Majestic Giants Great Dane Rescue

You Hoarder!

2011-03-10T10:38:00.002-05:00

Hoarder!

Thanks to new and popular T.V. shows, this has become one of the most over-used "curse" words in the animal community today. People with four pets will be called a hoarder by those who only prefer one pet. Rescues with 20 cats in a home will be called a hoarder behind their backs, despite how clean and well cared for the cats might be.

So what IS a hoarder, anyway?

Wikipedia defines animal hoarders as follows:

Animal hoarding involves keeping higher than usual numbers of animals as pets without having the ability to properly house or care for them, while at the same time denying this inability. Compulsive hoarding can be characterized as a symptom of mental disorder rather than deliberate cruelty towards animals. Hoarders are deeply attached to their pets and find it extremely difficult to let the pets go. They typically cannot comprehend that they are harming their pets by failing to provide them with proper care. Hoarders tend to believe that they provide the right amount of care for their pets.

So what does this mean exactly? If you have one or two pets and are not caring for them properly, you are simply neglectful. But when you have multiple neglected pets, and refuse to see the neglect and cannot let them go, you are a hoarder.

Does this mean that a rescue with 20 cats is a hoarder? Let's think.

The rescuer may have 20 cats in their home. This IS an unusually high number of animals. However, the question becomes - how are they being cared for? Are the litter boxes clean? Are the cats well fed on an appropriate diet? Are they receiving proper and frequent medical care from a licenced Vet? Does this rescuer simply collect and house 20 cats, or do they find loving, forever homes for them?

Many families, with jobs, social lives, kids, and hobbies, are not well equipped to caring for a large number of animals. But some people, like rescuers, will devote a large amount of time, energy, and funds to animal care, and may actually be capable of providing clean, loving care to a large number of animals. They may develop systems to streamline their care, building kennels or purchasing self-cleaning litter boxes. They use proper sanitizers, parasite control, and properly dispose of feces and hair.

The point I am trying to reach here is that not everyone with a large number of animals in their home is a hoarder. This word is hurtful to rescuers who do spend time and money caring for their fosters properly, and giving them every opportunity at a good life.

Be wary of anyone claiming to be a "rescuer" who does not adopt out the animals they receive. The inability to let go of the animals in their care is a big tell tale sign. All rescuers with large numbers of animals should have records for Veterinary care for each of their dogs or cats, including their personal ones. Their facility or home should be clean (no one with any pets has a "white-glove" clean home, so bear in mind that clean is a relative term!) and without large amounts of feces and urine.

I should also mention that breeders, even those of good quality, will usually have more animals than most people, as they should have diverse stock to breed from. The same cleanliness and Vetting standards apply to them too. If you buy a puppy from a location with alot of dogs in it, you may be purchasing from a Puppy Mill and a hoarder. Please report breeders with ill or unclean animals to your local SPCA or Animal Control.

Helping Out and the Feel Good Crew

2011-01-22T19:10:00.002-05:00

As many of you have heard, we have been very busy supporting our sister rescue, Dames For Danes and the Midnight Blue 6 that they were able to rescue from a hoarding breeder in West TN. The total costs for these 6 emaciated, some heart worm positive, Great Danes is at $3,500.00 and climbing.

Whats even more sad is that, in the limelight of these 6, the tragic stories of the two they had JUST taken in prior to the 6 have been lost in the chaos. Lavergne, a senior, emaciated female was spayed by the YWAC when she was 8 years old and over 30 lbs under weight. She's still struggling to recover. Also, there is Big Foot, a GORGEOUS Harlequin boy, who is heart worm positive and also very underweight.

Please remember that while large groups of neglected dogs are tragic, we see hundreds of individuals with pitiful, sad stories every day. Each of them deserves your sympathy and encouragement as they grow healthy in rescue too.

On another note, we are filling up fast this week and are in critical need of foster homes. We would like to welcome Midnight, a 20 month old Black female. We also have Marmalade, a crop-eared fawn female and Marshall, a 5 yr old Blue Merle heading into rescue over the next week. Keep watching for pictures and stories on them.

Just wanted to share my thoughts with you all today. More money saving tips and great Dane gifts in our next post.

Cats, kittens, and other beastly things.

2011-01-17T11:20:00.003-05:00

So this weekend we were able to place all of the remaining kittens we took in from May of last year. There had been 10 kittens and two moms total, and they have all found wonderful, loving homes. Congratulations to all of their families, and to each of our beautiful cats.

Today, I'd like to share some ways to save on your pet's prescription costs and help you save some much needed cash.

