Shaq was rescued in October of 2005. Arizona Animal Assistance received a call about a family moving and down-sizing from their home on a lot of property to a home in a subdivision. They had multiple Mastiffs living on the current property and wanted to “down size” before moving. Upon arriving at the home, there were multiple females with litters of puppies in pens and one male in a pen on the end that was the Sire to all of the pups. That male was Shaq.
He had never been allowed indoors and was kept in a chain link pen where he was used only for breeding . The owner indicated they had found “buyers” for all of the females and puppies but needed to “get rid of” the male. The owner also indicated he was likely to be very dog aggressive and planned to have animal control pick him up. The decision was made by Arizona Animal Assistance to take him immediately. So he was loaded up and brought home into foster care.
He was full of ticks, very thin and malnourished, and had terrible bouts of vomiting and diarrhea. After several weeks of good nutrition, indoor-only care, and weight gain, Shaq was feeling better. He broke every rule one might apply to an intact, older, rescued, male Mastiff. He was house broken from get go, grateful for every ounce of attention he received, and good with every other dog in foster care at the time including males and females.
Shaq was neutered and never put up for adoption, his foster family had fallen head over feet for him… and Shaq was home. He remains a solid companion, loyal house guardian and best friend.
Arizona Animal Assistance has been rescuing giant breed dogs since 2004. We have rescued and rehomed over 300 various giant breeds, mainly Great Danes, but also including Mastiffs and Bullmastiffs.
You may contact Arizona Animal Assistance for more information by phone at 480-229-2922, via email at shanakerr@yahoo.com, or you may visit their website at www.azgreatdanerescue.petfinder.org
by adogslifephoto
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