| There is no doubt that we live in a throw away | | | | the stated goal of Great Dane Rescue is "to |
| society. If we tire of something, it is perfectly | | | | match the dog and home together as closely as |
| acceptable to cast it aside and move on, with no | | | | possible." |
| hesitation or guilt. | | | | Like other groups focusing on specific dog breeds, |
| Unfortunately, this throw away mentality extends | | | | Great Dane Rescue is able to utilize the combined |
| to living creatures as well. People give little thought | | | | experience and passion of volunteers to ensure |
| to abandoning puppies on lonely stretches of | | | | that families are ready for the responsibility of |
| highway, leaving once-beloved pets behind when | | | | adopting a dog. This is especially important for |
| moving to a new place or dropping animals off at | | | | those wishing to adopt a Great Dane. While all dog |
| the local animal shelter when they no longer fit | | | | breeds have unique needs based on their breed, |
| the family's desires. Animal shelters are so full, in | | | | Great Danes have particular issues that could lead |
| fact, that the regrettable action of euthanizing | | | | to trouble down the road if the owner is not |
| unwanted animals is commonplace. | | | | prepared. |
| There are organizations, however, that work to | | | | Great Danes have a reputation for being loyal, |
| help owners make the right decision when it | | | | affable animals. They are also known for having |
| comes to animals they do not want or can no | | | | digestive problems and a range of bone and joint |
| longer take care of. Local chapters have sprung | | | | disorders, including arthritis. Even puppies can |
| up in cities throughout the United States, funded | | | | suffer from severe pain and require extensive |
| by the generosity of benevolent animal lovers | | | | (and sometimes costly) remedial treatment. |
| that aim to match animals with homes. From | | | | Potential owners do well to know these risks |
| greyhounds to pugs, you are sure to find a group | | | | beforehand and have a game plan of treatment if |
| that loves a certain breed as much as you do! | | | | the worst should happen. |
| Great Dane Rescue of Northern California, Inc. is | | | | One of the best resources for Great Dane |
| one such group. Great Dane Rescue of Northern | | | | owners is nutritional supplementation. Because |
| California assists individuals who need to find a | | | | Great Danes are prone to bone and joint |
| new home for their Great Dane - for whatever | | | | disorders, supplementation that addresses these |
| reason - and accepts unwanted Great Danes | | | | issues is important. Perhaps, the best supplement |
| from local animal shelters. Because there is no | | | | for this problem is glucosamine and chondroitin, |
| time limitation on placing the dogs, the animals | | | | particularly when taken in liquid form. |
| remain in the program as long as needed. Indeed, | | | | |