I wouldn’t normally post all of this here, I’d usually give you a link to my blog, but since I asked you guys to help me decide, I figured you deserved a full update.
And for those saying you knew I’d adopt him, you were more sure than I was. His foster mom and I were talking about other options when I finally just said, fuck it, I’ll pick him up. And here he is. I was never sure it was a good thing, but I assumed we would adapt and cope.
From my blog:
I’ve been keeping a bit of a secret..
This is Jasper, he is six years old. At the time he was relinquished, he was only around 100 lbs.
When I picked him up, his foster mom had him on his way up to 107 lbs. There is a lot to tell you about this sweet boy, but understand, he was not expected. We just seemed to be a perfect fit for him, even if I was very reluctant. He needs a pack, he clearly couldn’t be an only dog, a ranch house seems best and someone who has handled a big, strong Dane before were all needed, and well, that’s us. I took a couple of weeks to give it serious thought while his foster mom evaluated him and made sure he was gaining weight and didn’t have any serious health or behavior problems.
We had a vet visit today, and he’s a chubby 120 lbs after just 10 days here and is getting quite the booty.
Despite his original condition, he’s pretty healthy. I was worried about his hips, knees, and elbows but they look healthy, and once he’s got his muscle built back up, he should be good. Our vet thinks he may have malformed femurs due to poor nutrition as a pup, but shouldn’t affect him much as he ages. Not that being a little knock-kneed has slowed him down any. He matches Trixie zoomie for zoomie, and they wrestle like he’s a puppy, too.
Despite the condition in which he arrived at the rescue, he clearly had people who loved him, because his spirit is strong, and he’s a complete gentleman. So neglected, but no signs of any abuse.
While he is a gentleman, he has some bad habits. But when given proper boundaries, he adjusts quickly, and I expect continued progress on counter surfing, personal space, and leash manners.
As you can imagine, counter surfing was because he was hungry all the time. With 4 meals a day (for now) and about 12 cups of food, his hunger has abated, and he’s been very good at listening when I tell him he’s not allowed in the kitchen. My counters are still cleaner than they’ve ever been, because why tempt him with ripening tomatoes and the random dirty dish in the sink?
His first night, I found him standing on his hind legs at the sink – all 6+ feet of him – looking over the pan I’d put in there. I was tempted to get him an apron and a dishcloth and have him do the dishes.
The first day he was here, he jumped over my 4-foot baby gate like it was nothing, and I thought for sure I was screwed because my Dane crate is too small for this tall boy. But he has respected all boundaries now that he understands he’s safe, fed, and with his pack. My usual boundaries of baby gates leaned against doorways have been enough for him.
For an unexpected addition, he’s been a joy. Scout is still a little miffed, and his attempts to charm her have been rebuffed, I do think she’ll come around. Trixie is over the moon. Another playmate. For that, Scout is grateful, LOL
That’s enough for this post. I’ll update you on his condition as he adapts to his new home.
Thanks for taking the time to weigh in earlier on the pros and cons. I appreciated it.
This is an open thread
raven
Yea, we NEVER would have gotten a Pit Bull!
kalakal
You’re doing a great job with that boy. He looks so much healthier and happier. Glad you were able to give him a home
Jackie
This post makes my heart happy!
I’m one of the gang who knew… Otherwise, you would have kept Jasper to yourself.
And, Trixie has a playmate! Scout has some peace!
PaulB
TaMara, I don’t think we tell you this often enough, but you are an absolutely awesome person. To take on that added responsibility and cost, to put in the time and effort to bring that somewhat neglected dog into your pack, to properly feed him and socialize him, and to give him his best life, is just amazing. Thank you for everything you do.
Baud
@PaulB:
Seconded.
Benw
He is adorable!
