, many rescued Great Danes come from poor genetics and lack socialization; this can make them nervous, timid, or even reactive and aggressive. These behaviors are not normal or acceptable for Great Danes, but it is a reality for many.

    It is VERY important that you work closely with your Great Dane Rescue to make sure you are being placed with the right Great Dane for your family. Some people have a lifestyle that is conducive to adopting a fearful or reactive dog. Others do not, and that’s ok.

    We adopted one of our Great Danes in 2019. She is the most wonderful, perfect family dog despite her past history of trauma and abuse. She is gentle and loves people, kids, and other dogs. Spend time with the dog you are wishing to adopt, and get to know them! You may find a gem (just like we did).

    Great Dane Exercise Requirements

    Great Danes may be large, but they are not as high-energy as some smaller breeds. It is a huge myth, however, that they are lazy and don’t require walks or enrichment!

    My friend Natalie and I have (between the two of us) five very health, active Great Danes. We regularly meet up so they can run together. This is the only way to truly wear them out!

    Many Great Danes participate in sports such as dock diving, lure coursing, and scent tracking too. They are smart, athletic dogs for owners who allow and encourage them to be.

    If having a couch potato for a pet is a requirement for you, we highly recommend adopting an older Great Dane (age 4-5+). It’s still VERY important to keep your new Great Dane fit and lean.

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    Preparing Your Home & Budget for a Great Dane

    Crating & Space to Live

    Great Danes need ample space to move around comfortably. Make sure your living environment can accommodate their size, and create a safe space for them to eat, sleep, and play.

    We recommend a Midwest Double Door 54″ crate for your home before your Great Dane joins your family. This crate is INSANELY large but the only size that will reliability for the solid majority of Great Danes.

    See the Midwest Double Door Crate + Crate Pad on Chewy HERE

    The use of a crate can help your new Great Dane transition to your home in a safe and comfortable way. You can use a lot of positive reinforcement to introduce your new Great Dane to a crate (if the rescue hasn’t already done it for you).

    Safety & Great Dane Proofing

    Remove any hazards or items that could be harmful to a large dog, especially one that is new to your home. Until you get to know them, do not trust that your newly adopted pet to know the rules! A timid dog may bolt out the front door, and a young dog may eat your socks.

    Here are some common dangers:

    • Counter tops. Great Danes love to ‘counter surf’ and can easily snatch food from the kitchen. Get in the habit of keeping counters clear, especially of dangerous items such as chip bags (suffocation hazard), chicken carcassas (obstruction hazzard), and grapes (toxic).
    • Cords & Remotes. Most dogs do fine with these, but young dogs may chew them (and can harm themselves doing so)
    • Doors & Exit points. Especially while your pup is new to your home, it’s very important that doors and fences are secured. This extra tall pet safety gate is a helpful item to have!
    • Socks, Underwear, & Kid’s Toys. These items may be enticing for Great Danes to chew or swallow.
    • Tennis Balls. These are too small for Great Danes and honestly, the felt is bad for their teeth anyways.
    • Slippery Floors. We recommend washable rugs for cleanliness and traction.
    • Trash Cans. Lock your trash cans up with these baby proofing locks. Great Danes love to dig in the trash and many learn how to open cabinets and doors.

    Great Dane Grooming Needs

    Despite their short coat, Great Danes do shed, so regular grooming is necessary to keep their coat healthy and reduce shedding.

    That shedding ADDS UP.

    We recommend the 5″ SLEEK EZ brush for Great Danes to reduce shedding. Never use a furminator (this tool destroys the coat by cutting the fur).

    The Bissell Bark Bath is an amazing tool that allows you to bath your Great Dane at home with minimal mess.

    A nail dremel is a must; Great Danes have huge nails and regular trimmers just don’t cut it.

    What to Feed a Great Dane

    Proper nutrition is crucial for the health of any dog, but it’s especially important for large breeds like Great Danes. Consult with your veterinarian to establish a suitable diet plan based on your dog’s age, weight, and activity level. At Hello Danes, we recommend large and giant breed foods from companies that meet WSAVA guidelines.

    For ADULTS over the age of 18-24 months:

    For PUPPIES under the age of 18-24 months:

    Check out THE GIANT DOG FOOD PROJECT to compare brands and values.

    Never feed boutique or grain-free kibbles to Great Danes, and no matter what you hear, do not feed adult maintenance foods to puppies! We cover this topic in depth on this blog, utilizing science, research, and the popular opinion of board certified veterinary nutritionists. Check out our Great Dane NUTRITION posts here.

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    Health and Veterinary Care for Great Danes

    Before you adopt a Great Dane, it’s important to consider common health issues that you and your new pet may face. Great Danes are a giant breed dog that come with, well, giant health concerns.

    Common Great Dane Health Issues

    Like many large breeds, Great Danes are prone to certain health issues, including hip dysplasia, bloat, and heart conditions. Bloat (AKA “GDV”) is a deadly emergency that affects 25-50% of Great Danes in their lifetime.

    Regular veterinary check-ups are essential to catch any potential issues early and ensure your dog’s well-being.

    Additionally, being proactive about addressing any potential health issues early on can contribute to a longer and healthier life for your Great Dane. Lumps, bumps, sores, limping, excessive drooling, panting, pacing, chronic loose stools and whining all require veterinary attention.

    Great Danes have sensitive orthopedic needs, too! You have to take care of their joints by keeping nails short and allowing them plenty of time to play freely on soft, varied terrain.

    By subscribing to best practices (feeding a quality food, having their teeth cleaned, and keeping them lean) you can save money and your pet’s health in the long run.

    Great Dane Veterinary Care Costs

    Embracing the companionship of a Great Dane undoubtedly comes with joy and warmth, but responsible ownership also involves acknowledging the financial commitment, especially when it comes to veterinary care. Simply put, veterinary care for giant breeds costs more money than it does for small breeds.

    Routine check-ups, vaccinations, and preventive measures (such as flea and tick medication or gastropexy) are essential.

    We tell Great Dane owners to anticipate roughly $1500-$2000/year in preventive veterinary medicine (vaccines, checkups, teeth cleaning, flea/tick prevention), and keeping an emergency fund of at least $3000-$5000 (average cost for a life-threatening ER visit).

    Additionally, we recommend paying for monthly veterinary health insurance (average $150-$300/month); many plans will cover prevention, emergencies, and things like cancer (which can add up FAST).

    Owning a Great Dane is absolutely expensive, and while we’d rather see a Dane in a home with no emergency fund than a Dane sitting in rescue, there is a stark reality associated with emergency veterinary care that should be considered.

    The amount it costs to get vet care for a Great Dane doesn’t include the expenses associated with food, treats, chews, toys, and beds!

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    The New Great Dane Shopping List

    Now that you’ve made a decision to adopt a Great Dane, and you have one picked out and ready to join your family, here is a checklist of items you may need or want! These are some of our personal favorites that we use every day with our own Great Danes!

  • Making Shelter Dogs Happy: Jolly Pets Donates 50 Balls to Denver Animal Shelter

    Making Shelter Dogs Happy: Jolly Pets Donates 50 Balls to Denver Animal Shelter

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    Making shelter dogs happy: A Mission of Mine

    As an influencer, blogger, and devoted dog lover, I’ve always believed in using my platform to make a positive impact on the world, especially when it comes to innocent dogs.

    Dogs hold a special place in my heart, and I’ve made it my mission to contribute to their betterment in any way I can. Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to team up with Jolly Pets, a brand known for its dedication to creating durable and enjoyable dog toys. Together, we embarked on a heartwarming journey to bring joy to the dogs at the Denver Animal Shelter.

    Jolly Pets: A Commitment to Quality and Fun

    Jolly Pets has long been a name synonymous with high-quality and durable dog toys. Their commitment to creating products that enrich pets’ lives aligns perfectly with my own values.

    Founded in 1994 as a subsidiary of Horsemen’s Pride, Inc., Jolly Pets started its journey with the iconic Jolly Ball for equine use. The success of this product paved the way for their expansion into the world of canine companions, and their focus on durability and creativity made them a go-to brand for dog lovers everywhere.

    Making Shelter Dogs Happy

    What truly sets Jolly Pets apart is their dedication to innovation and quality. Each product is designed with your dog’s well-being in mind, promising not just a toy, but a tool for enrichment. From durable balls that withstand endless play to engaging puzzles that challenge your pup’s mind, Jolly Pets has consistently delivered on their promise to enhance the lives of our four-legged friends.

    Denver Animal Shelter: A Haven for Lost and Abandoned Pets

    The Denver Animal Shelter stands as a beacon of hope for thousands of lost and abandoned pets each year. Their mission aligns with mine – to protect, care for, and advocate for animals in need. By providing humane care, reuniting lost pets with their families, facilitating adoptions, and enforcing animal ordinances, they play a crucial role in creating a better future for Denver’s animals and residents.

    Making a Difference: My Time as a Volunteer at the Denver Animal Shelter

    My journey as a volunteer at the Denver Animal Shelter has been a profoundly rewarding experience that has touched my heart in ways I could never have imagined.

    Stepping into the shelter, I found myself immersed in a world of compassion, resilience, and hope.

    Making Shelter Dogs Happy

    One dog stares out of her temporary home at the animal shelter and looks at me with sweet eyes.

    Each day spent working alongside the dedicated shelter staff and interacting with the incredible dogs has reinforced my belief in the power of small acts of kindness to make a significant impact.

    Whether it’s walking dogs, cleaning up the dogs or their cages, or simply spending time offering comfort and companionship, every moment spent as a volunteer has deepened my connection to the cause and strengthened my commitment to being a voice for the voiceless.

    Through this experience, I’ve come to understand that volunteering is not just about giving time – it’s about sharing love, making connections, and being a part of a community that is dedicated to creating a brighter future for every animal that enters the shelter’s doors.

