Northwest Florida Great Dane Rescue (NWFLGDR) is currently caring for more than two dozen Danes from a breeding operation in Walton County that left approximately 100 Danes surrendered to Alaqua Animal Refuge in Freeport, Fla., in mid October.
On Sunday, Oct.9, NWFLGDR held its inaugural Dane-Toberfest 2016 event in downtown Pensacola to huge success – raising some necessary funding and adopting out more than a dozen Great Danes to approved applicants. Two days later, a call came in to the rescue from Alaqua Animal Refuge that they needed urgent help. NWFLGDR quickly mobilized several Dane caravans from Pensacola over to Freeport to rescue many Danes in need.
Since Tuesday, Oct. 11, NWFLGDR has pulled 27 Great Danes from the refuge and is consistently working in partnership with Alaqua founder Laurie Hardwick Hood and the refuge’s veterinary staff to help assist the sanctuary.
Of the Danes pulled from Alaqua by NWFLGDR, about a dozen have medical problems or complications – ranging from muscular-skeletal issues to respiratory issues to skin issues to pregnancy – that will require more in-depth and longer-term treatment. The dogs range from about eight months old to eight years old. Many of the older females were used for breeding.
“We’ve pulled 27 Great Danes from Alaqua over the past 10 days, putting the number of Great Danes rescued in October alone at 31. That’s an unprecedented figure for us,†said Michelle Cramer, president of NWFLGDR. “As we move each of the dogs through the vetting process, we are quickly depleting funds and desperately need replacement funds to continue on.”
NWFLGDR has rescued 69 total over the past year, nursing them back to health and re-acclimating them to caring environments. The rescue spends anywhere from $400 to $1,000 to care for each dog — including medical treatment, food, medication, microchip and spay/neuter.
The rescue, now in its 11th year, relies entirely on donations and volunteer fosters to exist. The rescue needs help to build its emergency medical funds to vet the 31 Great Danes taken in since October.
“This giant undertaking wouldn’t be possible without the dedication and service of our fantastic team of fosters and volunteers who’ve all stepped up to help,†Cramer said. “But we are stretched thin here and the cost is significant for us. Every donated dollar helps. Any help is very much appreciated.â€
Over the next week the 27 Danes from Alaqua will be placed on the rescue’s website – www.nwflgdr.com – and on Petfinder. Some Danes will have an option for sponsorship to assist with medical care that is needed beyond the usual.
In addition to funds, the rescue could also use food – Victor Maintenance and Victor Performance – as well as new or gently used bedding and towels. At this time the rescue may be delayed in responding quickly to Facebook and email inquiries. The rescue wants the public to understand that it will be focusing its resources on the older juvenile and adult dogs in its care with medical issues at this time.
To donate to the rescue, click here. For information on adopting or becoming a foster parent to a rescued Great Dane, you can message us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NWFLGDR or email NWFLGDR@gmail.com.