inmemory

Mog-Ur was really the inspiration behind CSCAGDR. Many years ago this noble creature wandered into the front yard of a kind woman, who would later become the president of CSCAGDR. At that time, she knew nothing about Great Danes. It was eventually decided that this "gentle giant" would be added to her household. Mog-Ur was a devoted companion for almost 13 years. He protected his family (and his cats) with all his heart. Mog-Ur helped raise his human sister and his wise demeanor captured the attention of everyone who crossed his path. Even people who never got the chance to meet this wonderful guy wish they had. Thanks for the memories - we miss you, Mog!

When Chance first arrived at CSCAGDR, he was so terrified of people that he would drop to the ground and roll over when he was approached. Within a week, he was standing up and greeting people (a big improvement). Chance had been used as a bait dog to train fighting dogs. He was so terrified of dogs that he would react by trying to kill them. Chance was also never able to get over his extreme fear of men. Due to his unprovoked attacks and aggressive nature, it was in his best interest to be euthanized. We will always be thankful that he did get a small taste of what a life of love is like. We are disappointed, however, that the love came only at the end of his life.

Meeko spent his first 2 1/2 weeks at CSCAGDR in the vet's office. He won his battle with parvo, but he ended up with severe brain damage. His erratic and unpredictable behavior resulted in euthanasia. It is very disheartening that he had such a short time to learn what a life without neglect was like. He will always be remembered for the wonderful dog he tried so hard to be.

Cherokee came to CSCAGDR in the spring of 2001 with her littermate, Cheyenne. Their owner could not keep them due the owner's medical issues. CSCAGDR was fortunate enough to find a home that wanted both puppies. The pair travelled by "Dane Train" to Pennsylvania to live with a wonderful family. The happiness would only last a short time, though. Cherokee died suddenly on November 14, 2001 at the young age of 10 months. It is believed that she suffered a brain aneurysm or stroke. She was a very sweet girl and is greatly missed by her adoptive family and CSCAGDR.

Cowboy came to CSCAGDR when his owner developed osteoporosis and could not risk having a large dog around her. He was placed into a foster home, but his foster family fell in love with him and adopted him. During his short time in his new home, he entertained himself by bringing his family shoes and couch cushions when he needed attention. He really didn't know how to interact with other dogs, but the two bossy female dogs he lived with did their best to teach him. Unfortunately, after only having Cowboy's company for 6 1/2 months, he bloated on November 5, 2002 and the vets were unable to save him. He is certainly missed.

When people describe the Great Dane breed, their descriptions include adjectives such as loyal, loving, and devoted. Known as the "gentle giants," they have a comforting and healing power found only in a Dane. Winnie never stepped into a show ring, but was without a doubt the best example of a Dane. She came into rescue after her breeder could not place her (she had already been in one home before being returned to the breeder). CSCAGDR placed Winnie into what was thought to be her perfect forever home. However, the placement did not work out. So, yet another home had to be found for Winnie. While Winnie waited at the rescue for her forever home, she was very unsure of herself and had no confidence. She was shy most of the time and did not participate in normal dog activities. Through a community board on the internet, CSCAGDR heard about a 9-year-old in Texas who was dying of cancer and desperately wanted a Dane. He had fallen in love with the breed through a therapy program. He took one look at Winnie's picture on the website and instantly knew she was "his Dane." Three amazing policemen from Charleston drove 17 hours straight to deliver Winnie to the sick boy. Winnie stayed by the boy's side constantly and even helped him walk around as much as he was able. Less than three weeks after Winnie arrived, the boy passed away. After his death, Winnie continued to be a strong support for the family. It is quite clear that Winnie knew what her mission was in Texas. Unfortunately, the big heart that made her such a wonderful dog was the reason for her early death. Thankfully, we know that the boy has been reunited with his trusted companion.

Amelia was rescued from a shelter where she was turned in as a stray. When she got to rescue she was completely untrained, underweight, and had demodectic mange. She was so stressed in the beginning that she drooled all the time. It took her a year to develop the skills she needed to be adopted. Her new home was with a family in Georgia who thought she was the greatest dog. They were training her to be a therapy dog and their daughter loved to dress her up. Amelia rode in the car with her adoptive mom all the time. On Sept. 7, 2003, only 6 months after her adoption, Amelia passed away. The necropsy showed that she had cancerous tumors in her spleen and lungs. Amelia was playful and happy up until the end, which comes as no surprise. That was Amelia's personality, and she wouldn't have had it any other way.

