by Ashley Murphy

I don't have kids yet. It's something I know I want, with the right person. But, I have yet to find that person and, with that being said, it's just not my time for a baby. However, I do have a very large four-legged, furry, floppy eared "baby" who is currently the love of my life.

Yes, I'm talking about a dog. It's sad, I know, but I am definitely one of those people that treats their dog like a member of the human family and I am her "momma" and she is my "daughter." Figuratively speaking. She's always there by my side. She knows when I don't feel good or when I'm upset. She doesn't lie to me and she never takes me for granted (knowingly). She greets me with kisses and tail wags every time I walk through the door, even if I had only been gone for 5 minutes. Sure, she's a dog and she loves everyone who shows her some attention, but truth is, she knows who I am. She distinguishes me from everyone else. And that's all that matters.

Jezabelle - I didn't name her - is a beautiful black Great Dane/English Mastiff mix known as a Daniff. If you've read my article from December of last year, you'll know she isn't really mine. But I spend so much time with her, and most of my money on her, that I feel like I have some claim to her being partially mine. I wish. But Jezzibug, as I call her, happened to be a lucky puppy. A friend of mine got her out of an "oopsy" litter that a friend of his at work had recently obtained. She is now a year and four months, about 2 feet tall and possibly pushing about 120 pounds. She hasn't been weighed in several months, but people often ask how old the "horse" is, so she's huge. Either way, she's still my baby Lovebug. Daniffs are not easy to come by. I've looked and looked and can't seem to find anyone who breeds this specific dog...unless I want to go to Michigan or Idaho, and I just don't have the funds for that. But, if I ever get my very own puppy to call mine, I will have nothing but a Great Dane.

While they get very large and have quite a fearsome bark, Danes are some the most gentle breed of dogs you will come across. One reason they are known as Gentle Giants. Many people often believe that because they can get so large, they don't make good house pets. This couldn't be further from the truth. If you have a space big enough to place a full size couch, then you have enough room for a Dane. I know my mix is a big 'ol couch potato. They love to be near you as much as possible, if not in your lap. As long as you have a good 20 to 30 minutes to donate to your Dane for exercise a day, then there is absolutely no problem having one. This could include a nice walk, some play time or even just letting him out to romp on his own for a bit, under your watchful eye, of course. They can be very adventurous, to say the least.

If you have a heavy hand or a bit too much of "tough love," please don't take on a Dane. They really are big babies and while they may just be dogs, their feelings can be hurt easily. In addition, they don't respond too well to negativity and this isn't the way to train your new dog. Being too harsh can often have the opposite reaction of what you're looking for.

Dames for Danes is an all volunteer, non-profit organization based out of Oak Ridge, TN. They take in and rescue Great Danes from all across Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee and Georgia. If resources allow, they will gladly expand that area when available. You can visit damesfordanes.org and see the puppies and dogs currently available. Also, read about the success stories and see how loving these Gentle Giants can really be.

Smokey Mountain Great Dane Rescue is based out of Knoxville, TN. It is another all volunteer organization that specializes in the taking in and rescuing of Great Danes. Their website, smokeymountaingreatdanerescue.org, also has a list of the Danes and Dane mixes currently available for adoption.

Just like Smokey Mountain Rescue, Majestic Giant Rescue is based out of Knoxville and consists of all volunteers. Visit majesticgiantrescue.com for more information.

If you're currently looking for a new companion to share your love with, a Great Dane can most definitely fill that gap. Just don't blame me when it steals your heart and becomes the best friend you always wished you could have. I warned you.

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