Update 01/10 - Ebony did so well in her first class we think it's worth it to send her to another more advanced class. She's a sweet girl that had little exposure to things and all that did was reinforce being uncomfortable. She lives with children and another dog and adores them all. She's a dog that would benefit from a family that understands that exposure to new things and environments is good and safe. She does better with dogs in her home than when she is in public. That may be because she is more comfortable there and feels safer. She doesn't have to like every dog she meets. That would be an unrealistic expectation. She just needs to understand how to signal that level of discomfort in an appropriate manner. That is what class has taught her and continues to teach her. Public and busy settings make her uncomfortable. When she's in her home and warm and toasty, she's just fine.  Reading helps to understand why dogs do what they do and how they become a product of their environment. Here is a good start: The Cautious Canine!

Ebony is coming into rescue because she is said to not do well with the new infant in the home. There are many reasons why this could be. Ebony is a 3yo mostly black female Great Dane. She has not seen a vet since she was a puppy so that is the first thing we did. She is lyme and anaplasmosis positive. That could explain some of the grumpy nature. She is underweight and her coat is in poor condition. All of her vaccines have been brought up to date and she has been spayed. Ebony had to spend a lot of time outside as a result of not doing well in the home with the new baby.

Update 02/26 - Wallace is EXACTLY why rescue organizations do what we do. He had his first half day of doggy daycare this week and he was phenomenal. He played appropriately and was referred to as "the big goob".  He's feeling great in his new skin and absolutely loves to play with other dogs. Wally's foster mom and dad have worked really hard to teach him to trust and that is exactly what he is doing. He's a very affectionate boy and wonderfully social. He's very lucky that his foster family has worked to teach him right from wrong and always give him positive reinforcement when he makes good choices. He is still fed separately from the other dogs and we would recommend that his new forever home continue this routine as well. For dogs, it's a matter of respect at the food dish. He is no longer guarding and he has settled in very nicely. He would be a wonderful addition to any family. 

Update 2/26 -  When at home, Cargo's foster mom let's him listen to "soft rock", which is really this dude's laid back style. He loves his little foster sis and let's her lick his face when they are at home chilling to the tunes.  When left alone, he has been most appropriate; sure, he's checked out a couple of things on the counter (counter surfing is currently under review as an Olympic sport) but certainly hasn't been destructive. He's eating well and enjoying his play time. He continues to show us his true Dane nature - after 30 minutes of exercise, he's down for the count for the rest of the day!  He is particularly special and tremendously sweet. 

Update 12/28 - Lady getting one of her many acupuncture treatments with Dr. Ruth Dalto. (click on her name to see these latest pics).

Lady is making very slow but definite progress. She will be evaluated when her growing has stopped substantially but we are quite sure she will need surgery on her right leg. She is happy and is playing like a normal puppy. She is one of the sweetest dogs we have ever had the pleasure of having in rescue.  We do have her on anti inflammatory medication on a daily basis and medication to help prevent any neurological damage.  We have opted to do her surgery in rescue rather than place her with that contingency.  Hopefully, she will be ready for her forever home this summer.

If you can help defer the costs of her medical care, please consider donating. Donate in memory of someone or a beloved pet. Consider donating instead of buying someone a birthday gift. Remember, it's a tax deduction because we are a 501(c)(3).

Update 02/02 - Deagitty Doo as we like to call him is a very sweet guy and he's been in rescue far too long! He is very good natured and mellow. He has lived with cats in the past but due to recent escapades chasing squirrels, we think he'd dobetter in a home without kitties. He doesn't fair well being left alone for too long so a home where someone is home for part of the day would best. Exercise, counter conditioning, and patience are key to help Deagan overcome that level of insecurity during his transition period into a new home. Giving him a job and always using positive reinforcement for good behaviors while ignoring bad behaviors is also part of the recipe. They make 'em big and sensitive, that's the nature of the breed.

Deagan is a very big 3 year old boy. Move over bacon, here comes something leaner! Starting today he is on a weight loss and exercise plan. He is a beautiful, very sweet, and gentle man that is easy going.  He was loved by his previous owner but because of lifestyle changes, he was surrendered to rescue. Please check back later for updates.

 Deagan in not available for adoption in Massachusetts.