    Making Shelter Dogs Happy

    A beautiful Husky appears out of the gates at the animal shelter! It is amazing how many beautiful breeds of dogs reside here.

    Bringing Joy to Shelter Dogs

    The collaboration between my passion for dogs and Jolly Pets’ commitment to their well-being led to a heartwarming initiative.

    This guy was so happy to have some new toys!

    Making Shelter Dogs Happy

    Over the course of a few weeks, Jolly Pets generously donated over 50 of their signature durable balls to be delivered to the Denver Animal Shelter. These balls, designed to withstand rigorous play, were a perfect match for the energetic and playful shelter dogs.

    Jolly Pets Toys: Get To Know Each of Our Favs

    Jolly Pets has a variety of toys that are known for being indestructible and great for chewers. Although there are quite a few toys, I’m just gonna tell you about our (well my dogs) favorites.

    The Tug-n-Toss

    Imagine this: you give it a good toss, and boom! It’s off, soaring through the air like a furry missile. The coolest part? You don’t need to fumble with any inflation nonsense – it’s all set to create a whirlwind of excitement both on the ground and in the water. And oh, did I mention the handle? It’s not just for looks – it makes the retrieval game a total cakewalk, even when your four-legged buddy insists on holding onto it with all their might.

    And guess what, it’s proudly made right here in the good ol’ USA! When it comes to the chase, trust me, the Tug-n-Toss doesn’t mess around. It’s like a personal trainer for your dog, giving them a workout that’ll have them snoozing in no time. But hey, it’s not just about running – this bad boy is perfect for water play too.

    And here’s the cherry on top – it’s scented! The Light Blue one smells like a basket of blueberries, and the Orange? Well, it’s like a mini-vanilla heaven. But hey, let’s remember, no toy is totally indestructible. While we design these to last, always keep an eye out when your furball is having a blast. And if anything starts looking wonky, loose, or vanishes altogether, it’s time to give that toy a respectful send-off. Safety first, right!

    Tug n Toss Red 2000x 1

    Shop for the Tug n Toss Here! (Use Code DEARDANES for 10% off)

    The Romp n Roll

    This toy is kind of like the MVP of your pup’s playtime, a true jack-of-all-trades.

    Seriously, it’s like the Swiss Army knife of dog toys. Want to give it a good kick? Go for it. Feel like a game of tug-of-war? It’s your pup’s new partner in crime. Throwing, carrying, launching – this ball is up for it all. But wait, there’s more – it floats, even if your pup gets a little overenthusiastic and gives it a puncture. How cool is that?

    You can also play with this one in the water too, which my pups LOVE!

    Making Shelter Dogs Happy

    Shop for the Romp n Roll Here! (DEARDANES for 10% off)

    Delivering Toys

    I had the privilege of personally delivering these toys to the shelter, witnessing firsthand the sheer excitement and happiness they brought to the dogs. The wagging tails, eager eyes, and playful barks were a testament to the impact of a simple toy – a tool that not only provides entertainment but also a sense of comfort and stimulation.

    Making Shelter Dogs Happy

    Through cautious sniffs of their new Jolly Pets Balls, these doggo’s day grew brighter by the moment!

    One Act of Kindness Can Change So Many Things

    This experience reinforced the notion that positive change is often the result of collaboration between like-minded individuals and brands who want to use kindness to change the trajectory of an animal’s life.

    By joining forces with Jolly Pets, I was able to amplify my efforts and make a tangible difference in the lives of shelter dogs. Together, we shared a common goal: to spread joy and enhance the well-being of dogs.

    Bringing Delight: The Moment of Toy Delivery

    The Anticipation!!! I was SO excited to deliver the dogs their new toys!

    Making Shelter Dogs Happy

    Stepping into the Denver Animal Shelter with a box full of vibrant Jolly Pets balls was a moment that filled my heart with a mix of excitement and anticipation. As a dog lover and advocate, I had often dreamed of making a direct impact on shelter dogs’ lives.

    This was my chance, and I couldn’t wait to see the dogs’ reactions to these specially selected toys. The shelter buzzed with activity – the enthusiastic barks, wagging tails, and eager faces created an atmosphere of sheer anticipation.

    Making Shelter Dogs Happy

    Unwrapping Joy and Passing out Toys!

    Gently unpacking the colorful assortment of Jolly Pets balls, I couldn’t help but marvel at the quality and thoughtfulness behind each design. The balls were not just toys; they were engineered to withstand the rigors of play and provide endless entertainment.

    Holding these toys, I felt a sense of connection between the dedication of the Jolly Pets team and the well-being of the shelter dogs. This was a bridge built from care and compassion, and I was about to witness its impact firsthand.

    Making Shelter Dogs Happy

    Euphoria Unleashed: Dogs Embrace Their New Jolly Pets Toys

    As the first Jolly Pets ball rolled across the shelter floor, a curious pup immediately pounced on it.

    The playful bounce and vibrant colors captured the dog’s attention, setting off an enthusiastic bout of tail-wagging and joyful barking. It was as if the ball itself emitted an aura of playfulness that was infectious.

    Making Shelter Dogs Happy

    As soon as I was able to get a ball to each dog, more dogs joined in, creating a dynamic and spirited play session that filled the shelter with exuberance.

    From Timid to Thrilled

    It was heartwarming to witness the transformation of some shy and reserved dogs.

    With the Jolly Pets balls in sight, their demeanor shifted from cautious to excited. The toys became a bridge that connected them to a world of fun and interaction. Dogs that had once huddled in the corners of their kennels now engaged in lively games of fetch, chasing the balls with newfound enthusiasm. The toys acted as a catalyst for building trust, encouraging even the most reserved dogs to come out of their shells.

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    The Best Time of All: Play Time!

    Among the many heartwarming moments I’ve experienced during my time as a volunteer at the Denver Animal Shelter, there’s one that stands out as the highlight of every visit – playtime with the shelter dogs.

    As a firm believer in the power of play to heal, connect, and enrich, I’ve had the privilege of watching timid tails wag with excitement and reserved paws transform into leaps of joy, all thanks to the magic of Jolly Pets balls. These durable and engaging toys have become an integral part of our play sessions, bringing an extra layer of excitement to the dogs’ day.

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    This adorable baby was having a blast playing with his new ball!

    A New Burst of Energy

    When the Jolly Pets balls are rolled into the play area, it’s as if a burst of energy fills the room. The vibrant colors and unpredictable bounces immediately catch the dogs’ attention. I’ve witnessed dogs of all sizes and backgrounds dive into the fun – some chase the balls with unwavering determination, others proudly parade their newly found treasure, and a few even engage in playful games of fetch, always eager for the next throw.

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    The beauty of the Jolly Pets balls is not just in their durability, but also in their ability to create a sense of unity among the dogs.

    Playtime becomes a shared experience, with pups taking turns and interacting in ways that foster socialization and companionship. And for those dogs who might have had a rough start in life, these play sessions offer a chance to heal and trust again. The joy that radiates from them as they chase, pounce, and leap is a testament to the positive impact that a simple toy can have on their well-being.

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    I had an absolute blast with this baby while we played a mini game of fetch! He is ADORABLE!

    Looking for Change: From Abandoned to Forever Home

    As a volunteer, seeing the transformation in these dogs – from cautious and uncertain to carefree and spirited – is a reminder of why I’m so passionate about making a difference.

    The Jolly Pets balls are not just toys; they’re instruments of hope, connection, and sheer happiness. Every playtime is a reminder that while the shelter may be a temporary stop on their journey, the memories created and the bonds formed are everlasting.

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    One Small Gesture Matters

    I am continuously inspired by the impact that small gestures can have on the lives of animals.

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    My partnership with Jolly Pets and the heartwarming journey to the Denver Animal Shelter was a reminder that, by working together, we can create positive change that resonates far beyond our initial efforts.

    The joy that radiated from the shelter dogs as they played with their new Jolly Pets toys is a memory I will cherish forever. This experience serves as a powerful reminder that every action we take, no matter how small, can make a world of difference in the lives of those who need it most.

    A Delivery I will Never Forget

    The experience of delivering Jolly Pets toys to the Denver Animal Shelter was a testament to the power of play and compassion. Witnessing the dogs’ reactions – from the initial curiosity to the sheer delight of play – reinforced the importance of enriching the lives of shelter animals.

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    The Jolly Pets balls served as more than just toys; they were agents of transformation, turning the shelter into a place of happiness, connection, and hope. As I left the shelter that day, the memory of wagging tails and joyful barks stayed with me, a reminder that simple gestures can have a profound impact on the lives of our four-legged friends.

    cold smooth tasty
  • Is Adopt Don’t Shop Bad for Dogs?

    Is Adopt Don’t Shop Bad for Dogs?

    What is Adopt Don’t Shop?

    The adopt don’t shop campaign is a movement to promote the adoption of homeless animals from shelters instead of buying animals from breeders or pet stores.

    The campaign is well-meaning. It discourages the purchase of animals from commercial breeders, which often contributes to animal homelessness and neglect. It also highlights the plight of animals in shelters, who are often euthanized if they are not adopted.

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    Photo by Amal Santhosh on Pexels.com

    Why is Adopt Don’t Shop Bad for Dogs?

    I may receive a fair bit of heat for this post today, but there are things that need to be said.

    It’s important for me to preface this with the fact that I have rescue dogs and dogs from reputable breeders. I’ve volunteered for rescue and helped with expenses, transport, and adoption applications.

    I’ve adopted dogs that others don’t want. I believe in adoption.

    I actively promote exceptional Great Dane breeders, too, though.

    In my opinion, the phrase ‘adopt don’t shop’ does more harm than good.

