Florida Giant Dog Rescue, Inc.

29/08/2024

Courtesy of Danes and Things

28/08/2024

Are you in the mood for some really good news? We have some for you, ready.....

Zeus and Luna have found their forever home!!!!!

Their new parents came to visit them at their foster home a couple of weeks ago and everything went well, so they were transported to their forever home last weekend. We can't thank their foster mom Kelli enough for all her love and care of this bonded pair. Kelli stepped up and took in two Great Danes when they most needed someone after being left in the back yard by their original owners in the Florida heat.

She has been their angel and fought for them every step of the way, never shying away when things got bumpy and the future wasn't clear. Kelli made sure Zeus and Luna were comfortable in their new home by taking all their toys, beds and blankets with them and staying with them for a couple of hours to make the transition easier on everyone.

Their new parents are wonderful folks, very loving and supportive and they have a sun room, which Luna thinks is the absolute best!! We wish everyone the very best and look forward to more updates.

28/08/2024

Sending love and hugs to all those who’ve lost their best friend.

26/08/2024

TODAY IS INTERNATIONAL DOG DAY!

History of National Dog Day

Dogs are a man’s best friend for a reason, so why not celebrate them? These furry friends range in all different shapes, sizes, and breeds. There is a dog out there for everyone! Whether you like big dogs or small dogs, every pup should be celebrated on National Dog Day.

This holiday was created in 2004 by Colleen Paige, a Pet & Family Lifestyle Expert and Animal Advocate. She created this day so that all dogs can be celebrated and also to draw attention to the number of dogs in shelters and to encourage adoption to those who have yet to find a place to call home. August 26 is significant to Colleen because it is the day her family adopted her Sheltie when she was 10 years old.

Since the first celebration in 2004, National Dog Day has grown and is now celebrated across the world. In 2013 the holiday was written into New York legislation and can be seen on the New York State Senate’s website.

To spread the word further, those that oversee the holiday have joined forces with many rescue partners, including The Human Society of The United States and West Coast Labrador Retriever Rescue. Together they draw attention to the number of dogs that are without a home and try to actively encourage people searching for a dog to visit an adoption shelter instead of a pet store.

Since the first day back in 2004, it is estimated that approximately one million dogs have been saved through adoption in the U.S. For dog owners that aren’t looking to add to their family, National Dog Day has become a day for treating their friend like the legend they are and enjoying the connection that we’ve built up with dogs over thousands of years.

Colleen Paige, the founder of the holiday, also uses the day to draw attention to the multiple ways in which dogs contribute towards our society. From putting their lives on the line to help law enforcement track down bombs or drug dealers to providing assistance for those who need it, dogs play an important role. Nowadays dogs can even identify cancer in patients.

National Dog Day has also been using its platform to encourage dog ownership of all breeds, mixed and pure, and continuously pushes for all dogs to be allowed to live happy and abuse-free lives.

National Dog Day is on an upward trajectory and continues to grow in popularity. It is widely covered in the media each year and rescue homes are the all-important exposure they need to get their message across. Whether you choose to celebrate by volunteering at a rescue home, making a donation to a shelter, or by giving your furry friend an extra big cuddle, make sure you spend this day acknowledging just how awesome dogs are.

(courtesy nationaltoday.com)

25/08/2024

SENIOR REALLY NEEDS A HOME, ONE OF OUR LONGEST RESIDENTS!!

Zalton is a handsome, mature Great Dane at the age of 6 years. He found his way into rescue when his owner could no longer care for him. He entered rescue obese from being constantly fed and getting little exercise. He's one of our longest rescue residents.

He has since discovered that he likes to roam the yard with some of the other dogs in rescue at this time. He gets along well with most dogs, male and female and despite his size 140 #, he gets scared when the others start to rough house or the rough play gets too close to him.

Never having been socialized very much, he is not a huge fan of the car, although he will get in and he is cautious in situations he is unfamiliar with. He is protective of his home and person. He is extremely food motivated as you might imagine.

He would do best in a home with no children and low traffic. He really only wants a soft place to land for the balance of his years. A fenced yard is not a requirement as long as regular exercise is provided, as he has a tendency to gain weigh.

This handsome guy really needs a home of his own - is it you? Applications can be completed on our website flgdr.org.

22/08/2024

UPDATE: Adoption pending

In my opinion Jack is the perfect dog, sweet, kind, obedient, dog friendly, human friendly, housebroken, crate trained, walks nicely on leash, up to date on vaccines, heartworm negative and playful.

So what is the problem...... I can't figure out why he's still in rescue. Is it black dog syndrome? We have several black dogs in rescue right now that have been with us for a while.

Jack is a three year old Great Dane and stunning. He comes from a good home without any of the horrible baggage some of our dogs experience before coming into rescue. He has been out to the event in Longwood and to the Dog Bar St. Pete twice. Many people expressed interest and said they would complete the application, when they get home - crickets.

