Great Danes are known as “gentle giants”, as they combine a strong, muscular appearance with a warm heart and goofy personality. They are also truly intelligent and funny dogs.
I bet that Scooby Doo first comes to your mind when you hear this description, and that is really not a surprise since he is one of the most famous Great Danes in the world.
However, today’s story is not about the popular cartoon character, but one other Great Dane puppy who lost all those traits due to cruel abandonment and neglect.
His name is Avenue, and he looks forward to telling you his story.
From A Poor, Emaciated Appearance To A Strong, Happy Pup
When Angela, the director of the S.O.A.R. Initiative, received a call from Indianapolis Animal Service about an abandoned dog found on the streets of Indianapolis, this Great Dane was in really rough shape.
“When he arrived to us, he couldn’t really get in and out of the vehicle on his own,” said Angela in an interview for The Dodo, pointing out how bad a condition even such a strong and energetic type of dog can get in.
She stated that he didn’t have any strength because he was not fed, and then just dumped on the street like that.
However, thanks to the S.O.A.R. TikTok followers who bought him a slow feeder, he was able to gain 40+ Ibs. Due to his natural strength and bright personality, he was quickly rehabilitated and was starting to show his true “goofy” side.
“It was such a joy to witness the fast change for the better in this funny little puppy who was just 4 months old,” said Angela. A true giant puppy with a lot of bravery to bring back a recognizable smile on his face.
Amazingly, even a large brand such as Big Barker jumped in to help! They sent Avenue a bed for his recovery. He loved it, and it even matched the colors of his room. There are really people with great hearts in this world!
@soarinitiative Avenue’s new bed! @Big Barker #dogsofttiktok #dogs #rescuedog #dogbed #dogtok #adoptdontshop #doghealth #greatdane #greatdanesoftiktok #AerieREAL ♬ FEEL THE GROOVE – Queens Road, Fabian Graetz
The Last Trip To The Grocery Store Before His New Home
Avenue was doing great and hard times were behind him, as his new home was in sight. But, Angela decided to go out with him one last time and buy him a present for which he would remember her with, and the great time that they spent together.
And, where was a better place to do that than a pet store in Indianapolis? When they entered, Avenue was so excited that he didn’t know what to pick up first.
He loves big stuffies, which is truly not a surprise since he, himself, is a big pup. In the end, he decided to buy a big pink toy, and he even checked out the price at the cash register. What a responsible dog!
At the end of their day out, Angela decided to treat him to an ice cream, which was the sweetest thing in his life. Although it was a bit bitter for Angela because of the imminent “goodbye”, she was happy that this cheerful, big puppy would finally get the life he deserved.
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A New Chapter Full Of Happy Emotions
“As soon as he got back, he had a big smile on his face even when he was in the trunk ready to go,” said Angela with mixed emotions. Sad to say goodbye, but proud of her puppy who has grown into a true Great Dane.
In his new home, he was joyfully met by two dog friends, so Avenue finally had to show someone what a social butterfly he was and how he knew how to play.
On August 30, 2023, S.O.A.R. posted on their Facebook profile that Avenue celebrated his one-year anniversary in his forever home, and that he is doing well and loves his family.
We hope that Avenue will remain as smiling and playful as he is, and that he will enjoy his new home for a long time.