    Buying a dog from a responsible breeder is not a bad thing. Adopting a dog from a responsible rescue is not a bad thing, either. Of course, rescue and shelter dogs can make incredible family pets!

    The problem actually lies in the fact that there are irresponsible rescues and irresponsible breeders everywhere.

    Adopt-don’t-shop campaigns casually omit this fact. They promote to prospective dog owners the idea that all forms of rescue are always good, and that buying pets from breeders for any reason is always bad.

    Read on, friends.

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    Adopt Don’t Shop Supports Backyard Breeding

    By shaming people for choosing breeders of any kind, the phrase ‘adopt don’t shop’ pushes prospective pet owners to seek alternatives to pet stores and breeders.

    Many of the alternative ‘rescue’ paths towards obtaining dogs (purebred dogs or doodles in particular), are often unethical and actually contribute to the problem of over-run rescues.

    Retail rescue, meat trade rescue, bait dog rescue, ‘puppy rescues’, and saving puppies from the pet store or a dirty backyard breeder are just some of the most common ways that people buy new pets.

    All of these avenues allow people to claim that they rescued or adopted the dog, and thus, satisfy the cries of the people screaming “adopt don’t shop!”.

    However, all of these avenues also contribute to the problem. The shelters have more dogs than they can handle, and this is why.

    I’ll put this bluntly.

    Adopt don’t shop supports, encourages, and perpetuates puppy mills and unethical backyard breeding.

    After all, were it not for those two things, the shelters would actually be nearly empty.

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    Photo by Julissa Helmuth on Pexels.com

    Shady Dog Rescue Practices

    There’s an overwhelming number of pets in shelters across the United States. In fact, according to the ASPCA, approximately 3.3 million dogs enter U.S. shelters every year.

    Some statistics show that currently, pet overpopulation isn’t the big problem that it’s been presented as; this is good news! For every adoptable dog in a shelter, there may actually be a home.

    “The data shows that every year there are six times more people looking to acquire an animal than there are animals being killed in shelters.”

    No Kill Advocacy Center

    Many of the dogs that end up in shelters are owner surrenders (oftentimes these are animals with serious health problems or training issues), some are strays that were picked up by animal control, a select few come from hoarding and animal cruelty cases, some are loved pets that have nowhere else to go because of hardship or death, and the rest come from unwanted dogs left behind by unethical breeders and accidental litters.

    There are three factors associated with this that nobody likes to talk about.

    1. All pets in rescue come from backyard breeders, puppy mills, and accidental litters. All of them. Reputable breeders who support puppy buyers for life are not contributing to the problem.
    2. Not all dogs are adoptable. Many of them are poorly socialized and may even be fearful and aggressive. Some have expensive and severe medical problems that make them hard to place, too. These dogs with ‘sad stories’ tend to generate revenue and clicks for many rescues, but they also eat up a lot of resources.
    3. Many rescues have stringent adoption requirements. A lot of great pet owners are denied because they have kids, don’t have a fenced yard, or have an intact pet at home (say, a hamster). Those people are still shamed for choosing a breeder.

    The people who are shamed by the adopt don’t shop campaign are more likely to make poor snap judgments and choose unethical breeders or shady rescue organizations when ethical rescues turn them down.

    Out of frustration trying to find a family-friendly, healthy dog that can live with them in their unfenced yard, they turn to craigslist or a mass adoption event and purchase the first puppy they can find.

    Adopt don’t shop literally pushes people to purchase pets from the worst sources, for the wrong reasons.

    four assorted color puppies on black textile
    Photo by sergio souza on Pexels.com

    What is Retail Rescue?

    Retail rescue is a major problem in the U.S.!

    These organizations parade around as 501c3 rescue groups. They have you fill out adoption paperwork and sign contracts. Their adoption requirements are often more forgiving than breed-specific rescues and shelters.

    Many times, what they have to offer are entire litters of desirable puppies or hoards of dogs that came in on a transport van from what they claim to have been fighting rings, hoarding cases, or the ‘meat trade’.

    English Bulldogs, Pit Bulls, Labradoodles, Miniature Poodles, Bernadoodles, French Bulldogs, and Golden Retrievers are just some of what is commonly seen in retail rescue.

    While there are legitimate cases of dogs having been abused and neglected in fighting rings or hoarding cases, the solid majority of “rescued” purebreds and doodles available in some rescues are coming from, you guessed it, puppy mills!

    Retail rescue organizations will attend puppy mill auctions and purchase (yes, purchase) dogs and puppies. Because they come from mills, they are often in poor shape. They will arrange transport and move the dogs that they bought across State lines in vans that are packed to the gills.

    The sob story pets in poor health paired with desirable dog status is a winner. Retail rescues can (and often do) charge a premium for these pets.

    By attending auctions and paying for puppies, retail rescues are literally paying commercial breeders to stay in business.

    Of course, these dogs deserve loving homes. But if we want to save them all (instead of just a handful), this practice of paying puppy mills has to stop, especially if ‘adopt don’t shop’ people actually want to save dogs.

    https://www.animallaw.info/article/overview-dog-auctions-and-retail-rescue

    Hot take: ‘adopt don’t shop’ and similar activist and welfare campaigns inadvertently encourage the retail rescue practice. Rescues are able to operate this way because unsuspecting and uneducated pet owners easily fall for the marketing. People want to feel that they are doing the right thing.

    But if rescues advocates actually want to put a stop to this, they need to be educating people on what ethical rescue and (yes) ethical breeding actually looks like. Not screaming ‘adopt don’t shop’.

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    Photo by Mia on Pexels.com

    Puppy Brokers

    Puppy brokers help distribute dogs that come from mass-breeding facilities. The conditions in these puppy mills are often horrific, with animals being kept in tiny cages and deprived of socialization, exercise, and proper vet care.

    Some puppy brokers even go so far as to bring animals from foreign countries. By importing them, they can be marketed as special in some way, misleading puppy buyers into believing they are getting something of higher value.

    If our shelters and rescues are supposedly so full, why are brokers and retail rescues importing dogs?

    Puppy brokers sell directly to buyers, to pet stores, and to rescues. When selling to consumers, they will use marketing tactics to make the buyer feel that are dealing with a responsible breeder.

    selective focus photo of three brindle puppies inside brown woven basket
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    Meat Trade Dogs

    I’m going to come right out and say it.

    The solid majority of dogs imported from the “meat trade” were never actually destined to be eaten.

    It’s a story that sells. Puppy mills in the U.S. and overseas have learned that they can get a much higher price for their animals if they say they were saved from being slaughtered and eaten.

    The “adopt don’t shop” mantra feeds (excuse my pun) right into this.

    A solid majority of “meat-trade” dogs are puppy mill dogs (which brings us back to the retail rescue problem, see above). They were literally bred to be sold to people who will pay big bucks for a sob story.

    Think about this the next time you see a plane-load of highly desired “meat” breeds being brought into the U.S. to be ‘adopted’.

    While it’s true that some cultures do consume dog meat, it is not as prevalent as many people believe. The practice of eating dog meat has actually been declining in Asia.

    Most dogs that are raised for the purpose of consumption are a type of street mutt. They are definitely not Doodles, nor are they purebred Golden Retrievers, Pomeranians, French Bulldogs, or Greyhounds.

    The idea that Asians “eat and abuse dogs” is a racist stereotype. It’s time to put this one to rest, once and for all.

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    Bait Dogs

    The term ‘bait dog’ is often used by animal activists to try and generate empathy and outrage.

    The vast majority of ‘bait dogs’ in shelters are actually just fearful or aggressive pets that come from questionable genetics and were poorly socialized by their previous owner(s).

    Blaming all of a dog’s fearfulness or aggression on them having been part of a “fighting ring” is lazy and does nothing to help the dog or the breeds that are commonly labeled this way.

    Shelters and rescues should be evaluating a dog’s behavior and working on a rehabilitation plan and dog trainers that will make them more adoptable, not coming up with stories about their past that are likely not true.

    Please, stop using the term ‘bait dog’.

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    Photo by Anastasiya Vragova on Pexels.com

    Puppy Mills & Pet Stores

    Puppy mills breed pets primarily for pet stores. They are large-scale commercial dog breeding facilities where dogs are kept in cramped, unsanitary conditions and bred for profit, with little to no regard for their health, genetics, or welfare.

    Well-meaning dog owners will visit pet shops and feel bad for the puppies, especially if they appear cute, sick, sad, or lonely. They will purchase them (often at a premium) to save them from the ‘bad breeder’ or ‘bad pet store’ without realizing that they are supporting the very profitable puppy mill and backyard breeding industry.

    This practice keeps puppy mills in business and pet overpopulation soaring!

    Pet store owners and backyard breeders know this and are able to manipulate emotions to generate sales. They want you to feel bad for the puppy and to buy it (often at outrageous prices).

    Many owners bring their new pet shop puppy home, only to be faced with Parvo, Kennel Cough, and painful genetic disorders that require expensive veterinary care.

    So what happens to those sweet pet store puppies that don’t sell? They are often returned to the puppy mill, sold to Class B dealers (random source breeders/dealers, including retail rescues), or surrendered to veterinarians or (hopefully ethical) dog rescues.

    Puppy mills and commercial breeding facilities are cruel and inhumane operations that should be shut down.

    Do not buy a dog from a pet shop! Report poorly kept, sickly companion animals to your local animal control.

    Pet store puppies, are you saving them?

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    5 Reasons to Adopt a Great Dane

    I’m a huge believer in adoption from ethical and reputable rescues! As I mentioned before, two of my three pets are from rescues.

    My adopted Great Dane is an incredible family dog. She’s gentle with kids, easy on my home, great off-leash, and calm with guests. We could not ask for a better dog. Unfortunately, she also came with baggage and some health problems.

    I think she’s absolutely perfect anyways, but her story is not isolated. Adoption can be both heart breaking and rewarding.

