Remembering the Wonderful Danes That Have Shared our Homes and Lives!
Maizy Day
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I'm so glad to have this video of my girl doing her patented "Stevie Wonder" move. This was her way of telling you she needed something.. We adopted Maizy Day at almost 6 years old, which is considered a senior in Dane years. We were blessed with almost 3 years with this angel. If you think an older dog can't love you as much as a puppy, try adopting a senior and you will see just how much love they can give. It isn't easy when they leave so soon, but we take comfort in knowing how much love and many adventures they had in their golden years. Thank you so much Betti Curran for bringing Maizy Day and us together. If only humans could be as kind and selfless as our four-legged companions.
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Suka a.k.a. Dufus
Full name: SUKASARKAPOK PUDDINSTONE
Sukasarkapok is Eskimo for “commands dogs”, and puddingstone is the name given to a type of rock that has a mottled gray and black coloration – like the merle.
Suka came to me as a rescue with the name Bruno, from a backyard breeder, he was about a year and a half. They left him outside in a horse run-in shelter with chain-link even in the Michigan winters. They taught him to not only counter surf, but to get on the tables and counter. Not only that, they thought it was cool to have such a big dog be dominating, and they taught him (seriously, they taught him!) to be aggressive at drive-thru windows. Are you kidding me!!??
I had just lost my first Great Dane, Harley, who was 11.5 years old, an absolute gentleman!! So any dog that came my way had VERY large shoes to fill if he was going to make it in my world! Well, in comes Dufus, and he earned that name! He was the opposite of Harley in just about every way! He was a cluts! Duf had zero manners, he chewed up the best leather items in the house (including the hand-made alpaca throw I had made in Central America when I lived there!), and he dragged me literally off my feet and down the road while on leash! Well, we persevered and made it through together, it only took about a year to work the kinks out! I had told him over and over, if it wasn’t that he had such a big, loving and lovable heart – he would have been flower fertilizer! He just looked at me, recognizing my empty threats! He wouldn’t hurt a fly, and that was the redeeming quality that helped me see his potential. I had just rescued my 4th kitten, and Dufus would let all of them curl up with him on the bed – I knew how special he was, and we were inseparable from that point on.
Dufie passed away Monday 12 August, 2013 (6:30 a.m.) at home. He had recently fought battles with torsion and bloat on Halloween 2012, and made it through with flying colors especially for a big, old dog. Then on 03 February, 2013 I thought he sprained his ankle (left rear) on the ice, took him in to have it checked and did an x-ray just to be sure. It appeared fine. The next day he came up lame on his right rear, whining to beat the band. The next day he had hind end paralysis with a crazy high fever (105.4). We tested everything under the sun: lyme disease, cancer, bone fractures, spinal/neurologic issues, etc. For 3 weeks he laid on his bed, and I changed the pads under him and cleaned him up when needed. Then during the 4th week, he tried to stand and I carried his hindend out so he could regain his dignity of not messing in the house. For 8 weeks I slept near him on the couch (thank goodness for an understanding boyfriend). He rebounded beautifully!! He made it to his 10th birthday, 28 May!! He looked fabulous! Sweet as ever! He was the love of my life! No longer did we set goals of years, now it was months. He was a bit shaky in the hindend (he had degenerative neuomyopathy) – more apparent on the right back, but that did not stop his ZOOMIES. Out of the blue Friday, he wasn’t interested in dinner, then while in the barn helping me with night time chores, he had what might have been an “episode” – difficulty standing and his legs stretched out to balance himself. After a minute or so, he was fine, we finished up and went back in the house. He seemed a little unsteady on Saturday and still no food. Now I am worried. All he did was follow me everywhere I went. We went for a drive in the New Gloucester countryside for “Our Time”. He started drinking water like crazy, but then he would throw it up. We had friends over for a bonfire that evening, both families had dogs that Dufie loved to be around, but he just laid next to me. I slept with him that night to comfort him, and probably more accurately to comfort me. The same for Sunday; we spent a good portion just lying under the tree, in the barn while I put together a bench, and then in the house. That night he just couldn’t settle. He wanted outside to lay in the grass, so there we slept together for a while, under the stars. We went back inside early morning and he was restless, in the dining room he whined and laid uncomfortably…and then he was gone, his last breath taken while I cried tears on him.
