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april, 2001 |
they'll knock you down for a kiss
For several years now, Greyhound rescue organizations have entered the public consciousness. When the plight of retired racing Greyhounds hit the news, people around the world jumped at the opportunity to add these playful, affectionate dogs to their family. From North Carolina, all the way to Wales, most of us probably don't live too far away from a good greyhound rescue. But it makes you wonder--what does Scooby do when he's got nowhere to call home?
Until I visited the Great Dane Rescue of the Carolinas in the Charlotte area this past weekend, it had never crossed my mind that other breeds might need a helping paw in finding a home. Mind you, a rather large home. So we drove through the iron gate at the Rescue, and I was immediately struck by a sense that someone really likes Great Danes. Nestled away from the highway on a good bit of beautiful acreage, these dogs have got some digs. Many of them are private residents, members of the Lisa and Don Reid family. In fact, when we strolled up to the deck, six of their dogs bounded up to the back door--we were outside, and they were inside. Six Great Danes. In the kitchen. "Dedication" would be an understatement, eh?
Outside, scattered in large outdoor pen areas, as well as in comfortable kennel-type buildings, are the potential adoptees. The circumstances that brought them here are different, but they're all in the same fix--they're owners could not (or would not) provide a Great-Dane-friendly home. Some are owner surrenders, others stray, a few abuse/neglect cases, and a couple whose home life simply changed--death, divorce, or relocation. Oooh, if I had about five acres...
We got to play around with some of the dogs on Sunday. Some of them are allowed to run freely throughout the property, while others need to stay in their (very generous) fenced yards for the other dogs' comfort and safety. Regardless, every single one of them bounded to the fence when it came their turn for free ear rubs! Casper was one of my favorites. Mostly white (he's listed as a Harlequin at the site), what a pile o' love! (He's the grinning white one in all of these photos.) And, I can honestly say that it's a rare thing when I come eye-to-eye with a dog when I'm standing up straight. Outside of the pens, I don't know if it was Cookie, Daisy, or someone else who succeeded in knocking me off of my feet--literally. You pet one of these big girls, and she's yours. Affection is reciprocated by leaning heavily into your hip/thigh area (depending on your height) and nudging you persistently. They don't kiss, they drench, and it's really quite nice. Not only that, but when Brad threw a soccer ball across the field, one of the dogs grabbed it IN HIS MOUTH.
What are circus performers sticking their heads in lions' mouths? Great Danes are cuter, and your head would fit in there all the same. GDR Carolinas accepts adopter applications from all over the United States. Make no mistake, however--this isn't just some casual visit to the animal shelter. Because they care about the stability and long-term welfare of their Danes, adopters must be committed to the adoption process. It includes home visits, site visits with any other pets in the home, and (if a Dane is adopted), long-term follow-up with the family. If you're interested and committed to making a big life even bigger, click the link to their site below. You may also want to contact them about making a contribution to the cause, or even donating your time to their care. "Pet ownership" is a misnomer. Everyone knows that they own us.
Great Dane Rescue of the Carolinas |