    Many Great Danes Need Homes

    There are some incredible Danes in rescue just waiting for the right home to land their paws in.

    Until you reach out and ask, you’ll never know who is out there looking for you! Even if you are considering a breeder for your next dog, it’s worth checking the local reputable and ethical rescues first.

    Make Room for the Others

    Unfortunately, because of backyard breeders and people perpetuating that problem by buying dogs from them and from pet shops, the rescues are full.

    When you adopt a dog, you make room for another one to be saved!

    Respect for Imperfections

    Adopting a Great Dane means having respect for, and accepting imperfections.

    One of my adopted Great Danes is missing a front leg. Giving her the best life possible brings me intense joy.

    Some rescue dogs are seniors and need a comfy couch to crash on. These are some of the most rewarding dogs to adopt!

    Support Rescues

    Good dog rescues need our support. They need funding, fosters, and volunteers, not to mention responsible dog owners. Exceptional breeders know what Great Dane (or other breed-specific) rescues are legitimate and will be able to give you a referral.

    Clean up the Mess

    A common theme here is that rescues all come from unethical breeders of some kind.

    By choosing to adopt a Great Dane, you will be helping to clean up the mess left behind by all of the ‘friendly’ backyard breeders who are breeding purely for droop and profit.

    What’s it Like to Foster a Great Dane?

    Should I choose a rescue dog or a dog from a breeder?

    Pandemic Puppies in Rescue

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    Photo by Paparazzi Ratzfatzzi on Pexels.com

    5 Reasons to Get a Great Dane from a Breeder

    We support adopting OR shopping responsibly.

    What we do not support is backyard breeding, unethical breeding, and poorly run profit-driven retail rescues.

    There are many valid and acceptable reasons to choose a breeder for your next Great Dane puppy. Here are just 5 of them!

    Known Health History

    Great Danes are known for a series of life-threatening, painful, and expensive health conditions including but not limited to hip and elbow dysplasia, cardiomyopathy, GDV/Bloat, cancer, and more.

    When you adopt a Great Dane from a reputable breeder, you will know the health history of the parents and grandparents, which can give you a heads-up on what to watch for down the road.

    A good dog breeder will be focused on exceptional health. They will seek to eliminate as many health problems as possible by carefully selecting which parents to breed together. It is not unheard of for well-bred Great Danes who receive regular veterinary care, are kept lean and fit, and are fed a proper diet to live 10 – 12 years or more.

    Known Genetics

    One of the best parts about choosing an ethical Great Dane breeder is that your puppy will have a known genetic history and lineage.

    Because so many health and temperament problems in Great Danes are hereditary, it’s important to know as much about your dog’s parents and grandparents as possible.

    Aggressive, fearful dogs tend to produce unstable, aggressive, and fearful puppies. That’s just a fact.

    Not only that, but dogs with poor angulation, eye problems, heart problems, and history of bloat, wobblers, seizures, and DCM in the pedigree tend to produce puppies who suffer from those same problems.

    Sport and Show

    One of the main reasons to choose an ethical Great Dane breeder is that well-bred purebreds can participate in AKC Dog shows and compete for titles.

    Dog shows are fun and serve a great purpose in maintaining the breed standard.

    While rescue dogs can and do compete in many sporting events, most people who want to truly excel at sports such as agility, dock diving, rally, or even therapy work will look for pets that were purpose-bred.

    This means that the breeder focused on structure, movement, drive, and temperament, thus increasing the chances that their puppies will excel in various sports.

    Healthy Companions for Life

    Dogs from exceptional breeders who bred for health and temperament are much more predictable. This means that they are more likely to be stable, outgoing, friendly, calm, and in robust health.

    Animals who have been bred for generations with poor health and temperament tend to produce puppies that suffer from the same problems.

    Rescue dogs all come from unproven, poorly considered breeding stock. This doesn’t make them bad, and many of them do great despite it, but it’s a fact that people should be aware of.

    Support Breed Conservation

    Breed standards serve a purpose.

    If a breeder strays too far from the standard, the dogs start to look nothing like the breed they are intended to be. We see this often with droopy, heavy, stocky ‘Euro’ type Great Danes.

    Not only is the standard about achieving breed type, but it’s also about structure and health.

    Great Danes need to be supported by excellent structure and movement, something that can become uncomfortably compromised when a breeder’s only goal is to produce giant, slobbery Danes in a rainbow of fun colors.

    When you buy a dog from an ethical Great Dane breeder who follows the standard, you are supporting breed conservation. This is important not just for Great Danes but for all breeds of dog.

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    How to Choose an Ethical Great Dane Rescue

    We support ethical rescues that have a mission to help place homeless pets in good homes. Breed-specific rescues are best equipped to handle the needs of individual breeds, while the animal shelter is often best equipped to handle the needs of a variety of mixed breeds from different backgrounds.

    Temperament Testing & Placement

    Reputable dog rescues will be very diligent about placing dogs with families based on their needs. They can even guide potential dog owners towards a specific breed type.

    They will know a lot about the dogs they have and will want to make sure that you get the best dog for your family and situation.

    A good rescue organization will be honest about any health and temperament problems and should have the resources to put time and money into training and health care before adopting the dog to you.

    Lifetime Support

    Ethical dog rescues will provide lifetime support. They never want to see a dog they adopted out ending up back in rescue again, and will support those who have adopted for the life of the dog.

    These rescues will check references and do an interview prior to approving your application.

    They may require that you obtain professional training within 30 days of adoption and will be there for you if you have questions or if the dog isn’t the right fit for your family.

    Ethical Rescue Mission

    A reputable dog rescue will want to do the right thing for dogs. In some cases, that may mean turning down owner surrenders, deferring to veterinarians and qualified trainers for advice, and in some cases, choosing euthanasia.

    They never purchase dogs from puppy mill auctions or brokers, and they truly want to see fewer animals in the rescue system, not more.

    Ethical rescues do not blindly promote the ‘adopt don’t shop’ mantra because they understand how damaging and harmful that concept is.

    No-Kill Shelters & Rescues

    Don’t fall into the myth of the ‘no kill’ shelter or rescue.

    These organizations simply turn down or displace un-adoptable dogs, rather than euthanize them.

    Many of those pets end up bounced around, abused, or abandoned on the road.

    Some are placed in the hands of unethical ‘rescues’, who purposefully withhold important information about the dog’s health or aggression issues, and will send them home with an unsuspecting family.

    Oftentimes, they end up euthanized at a County Shelter anyways.

    The no-kill concept pushes broken dogs deeper into the rescue system to avoid the inevitable, rather than addressing it when the dog can be let go of in a more loving and humane way.

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    How to Choose an Ethical Breeder

    Choosing an ethical breeder for your next purebred dog is the difference between supporting practices that contribute to the rescue dog population, and supporting practices that increase the health and well-being of pet dogs as a whole.

    Pets from good breeders don’t end up in rescue.

    Health Testing

    Ethical breeders fully health test both parents prior to breeding. In Great Danes, for example, this means that both parents will have the following tests done, with the results logged at WWW.OFA.ORG:

    Heart (Echocardiogram)

    Hips (X-Rays)

    Thyroid

    Eye Exam (Full exam with an ophthalmologist)

    The breeder should be able to provide you with copies of these health tests, as well as the registration numbers for both parents.

    If a breeder cannot provide you with proof that both parents have been health tested with those tests at minimum, move on. Doing only one or two tests is not enough. An Embark genetic screening and a vet check is also not enough.

    There are plenty of ethical breeders out there who are doing the right thing. Keep looking.

    DNA tests for Degenerative Myelopathy and von Willebrand’s Disease are also recommended, though not required.

    The breeder should be able to provide you with copies of the test results or direct you to where you can view them online.

    Any breeder that does not do the full and complete recommended health tests is a backyard breeder, no matter how nice and friendly they seem.

    Proven Pedigree

    Preservation breeders are focused on pairing dogs that improve the pedigree. In doing so, they are able to reduce and eliminate common health and temperament problems in the breed.

    The most responsible breeders show their dogs. By having a 3rd party evaluate their dog’s structure, movement, and form they can make sound and responsible breeding decisions as well as ensure that their puppies are given the best chance at exceptional health and well-being.

    Puppy Culture

    Reputable breeders use Puppy Culture and similar programs to socialize their puppies. This means that the young puppies are exposed to new environments, challenges, people, and experiences on a regular basis.

    Puppy Culture is a well-documented protocol that has been shown to produce puppies that are more resilient and better able to cope with stress.

    The breeder should be able to provide you with information about this program, and may even ask you to participate while your puppy is still with littermates!

    Puppies should never go home prior to 8 weeks of age. That is a practice of irresponsible breeders and can lead to immature, aggressive, and fearful behaviors.

    Lifetime Support

    Lastly, the most important thing to look for in a reputable breeder is that they offer lifetime support.

    Ethical breeders never want to see a dog they bred end up in a rescue, and will take a puppy back in at any time, for any reason.

    Most also volunteer for and donate to their breed-specific rescue efforts.

    The “adopt don’t shop” campaign fails to recognize this and does not acknowledge how reputable breeders actually play an active role in ending pet overpopulation.

    The most important takeaway is this.

    “Adopt don’t shop” should be replaced with the more ethical, helpful, inclusive, and thoughtful term: “Adopt or Shop responsibly”.

    Education is how we solve this problem, not shaming.

  • A Great Dane Chihuaha Mix? Foster Family Forms Forever Bond with 2 Tiny Chihuahas

    A Great Dane Chihuaha Mix? Foster Family Forms Forever Bond with 2 Tiny Chihuahas

    A Great Dane Chihuaha Mix? Sort of- but only because family is made with love and not blood.

