I would like to thank you for helping my pup and me when we needed it. Seven years ago I was owned by a beautiful girl I had named Shiner Bark. My ex-husband and I got her as a 9 week old puppy to fill the void left by our Dalmatian that had recently passed away. Shiner was MY dog as I had wanted to be owned by a Dane for many years, and I had done all the research into possible health problems and their temperament. I had never taken such good care of an animal in my life - She was an investment and a pet, and I understood how delicate large dogs actually are, so she got only the best food, fresh water and lots of love. Long story short, our marriage disolved, and Shiner and I were two girls alone against the world. I found myself in another relationship a couple of years later and eventually became a mom. Yet another long story short, I again found myself alone with a large dog and a newborn, working full time, short on money, and needing a new place to live, etc. I knew in my heart of hearts that I could no longer financially support the 3 of us alone and provide the quality of care for my 4 legged fur kid that she deserved, so I contacted the GDRNT. It KILLED ME to give her up. I tried to turn to family for help, but I knew that no one I knew viewed this being that I had raised from a pup to be any more than a pet to be stuck outside, and I knew that they wouldn't give her the type of care that I did. She got yogurt with her breakfast and grilled chicken with Omega 3 supplements for crying out loud! She ate better than I did!

I knew that a breed specific organization with a proper screening process would place my little girl in a home where people knew how to care for a large breed dog. It made me feel like I was leaving my kid on an orphanage doorstep with a 4 page tearstained use and care handbook, but I knew it was the best option for her to have a better life. I sort of feel like a woman who gave her baby up for adoption and prays that someday that child will grow up and come find her.

If the family that fostered her or the eventual forever-home recipient of my puppy is still a part of this forum, thank you for caring for the child of my heart. I haven't owned a pet since her (unless you count my Betta Coco-Mikey the Amazing Wonder Fish) because I knew the timing wasn't right. After my youngest turns 4 or so, we may look at getting another pet. I would love to have another Dane, but as you all know they are a serious investment in time and money. I also don't know if I have the energy to go through the 9 month - 2 year old "knucklehead" phase.

Thank you again to all the Dane guardian angels out there. I didn't mean for this to turn into a long-winded manifesto, but this has been weighing on me since I gave her up.

Thank you.