12th March 2010 - Great Dane Care Charitable Trust

Great Dane Care Charitable Trust

(Posted 12th March 2010)

In 1998 a group of Great Dane enthusiasts heard about a Great Dane with eye problems which needed a new home. They already had more than 35 years experience in rescue and rehoming work so they decided to work together to help the dog and raise the money for the operation it urgently needed. In 2000 the group applied for and received charitable status and the Great Dane Care Charitable Trust was born.

The Trust is based at a private kennels in Carmarthenshire and is funded entirely by donation. Each year they rescue and rehome around 40 of these magnificent dogs with the majority being handed in by owners who for one reason or another can no longer keep them. Sadly they have recently been faced with an increasing number of dogs being handed in which, either through ignorance or financial issues, have not received veterinary treatment they needed. Burns supplies the Trust with food for the dogs in its care which allows them to dedicate their funds to the dogs’ medical care.

Each dog is fully assessed, neutered, and receives veterinary treatment for any existing conditions before being careful matched with a new adoptive home. All potential adoptees are fully vetted and follow-up home checks are made to ensure the dog is settling well.

The Trust also works with students from Coleg Sir Gâr in Carmarthen and provides them with an invaluable opportunity to gain experience in practical skills under expert guidance. The resident show dogs, both active and retired, and the ever changing rescue dogs all benefit from some extra attention. One higher education student who volunteered as a dog walker even ended up adopting a particularly challenging Dane.

Great Dane Care is always happy to advise anyone who is thinking of getting one of these gentle giants as they do require careful handling and care. Volunteers are also very welcome as nearly everyone will have a skill which could help the Trust. The more helping hands that are available then the more invaluable individual attention each rescue Dane can receive.

Poor Zigy was only two when he was taken to a vet by his owner to be put to sleep. Why did he need to be put down? The owner’s wife was pregnant and they no longer wanted the dog and couldn’t be bothered to find a new home for him! Luckily the vet refused to destroy the dog and contacted the Trust. They arranged for a volunteer to look after Zigy until he could be collected and brought to the kennels. Zigy was underweight and rather bewildered but soon blossomed and his condition improved under the Trust’s care.

Reggie’s owner had become seriously ill and could no longer look after him so they handed him in to the Trust for rehoming. This responsible attitude meant that a new home could be found so Reggie could continue to enjoy life to the full.

For more information on the Great Dane Care Charitable Trust please visit their website www.great-dane-care.org.uk

Great Dane Care Charitable Trust

(Posted 12th March 2010)

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