    Great Danes may not be the designer dogs that a tiny Chihuahua is, but this Great Dane has put it upon herself to design the perfect life for her new puppy: two tiny female Chihuahua who was without a mother and needed breastfed.

    Why was Birdie not spayed? Read more here about why her pet parent waited to spay her.

    GREAT DANE CHIHUAHUA MIX: CAN THE TWO COMBINE TO FORM A MOTHER/DAUGHTER DUO?

    Some may say that having a Chihuahua mix and bond with a Great Dane is a hard task, but not with Birdie, a two-year-old female Great Dane who was experiencing a ‘phantom pregnancy‘.

    Great Dane Chihuaha Mix

    A false pregnancy, otherwise known as a phantom pregnancy, is a hormonal condition that can occur in both humans and animals. For Birdie, this meant that her body was going through the motions of pregnancy without actually carrying a litter. Only a handful of dogs will actually experience a false pregnancy, which can lead to some serious health concerns.

    Although she wasn’t carrying any puppies of her own, Birdie’s milk came in and she began to lactate. This is what led her dog mom to take her to the vet to get some veterinary advice on the lactation and hormone issues.

    HEALTH CONCERNS ASSOCIATED WITH A FALSE PREGNANCY IN DOG BREEDS

    Since false pregnancies cause a Great Dane to lactate and can drag on for weeks, sometimes months, the risks can take a toll on the dog.

    The risks of dogs experiencing a phantom pregnancy, although extremely rare, include :

    -Dehydration

    -Lethargy

    -Weight loss

    -Anemia

    -Mastitis (infection of the boobs due to stagnant milk)

    -In some cases, a false pregnancy can lead to pyometra, which is a life-threatening infection of the uterus. 

    When this gentle giant went to the vet, the veterinarians solution was surprising!

    BIRDIES PRESCRIPTION TO BRING HOME THE SMALLEST DOG BREED

    Dogs, like humans, will have hormones that need to be ‘flushed out’ of their system after pregnancy.

    Since Birdie’s system was telling her she was pregnant, her veterinarian suggested that both the mother and Birdie foster two little Chihuahua puppies!

    Great Dane Chihuaha Mix

    These female chihuahuas had JUST been left on the side of the road, and likely wouldn’t survive without a mother just like birdie. The vet recommended that both the Chihuahua puppies go home with Birdie and she could feed them and nurture them as her own dogs since she would never produce puppies on her own.

    GREAT DANE CHIHUAHUA FAMILY: MOTHER AND BABIES

    And so it happened- a Dane and a Chihuahua relationship had begun. Big dogs and small dogs don’t get along- you say?

    Well, even though Froggy and Ducky were quite the huge personality, Birdie the gentle Great Dane was able to handle them.

    The Chihuahua puppies were small pups- only 2.5 and 3 ounces, but you cannot underestimate Gentle Giants.

    TWO BREEDS, ONE FAMILY

    Despite the huge size difference, Birdie the female Great Dane became the best ‘stand in parent Chihuahua’ that she could ever be.

    Great Dane Chihuaha Mix

    She began to nurse the puppies just like any other small dog would.

    Froggy and Ducky were totally best friends, companion dogs to one another, and they utterly loved having a Great Dane as their mother.

    A GREAT DANE AND A CHIHUAHUA: BIRDIE AND FROG AGAINST THE WORLD

    Unfortunately, the life expectancy of a preemie Chihuahua puppy is not that long as they are underdeveloped.

    If a massive Great Dane could heal this little Chihuahua with love, she would have survived.

    However, even with the nutritious breast milk and occasional hand feed of the humans in the house, Ducky was unable to survive after day 10.

    Now, it was just a Great Dane and a Chihuahua- Froggy and Birdie against the world.

    DOG LOVERS EVERYWHERE ROOTING FOR BOTH THE GREAT DANE AND THE CHIHUAHUA

    Over time, these two dogs grew into the hearts of many across the world.

    Some people joked that Froggy was a Great Dane, or at least she was going to wake up one day and think she was a Great Dane.

    Great Dane Chihuaha Mix

    Many people loved how Froggy the Chihuahua was being raised in a home with Great Danes.

    Some people said that Froggy should be called a ‘Great Dane Chihuahua’ or that they were ‘Chi Dane Dane puppies’. The Great Dane / Chihuahua combination made its way into people’s day’s, brightening and putting a smile on anybody’s face who got to encounter these special dogs.

    ONE SPECIAL GREAT DANE TAKING CARE OF ONE SPECIAL CHIHUAHUA

    The Great Dane Chihuahua relationship kept evolving, breaking every dog stereotype known to man!

    Who knew that Great Danes could be so utterly gentle and have such a motherly instinct.

    Great Dane Chihuaha Mix

    This little female Chihuahua seemed to have landed the jackpot with her Great Dane mama.

    ‘Out of all dog breeds, this Chihuahua is luckiest to have found a Great Dane’, one commenter said.

    “This is the cutest Chihuahua Great Dane mix ever”, another said!

    WHAT IS NEXT FOR THIS GREAT DANE CHIHUAHUA DUO?

    When Froggy is a bit bigger, she will continue to get healthier and get ready to find her forever home.

    Her little short legs will carry her on many adventures. She might go to the dog park, she might go to the pet store, and she might go for a drive with her new family.

    But, what we do know is that she will always remember Birdie as the dog who saved her life.

    She will always remember Birdie as the dog who became her mother, and that is something that not all dogs can say.

    A GREAT DANE CHIHUAHUA MIX

    Although people have joked about Froggy being a Great Dane Chihuahua mix, Great Dane Chihuahua mixes are an unethical designer dog due to the size difference between a Great Dane and a Chihuahua.

    IMG 2901

    A Great Dane Chihuahua mix (Chi Dane Dane) should not be bred. A Chihuahua mother should naturally mate with a male Chihuahua. Likewise, a female Great Dane should mate with a male Great Dane.

    ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION AND DESIGNER DOGS

    Dog breeds are more and more inseminated for human pleasure. Artificial Insemination is not inherently a bad thing. A dog like a Great Dane might need inseminated even with another male Great Dane who might be bigger than her. Some male Great Danes are twice the size of a female Great Dane, and artificial insemination is the safer choice.

    IMG 2438

    However, a dog the size of a Chihuahua should never breed with a dog the size of a Great Dane. The average person would consider this practice animal abuse as this ‘designer breed’ of Great Dane Chihuahua mixes is decreasing the life expectancy of dogs all around.

    If someone is trying to sell you a ‘Great Dane Chihuahua’ as a ‘rare dog’ or ‘designer dog’, you should run! This dog will NOT be healthy. Most ‘Chi Dane Danes’ are just scam breeders trying to sell naive owners that they are getting a rare breed that nobody else can come by.

    No matter what- the average lifespan of this dog with both a Great Dane and Chihuahua mated together will not be great.

    Let us know what you think of the Birdie and Froggy duo!

  • How to Decide on the Best Pick of the Litter When Choosing Puppies: New Puppies 101

    How to Decide on the Best Pick of the Litter When Choosing Puppies: New Puppies 101

    How to decide on the pick of the litter when choosing puppies? There are so many puppies out there to choose from, how do you know which one is the right fit for your family? It can be tough to decide, but with a little bit of knowledge it can be a lot easier. Adding a new Great Dane pup into your family is extremely exciting but also a tad overwhelming. After you decide to start looking for the perfect Great Dane pup, you may be wondering: now what?

    Pick of the Litter When Choosing Puppies

    In this blog post, we will discuss the things you need to consider when making your decision on choosing a Great Dane puppy from a litter.

    So whether you’re looking for a Great dane, (Or other dog breeds like Labrador Retrievers or Golden Retrievers), read on for some tips on how to pick a puppy from an experienced breeder and most of all- make sure it’s the RIGHT Great Dane puppy!

    Pick of the Litter When Choosing Puppies: So You Want The Perfect Puppy!

    It makes sense. When looking for a new family member, everybody wants to make sure that they have the ‘best puppy’. But what exactly does it mean to have the best dog?

    Is it an independent pup, a relaxed pup, a shy puppy? Great Dane owners are SO eager to bring their puppy home, that sometimes they forget to really consider what is the ‘right puppy’ for them.

    I think for most people, the main priority is a HEALTHY puppy! But, when falling in love with a new puppy, dog owners often do have high hopes for more than just their new puppies health. (which is completely valid!)

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    So yes, above all, you want your Great Dane to be a healthy pup. But, when looking for a new puppy, you should evaluate exactly what it is that would make this new pup the ‘right pup’.

    Let’s examine some common things that new Great Dane parents might look for. But before we jump in, it’s important to discuss ethical breeding and litter choosing. Bear with me!

    Sometimes a Reputable Breeder Will Choose the Right Puppy for You

    If you’re looking for a new dog, you might be considering going to a reputable breeder of Great Danes.

    But did you know that sometimes a reputable breeder will choose the right dog for you? With a breed like Great Danes who quickly turn into massive adult dogs, it is SO important that a family is equipped with the tools to handle their puppy, even as it grows.

    A good breeder will often temperament test their pups to help identify which puppy from a litter will be the best fit for each family. Sometimes, an individual puppy might work for most families but clash with another particular family.

    For example, the very high-strung / energetic pup from the litter might do best with a family to match that pup’s personality. Controversially, that puppy’s personality may clash with another family who lives a more quiet and laid back lifestyle.

    And while it’s certainly possible to find a good breeder who will let you pick your puppy from a litter, it’s also possible that the best breeder for you is one who will choose the right dog for your family.

    It can be difficult for you not to be able to pick a puppy yourself, but sometimes it is best to admit that a responsible breeder does know their puppies best. Who knows, the perfect pup for you might just be the one who was meant to be and ultimately work out better for you in the long run.

    Pick a Puppy from Rescue Groups

    Rescuing a Great Dane pup can have many pros and be VERY rewarding, but it doesn’t come without cons.