Sukasarkapok is Eskimo for “commands dogs”, and puddingstone is the name given to a type of rock that has a mottled gray and black coloration – like the merle.
Suka came to me as a rescue with the name Bruno, from a backyard breeder, he was about a year and a half. They left him outside in a horse run-in shelter with chain-link even in the Michigan winters. They taught him to not only counter surf, but to get on the tables and counter. Not only that, they thought it was cool to have such a big dog be dominating, and they taught him (seriously, they taught him!) to be aggressive at drive-thru windows. Are you kidding me!!??
I had just lost my first Great Dane, Harley, who was 11.5 years old, an absolute gentleman!! So any dog that came my way had VERY large shoes to fill if he was going to make it in my world! Well, in comes Dufus, and he earned that name! He was the opposite of Harley in just about every way! He was a cluts! Duf had zero manners, he chewed up the best leather items in the house (including the hand-made alpaca throw I had made in Central America when I lived there!), and he dragged me literally off my feet and down the road while on leash! Well, we persevered and made it through together, it only took about a year to work the kinks out! I had told him over and over, if it wasn’t that he had such a big, loving and lovable heart – he would have been flower fertilizer! He just looked at me, recognizing my empty threats! He wouldn’t hurt a fly, and that was the redeeming quality that helped me see his potential. I had just rescued my 4th kitten, and Dufus would let all of them curl up with him on the bed – I knew how special he was, and we were inseparable from that point on.
Dufie passed away Monday 12 August, 2013 (6:30 a.m.) at home. He had recently fought battles with torsion and bloat on Halloween 2012, and made it through with flying colors especially for a big, old dog. Then on 03 February, 2013 I thought he sprained his ankle (left rear) on the ice, took him in to have it checked and did an x-ray just to be sure. It appeared fine. The next day he came up lame on his right rear, whining to beat the band. The next day he had hind end paralysis with a crazy high fever (105.4). We tested everything under the sun: lyme disease, cancer, bone fractures, spinal/neurologic issues, etc. For 3 weeks he laid on his bed, and I changed the pads under him and cleaned him up when needed. Then during the 4th week, he tried to stand and I carried his hindend out so he could regain his dignity of not messing in the house. For 8 weeks I slept near him on the couch (thank goodness for an understanding boyfriend). He rebounded beautifully!! He made it to his 10th birthday, 28 May!! He looked fabulous! Sweet as ever! He was the love of my life! No longer did we set goals of years, now it was months. He was a bit shaky in the hindend (he had degenerative neuomyopathy) – more apparent on the right back, but that did not stop his ZOOMIES. Out of the blue Friday, he wasn’t interested in dinner, then while in the barn helping me with night time chores, he had what might have been an “episode” – difficulty standing and his legs stretched out to balance himself. After a minute or so, he was fine, we finished up and went back in the house. He seemed a little unsteady on Saturday and still no food. Now I am worried. All he did was follow me everywhere I went. We went for a drive in the New Gloucester countryside for “Our Time”. He started drinking water like crazy, but then he would throw it up. We had friends over for a bonfire that evening, both families had dogs that Dufie loved to be around, but he just laid next to me. I slept with him that night to comfort him, and probably more accurately to comfort me. The same for Sunday; we spent a good portion just lying under the tree, in the barn while I put together a bench, and then in the house. That night he just couldn’t settle. He wanted outside to lay in the grass, so there we slept together for a while, under the stars. We went back inside early morning and he was restless, in the dining room he whined and laid uncomfortably…and then he was gone, his last breath taken while I cried tears on him.
