JULY04 PEOPLE AND PETS
By Sheila and
Bernie Abrams
People come in all sizes and shapes, with an equal variety of tastes in dogs. Fortunately, dogs come in all sizes and shapes to satisfy those tastes, and they are genetically programmed to love people.
Some like shaggy dogs. Some like dogs with big, sad eyes. Some like tiny dogs they can carry around. And some like great big dogs. For that last group, the dog of choice may very well be the Great Dane.
One of the largest breeds, adult male Danes average around 150 pounds, and females generally range closer to 140. They are short-haired, majestic-looking creatures whose size and regal bearing often attract attention when they are going for a walk. And they seem to know it.
At home, however, according to Laurie Zoock of Jefferson, public relations coordinator for Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League (MAGDRL), these aristocratic giants are “very goofy and silly,” bringing a lot of laughter to the people they live with.
A Great Dane may, for example, try to be a lap dog, which Laurie tells us is quite a sight, since their feet often remain on the floor.
Unfortunately, the size of these gentle giants is the very trait that causes them to wind up, from time to time, homeless. “People have bought them as puppies and somehow never bothered to find out how big these dogs were going to be at full size,” Zoock reports.
Another problem relating to size is that feeding and caring for a Great Dane can be an expensive proposition. They require proportionally more food than smaller dogs, and everything, from veterinary care to a dog bed or a supersize toy, costs more.
MAGDRL has rescued dogs for those reasons and other more common ones, such as people moving to places where dogs are not allowed. And the group has also rescued dogs seized from abusive and neglectful owners and puppy mills.
Some people find the breed irresistible. Lisa Hubert of Pittstown is an example. She has had three Great Danes, two adopted from MAGDRL. “We wanted a dog that could intimidate people whose intentions were suspect, but would be friendly toward neighbors and kids.” Certainly the dog’s size alone would make him an excellent guard dog. And Danes, Hubert says, are wonderful with children, very loving and friendly, as they are with most people.
Great Danes are sometimes described as “Velcro dogs,” because of their fondness for being in physical contact with their people. A Dane may lean against his person or rub her head on an available hand. Great Danes are sensitive creatures and need love and affection above everything.
MAGDRL is always seeking both foster and adoptive homes for dogs in its care. Great Danes of course need a place to exercise but, Hubert points out, they are homebodies who need to live in the house. Since life expectancy in dogs is usually related to size, Danes are usually fully adult by 2 years old and generally considered senior citizens by 7 or 8. Therefore, the puppy-to-adolescent stage is over fairly early and, by 3, most Danes are fully mature and peaceful pets who spend their days relaxing.
When evaluating potential fosterers or adopters, MAGDRL prefers people who have learned something about the breed. The group strongly recommends obedience training, but emphasizes that harsh training methods are not suitable to these gentle creatures. Because Danes can stand 6 feet tall on their hind legs, MADGRL prefers to place dogs with adult families or those with older children.
Most dogs placed by MAGDRL are already spayed or neutered, unless there is a medical reason to delay the surgery. In any case, they are not to be used for breeding. The group offers advice and support to fosterers and adopters, and many people become active in the group after taking a dog.
MAGDRL covers
a region on the East Coast extending from
MAGDRL can also be reached by phone at 973-334-1628.
We think you
all know enough not to leave your pets in parked cars. They can suffocate, die
of heat stroke, get stolen or any number of other mishaps can befall them. Did you know that the dog with his head out
the car window can suffer serious injury from flying debris? Just say no – and
close the window! Don’t forget that heartworm medication and also flea and tick
prevention. You can visit the website of the Humane Society of the
We had a good
time meeting some of you at Josh Day in Flemington last month. Please keep
writing. It’s the feedback from you that makes our days. You can reach us at
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