    When adopting a puppy from a rescue, you are often not given the chance to meet the parents of your new pup. This can make it difficult to know what traits your puppy might have inherited.

    Additionally, puppies in rescues are often not as socialized as those who come from breeders or professional dog-rearing facilities. It is possible that you might adopt a perfectly healthy puppy who soon becomes an older dog with extreme socialization issues.

    Lastly, health issues are usually very difficult to determine when adopting a dog- whether it be a puppy OR adult dog from a shelter or rescue. The reason for this is that often, the dog’s prior health history is unknown.

    This means that any health problems the dog might have could go undetected until they suddenly surface later on in life. A rescue could clear a puppy from a litter ‘a healthy perfect puppy’ and soon after bringing your puppy home you could notice it needs major medical treatment.

    All of this is not to say that adopting a puppy from a rescue is a bad idea. We are very supportive of ethical adoption! But it is important to be aware of some of the cons and identify an ethical rescue who is willing to take responsibility for appropriate health screening of their dogs PRIOR to rescuing them out.

    My Family Wants a Relaxed Great Dane Puppy

    So, you’ve decided to pick a Great Dane puppy from a litter! First of all, congratulations . You’ve done your research and you’re well on your way to becoming a great pup-parent.

    Now, it’s time to think about what kind of Great Dane puppy would be best for your family. If you’re looking for a more relaxed dog, there are a few things to keep in mind when choosing from a litter.

    It Might Not Happen: Your Great Dane Puppy Might Be Wild

    First, you might not get a relaxed Great Dane puppy. Ask yourself if you do not end up getting the calm, sweet, shy pup that you want, is that okay with you? Are you and your family going to be able to adjust and live with a pup that is active and eager to learn / run / exercise?

    Just like humans, as puppies the dog could be a relaxed pup but as it ages, it could develop energy and need an abundance of exercise.

    As a responsible puppy and soon to be dog owner, you need to be prepared for an energetic dog, even if you want a relaxed one.

    Speak with Your Breeder

    Your breeder will be able to discuss which puppy is most suitable for a laid-back, calm lifestyle. (If they are helping you pick a puppy and a responsible, ethical and breeder).

    Choosing the right Great Dane puppy for your family will be a joint effort between you, your breeder, and of course some good old fashioned fate!

    The most important thing is that you do your research, ask lots of questions, and find a responsible breeder who is committed to helping you find the best possible pup for your you.

    I Want To Bring Home Litter Mates

    Litter mates is a term that means two or more puppies who were born in the same litter and are close in age.

    There are pros and cons to taking home two puppies at once, but if you’re set on it there are a few things you should know before making your decision.

    Puppies Are A lot Of Work: Especially 2 Puppies At Once

    No matter how you look at it, puppies are a lot of work. They need to be fed, watered, walked, played with and potty trained.

    If you’re thinking about adding two pups to your family, you need to make sure that you’re prepared for the extra work of having not one, but two dogs.

    Sometimes Bringing Home Littermates Can Create Issues

    Sometimes, bringing home two puppies from the same litter can create issues later on down the road. The pups might have a strong bond with each other and not be as attached to you and your family.

    Of course, this isn’t always the case and sometimes it works out perfectly- but it’s something to keep in mind when making the choice to add two dogs to your family at once.

    Training Two Puppies At Once is a Commitment

    If you’re going to bring home two puppies, you need to be prepared to train them both at the same time.

    This means having twice the patience, and being twice as consistent with your commands and rules.

    It’s not impossible to successfully train two puppies at once- but it is a big commitment.

    Not only that, but it is recommended when bringing home littermates that they are trained separately from one another, to avoid littermate syndrome and develop independence.

    Your Pups Might Differ in Personality and Interests

    Each and every puppy is very unique! When looking at two pups, you may get one from a litter that is very dominant, and one who is a shy pup.

    Of course, this is just an example and there are endless possibilities when it comes to pup personalities.

    The point is, even if they come from the same litter- two puppies can be very different from one another.

    This could, or could not, become a problem. If one puppy is indeed a shy pup and turns into a shy adult, the other more dominant one could take advantage and require more of your time.

    I Can’t Decide on a Female Dog or Male Dog

    When thinking about whether to get a female or male dog, there are a few things you need to take into consideration.

    Size Differences

    Size, activity level, and temperament can all vary greatly between male dogs and female dogs of the same breed.

    Female Great Danes are usually on the smaller side (comparatively), while males are usually larger.

    This doesn’t mean that every female dog will be small or every male dog will be large- but it’s something to keep in mind when making your decision.

    Temperament Differences

    There can also be temperament differences between male and female dogs.

    Some people suggest that females are often a bit more “independent” and “protective”, while males are often considered to be more “easy going” and “go-with-the-flow”. These assumptions are, however, highly based on both nature AND nurture.

    The Bottom Line

    The most important thing is that you find a pup that is the right fit for you, your family, and your lifestyle- regardless of whether it’s a male or female dog.

    Take your time, do your research and ask lots of questions to make sure you’re making the best decision for both you and your new Great Dane so that everyone involved can find success.

    Should I Get a Puppy at a Pet Store?

    Choosing a puppy at a pet-store is a very irresponsible decision. Most pet-shops source their pups from puppy mills, which are dangerous / unsanitary / unethical hoarders of little puppies that advertise available pups as ‘healthy and available’.

    Usually puppy mills advertise their pups on websites with great design and beautiful photos that look clean and well-cared for, but this is not always the case.

    When you purchase a pup from a store front, you are unknowingly (or hopefully now you know) supporting these puppy mills and their terrible practices.

    Additionally, pet store pups often come with a number of health problems that can be expensive to treat.

    These health problems are most likely not some that you can see while you look at that adorable little puppy and its shiny coat or sweet little tongue in the cage at the mall.

    But I’m ‘SAVING’ the Puppy

    Of course, we always have the heroes who think that by getting a puppy from a shop that they are saving this pup. And, technically, YES, you are saving that ONE PUPPY.

    But, what about the rest of the litter who was left behind in deplorable conditions? What about the mother dog who wasn’t able to come and get sold to a loving home because its still needed to breed more dogs- for profit?

    What about the father of that pup who is also likely being used as a breeding machine in a puppy mill, with little to no regard for his health or wellbeing?

    When you get a puppy from a pet store, you are lining the pockets of these people, equipping them to produce litter after litter, ultimately putting other dogs into critical situations that they simply cannot get out of.

    I am Afraid That Puppy Won’t Like My Other Animals

    If you have more dogs in the house and are worried about how a new puppy will affect them, don’t be! Being cautiously aware, but not nervous, is the correct mindset to be at.

    In most cases, puppies and adult dogs get along famously. The key to success is to introduce the puppy to your dogs gradually and under supervision so that everyone has time to adjust.

    What Does Socialization Mean?

    Puppy socialization means exposing your new puppy to as many different people, animals, and environments as possible in a positive way so that they can learn how to interact with the world around them.

    Socialization is the way that puppies interact with the world. It DOES NOT mean that they should visit dog parks daily or be exposed to daycare facilities that do not guide them in appropriate behavior.

    Practicing negative behavior will only lead to the development of negative habits.

    For more information about how to balance play with other pups and include puppy based socialization, you will be interested in our guide:

    Start play is important for all puppies, but Great Danes especially need early socialization because they are such a large breed.

    Help: I Got My First Puppy and I’m Drowning in Work

    If you’ve just gotten your first puppy and are starting to realize that you’re in over your head, it’s okay!

    We’ve all been there. Every new pet owner needs a little help getting started.

    Find a Few Pups You Trust

    The first step is to find a few owners of well behaved dogs or puppies that you trust. If you’re not sure where to start, ask your veterinarian for recommendations or look for local dog training clubs.

    If you have friends with well-behaved dogs, ask if their owners would be willing to help you out.

    This is important so that your dog CAN interact with other puppies in a responsible way. Allow your puppy to start playing with them, and monitor the behavior between the crew so that they can all have positive learning experiences.

    Get Some Training Tips

    Once you’ve assembled a group of pups you’re comfortable with, it’s time to start working on some basic obedience training.

    This will help your puppy learn how to behave around other dogs as well as people.

    There are plenty of resources available to help you get started, including books, videos, and online courses.

    Make a few purchases like treats and a long leash to get them used to wearing a leash. Treats should be used in a fun, loving way to help build self esteem and get your puppy’s attention.

    Here are a few of our favorite treats:

    Crate Training and Your New Pup

    Crate training is an important part of obedience training for puppies.

    Not only does it help with housebreaking, but it also provides your puppy with a safe place to go when they’re feeling overwhelmed or need a break from play.

    Start by introducing your puppy to their crate in a positive way. Put their food in the crate and let them eat in there.

    Once they’re comfortable with that, you can start closing the door for short periods of time while they’re inside. gradually increase the amount of time they spend in the crate until they’re able to stay in there for several hours at a time.

    Here is a compilation of our favorite crates for your pup:

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    The Best Crate for a Great Dane Puppy: Click Here

    In Conclusion:

    In conclusion, choosing a new Great Dane is a very challenging task.

    Be responsible when choosing a breeder, and be prepared for the challenges of housebreaking and obedience training.

    But most importantly, have fun! Your new puppy is sure to bring you years of happiness. Thanks for reading!

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    JOIN OUR COMMUNITY

    Do you like modern positive+balanced off-leash dog training, science-based information, life with Danes, educated ownership and chatting with other like-minded people?

    Join our growing Facebook group!

  • Pet Store Puppies: No, You Aren’t Saving Them

    Pet Store Puppies: No, You Aren’t Saving Them

    You may have seen them, those pet stores in the mall and strip malls. Pet store puppies are adorable!

