memorial

A Dog's Prayer


Treat me kindly, my beloved master,
for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness that the loving heart of me,

Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your hand between the blows,
your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me do.

Speak to me often, for your voice is the world's sweetest music,
as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footsteps fall upon my waiting ear.

When it is cold and wet, please take me inside, for I am now a domesticated animal, no longer used to bitter elements.
And I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth. Though had you no home, I would rather follow you through ice and snow than rest upon the
softest pillow in the warmest home is all the land, for you are my god and I am your devoted worshiper.

Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for although I should not reproach you were it dry,
I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst.
 
Feed me clean food, that I may stay well, to romp and play and do you bidding,
to walk by your side and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life should your life be in danger.

And, my beloved master, should the great Master see fit to deprive me of my health,
do not turn me away from you.
 
Rather hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest
and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I drew, my fate was ever safest in your hands.

 

Apollo

December 21, 2000 - 2011

Apollo was not a rescue Dane.  He was adopted as a puppy and lived out his entire life with one family who absolutely adored him until his passing at 10.5 yrs.  Jenn, his owner contacted us shortly after his passing wanting to help in whatever way she could. she donated his beds, blankets, bowls and toys for Danes who were not as fortunate as Apollo.  She also made a donation of $250 in his memory, which was matched by her mother for a total donation of $500.  The below paragraph was written by Jenn...


"As with most Danes, Apollo's heart was as big as he was. His sense of humour, unconditional love and overall presence is what made Apollo so unique. Apollo made an impact on everyone's life, from the girls at the daycare, his doggy nannies, his friends at the off-leash parks and in general, everyone that met Apollo. Most of all, he will be missed by his family.  Apollo held a special place for all and is sadly missed.  A little piece of all our hearts go with him, and a piece of his heart stays with us forever. I believe when he walked over the Rainbow Bridge, he looked back in peace and smiled remembering how great his life was."


In loving memory of Apollo


Jenn and Family


A

Westsummit's Nitem "Lynus"

Sept 1, 1999 - July 4, 2009


 Best in Breed  - Altered Class

Great Dane Club of Canada - Western Division

2008 Regional Specialty Show


Lynus was not a rescue, even though the people who had him no longer wanted him.  He was 5 yrs old, severely underweight, had bad teeth and was suffering from chronic ear infections when his owners decided they no longer wanted him. Instead of dumping him off at a shelter or at a rescue organization, he was returned to the breeder, Wes & Evelyn Nahnybida of Westsummit Great Danes who took Lynus in without hesitation.  They nursed him back to health until they could find a home for him - or more accurately, when HE choose his new home, which was with us.  We were lucky to have him in our lives for 5 yrs where he taught us what it means to be owned by a Great Dane. Our contact with Wes wasn't over once Lynus walked out the door to begin his new life with us.  We knew that help was just a phone call away, which it was up until the very day that Lynus died.  He passed peacefully in his sleep on July 4, 2009.  He was greatly loved and will be missed by everyone who knew him. 

 Ask yourself before buying that cute little puppy you just found on Kijjii - "Will this "breeder" be there for me if I ever need help or can no longer keep this dog?"  I can almost guarantee you that the answer is a resounding NO!  Almost every dog that comes into rescue is from a backyard breeder who's interest in the dog ends once your cheque has cleared the bank. If every breeder was like Westsummit Great Danes, we would be out of business.