Oni, the Great Dane

So on Friday night, after a bit of hunting around for my house, the good people at Dane Outreach dropped Oni off at my house. This wasn't an easy one for her keeper - she had taken in the dog after her previous owner could no longer medically afford to keep her. The dog had gotten to the point where she was malnourished, flea-infested with mange, with a huge, huge tumor growing on her belly. 

 

Its easy to judge someone when you see something like this - how a person can go so long without seeking treatment is beyond me, but with the economy and the expense of raising a dog, you just don't know what their situation was. What we do know, is that they finally did the right thing by turning the dog into the rescue.

The rescue family took the dane in for the three months that followed. They helped her through the surgery, rehabilitated her, and saved her life. The tumor was benign, but had turn black inside and was as close to bursting as any the vet had ever seen.

lucky for her, the tumor was benign.

So, one can understand why it was tough for the foster family to give her up. The dane - now named "Oni" (Korean for "Big Sister") - spent her first night staring at the door, waiting for her keeper to come back in. It took her hours until she fell asleep, but on Saturday, she woke a bit better. I took her out for three walks that first night and the following morning, a long walk up and around Queen Anne. She's better, still timid, but adjusting much faster than I would have thought. She's a great girl, I'm eternally grateful for all of the work that Dane Rescue and the foster family put into her recovery.

Napping in the sun.

I have to admit, the last two years without a dog have been nice. Its nice not having to worry about getting home so soon after work. Its nice being able to travel for extended periods. The fact is though, I'm just happier when I have a dog at home.

 
More information (and available dogs), can be found at: http://www.daneoutreach.org/

 

Comments

[Jayson]

Can't wait to meet her. Wonderful shots too..

[Jamie]

what a super sweet story! And it's so awesome you rescued! Oni is gorgeous. So many people think that if they want a purebred dog (esp a great dane) that they have to buy from a breeder, but there are so many needy animals out there. Seattle Purebred Dog Rescue Society is another great organization. :-)

[Sarrasina]

She is gorgeous! Hopefully her shyness goes away quickly. One question - does she play fetch? ;)

[Rachelgab]

I love Great Danes, they are very sweet dogs. What a nice thing you did. I'm sure Oni will relax and bond with you in no time! Makes me miss my Charlie.

[Andrea Schwartz]

Agreed, that last shot is IMPRESSIVE! She is a lucky girl to have you, Jake!! Thanks for sharing this, I know I look forward to more stories and pictures :)

[tara leigh]

that last shot is GORGEOUS!! and i'm very happy for the new girl in your life, jacob!!