Size
(when grown) X-Large 101 lbs (46 kg) or more
Details
Good with dogs,
House-trained,
Story
Introducing Gemma!
Snuggly Affectionate Initially Shy Chill
Personality: Gemma is a calm, easygoing girl who enjoys the simple things in life: naps, walks, sunbathing, and being close to her people. She can be shy at first and takes some time to warm up, especially with women, but once she feels comfortable, she becomes the best companion. Gemma is also beginning to show more and more of her spunky side as she settles in to her foster home. She recently decided that the foster family's bed was hers and jumped right up on it without an invitation!
Socialness: Gemma does best with slow introductions and a calm approach. She adjusts more quickly to men than women, although she does warm up to both. Once comfortable, she enjoys snuggling, following her people around, asking for booty scratches, and showing off her signature Dane lean.
She has not been around children, so her comfort level with kids is unknown. She is submissive with other dogs and mostly ignores them, but she seems to enjoy having canine companions. She has not been around cats or other pets.
Gemma will need slow introductions to her forever family and will do best with a family that won’t rush her or overwhelm her with attention right away.
Likes:
Napping (she considers this an important daily activity)
Going for walks
Sunbathing in the yard
Snuggling on the couch
Car rides
Treats
Dislikes:
Loud voices when she is still getting to know someone
Quick movements might startle her
Being rushed before she has had time to feel comfortable
Training: Gemma is crate trained and is quiet while crated. She has been kenneled in her foster home and has done well, although she previously had the freedom to roam in her home and would likely be comfortable free roaming in her forever home. She has not been destructive in her foster home when loose. She is housebroken but can have an accident if left for too long, including in her kennel after 5–6 hours.
Gemma knows “off” and “leave it,” and she may know “sit,” although she can be selective about sitting because her back end can become sore. She is an easy walker overall, though she may pull occasionally.
Health: Gemma is approximately 151 pounds and is currently around 40 pounds overweight. Her weight has affected her mobility, so she will need a family committed to helping her achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Frequent, shorter walks will be better for her as she builds stamina.
Her mobility is improving, and she is doing better with stairs. She can currently manage a few stairs to get in and out, but a home without a lot of stairs would be preferable, especially long-term. Joint supplements may also be beneficial for her. She is currently on long-term pain management meds and incontinence meds that run about $150 per month.
Forever Home Wishlist:
A physical fenced yard is required so Gemma can safely enjoy some outdoor time and sunbathing.
A calm, patient home that understands she may need a few weeks to fully warm up and settle in.
A home without a large number of stairs would be preferred.
A family committed to helping her with healthy, gradual weight loss and maintaining her mobility.
Short, frequent walks and other low-impact activities as she builds stamina.
Gemma could potentially do well in an apartment or apartment-like setting because she is calm and doesn't bark excessively, provided her exercise and bathroom needs can be met.
She can generally be left alone for 6–8 hours, but she will likely need someone to stop by during the day to let her out.
Another dog would be a nice addition, as Gemma seems to enjoy having other dogs around even though she has not yet become particularly playful with them.
Fun Fact: She's always ready for a walk or car ride, and her expressive ears and eyebrows make it impossible to miss when she's excited about a treat.
If you think Gemma will be a great addition to your family, please reach out to us by following one of the options below.
1. If you have already completed the adoption or foster application process and have been approved by UMGDR, please contact Gemma’s Placement Coordinator at katie@thegreatdanerescue.com to express interest.
2. If you have not submitted an application, you must complete our application process before you can be considered to adopt a dog through our rescue. Please visit https://www.thegreatdanerescue.com/adoption-application to complete an application. After you have been approved, please reach out to Gemma’s Placement Coordinator by emailing katie@thegreatdanerescue.com to express interest.
This lovely Dane-mix is located in Burnsville, MN.
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