I feel that this is an important blog to make as many people seem to be under the ‘myth’ that Giant Breeds only live to between 5-7 years of age. With the recent commitment by BHRR to two Great Danes, aged 6 and approximately 7; we have received several emails from people asking ‘why’ would we want to help two dogs that would be dead soon as Danes only live to up to 7. That just took me aback somewhat. We have had Danes live up to over 12.5+ years of age and have friends that own Great Danes 10, 11, 12 etc. Our Maggi lived to almost 9, Dragon almost 8. AND yes, we have had Danes that we lost at 5.5 months of age, 11 months of age, 3.5 years of age. We had one friend lose hers at 15 and another one at age 17. There is no crystal ball that will tell you how long your precious pet will live yet with today’s increased knowledge of better nutrition, exercise plus vetting, Giant Breeds are living longer and higher quality lives than ever before. Many people, experienced with Giant Breeds will say 8-10 years for life expectency, others 10-12 yet the reality is that when you open up your heart to a Giant Breed, you know that they are not going to live to 20 or 22 years of age like quite a few smaller dogs. With their giant sized hearts and bodies, living takes it toll yet in those years these incredible creatures are with us; they pack so much life into what time they do have on this earth if given the chance and BHRR is about helping the next one in need; not turning their back on a Dane because some feel they are ‘too’ old and we are wasting much needed time plus resources including a spot in our program to them. One person stated that they would not contribute any funds to our program(s) for much needed food as we are planning on assisting BHRR’s Albert and BHRR’s Mindy. I guess this person was not around when we assisted 8 year old BHRR’s Olivia and she lived to just over 12 years of age; passing away in 2009. OR BHRR’s Sampson George or BHRR’s Arlo or…or…or… BHRR will not turn away a Dane because they are black(big black dog syndrome), blind, deaf, senior etc. and while we are in great need of funds to purchase food or food donations themselves; we are not going to say ‘no’ to helping Danes in need of BHRR because someone refuses to believe that all wonderful dogs in need of rescue are deserving of great lives. I am saddended by this position and hope that this attempt to educate the public is understood and that opening up your heart to adopting a Giant Breed in need means just that; opening up your heart to a Giant Breed in need for however wonderfully long(and we hope it is) or short it might be. Just think, these dogs are often housebroken, past the teething/destruction stages, many can have some obedience and that means leash manners and for anyone that has gone through the puppy stages; many can attest to many a sleepless night, yet another pee or other ‘pressie’ in the house; having to buy a new pair of gloves, shoes etc., the sometimes socket wrenching yanking on the leash, the jumping up and getting fat lips or black eyes. 😉 Puppies are great, without a doubt yet so are those 3 year olds and those 6 year olds and those loveable greying faced Seniors. 😮 Saying to me to not help an older dog in need is like saying to me to not help a deaf dog or a blind dog or a dog like BHRR’s Jaxson who needed a leg amputation or…..or….or….it just not going to happen. BHRR focuses on the SN’s for a reason and all of our supporters, volunteers, adopters etc. believe in our program(s) and understand why we do what we do. As for the others, I am truly sorry that you cannot see past age, eyes, ears, colour etc. to what really matters.