Did you know that most pet prescriptions have generic versions too, just like human meds? These generic medications are just as effective, but may come in alternate forms.

For example:

Heartgard - The generic version of Heartgard is Ivermectin. Actually, that's kind of a lie. Ivermectin is the drug inside Heartgard, but you can buy Ivermectin in a liquid or paste form, instead of the beefy chewable. The cost to buy a 6 month supply of Heartgard online for a 150lb Dane is approx. $65.00.

To buy Ivermectin in a liquid form is approx. $35.00 for a 50ml bottle. To prevent heartworms in Danes, we give 1cc/ml per 100lbs. Meaning, for a 150lb Dane, that $35.00 bottle of Ivermectin will last about 33 doses. That's over 2 and a half years of monthly heartworm prevention for HALF the price of what you'd pay at the vet's office.

Rimadyl, a medicine commonly prescribed for dogs with arthritis or other types of pain, also has a generic called Novox.
A commonly interchangeable NSAID is Meloxicam. Many vets will give this as an alternative to Rimadyl. Meloxicam is on the list for $4.00 prescriptions at Walmart, meaning you can get a 30 day supply for $4.00.

The cost for 30 days of Rimadyl? About 70.00 online.

Common antibiotics are also available at Walmart for $4.00 including Cephalexin, Amoxicillin, Metronidazole, and Doxycycline. Ask your Vet to write you a script, rather than have them fill their own. You'll save a lot of money fast.

Please remember, I am NOT a vet, and this is NOT medical advice. Please do not give your pet any medications without first consulting a licenced Veterinarian. We have given these meds to our Danes safely, but yours may be an exception. We simply want to make you an aware consumer, and help you to keep your Dane healthy and happy for less money.

2011 and How Time Fleas.

2011-01-15T02:22:00.003-05:00

I am renewing my commitment in 2011 to try and keep up with this blog regularly. I think we'll set a more reasonable goal of once a week, and if I feel up to writing more, well, you just get lucky. ;)

Some new things are big on our minds as we begin our third year as MGGDR. We started uploading some of the new content we've been working on today, so you may notice the all new home page. In fact, it's probably how you got to be reading this blog. There will be all new pages, new info, new layouts and new photos over the next month, and a fully revamped site by spring.

Hopefully.

On another note, our Free Spays and Neuters Program remains on temporary hold, due to lack of funds. If you have a Great Dane and are unable to have him or her altered on your own, we can still get you set up with a very low cost spay or neuter. Please don't hesitate to call us if you are need.

This month's top needs are:

54 inch crates, with or without trays
Great Dane sized nail clippers
Flea prevention meds in any size and type (except Hartz or Seargents)
Ivermectin (if you don't know what this is, you need to email me. Now.)
and Purina One and Purina Dog Chow

On a final thought, I know I promised you a blog on low cost and effective treatment. Instead of just regurgitating it to you, let me give you the link for what will soon become your go-to product for more than just fleas.

Start here, and read this entire website. It will change your life.

Did you die?

2010-05-17T23:09:00.006-04:00

Alas! Did you read the post where I said I was TERRIBLE at this whole "blogging" thing? Our lives are too busy to spend an hour each day writing a long and dedicated post... But seeing as how you are all our valued and cherished friends, we keep trying!

You may notice a new layout to our home page. Even though he is cursing me for the extra work, it is all thanks to our wonderful, beloved web designer, Jesse. Thank you, Jesse! We love you!

I thought we might take a branch in direction this blog is going to talk about practical, useful tips to keeping your Great Dane happy and healthy. So from now on, aside from regular "What's Happening" blurbs about the on goings of the rescue, I will also offer you free advice on how to reduce your medical costs, train your Dane, get free stuff, and lots more things you REALLY wanna know.

DISCLAIMER! I AM NOT A LICENCED VETERINARIAN AND I AM NOT LICENCED TO GIVE MEDICAL ADVICE! You should consult your veterinarian before trying ANY of our proposed alternatives and always follow their advice. Please do your own research, just as I have. We have hundreds of dogs experience under our belts, and have never killed one yet, but your pet may be an exception! This advice is only intended for Great Danes. Following this advice for any other breed or mix can be fatal!

To start us off, let's talk about worms. Icky, right? Well, imagine how your dog feels! Worms, or intestinal parasites, can be transmitted to your dog in a variety of ways, and can also be transmitted to you and your family. Dogs that lick or sniff grass where another dog had pooped (within the last 6 years!), licks or sniffs an infected dog's butt, dogs that chew and eat fleas, or puppies nursing from an infected mother can all acquire worms or other infections. Worms such as hookworms and roundworms are especially likely to be acquired by humans. Hookworms can infect your body from the soles of your bare feet!

