Daniel and I both love, love, love dogs. For over a year we’ve been wanting to rescue an adult female Great Dane. They’re screaming that earthy doggie energy we’re addicted to, and lots of it! We’d already decided a year ago to name her Gypsy, after Daniel’s childhood sweetie, a beloved Saint Bernard. Great Danes are extremely gentle, loving, and calm dogs with the most pleasant disposition. They’re also nonchalant and laid back regarding small farm animals, so they’re the perfect all around breed for urban farmers. She’ll respect all the little animals, and serve as protection while she’s outdoors. Not to mention, our active Boxer, Hanu, will finally have a playmate. We’d been looking at Danes listed online by rescue organizations, but every time we inquired, the dog was already spoken for. Finally, we found our girl through Crossroads Dog Rescue. We met her today and fell madly in love.
Smiling Gypsy at her foster home. She's having surgery on her infected cherry eye and spaying this coming Monday
Mama Gypsy's post-pregnancy figure. She'll firm up and reach a healthy 120 lbs. in no time!
Giant Gypsy greeted us with the calmness I expected, and her eye contact was very sweet and strong. Daniel was a blob of melted butter after the visit; we got back in the car to leave, and when I looked over I had to scrape him off the seat! Really, it was that bad. We both just knew she would be the perfect addition to our family. She’s 1 year and 3 months old– still a puppy for a Dane. Her previous owner exposed her to a male Coonhound and she ended up pregnant, so she recently finished weaning 8 puppies. Her youthful figure will return soon, and her dry, thin hair will come in rich, thick and shiny black. We’re told dogs lose hair a lot during pregnancy. She’s 81 pounds, but the vet says she needs to gain weight… possibly up to 120 pounds by the time she’s 2. She’s been through a lot at her young age.
Gypsy will have surgery Monday to eliminate the cherry eye infection, and get spayed. She’ll probably transition home by the end of next week. We’re looking forward to giving her a life of love, healing and growth. Oh, and Gypsy will be taking over Sorin’s place in Amelie’s bedroom! I just love the thought of them rooming together. Time to shop for/make a ginormous dog cushion! 🙂
Posted by: Jill
river of love urban farmstead 