I've done funny posts, reels and straight honest posts like this one and NOTHING. It's times like these where rescuers begin to question their usefulness. We can only help dogs if we can place the ones we already have. We get tons of requests on a daily basis from people wanting to surrender dogs and requests from shelters to pull dogs are non-stop. We are at a standstill until we can place the dogs we have. It's just that simple.

21/08/2024

It has been a long and winding road for our boy Draco, but he has finally found his perfect home!!

Draco came to us from what was described as an abusive situation and if you spent any time around him at all that was very evident. He has not a mean bone in his body, but upon entering rescue he was terrified of the world.

He was placed with an experienced Great Dane owner, alas it turned out to not be a good fit. Upon return to the rescue he was sent to our wonderful trainer at Salt Dragon Farm & Canine Behavior she worked with him for a month and improved his confidence around all the things that scare him. During that time one of our previous adopters saw Draco and wanted to meet him. They made the almost two hour trek to the training facility with their other Great Dane Penny and fell in love.

Once his training was complete, they went back to the training facility to pick him up and get some pointers on how to manage his fears and improve his confidence. Draco will never be a social butterfly, but he's in a home that understands that.

Happy Tails to Draco and his new family.

21/08/2024

I have some catching up to do as far as posting the rescue activities are concerned.

Sunday I had the opportunity to visit with Sammy, the nine year old Great Dane we told you about that was basically abandoned at the boarding kennel. These fine folks have kept him there for a long while, even without getting paid and just want what's best for him.

We have sent both dry and wet food and a bed for him to get comfy on until we take him into rescue at the end of the month. He will then go to our vet for a full course of bloodwork, vaccines and if it is determined he is healthy enough, a neuter.

A foster has been found for Sammy and they are excited to be helping this boy out. He was sweet, kind and loving to me while I was there, he is fascinated by cats, they have a couple at the kennel in their own catio and he loves watching them.

We'll keep you updated on Sammy's progress once we take custody of him at the end of the month.

19/08/2024

Our very own Zeus and Luna are featured in his Dodo reel.

19/08/2024

We have some wonderful news for our boy Scooby - he's been adopted!!!! His new dad tells me he is a perfect fit! He is now living on a large property next to a river with a beautiful female dane named Charlie.

Scooby has met human members of the family and several friends and is very comfortable with everyone. He has always proven to be very smart and extremely sensitive to his humans energy and moods. The other day he picked up one of the beds and put it on top of another bed to make it super cushy, he never ceases to amaze me. His home is very chill, calm and quiet most of the time, which is exactly what he needed.

We wish Scooby and his family and friends the very best!!! Make good choices big boy.

17/08/2024

LAST CALL TO OREDER THIS SHIRT!

ONLY 1 MORE DAY and ordering will close and this design will be gone forever! We aren't anywhere near reaching our goal - PLEASE place your order today so we can get these to print!

We have chosen to do this t-shirt campaign with a little different design placement - the design is on the back of the shirt with a logo on the front.
The copy answers the 4 most annoying questions giant dog owners get asked:

1) no it's not a horse
2 there is no saddle
3) yes, they eat a lot
4) why do you care about the p**p

Click on the photo and it will take you to the campaign directly. This is a limited edition shirt, orders will close on August 15, 2024, so make sure you get yours ordered!

Novelty shirts are a fun way for you to help support Florida Giant Dog Rescue! Proceeds go to help defray costs of rescuing and caring for these dogs until they can be placed in a furever home. If you have ever walked your giant breed dog in public, chances are you have heard one, if not all of the....

17/08/2024

Please email us if you are interested in helping [email protected]

We have been contacted about this poor boy named Sammy. He is a 9 year old senior Dane that is currently living in a boarding facility after his owner passed away unexpectedly. We can not help him without a foster, that’s the bottom line.

The person at the boarding facility says Sammy is a wonderful dog, loves people and is wasting away at the facility. He is super thin, we can help him but not without a foster.

The boarding facility personnel have this to say about Sammy:

“But I am desperate, and looking for ANY help. This sweet, sweet soul is Sampson ("Sammy"). He was a regular boarder at the Kennel. Their owner passed away unexpectedly last year, and he has been boarded ever since.
While she loved her boys, she really didn't have the knowledge or resources to care for them properly, so sweet Sam has always been very under weight. Being on House food, and stuck in a kennel - that doesn't seem to be changing. Sammy is suspected to be about 9 years old, and with his health, I'm afraid he doesn't have an awful lot of time left. He is the sweetest boy, as most Danes are, but man is he just so amazing despite his circumstances.