So what can you do?

Routine and regular dewormings of you dog can seriously lower your risk, and your dogs risk of acquiring a serious parasite infection. Most vets will recommend deworming your dog every six months, but you can safely deworm your dog every month, especially if you have a bad case of worms or chronic worm problem, as most rescuers and multiple dog owners can.

But what's the cost?

Recently, we paid 34.95 for three boxes of Panacur C. Remember, this is a rescue discounted price, and your cost may be higher.

Each box contains 3 packets of 4 grams of powdered Fenbendazole. The dosage for one 120lb Dane is 12 grams per day for three days, or one box a day.

Now, compare that to a visit to the local Tractor Supply or Co-Op, and purchasing Safe-Guard for horses. This is a tube of the drug Fenbendazole in paste form. This tube, purchased for approx 7.00, treats up to 1100lbs of horse. That means, you can dose your 120lb Dane approx 9 times. That's three months of dewormer for 7.00 VS three months of dewormer for 104.85.

Amazed? So was I. And Fenbendazole is one of the safest dewormers around, meaning if you fudge a little in either direction, your dog should be safe.

The Tractor Supply can be a WEALTH of possibilities for low cost, over the counter drugs to help keep your dog safe and healthy. Next time, we will discuss low cost vaccinations for your Dane.

Stay tuned!

Today's featured dog is Diesel! Diesel is a comical, playful 2yr old black male. He is super funny! Diesel is a bit under socialized, and is not a fan of anyone attempting to take him by the collar. Therefor, he can be challenging to leash, but he prefers to be a homebody anyway. Diesel likes the couch, bed, and any other soft spot where you are. Visit us here for more information on adopting Diesel!

Slow day at the office...

2009-09-16T17:30:00.002-04:00

So our adoption applications link has been broken for over two weeks. We have it fixed now... so start applying! We have so many great dogs that are in need of homes, and if they don't get adopted, they stay safe, but countless others die as we are too full to take in any more.

You know, fostering is a rewarding experince, and contarry to popular belief, you ARE a strong person and you CAN foster, because you will be able to let them go in the end. You can. I trust you. Trust me. The new home will be great, and so will you. There are more dogs counting on you. So many, many more.

So you say you JUST CAN'T foster, and you just can't adopt right now either? Then donate! What? You're broke? Me too. So give of your time. Ask yor friends to give. Ask your boss. Ask your company. Got some extra pet stuff lying around? We need that. Can you paint, draw, graphic design? We need that too. Got a buddy who who makes banners? We'd love to meet them. We need crates, leashes, collars, food, treats (you can make us some for pennies!), and most of all, volunteers. We do events and fundraisers where if nothing else, we could just use the extra body to hold a leash or pet a dog. And then, there's always cash... Hold a bake sale, yard sale, ebay sale, whatever! Your weekend of effort can provide a lifetime of comfort and happiness to a Dane who is homeless. Its so minimal. So very little a thing to do. Can't do it alone? Enlist a friend. Ask you mom. Ask a total stranger and make a new friend as you bond over baked goods and big dogs.

I believe in you.

Long time - No good

2009-09-14T14:54:00.002-04:00

I never have been great at the whole Blogging thing, so my apologies for the long lapse in post time. We've had big things keeping me busy!

Casper's birthday party will be Sun. Oct 11th from 1 to 5pm at our place. We are just so thrilled that our "boy" is becoming a "man". He weighs about 145lbs now! If you haven't received an invite, please email me right away and we'll get you one.

We have such a great group of fosters right now. Everyone interacts so peacefully and does just as they're told.

Apollo completed his training and is like a whole new boy. He responds very well to his commands and is noticeably more mellow.

Annie is a miracle girl. She looks amazing and has the youthful energy of a puppy now. She and Zoe are best friends and they LOVE to wrestle together. I'd love to see those two go home together.

Speaking of pairs, Pupeye and Darla are twins! These two match each other in color and size. Now, if only Darla could be as playful as Pupeye, or Pupeye as gentle as Darla...

Scooby Deuce is still here... and I don't know why! That dog is awesome. Unique markings - no other dog like him - a funny, goofball personality, great with cats and most other dogs, friendly, outgoing, total couch potato. He deserves a home NOW!

Scooby the blue merle was adpoted by his foster mom. Yes!

Still pluggin away on website content. So much to do, so little time.

Things I am working on.

