Darcey

05/31/2026 Darcey’s story begins long before MAGDRL ever met her — in a place no one can fully describe, except to say it was “likely horrible.” For five long months, she lived in an outdoor kennel at the Saving Webster Dogs rescue. She was loved on and given attention by their team, but unsocialized, craving affection, and unsure of her place in the world. With Winter right around the corner, she couldn’t stay with Saving Webster Dogs any longer.. She wasn’t built for enduring the outside temperatures and as a young unspayed female, she couldn’t be packed in with the other rescue dogs for warmth. She was needy, overbearing, and desperate for connection — not because she was difficult (she wasn’t), not because Saving Webster Dogs didn’t love and care for her (they did), but because she needed the kind of love and attention only a family can provide.

When MAGDRL received Darcey in November 2025, she transitioned into her foster home — the first real home she had likely ever known.

And that’s when Darcey began to bloom.

Learning What Love Feels Like
Within weeks, Darcey was bell trained, house trained, and soaking up every ounce of affection she could get. She adored people — adults, kids, men, women — everyone. No stranger danger, no hesitation, just pure, immediate trust. She wanted to be close, to be seen, to be loved. And she gave that love back tenfold.

But her past left its marks too.

Darcey struggled with other dogs.
Not aggressive — just dominant, insecure, and overwhelmed. She pulled hard on leash, bristled during introductions, and couldn’t settle around other dogs, even with slow, careful introductions. Her energy was intense — far more than a typical Dane — and her need for attention was constant. She wanted reassurance, structure, and someone who understood her.

Her foster worked tirelessly.
She tried different environments, different dogs, different approaches. She kept Darcey safe, separate when needed, and always loved. She advocated for her, documented everything, and pushed for training — because Darcey deserved every chance to succeed.

The Turning Point
In March of this year, Darcey began her training program with Ridgeside. It wasn’t easy. She got sick, had to pause, then returned with determination. And this past April, Darcey graduated.

She learned focus.
She learned impulse control.
She learned how to handle her reactivity.
She learned how to trust the world a little more.

Everyone who worked with her was proud — not because she became perfect, but because she became herself again. A dog who tries. A dog who wants to do well. A dog who finally had a chance.

The Family Who Had Been Waiting for Her
Enter The Masser’s — longtime MAGDRL adopters with hearts big enough to hold every dog they’ve ever loved.

Their home had been filled with MAGDRL Great Danes over the years. When Pandora passed, the house felt unbearably empty. Mrs. Masser said it simply: “I want to give a Dane a furever home.”

They weren’t just looking for a dog.
They were looking for a soul to love.

The Moment Everything Clicked
When Darcey’s foster first spoke to the Masser’s, she felt it instantly — the kind of certainty that settles deep in your chest. She later admitted that it broke her heart to let Darcey go, but she knew Darcey would be cherished beyond measure and they were a perfect match.

Mr. Masser had already carved Darcey’s name into a special area of their home — her space, her sanctuary. When they learned she loved toys, especially plushies, they didn’t buy a few–They bought a ton. Because that’s who they are. And that’s what Darcey deserves.

A New Beginning
Darcey left MAGDRL not as the scared, unsocialized girl who arrived so many long months earlier, but as a dog transformed by love, patience, training, and hope.

She walked into a home where she will never again wonder if she matters.
Where her need for attention is met with affection, not frustration.
Where her quirks are understood, her progress celebrated, and her heart protected.

Darcey didn’t just get adopted.
She found her people — the ones who see her, choose her, and love her exactly as she is.

And for a dog who started with so little, that is everything.

Thank you Masser family, Darcey is a beautiful and special dog that has touched the lives of many of us in the WV chapter.

03/31/2026 Darcy’s first week of board & train has been full of growth and tail wags!

She started the week learning neutrality and basic obedience—staying calm, focused, and ready for anything. By Day 2, she added treadmill work to her routine, building confidence and learning to respond gently to leash pressure. Day 3 brought the place command, teaching her how to settle and relax wherever she’s asked. On Day 4, Darcy practiced heeling, walking politely beside her handler and building trust through teamwork. Day 5 focused on door manners—waiting patiently, controlling her impulses, and looking to her person for direction. Finally, on Day 6, she worked on recall, one of the most important skills for safety and connection.

03/09/2026 Our girl Darcey is doing wonderfully in her foster home and is getting ready to take an exciting next step. She’s still absolutely convinced she’s a lap dog and loves nothing more than snuggling with her people. She is happiest with her mind worked and carrying around her favorite stuffed toy, “Stuffy,”

Darcey continues to thrive with a routine, and an outlet for her energy.  We feel she would be a great dog for someone who enjoys engaging with their dog teaching them new tricks and new things in life.  The possibilities are endless.

Next step? Darcey is heading to a three-week training program to brush up on her leash manners and work on her social skills with other dogs so she can be the very best version of herself. 

Darcey is looking for her forever home and would thrive as the only dog in an experienced, active household that can offer structure, and lots of love. If you’ve been waiting for a smart, silly, and affectionate companion to share your life (and your couch), Darcey just might be your girl. 💕

12/14/2025 Dacrey’s DNA test came back and she’s: 91% Great Dane,8% Weimaraner, and 1% Argentine Dogo!

Meet Darcey, a beautiful 1½-year-old Great Dane mix (mix TBD) with a big heart and an even bigger personality. Weighing about 90 pounds, she’s a bit smaller than a typical Dane, but don’t tell her that — in true Great Dane fashion, she’s convinced she’s a lap dog and will happily prove it whenever she gets the chance.

Darcey is full of life, love, and enthusiasm. She’s wonderful with kids and adores spending time with her foster family’s nephews. Playtime with her toys, especially her favorite stuffed animal, “Stuffy.” is one of her favorite activities. Darcey is notably intelligent and eager to please — she loves learning new things and showing off her smarts.

In just under a week, she taught herself to ring a bell to go outside — all on her own! She’s a quick thinker who benefits from a confident and experienced owner who enjoys training and can guide her to be her best. Darcey is also crate trained, enjoys routine, and has settled beautifully into home life. She will pull on the leash and will need to continue to work on her loose leash walking skills. Car rides can make her a little anxious at first, but she relaxes once the road smooths out.

Darcey’s mix of intelligence, affection, and playful energy makes her an absolute joy to be around. She loves to snuggle, give kisses, and be part of whatever her people are doing — whether that’s playtime, cuddle time, or just lounging at home.

Darcey would thrive as the only dog in an experienced home where training, structure, and an active lifestyle are part of the daily routine. With the right person, she’ll be both a loyal companion and an endless source of love and fun.