    The pet shop has glass kennels full of adorable baby puppies that paw at the glass and look at you, begging you to take them home! The store feels cheery and fun.

    Some of the puppies may even look sickly and desperate to be ‘rescued’ from the pet store. They hang their head and look like they need to be fed.

    Great Dane puppies in pet stores tend to look especially sad because they grow so fast. The pet stores are not equipped to deal with them or their nutritional needs. 

    The employees will tell you that the puppies are from ‘family breeders’ and that they have ‘pedigrees’, meant to make you feel better about purchasing one.  The prices are usually astronomical, which is also a marketing tactic built around the belief that higher pricing = higher quality.

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    A sweet, poorly bred double merle ‘merlequin’ puppy from Petland

    Great Dane Puppy at Petland

    Pet Store Great Danes are often shipped from other States, in semi-trucks full of dogs.

    By the time these puppies are moved from their ‘breeder’ to the pet store, and then spend a day or two in a small pet store display case, they can look positively scrawny and even sick.

    These puppies are not given the best start in life, to begin with, and then they are distributed to pet stores the same way that beach balls and loaves of bread might be.

    They are fed an incorrect diet, kept confined in the glass cases for hours of each day and night, and are often suffering from infections or even parasites.

    By the time they are ‘sold,’ they are often in the middle of, or past their socialization window.

    Pet store puppies come with a NO RETURNS policy. It is up to the buyer to deal with the dog for life, even if serious health problems, temperament issues, or family problems pop up in the future.

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    Bad Beginnings for Pet Store Puppies

    It does NOT matter what the pet store tells you. Pet Store Great Danes do NOT come from ethical, reputable, or quality breeders

    Ever. It’s impossible. No ethical, reputable breeder would allow their puppy to be sold in a pet store to a random buyer, no matter what they tell you. Ethical breeders want a relationship with every puppy buyer and if they ship the puppies that they love and worked so hard for to Petland, that won’t happen.

    Pet store puppies come from puppy mills. A puppy mill can be a large operation with lots of dogs (common in Missouri), an Amish pet farm, or a ‘ranch’ or ‘family’ that breeds multiple breeds in their backyard using kennels and runs.

    These dogs are bred indiscriminately, regardless if they have issues with health and temperament.

    Many of the dogs used in puppy mill breeding operations (even the nice-sounding ‘family breeder’ ones) are kept primarily in cages and kennels for most of their life. They are not often, if at all offered any kind of enrichment outside of this environment. These dogs receive no training titles (Canine Good Citizen) or show titles, and wouldn’t likely be able to obtain them anyway.

    In some of the worst mills, the dogs live in crates with wire bottoms. They are bred there and whelp (birth) their puppies in this environment. Other dogs in cages contribute to anxiety and noise levels (barking, howling, crying). Remember, stressed-out mothers create timid, fearful, and stressed puppies. 

    The puppies are raised inside of this cage or a small ‘whelping area’, and removed before 8 weeks so they can be shipped to pet stores. On her next heat cycle, the mom is bred again.

    Once she no longer produces babies, they either euthanize her (often inhumanely) or dump her in a rescue, where she often requires significant physical and emotional rehabilitation. 

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    Pet Store Puppies Reward Puppy Mills

    When you purchase a puppy from a pet store or from a puppy mill you directly finance, endorse, and support this kind of operation.

    You reward the people for breeding dogs this way. You give them money to continue doing it.

    You perpetuate the problem. 

    You may have ‘saved’ the one cute, scrawny, sickly-looking puppy that came with a ‘health guarantee’ and ‘papers’, but that’s it.

    The mother of your dog will be bred again. She will produce more puppies just like yours that will end up in the pet store, and you paid them to do it.

    We aren’t here to make you feel bad, but we do need to be very clear about this.

    Purchasing a sad puppy from a pet store is NOT RESCUE. It is considered extremely unethical when actual dog rescues with 501c3 papers purchase dogs from puppy mills to ‘save’ them.

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    The Catch-22 of Buying Puppies from Pet Stores

    The reason puppy mills continue to exist is because people keep ‘rescuing’ dogs from them.

    Think about this. They’ve scammed you.

    A sick little puppy is pretty easy to sell! It tugs at your heartstrings. It makes you FEEL good about your purchase because you ‘saved’ the puppy.

    The pet stores and the puppy mills know this and they capitalize on it. 

    The breeders of these dogs do NOT care about the dogs or the puppies. It’s up to us to care.

    One of the most caring and impactful things we can do is to STOP supporting their business. 

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    Should I Report Pet Stores With Sick Puppies?  

    Of course, each dog’s life is valuable. It has worth. There is no reason for that puppy to suffer and unfortunately, many do.

    Many of these puppies struggle with painful health conditions. Pet store puppies are also known for being anxious, nervy and timid.

    Suffering comes in many forms. 

    Purchasing a puppy from the pet store does not stop the suffering. But educating others and being an advocate for Great Danes does.

    If you do see a pet store puppy that needs help, report them to animal control. Take a photo and share it with others. Resist the urge to purchase this puppy; he isn’t the only one that needs help or is suffering.

    Write a review of the pet store online. Use Google, Yelp, social media, and your blog to put them on blast. Educate others about why ‘saving’ puppies from pet stores is contributing to the problem.  

    When a pet store cannot sell puppies, they often surrender them to veterinarians and rescues or give them away to employees. This is a much better place for them to be!

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    What Happens to Pet Store Puppies That Aren’t Sold?

    It depends on the pet store and where the dog was sourced from, but the following things can happen:

    • The price is reduced until somebody buys.
    • The dog is transferred to another pet store.
    • The dog is returned to the ‘breeder’ and becomes the breeder’s choice; used for breeding, sold at auction, hoarded, given away, or euthanized.
    • The dog is given to an employee or veterinarian.
    • The dog is dumped into rescue; sick puppies cost the rescue money they don’t have.
    • The dog is euthanized (may be common if the dog is especially ill).
    • The dog is returned to a breeder-store broker and resold elsewhere.

    It’s a tragic fate for these dogs and extremely taxing on rescues, but the truth is that pet stores don’t have much trouble selling these puppies. The ‘sad puppy in the window’ doesn’t need saving, because if you don’t buy it somebody else likely will.

    Then the cycle continues. Stop ‘rescuing’ dogs from pet stores, puppy mills, and garbage backyard breeders. Doing so is contributing to the perpetuation of this horrible, horrible problem.

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    How to Make a Difference

    Look at all of the Great Danes that are sitting in rescues right now that need our help.

    Look at the Great Dane rescues, too. Notice how they are desperate for financial donations and help with volunteering and fostering.

    GET INVOLVED. Stop believing that you ‘saved’ a dog from a pet store, and start saving dogs. Be there when a mill breeder dumps a litter of sick and timid 4-month-old puppies on rescue.

    Be there when an overbred mama with mastitis and parasites is found left on the side of the road

    Be there when a rescue is called to deal with a hoarding case, where 50 dogs are found emaciated, starved, covered in sores and over-bred as part of a puppy mill operation that feeds the pet stores.

    Be part of the big picture and part of the solution. None of this is fair to that one puppy at the pet store, but it’s especially not fair to the dogs that paved the way for the puppy to get there in the first place. 

  • We Have to Stop Doing This to Great Danes

    We Have to Stop Doing This to Great Danes

    Sometimes I feel like we are screaming from the rooftops, and nobody is listening.

    I know the Great Dane rescues all feel this way. People that volunteer and work in rescue are TIRED. They are emotionally exhausted, and the problem?

    It’s all our fault.

    It doesn’t have to be this way. The rescues don’t need to be overwhelmed with pleas to help 100’s of Great Danes that have health problems, aggression or that have been abused, abandoned or neglected.

    But they are. They are literally buried in these dogs.

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    Photo by Paparazzi Ratzfatzzi on Pexels.com

    TWO MONTHS

    In just two months, ONE Great Dane rescue took in over 100 dogs, and had to turn down many others. Read this:

    ? Poseidon: our true miracle boy. His bills continue to come in as he is now healthy enough to be neutered. He’s also heart worm positive.

    ? Luna: a sweet girl that we rescued and despite ICU care we could not reverse the neurological condition that she had and she passed away
    ? Luna: our pup we only had briefly as she passed away battling bloat/GDV
    ? Luna: one of our newest pups- she has a nasty flare with an autoimmune disease after being in a shelter, she required two days of ICU care
    ? Octavia: a terrified girl who requires a vet who could do home visits since her fear was so bad.
    ? Puppy Jack: attacked by another dog, had surgery to clean up his wounds, which then became infected, and he needed another surgery after that!
    ? Diva: a serious UTI when we first got her, followed by severe arthritis in her back when the cold snap happened
    ? Cricket and Mantis: have ruptured CCLs.. looking into options
    ? Aegues: severely malnourished due to terrible teeth, will require extensive dental work
    ? Maggie and Jada: gorgeous mastiff pair who both need major entropion surgery on their eyes
    ? Macy: became very sick when we got her with pieces of metal in her GI track
    ? Princess: will require surgery to remove a large mammary tumor
    ? Kahulah: will require extensive vetting for tumors in her mouth
    ? Daisy: had 15 gorgeous puppies and her body is still recovering from the traumatic birth. She has infections and sores all over
    ? Marvel: attacked by another dog before we got him, has a broken leg, may require amputation
    ? Bruno: new intake, may have a neurological disorder
    ? Yana: serious dental disease causing a lot of pain and suffering- will have multiple teeth removed
    ? On top of all this, we don’t talk about the Mississippi cruelty case Danes often because they are still tied up in the court system. These guys still aren’t healthy and we are continuing to pay for their care, of course. One of the puppies will likely need her eye removed (due to a birth defect), and another has kidney issues that we need to tackle.
    ? We are also taking in a boy with serious demodex this week, and may be getting a possible wobblers case. ?