Dorothy A. Winsor
Three big dogs! And they’re such sweethearts.
zhena gogolia
@PaulB: seconded
I guess thirded
KayInMD (formerly Kay (not the front-pager))
Your post makes me as happy as the boxer in this tweet! (I hope Betty sees this)
Seriously, Jasper looks so much better now than he did when he came into foster care. I’m glad you were able to take him into your pack, and that he seems to be fitting in so far.
geg6
I had no doubts.
He looks fantastic and that’s all you. So glad Trixie has a companion so Scout can get some peace. My heart is singing!
kalakal
As this is a happy open thread here’s a bit of musical fun based on the perennial question of how many people can play a guitar at the same time?
I am truly in awe trying to imagine the working out and practicing of this
https://twitter.com/i/status/1558091159498629125
bbleh
Great he has a place where he can move around — very important for a big dog — and a pack he can be part of.
In my experience, most dogs adjust quickly to cats who have precedence.
RSA
How charming! You’re such a good person, TaMara.
Anotherlurker
Congratulations!
I knew you would adopt him. You and yours are awesome !
Tom Levenson
That is a very Great Dane, and a wonderful story.
Kristine
@zhena gogolia:
Fourthed!
Happy pup adjusting to his new home.
A woman from anywhere (formerly Mohagan)
Thank you so much for the update and all the good news for this good boy! You are a good person TaMara!
BruceFromOhio
@PaulB: This x many
Yutsano
That’s a big handsome boy!
pat
Just a quick question: Who gets to use those couches? Do you have a Dog Couch and a People Couch?
And I was one of those who said, Just go get him, it will be fine!
Major Major Major Major
Congrats!
trying to imagine, though, a dog “only” weighing 100 pounds 🙀
mrmoshpotato
Hooray! Hopefully you still have a place to sit in your living room. :)
And Trixy is a beast!
apieceofpeace
@Kristine: Fifthed. With enthusiasm for you and your housemates, each of whom is going to have a good life.
So well done, TaMara.
Torrey
I love a happy ending! Congratulations on your new family member, and congratulations to Jasper on his new family. Sounds like he fits right in, even with the cats.
kindness
It’s really nice to see he’s a good fit with the pups.
pat
@pat:
Because if you had not taken him, you would have thought about him with regret, worrying and wondering what is happening to him when you said Nah, not going to take the chance.
Glad to see it working out so well.
ETA: YAY for Jasper’s best life!!
SFBayAreaGal
Woohoo. I am so happy for you and Jasper.
Emma from Miami
That is a gorgeous boy. I’m happy you took him in.
Another Scott
@kalakal: Neato!
Before I clicked, I was picturing something with one of Rick Nielsen’s infamous guitars… ;-)
Cheers,
Scott.
Rob
This is the best thing I’ve read all day!
Joy in FL
I love that Jasper has a home where he is safe and loved and connected.
What a wonderful person you are (agreeing with all the folks above who have said that) and what a wonderful, interesting, nurturing home you make.
Amir Khalid
I look forward to the pictures of Jasper when he’s up to his proper weight. I know he’s going to be a handsome boy.
Tinare
You are a good egg, Tamara.
danielx
Wunnerful.
kalakal
@Another Scott: Hah! I’d almost forgotten those monstrosities
trollhattan
Jasper is clearly a Very Good Boy! And you is Good People. With a Lot of Space. :-)
Redshift
Who’s a good boy!
Dan B
Even this household of cat people feels very warmed by this great story. I hope your Scout comes around but cat adjustment can be very iffy.
Steeplejack
@TaMara:
Ducks! 🦆🦆 How is he doing with the ducks?
TaMara
Awww, thanks for the kind words. I’m still on the fence of “this was crazy” and “it’ll be fine.” I should have mentioned that cats have adjusted well – he clearly had never been around cats and seems to think they are just small pack mates – they’re okay with that as long as he remembers their personal space and doesn’t put his paw on them or get crazy around them. They all sleep peacefully on the couch together – and yes, there is still room for me..sometimes, LOL. I may have to buy myself a nice chair.