Violet
Violet became a member of the Dennison family in November 2010. We instantly fell in love with her, however our six year old Dane, Harley not so much. The third night ended with Violet and stitches in her ear and a $300 vet bill. We didn’t give up, even though it totally crossed my mind.
Violet’s kind, gentle demeanor and her goofy personality (along with her sheer size) turned heads everywhere we went. Her love of the woodstove in the winter time and my son, Connor’s bed in the summer time won’t soon be forgotten. We only had two years with Vi and I am happy for that, but also feel like we were robbed because we only had two years with her. We were able to give her an awesome home for the last years of her life, and in return she gave us joy every day. I feel incredibly fortunate for that!! Life is hard and the day Violet died was one of the hardest, but I wouldn’t change the last two years for anything. We loved her and can only hope that she was as happy with us as we were with her. The Dennison Family Travis, Jody, Connor, Brett & Harley |
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Ladybug
Ladybug entered our lives on February 25, 2006 and left us on February 20, 2009. Saying goodbye to Ladybug was one of the most difficult things we've ever had to do.
This marvelous girl started her life in a Tennessee puppy mill, where she was captive for approximately 4 years, underfed and in filthy conditions. She came to us with breast cancer from being bred every heat. She had visible scars, and many more that were not visible, yet she was kind and loving to everyone.
Ladybug was insecure but trusted us from the moment she walked off the transport van. She adored love and attention and she always get plenty of it, because she always tried to be the best dog in the pack - and she was.
Our great dane ambassador and an essential part of our household is gone and the hole she leaves in our hearts is immense. Ladybug taught many people the horrors of puppy mills in her short time with us. The patient one in the pack, she calmed the others. Her pack of dogs and humans were with her when she closed her eyes for the last time. I know she felt the love as we said goodbye.
No more tumor removal surgeries, no more chemo for this girl. She filled our home with love. There will always be a huge void without you Ladybug. We thank you for every lesson you taught us. In your honor, we will continue the fight to close puppy mills. Be happy with your brother, Simba, and your sister, Brandy. They will always take care of you.
This marvelous girl started her life in a Tennessee puppy mill, where she was captive for approximately 4 years, underfed and in filthy conditions. She came to us with breast cancer from being bred every heat. She had visible scars, and many more that were not visible, yet she was kind and loving to everyone.
Ladybug was insecure but trusted us from the moment she walked off the transport van. She adored love and attention and she always get plenty of it, because she always tried to be the best dog in the pack - and she was.
Our great dane ambassador and an essential part of our household is gone and the hole she leaves in our hearts is immense. Ladybug taught many people the horrors of puppy mills in her short time with us. The patient one in the pack, she calmed the others. Her pack of dogs and humans were with her when she closed her eyes for the last time. I know she felt the love as we said goodbye.
No more tumor removal surgeries, no more chemo for this girl. She filled our home with love. There will always be a huge void without you Ladybug. We thank you for every lesson you taught us. In your honor, we will continue the fight to close puppy mills. Be happy with your brother, Simba, and your sister, Brandy. They will always take care of you.
Dino
I met Dino 2 weeks after my beloved pitty mix Jake had passed away. I am not sure as they say who rescued who? He needed me & I needed him but he just he didn’t know it yet. At first he was very unimpressed with me. He probably recognized that I had no experience with a big, strong, & crafty guy such as himself. He was bossy & didn’t really want to be a woman’s dog but did humor me & allowed me to take him for walks which was important since when he came in he weighed 210# which was about 60 pounds more than he should have & his joints were just revolting.