He is such a sweet boy! He deserves the world. And he doesn't act like he's miserable. Like he pushes past it like it's nothing. Which just makes my heart break more! LOL

My niece is too and she will come to the kennel and run over to him and scream "Sammy! " and give him a hug and he soaks it in! He loves it!”

If you have room in your heart and home to foster Sammy, we can help him. Please email us at [email protected].

16/08/2024

16/08/2024

UPDATE: Adoption Pending!!

The board of Florida Giant Dog Rescue would like to thank Hiram's Tattoo Collective, Orinoco's Cafe & Bakery and Jack the Dipper Ice Cream all of Longwood for running a fundraising promotion for us last weekend!

We were onsite at Hiram's and met so many nice folks and our boy - Jack got all the attention he could handle. If you are in the Longwood area, please be certain to patronize these wonderful businesses. Orinoco's baked up some wonderful dog treats that got Jack's paw of approval.

Thank you to everyone who came out, got some new ink, had a great meal or a yummy banana split!

15/08/2024

Being overweight is dangerous for your dog as it can lead to a range of health problems and early death. By the Dog Food Advisor.

13/08/2024

UPDATE: Adoption pending

Someday someone will have to explain to me how a human being can look at a face like this and intentionally kill it, but that is what happened to Hunter's siblings. A backyard breeder had a litter and couldn't sell them so he shot them, but Hunter managed to escape and a neighbor hid him until they could get him to safety.

I wish I could tell you this was the exception, but in this economic climate, entire litters of puppies are being surrendered or worse, because the BYB can't sell them. PLEASE research the person or establishment you are getting a dog from. Reputable breeders will breed to improve the breed, health test the parents, puppies are temperament tested, vetted, etc. If the person or establishment you are dealing with can't or won't answer those questions, please think twice.

Anyway, Hunter is now safe. I participated in the transport, he is safely tucked away at his foster home until we can get him a furever home.

We are told he is 5 months old, if he is truly Mastiff, he is small, but that could be from poor nutrition, worms, poor nutrition of the mother during pregnancy, etc. He is the sweetest boy, all puppy kisses and love. He was wonderful in the car and like all puppies, enjoys his treats.

We have learned that Hunter is good with children and other dogs, but has not been cat tested. However, if you would like to get qualified to adopt Hunter, please go to our website and complete the application to adopt. flgdr.org

13/08/2024

UPDATE: Thank you to those that have ordered. We are now HALFWAY TO OUR GOAL WITH ONLY 2 DAYS LEFT TO GO!!!!!! We have not yet hit the minimum required to get this printed - ORDER YOURS TODAY!!!!

We have chosen to do this t-shirt campaign with a little different design placement - the design is on the back of the shirt with a logo on the front.
The copy answers the 4 most annoying questions giant dog owners get asked:
1) no it's not a horse
2 there is no saddle
3) yes, they eat a lot
4) why do you care about the p**p
Click on the photo and it will take you to the campaign directly. This is a limited edition shirt, orders will close on August 15, 2024, so make sure you get yours ordered!

Novelty shirts are a fun way for you to help support Florida Giant Dog Rescue! Proceeds go to help defray costs of rescuing and caring for these dogs until they can be placed in a furever home. If you have ever walked your giant breed dog in public, chances are you have heard one, if not all of the....

12/08/2024

UPDATE: WE'RE NOT EVEN HALFWAY TO OUR GOAL AS YET WITH ONLY 3 DAYS LEFT TO GO!!!!!! We have not yet hit the minimum required to get this printed - ORDER YOURS TODAY!!!!

We have chosen to do this t-shirt campaign with a little different design placement - the design is on the back of the shirt with a logo on the front.
The copy answers the 4 most annoying questions giant dog owners get asked:

1) no it's not a horse
2 there is no saddle
3) yes, they eat a lot
4) why do you care about the p**p

Click on the photo and it will take you to the campaign directly. This is a limited edition shirt, orders will close on August 15, 2024, so make sure you get yours ordered!

Novelty shirts are a fun way for you to help support Florida Giant Dog Rescue! Proceeds go to help defray costs of rescuing and caring for these dogs until they can be placed in a furever home. If you have ever walked your giant breed dog in public, chances are you have heard one, if not all of the....

10/08/2024

UPDATE: Adoption pending!!

Come on out and visit with us if you're in the Longwood area. Meet Jack and maybe find you your next best friend! What a great event will be here for a few more hours. A portion of the proceeds from several of the shops will be donated directly to Florida Giant dog rescue.

07/08/2024

UPDATE: WE'RE NOT EVEN HALFWAY TO OUR GOAL AS YET WITH ONLY 8 DAYS LEFT TO GO!!!!!!

We have chosen to do this t-shirt campaign with a little different design placement - the design is on the back of the shirt with a logo on the front.
The copy answers the 4 most annoying questions giant dog owners get asked:

1) no it's not a horse
2 there is no saddle
3) yes, they eat a lot
4) why do you care about the p**p

Click on the photo and it will take you to the campaign directly. This is a limited edition shirt, orders will close on August 15, 2024, so make sure you get yours ordered!

