You can see more pictures and read stories by clicking the words in blue below:
DaneFest 2008 Wrap-Up (you can see slideshows here)
DaneFest 2008 Pictures (you can see still pictures here)
codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0"
WIDTH="600" HEIGHT="400" id="DaneFest2008">
NAME="myMovieName" ALIGN="" TYPE="application/x-shockwave-flash"
PLUGINSPAGE="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer">
Slap in the face
I was excited, when I heard, that there was a Dane Fest. I've been looking forward to it for a couple of weeks, so, on that Saturday I took my Dane Vinnie with me for a fun filled event in Keller. I was hoping to meet some other GD people and support the rescue at the same time. Mind you, I live in Allen, which is an over 100 mile roundtrip for me, but what the heck, it was for a good cause.
Much to my dismay, I got pulled over by someone when I got there and told, that only spayed/neutered animals can attend, because some of the NEUTERED males may have problems with my intact one (isn't it supposed to be the other way around???). I was baffled, hurt and angry. You put everything on that website to prepare you for the Dane Fest, except mentioning not to come, if your dog was intact.....THAT would have been very helpful.
If you are asking, why my dog isn't neutered, it's because I show him in conformation and obedience at AKC shows and they have to be intact for that. Should he ever finish champion, he may actually have something to contribute to the breed, but not until then. I am also getting him certified as a therapy dog because of his wonderful disposition.
Well, this is the last time I will support THIS Dane rescue. Obviously, you did just fine without my donations.......good luck to you.
Schatzi
I am so sorry you had a bad experience! We had the rules about dogs being spayed/neutered and up-to-date on their shots posted repeatedly on the website. Even though the links to information about attending danefest have been removed (to keep the front page clean) - you can clearly see our spay/neuter requirements in the permanent danefest page - http://www.danerescue.net/danefest (I made sure this page was linked to every danefest post on the front page - not only so people would know our rules, but also so people would understand the background of this event).
Responsible breeders - those people who show their dogs in the confirmation ring and who work hard to better the breed's health and temperament, the breeders who require that the folks who buy their puppies sign a contract that says the dog will be returned to the breeder (at any age) if the owner can't care for the dog because the breeder can't imagine one of their dogs ending up on death row in an animal shelter - are aces in our book.
Please accept my apologies and please understand that our spay/neuter rule was not intended to keep you out - it's to help put us out of business. We don't want to be here as a rescue group - we would much rather be a group that simply gets together because we love the breed - but until the irresponsible backyard breeders are put out of business we have to stick around...and we have to keep waiving the spay/neuter flag.
jamie
Dane Fest net proceedes
This year GDRNT netted over $8000 and we were hoping for $6000. There is still money rolling in to with ppl who mailed registration fees late and a few ppl who have not paid for their ad on the back of the shirt.
Dont forget that May 10 is the Houston South Dane Fest. First time ever and I know, KNOW, Judy and her crew have been busting their tails for GDRNT. Let wish them the BEST of luck.
Count
Do we have a total count of danes that attended?
Jana
Owned by Great Danes
Addie & Argos' human
Wow Great Job!
Thanks to all for these great shots!!! Isn't it cool the way they are posted! Is this because of the new site?
So happy to see everyone having such a good time and on a beautiful day!!!
Video from DaneFest 2008
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKT4rKD2X4I
Thanks!
Thanks so much for your video and for calling people by name! It made it much easier to know who we were watching! It was great fun, thanks again!
Cristina's Slideshow
Here are the pictures Cristina took:
Some more pictures!
Danefest 2008 pictures & comments
I think with every year DaneFest is getting better & better! Something new and different comes our way each year (this year it was the grill & the food) and with that comes many spur of the moment changes which is done on the fly by the Board, Fundraising team and our volunteers & fosters. Kudos to EVERYONE for for pulling off an an awesome day!
To everyone that brought a Dane, you guys totally rocked. You know your dog and his/her attitudes and you watched them as well as everyone elses Danes which made for a calm fun filled day for everyone!
Much thanks to Lauren for taking all of these awesome pictures for me today!
If you want to grab one of the pictures please go here:
http://picasaweb.google.com/GreatDanesRock/Danefest2008
Susan
Meet & Greet Coordinator
thank you...
I've been looking forward to seeing this group picture.
Hopefully next year, I will have my next Dane and be back for more fun. What gorgeous weather you had this year!!
Stacey
~in memory of Moose~
'08 DaneFest
What a Great Time with the Great Danes! Sooo much fun getting to meet the Danes seen mostly in photos - a more handsome group is not to be found anywhere~! Also wonderful to meet the people owned by these Danes. From what i hear, the "Dept. of the Treasury" was overjoyed to raise more $$$$ than was ever hoped for.....Yeeeaaa! Even though i'm a new member and this was my first DaneFest, i'd still like to say Big Thanks to everyone who loves and cares for these truly magnificent dogs for your support. It's both exciting and amazing to be a part of such a diverse group of people coming together for one purpose - to give every needy Dane a second chance for the life they deserve.
doris