After a few weeks he showed me the meaning of compromise by only rewarding me with a walk only after we had a ride in “his” van! The first day I met him I was a little scared because he was a grumbly old codger who I thought was “the biggest dog I’d ever seen in my life!” After enjoying his company for a while everyone else’s dog looked small! His weight went from 210# to a trim 145# with a great diet devised by Betti at CMGDR & lots of beach walks & runs on the Bowdoin College athletic fields. Who would have thought he ever could have run? He could barely walk or stand when he came to us. I visited him & walked him for a year before finally agreeing to foster him for what turned out to be the last year of his life. I truly believe that last year was the happiest of his life. We went to the beach 3 or 4 times a week which he loved! He played with other dogs & had doggie friends at the dog park! He was a celebrity at Bowdoin College & all over town! We walked, had rides, talked to each other, took lots of pictures, & picked up shells at the beach. You can see by his pictures that his life was happy. He loved being a dog which he never had gotten to be before coming in to CMGDR. He smiled, & I know it’s hard to believe but he even laughed. He had moods & he made us laugh. I had never met a dog like Dino. I swear he was one lifetime away from being human & every time I go to the beach or look at the pictures that we took I wonder who he is today! The beach really was Dino’s heaven…and mine! |
I found this poem at the yard sale at Woofstock this year. It was sitting right beside a little stuffed black & white dog. I bought them both because I knew they were a gift from Dino to me & that I was meant to find it. This is the poem: We Have A Secret We have a secret, you & I that no one else shall know for who but I can see you lie each night in fire glow? And who but I can reach my hand before we go to bed & feel the living warmth of you & touch your silken head? And only I walk woodland paths & see ahead of me, your regal form racing in the wind so young again & free. And only I can see you swim in the ocean as I pass & when I call no one but I can see the bending grass. Sleep well friend – Until we meet again. 
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Goliath - G2
I fostered a senior dane thru CMGDR last year. He was just about 11 yrs old when we got him, had cataracts and didn't walk very well. His name was Goliath aka G2 ...or as I affectionately called him "the old man". His "spirit " was strong where his body was not. We spent many nights together getting thru thunderstorms and things that went bump in the night .
Despite his previous life before me, he was such a loving, affectionate boy that wanted nothing more than to just be by my side .There was never a day that went by where he didn't look at me with his soulful eyes with such love. He gave to me tenfold of what I gave to him. When the the time came when he got too sick, he looked at me with his beautiful brown eyes and quietly let me know it was his "time".
With his old eyes and shaky walk that "Old Man" enriched my life with such an unconditonal love that I will never forget.
Despite his previous life before me, he was such a loving, affectionate boy that wanted nothing more than to just be by my side .There was never a day that went by where he didn't look at me with his soulful eyes with such love. He gave to me tenfold of what I gave to him. When the the time came when he got too sick, he looked at me with his beautiful brown eyes and quietly let me know it was his "time".
With his old eyes and shaky walk that "Old Man" enriched my life with such an unconditonal love that I will never forget.
Sunshine
She came to us in September of 2011, deaf and quite blind but what a charmer. Within a week we renamed her Sunshine because she was the sweetest, happiest dog there ever was. When she got up in the morning she had to give both of us a kiss and a lick, a kiss to the bunny and a kiss to whatever cat might be around before she could go out. And even then sometimes she gave more kisses on her way out the door. Sunshine was always hungry, she would steal cat food, Digger’s food, and once stood up on her arthritic 8 year old legs to drink simmering soup out of the pan on the stove. Sunshine came from Staten Island and was mystified by nature. What are those little things eating at the birdfeeder Mom? What’s a squirrel? Are those brown things falling out of the trees going to hit me (leaves)? Oh, grass is so nice to walk on and I love it when it rains.
Toys, so many toys to play with. But her favorite was the wood stove, she loved the black box that gave off heat and started bringing pieces of firewood to her bed with her. As it became colder I got used to the little kiss at 3 am when the stove needed wood because the temperature had dropped below 70*. And she liked it when it snowed because as nice as it was to play in, the stove when she came in made it even better.
But in December she began limping and within three short weeks she developed a tumor so large and painful it was time to cross the bridge and go to Roger’s care. The four short months she was with us I like to think were her happiest months, for us she left a kiss on our hearts that will never fade.
Diane & Jacquie