2009-06-25T17:08:00.000-04:00

I've been working slowly on adding new features to our website. Ideally, our website will be so full of ever changing content that you can log on every morning with your cup of coffee and see whats new with your favourite breed and rescue.

This of course is a long way off. We are growing daily and someday aspire to be multi-regional. All in good time.

We have a new feature ready to go live soon, called Casper's Friends. This will be a section for the non-Dane dogs and cats and other creatures that we periodically collect. Some are abandoned here, some we find, some we rescue, and some are given to us. They will all be spayed or neutered, with the exception of small animals, but beyond that we can't always afford to do the total package. Most of them will have very low adoption fees. Some will be Name Your Own Fee so that even the most budget conscious person can enjoy a healthy rescued pet. These pets may or may not go out under the MGR contract. I may draft one for them individually. We'll see.

We will have a new Health and Wellness section with information on bloat, hip dysplasia, and other common illnesses Danes and their owners face. There will also be a large section devoted to proper nutrition as in my personal opinion, proper nutrition can solve/prevent a great majority of your problems.

We are also seeking a talented Graphic Design artist to help us with a few small designs for the website. I would like some small images to add next to our dogs, along with a key to help people quickly view which dogs are what. These can be very small and 8 bit color for all I care. They don't have to be fancy, but it is a plus. Anyone out there with the talent for what I seek please write to me at rebecca@majesticgiantsrescue.com.

Majestic Giants - What's happening?

2009-06-24T18:24:00.000-04:00

As we progress on our built-from-scratch website, I want to take this opportunity to set up a regular "blog" where you can get updates from me, Rebecca, on a regular basis about your favourite rescue Danes and our news.

Here I can address questions, post pictures, and offer my day to day assessment on Danes in our care and in our foster care. Please feel free to leave comments, ask questions, or offer advice on anything I post.

To start off, let me tell you a little about our current foster in my home. Starting with:

Sadie - Sadie is an 11-14 month old Black female. My initial impression of her was not a good one, as she seems to be highly fearful and reactive towards everything. But now that she's been with us nearly a week, she has really opened up and let her sweet nature show through. She is kissy, an unusual trait for a Dane. She is still shy of yelling or loud noises, so her new home needs to be a quiet, patient one. I think the home we have lined up for her is going to be perfect. They will foster her for a while beginning tomorrow night.

Scooby Deuce - Scooby is awesome. He's a true couch potato, and he's just so freakin funny. He seems not to know how to play with people, though. On the occasion that you can get him interested, he plays very rough and mouthy. In fact, he will downright bite you, but it is all in play. When he is calm or in any other state of mind, he would never lay a tooth on you. I think he must have been raised with other adult males who played rough with him as a pup. His nose is always cold and he is always by my side. Also, he's great off leash. Better even than my off leash trained personal dog. He is awesome. I love the jeebus out of him.

Truman - Truman is mine. Get your own! ;)
No but seriously? His adopters must be stay at home millionaires with a penchant for expensive dog food and fancy collars. He deserves nothing less. :)

Apollo - Apollo is Apollo. Hes a young pup who is full of energy and spark. He needs a jogger owner or a LARGE fenced in yard. Daily exercise is the key to his, and your, happiness.

Oberon and Roland - Obie and Rolie are GOING HOME this weekend! These black baby elephants are huge, weighing in at 171 and 203. They need some serious exercise and a diet plan. They are a great success story, however, as they both came in malnourished and underweight. They are solid, bomb-proof boys, good with cats, dogs, kids, birds, etc.

We're fundraising this month selling Candy bars. We have all your favourites, and you can support us by selling a case or two at your work or church. Please call me at 865 803 6143 to get some.

We have three Casper's Friends this week. One 8 month old solid black kitten named Bella. She is spayed, micro-chipped, vaccinated, de-wormed, and has rabbit-soft fur. She is dog and cat friendly, and is looking for a forever home.

We also have Darwin, a 6 yr old white male, de-clawed, neutered, up to date on shots, de-wormed and flea and tick free. He comes with an automatic litter box. He is also dog and cat social, but prefers to stay in his "space".

Cupcake is a 2 yr old red, red nosed female American Staffordshire Terrier. She is amazing. Perfect personality, friendly, dog and cat social, and very obedient. She will sleep in the bed with you, and bonds strongly to her people. My 4 yr old son LOVES her, and she him. He named her, of course. All AST's should be named after sweet foods and candy.

More to come as I talk with you regularly about what we're up to.

Thanks for reading, and remember to add us on Facebook, Twitter, and Igive.