    SRGDRR in TEXAS

    That was just from one heartbroken Facebook post by just ONE rescue: Save Rocky the Great Dane Rescue & Rehab in Longview, TX.

    If you don’t think this is a problem, read it again.

    These are dogs that often have serious medical, temperament and training problems and need expensive interventions. Many of these dogs were sold to owners that abused and neglected them.

    None of these dogs came from ethical breeders that gave a damn about where those dogs ended up or the health issues that they would face.

    These dogs and the rescues pay the price.

    TOUGH LOVE TRUTH TIME

    Do you want this to stop? Do you want to stop seeing our rescues overwhelmed with unwanted and suffering Great Danes?

    Do you want to stop hearing pressure from rescue advocates to ‘adopt, don’t shop’?

    Would you rather see healthy, robust Danes or hundreds of Danes that are anxious and sick?

    BACKYARD BREEDERS SUCK

    Every time you purchase a dog from a backyard breeder, even without knowing it, you make a direct financial contribution to this problem.

    Unfortunately in the world of Danes, too many  breeders are operating unethically. They may appear ‘friendly’ and ‘diligent’ with clean puppies and half-baked ‘health testing’, but they:

    • Don’t care much about who buys the puppy, so long as cash was involved.
    • Don’t offer any kind of health or breeder support, and no honest return guarantee..
    • Indiscriminately bred dogs that have health, temperament and structural faults.
    • Think AKC papers are enough.
    • Don’t health test and prove that their dogs have quality genetics to pass on.

    GOOD OWNERS

    If you are reading this, it’s likely you are a good owner. We’d like to think that you wouldn’t abandon, abuse or neglect your dog.

    But each litter of puppies is multiple dogs. When you buy a puppy from a litter of dogs produced by a backyard breeder, you directly reward and fund that breeder to continue making more puppies.

    These are most often the kinds of puppies that could end up with preventable genetic health conditions, problems with temperament that come back to their genetics and early whelping, and abandoned by other owners that weren’t educated or prepared for them.

    DON’T BE PART OF THE PROBLEM

    Some of these might get your hackles up. But think about the 100 dogs SRGDRR took in from Jan-Feb 2021.Just because YOUR puppy is fine and well cared for, doesn’t mean that the others from that breeder are.  If you do any of the following, you are contributing to the problem:

    • Shopping for Great Danes puppies on Craigslist, in ‘AKC Great Dane Puppies‘ or similar Facebook groups or in Marketplace, from Amish Farmers (most often puppy mills), ‘Adopt a Pet’ or other puppy pile websites, or in pet stores.
    • Purchasing a Great Dane puppy from a breeder that offers them for the lowest price because you need a pet, not a show dog‘.
    • Purchasing a Great Dane from a breeder that pressures you to take the puppy home before 8 weeks of age, lies about the age of the puppies, and/or doesn’t thoroughly socialize the puppies.
    • Purchasing a Great Dane from a breeder that is breeding underage dogs (under 2 years).
    • Purchasing a Great Dane from a breeder that is breeding dogs with structural (roach back, flat feet, excess droop, entropion, etc.), health (heart disease, hip dysplasia, bloat, etc.) and/or temperament (aggression, timidness, soft, fearful, out of control) problems.
    • Purchasing a Great Dane from a breeder that doesn’t care at all if you breed it, rehome it, or even have it seen by a veterinarian because ‘It’s your dog, do what you want’.
    • Purchasing a Great Dane puppy by clicking ‘Add to Cart’.
    • Purchasing a Great Dane puppy from a breeder that skips or only does partial health testing. A ‘vet check’ or ‘veterinary clearance’ is NOT ENOUGH. We cannot stress this enough.
    • Breeding your own Great Dane just because it has a neat color, ‘Euro‘ lineage or AKC papers.

    PREVENTION

    Health problems, training issues and temperament problems are major reasons why dogs end up neglected, abused or eventually surrendered.

    A solid majority of those things are preventable through ethical breeding practices, educated ownership, and by making conscious choices as a consumer to either adopt or ONLY purchase dogs from highly ethical and reputable breeders.

    It is up to us to stop supporting backyard breeders that are creating unhealthy, poorly-tempered Great Danes and then not supporting them for life. Choose ethical breeders or rescues only. The breed depends on you to make the educated choice!

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    Photo by Matthias Zomer on Pexels.com

    ETHICAL BREEDERS vs. ADOPTION

    There are 100’s of dogs that need homes and we believe there are only two choices: adoption or ethical breeders. 

    Ethical breeders care about health and structure, and understand how genetics can make or break the health and longevity of the puppies they produce.

    They fully health test Dam & Sire with no exceptions: this includes x-rays, echocardiogram, eye exams, genetic screening and blood panels.

    They only breed dogs with quality genetics in health, structure and temperament.

    Dogs from exceptional and ethical breeders are not often, if ever the ones overwhelming our rescues, breaking hearts and landing in homes that abuse them.

    Stop supporting backyard breeders, puppy mills and breeders that only care about the cash in your pocket. If we can put them out of business by turning our backs on them, we can quickly put a stop to this huge, huge problem.

    WANT TO HELP?

    There are MANY ways to step up:

    • Advocate. Flag posts on Facebook or Craigslist from breeders trying to sell puppies.
    • Educate. Share blog posts like this one, and Facebook posts from rescues.
    • If you wish to purchase a puppy, ASK QUESTIONS! Verify actual results from health screening (OFA.ORG is a great place to start), ask the breeder how they socialize the puppies (hint, raising them around children or chickens is NOT enough!), ask them if they honor a lifetime return guarantee. Read their contract. Ask for references. Study the pedigree. Meet the parents and compare them to the written standard for Great Danes.
    • Reject any breeder that isn’t operating ethically, no matter how much you want to ‘save’ the puppies. Report them to authorities if needed.
    • Foster, Volunteer & Adopt, even if you purchase your dogs from breeders. You can still offer to run social media accounts, transport dogs or fundraise.
  • Pandemic Puppies and Great Danes in Rescue

    Pandemic Puppies and Great Danes in Rescue

    Pandemic Puppies are real.

    You may have one…heck, I do! Figaro, my mantle Dane came to us in August. He’s been the most beautiful and welcome distraction from COVID and shuttered school buildings.

    In the middle of the lockdowns, thousands of people ran to shelters, rescues and breeders and brought home puppies. At the time, it was the perfect idea!

    Everybody was home to raise the puppy and train it, without work schedules getting in the way. People were lonely, frustrated and desperate for something fun and beautiful in their lives.
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    PANDEMIC PREDICTION

    People celebrated when the shelters and rescues started to run out of adoptable dogsThe rescues and shelters, however, were alarmed. 

    They predicted two things:

    a. An influx of intake/surrenders in 2021, from people who didn’t properly socialize or train their pandemic puppy and had become frustrated or unable to live with their dog anymore.

    b. Backyard breeders capitalizing on the desire for pandemic puppies and increasing their ‘production’ to meet demand, fueling an already large and existing problem of carelessly bred dogs with health and temperament problems.

    Adding insult to injury here is the fact that many people unknowingly purchased their pandemic puppy from unethical and backyard breeders with NO return guarantee, education or support. 

    Already set up to fail by poor breeding practices, these dogs are often more difficult to train and socialize.

    Then the lockdowns largely prevented people from socializing the exact kinds of puppies that so desperately needed it. Those puppies are now 7-9 months old and have become boisterous, snappy, belligerent, fearful, anxious, aggressive, high-strung or otherwise out of control teenagers.

    With no breeder to turn to for support or to return the dog to, the rescues are seeing the exact thing that they feared: a massive increase in intake requests. Piles of under socialized, poorly trained Great Danes from questionable genetics with nowhere to go, from families that were under-supported and in over their heads.
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    YOUR PANDEMIC PUPPY

    This isn’t to say that all Pandemic Puppies, or the decision to get a puppy during lockdown was a bad idea! For many people it’s been a wonderful experience. For others, it’s been a nightmare.

    As lockdowns end and people return to work, separation anxiety seems to be a hallmark trait.

    Many dog trainers have seen an increase in requests for help with teenage puppies that cannot be left home alone, are terrified to be out in public and may even be reactive or aggressive.

    Unfortunately, the shelters and rescues are now being overwhelmed again, and it’s not pretty.

    HOW TO HELP

    We are providing some resources and ideas below. If you have a pandemic puppy that has become a problem for you, or if you have the resources to help, read on.

    TRAIN & SOCIALIZE

    If you are struggling with a pandemic puppy, we encourage you to first exhaust all options before choosing to surrender your dog to a rescue.

    • Consult with your breeder or rescue for advice.
    • Hire a highly qualified and Great Dane experienced dog trainer.
    • Learn how to properly socialize your Great Dane through positive exposure to a vast array of experiences.
    • Manage the environment to minimize existing behavioral issues: crates, gates, leashes, muzzles and food/puzzle toys are your friend.
    • Watch Youtube for training videos that can help you teach your dog. Kikopup, Larry Khron, Susan Garret and Tyler Muto are some of our favorites.

    VOLUNTEER & DONATE

    If you have the time and resources, volunteer and donate! Our Great Dane rescues are doing amazing things and many have become overwhelmed.

    If you must surrender a dog, they can help as well.

    SUPPORT ONLY ETHICAL BREEDERS

    Robust, thoughtfully bred dogs from ethical breeders are much less likely to end up with health and behavior problems, even when poorly socialized or trained.

    Ethical breeders offer lifetime support and never want one of their puppies in rescue; they will stand by your side and help you even when things don’t go as planned.

    It’s not about needing a ‘pet, not a show dog’. This is purely about making sure that only breeders who truly care about the health and well-being of Great Danes are rewarded for breeding their dogs.