Novelty shirts are a fun way for you to help support Florida Giant Dog Rescue! Proceeds go to help defray costs of rescuing and caring for these dogs until they can be placed in a furever home. If you have ever walked your giant breed dog in public, chances are you have heard one, if not all of the....

07/08/2024

No this isn't a giant in the photo - but does it have to be? All rescues and shelters can use your help right now. EVERYONE is full and dogs are dying everyday for lack of space.

I borrowed the photo from another rescue - because it seemed pointless to recreate the wheel when this says it so well.

06/08/2024

Update: Adopted

We are excited to share that Draco will be completing his training with Jennifer. The focus of his training was to build confidence.
Draco will be looking for his forever home.
Here is a update from Jennifer :
From Jennifer re Draco:

Draco gains so much confidence from other dogs. He would very much benefit from having dog friends (singular or multiple). I have introduced him to males, females intact and altered. He has been great with everyone. I think he would be most successful in a home with a fenced in yard, that is somewhat quiet like they don’t have tons of people coming and going or parties, and they don’t plan to take him in public and walk him around. He probably would not enjoy that.

He is most terrified on leash in new environments. Tristan started the lawnmower and he had a small meltdown. Tristan walked past us too fast for his delicate soul and he nervous p**ped. Loud thunder cracking above us, that’s fine. Kind of random things he is afraid of. But he does great when the environment is more predictable like inside the round pen, or fenced in space where he can play off leash. We worked more on holding a place today and back tying. This was our most successful lesson on back tying because the first time he was sure it was something sort of cruel torture. To stay on the place and not be allowed to run away….so mean I am. 😆

If interested in Draco pl we reach out and fill out an application- www.flgdr.org
This handsome stud deserves his forever happily after

04/08/2024

UPDATE: Adoption pending

Someday someone will have to explain to me how a human being can look at a face like this and intentionally kill it, but that is what happened to Hunter's siblings. A backyard breeder had a litter and couldn't sell them so he shot them, but Hunter managed to escape and a neighbor hid him until they could get him to safety.

I wish I could tell you this was the exception, but in this economic climate, entire litters of puppies are being surrendered or worse, because the BYB can't sell them. PLEASE research the person or establishment you are getting a dog from. Reputable breeders will breed to improve the breed, health test the parents, puppies are temperament tested, vetted, etc. If the person or establishment you are dealing with can't or won't answer those questions, please think twice.

Anyway, Hunter is now safe. I participated in the transport, he is safely tucked away in my office cozy, safe and dry until tomorrow morning when he will visit the vet and then onto his foster home until we can get him a furever home.

We are told he is 5 months old, if he is truly Mastiff, he is small, but that could be from poor nutrition, worms, poor nutrition of the mother during pregnancy, etc. He is the sweetest boy, all puppy kisses and love. He was wonderful in the car and is enjoying a bully stick behind my chair at the moment.

As we learn more about him, we will update you - we know nothing about children, cats or other dogs at this time. However, if you would like to get qualified to adopt Hunter, please go to our website and complete the application to adopt. flgdr.org

04/08/2024

We have chosen to do this t-shirt campaign with a little different design placement - the design is on the back of the shirt with a logo on the front.
The copy answers the 4 most annoying questions giant dog owners get asked:

1) no it's not a horse
2 there is no saddle
3) yes, they eat a lot
4) why do you care about the p**p

Click on the photo and it will take you to the campaign directly. This is a limited edition shirt, orders will close on August 15, 2024, so make sure you get yours ordered!

Novelty shirts are a fun way for you to help support Florida Giant Dog Rescue! Proceeds go to help defray costs of rescuing and caring for these dogs until they can be placed in a furever home. If you have ever walked your giant breed dog in public, chances are you have heard one, if not all of the....

03/08/2024

UPDATE: Adoption pending!!!

Come on out and visit Jack and I at the dog bar St Pete. The weather is gorgeous here. Will be here until about 6:00

02/08/2024

We have chosen to do this t-shirt campaign with a little different design placement - the design is on the back of the shirt with a logo on the front.
The copy answers the 4 most annoying questions giant dog owners get asked:
1) no it's not a horse
2 there is no saddle
3) yes, they eat a lot
4) why do you care about the p**p

Click on the photo and it will take you to the campaign directly. This is a limited edition shirt, orders will close on August 15, 2024, so make sure you get yours ordered!

Novelty shirts are a fun way for you to help support Florida Giant Dog Rescue! Proceeds go to help defray costs of rescuing and caring for these dogs until they can be placed in a furever home. If you have ever walked your giant breed dog in public, chances are you have heard one, if not all of the....