Where can one even begin to try and explain Sebby?? He came into rescue so abused, neglected and sick that it was originally suggested that he be euthanized. The will to live and the spark were in his eyes, however, and we decided to try to save him. After months of intense struggle, and years of medical care, Sebby showed he was truly a survivor. Never was there a dog so loving, so full of life, so sweet, so tolerant of whatever needed to be done to him to help him survive. The Sebster loved everyone, except people with light blonde or white hair. He never got over the fear of the person who tortured him, or objects like brooms, sticks and rakes, but he learned to love and trust others. He adored all the kitties, and was often found napping with one or more of them curled up beside him. He loved his mama and his girl, but in an even broader stroke, he became the "mascot" of many Great Dane lovers, who were all amazed by him, his courage and his recovery all the time. Sebby became a "poster dog" for rescue and for Great Danes, working the crowd at our annual Pet Expos, adoptathons, schools and other educational events. He lived his life to the fullest, playing, running, loving and happy. At the age of 5 he developed some problems which were never really diagnosed, but were probably organ shut down from the years of demodex and ivomec for its control. It was clear that he was not ready to leave, but he was also very clear that he no longer had the will to fight in him, and we helped him over the bridge when he told us that was what he wanted. His passing left a huge hole in our home and our hearts, but more than that we are so grateful to have been the ones he chose to come to and to honor with his love and presence. Godspeed, Sebby. I know you are running pain free and healthy now.

English came into rescue after living on her own for months. She had BB shot in her leg, and had suffered years of neglect. She proved to be a very loving little girl, and was the official rescue "auntie" for all puppies who came into rescue. She also assumed the role of official toy burial mistress in our yard! English stayed in rescue for two years until the perfect family came for her. During that time, English, Sebby and Donovan became best buds! She was adopted at 5 years of age by a loving couple in Pennsylvania who took her home and lavished upon her all the love, care and attention she had been denied in her earlier years. They took her everywhere and loved her to death. She lived her life with them as a very spoiled little girl! Unfortunately, English developed a cancer on her foot that could not be cured, and she crossed the bridge in the arms of both her parents. She was part of an era in rescue and will never be forgotten.

Donovan was the other of the 3 muskateers! What a special boy he was! Although deaf and vision impaired, Donnie functioned like a normal Dane. He did not spook or startle, was loving and kind and had a very funny sense of humor. Donnie was another who loved his kitties and all the dogs. But he really loved people! Donovan also suffered from wobblers and was supposed to be paralyzed and dead at age 2. Acupuncture kept him going for another 4 years, and then he stoically endured a major spinal surgery that gave him more time. It was Donnie's temperament that made it possible to put him through this difficult surgery and recovery even with his other handicaps. There is just no way to explain the special qualities and how wonderful this dog was. He took a huge piece of my heart with him when he crossed the bridge at 7 years of age. Godspeed, Donnie - my tears still flow for you.

Dozer is a prime example of what bad breeding and poor environment can create in a dog. Dozer was relegated to the back yard where he and his yard buddy were left to amuse themselves by fence-fighting with the neighbor's dog(s). The social deprivation coupled with poor nutrition played havoc with this poor boy. When he came into rescue we were told he did not get along with other male dogs. We did not find this true here, but as our rescue was full, he was sent to another rescue. Together we found Dozer a home in Illinois where he could work with a behaviorist. Dozer startled easily and was unpredictable. The changes of environment made him more unpredictable and he showed some aggression to a youngster in his home. He was placed with a mom and teenage daughter, and attended behavioral sessions with the behaviorist, but his behavior continued to deteriorate and become more and more unpredictable. He would be loving and needy at home, but defensive. His behavior continued to deteriorate, and finally he committed a severe, unprovoked bite on a young teenage girl, and the decision was made that it would be better for him and all around him if he were relieved of his fears and anxiety. Dozer was euthanized in the arms of his tearful mom who knew the loving side of him. She stood by him to the end, although it was unbearably hard for her. We sincerely hope that Dozer is happy and running free now without his fears.

Sephy's family had a baby and Sephy was too active for the baby. She and her canine brother spent a lot more time in the yard than Sephy liked. Neighborhood children weren't nice to Sephy over the fence, throwing things at her and hurting her. Sephy got loose and got hit by a car. She took the brunt of the hit on her head and broke her jaw, among other things. Sephy's behavior began to deteriorate and her family asked us to take her into rescue. The transition to rescue was not a good one for Sephy, and she showed some very aggressive behavior. We worked through that, but were never able to get past her fence issues. Her vet from the accident felt she suffered brain damage. She would be happily playing with someone inside the fence, but if they stepped outside the fence, she would come over and bite them. :( We worked really hard with Sephy, who was a love inside the house, but after her third serious bite, we decided that her own anxiety and her level of unpredictability combined with her deafness to make for an unhappy and an unsafe dog, and we had to take Sephy to the Rainbow Bridge. We hope her death will at least give someone pause before they think about putting their dog out in the yard for long hours.

We were never sure we ever really got the real story about Beau. He came into rescue when his family was expecting a baby, because they "thought" he wouldn't be good with children. At first, in rescue he was very good with the neighbor's children. So good, that we placed him in a Dane savvy home with a child. That was a mistake, as by the third day, Beau was showing aggression toward the child. A behaviorist came in, but it was deemed unsafe for him to stay in that home. Rescue was full at that time, and we were forced to keep him temporarily in an outside holding area with a doghouse, etc. There, Beau showed a strong prey drive, killing several chickens, and a rooster, and injuring several cats. He would rush the fence to get at the neighbor's children. There was no home in sight, and Beau's behavior was deteriorating. He began to lose weight and became very depressed. It became winter and there was no indoor place to foster him, no home that could safely house him, and no other rescue who would take him. Sadly, we sent Beau to the Rainbow Bridge rather than have him spend a cold winter outside.