The ducks laid down the law the first day, and I think he’s kind of afraid of them. Understandable if you knew them, LOL
Barbara
What a good boy – and you – there are no words. You have my admiration.
I adopted a food insecure dog who was tiny but could jump to a chair, and then to a table or counter. I once caught her sitting on my counter munching an apple. But that kind of behavior disappeared as she got used to our food routine.
PaulB
One thing I forgot to mention above: in the original thread, some of us spoke up and said that we’d be happy to help out with expenses. Please call on us if there is anything we can do to help.
CarolPW
@TaMara: That was crazy and it will be fine.
Steeplejack
@kalakal:
Awesome!
SiubhanDuinne
Jasper makes me very happy. Thanks, TaMara!
CaseyL
Yay, Jasper McGee (great name!) has joined the pack! What a difference a few pounds makes; his ribs no longer show. I’m very impressed that he has already accepted that food is abundant; would have thought it would take longer.
On your blog, you have a photo of all three Great Danes on the couch. Filling it utterly. I remember when you got that couch, it was the Big Couch, to accommodate (IIRC) “only” two Danes. Hah! I think you need a sectional, the kind with the long chaise at the end.
…. Er, maybe two long chaises, on at each end.
You are a lovely and wonderful person. Best of luck to you, and Jasper, and the rest of the household.
(BTW, have you moved yet? I can’t tell from the photos.)
TaMara
@CaseyL: No, still in the “dollhouse” the pandemic really crushed my ability to move – so few houses on the market and crazy bidding wars.
Right now, my real estate agent is looking for property for me in the next county over, which will be the beginning of moving. I figure it’s a two-year plan.
WaterGirl
I didn’t think TaMara was moving… I thought she was getting a new floor or something? But I may have missed some big news.
TaMara
@PaulB: That was seriously one of the reasons I felt comfortable taking the risk. That offer of help meant I could put that worry aside and think about all the OTHER worries.
NotMax
OT
Whoever designed the backgrounds screens and set for the Tuesday – Friday Alex Wagner program on MSNBC needs to be given the boot. Immediately, if not sooner.
Fortunately human eyes don’t come with a gag reflex.
TaMara
@WaterGirl: New floors were kind of to cushion the blow that I’d be here longer…
J R in WV
When I was a little boy in the early ’50s my next door grandmother had a G Dane, named Jerry — so she became Jerry Grandma to me. He was a great dog with the kids, I have 3 cousins my age, so Jerry had to deal with lots of little kids. I could do anything to him, and if I irritated him, he would just stand up and stroll away, far above anything I could do. i’ve loved dogs ever since.
So glad to hear than Jasper has gained weight, he so clearly needed to. Keep us posted on this big puppy’s progress. And Thanks for rescuing the big pupper.
WaterGirl
@TaMara: Ah! Happy to know I didn’t make that whole thing up or remember it wrong.
Elizabelle
Jasper’s looking good. Glad to hear he is settling in so well. Extra hugs to Scout.
Odie Hugh Manatee
Three of a kind of pet is just right and Jasper looks like a great fit for your pack. Kudos to you, good health to all and I would recommend buying stock in the company that makes your dog food!
jnfr
This is lovely. Thank you for sharing him with us.
TriassicSands
Isn’t there a law against so much “Great Danage” in one point place? I hate to even think about the dog food bills.
It looks like he really lucked out ending up with you, TaMara. I volunteer at a cat shelter and it is always wonderful to see a critter go to a home with exceptional people.
VeniceRiley
Bow wow! Hes gorgeous. We have a new puppy coming nameed Reggie. He’s a St Bern and standard poodle cross, biggest in litter, 7th week weighs 12.8 pounds. Pray for us!
Msb
Sixthed?
wishing Jasper many years of happiness in your tribe.
Frank Wilhoit
The resiliency of animals is one of the things we most love about them. We wish we had it. We want to learn it from them.