Rigel

Rigel Beta Orionis, b. circa May 2002

We wanted to give a rescue Dane the kind of life Nandi enjoyed. We adopted Rigel through Rocky Mountain Great Dane Rescue. He had been in a shelter in Kansas City after being picked up as a stray. We don't know anything about his history except that he was very malnourished and had been an outdoor dog probably all his life. Never having rescued a Dane before we expected to have more behavioral problems, but this wasn't the case. He was easy to house train, is learning commands fast (Sit! and High Five! are his best), and is one of the most loving Danes we've known. He and Bella are the best of friends, and his company has pulled Bella from the depression she was in after Nandi's death.

I would encourage anyone who can to adopt or foster a needy Great Dane. There are many thousands of them in rescue across this country. Even if you are not in a position to bring a Dane into your home, there are many things you can do to help Dane rescue.

See Ginnie Saunders's site for a comprehensive list of Great Dane rescue organizations around the world.