Dash’s story started far from easy. He was pulled by rescue from a rural shelter in central Alabama in heartbreaking condition — severely underweight, battling skin and ear infections, covered in sores and open wounds, and even missing a chunk from the tip of one ear. He also tested heartworm positive upon intake and has since completed a month-long course of doxycycline along with a ProHeart 12 injection as part of his treatment plan. Based on his condition and scars, it’s likely Dash spent much of his life outside, where other dogs weren’t always kind to him.
But despite all of that, Dash has turned out to be one of the sweetest, gentlest souls you could ever meet.
Fostered in Pensacola
Meet Dash!
Dash is like the new kid in The Sandlot — recently arrived from another town, awkwardly trying to fit in with his goofy hat and plastic mitt. He can be a little shy at first, quietly figuring people out and learning the routine. But once he settles in, Dash is downright delightful.
His calm, easygoing demeanor is matched only by his desire to please his humans. He’s refreshingly uncomplicated for a Great Dane — no escape drive, no resource guarding, no preference toward men or women, no aggression toward unfamiliar dogs or other animals, and he walks beautifully on leash.
For a dog who likely spent most of his life outdoors, Dash has adapted to indoor living remarkably well. Evidence of his past is still visible in the rough calluses on his elbows and hindquarters from laying on hard surfaces for so long. Yet now that he’s finally welcomed into a loving home, he doesn’t abuse the privilege. He respects boundaries, stays out of rooms when told, and politely gives the resident dogs their personal space.
Dash actually enjoys bath time, happily uses the doggy door, and has never had a potty accident inside. He loves having a crate of his own and willingly retreats there when he wants to relax or sleep. At night, he comfortably spends 8–10 hours snoozing in his open crate.
Like many formerly starved dogs, Dash originally believed every sandwich left unattended clearly belonged to him. A 12-inch spicy Italian sub once disappeared under his careful supervision. Thankfully, with regular meals, treats, consistency, and gentle correction, he’s come a long way. These days, he can usually be trusted around groceries and food left out briefly — though if he gets bored, he may occasionally steal a cucumber or bag of cookies more for entertainment than hunger.
He gets very excited about dinner and is fed separately using a slow feeder, but he has shown zero resource guarding with people or other dogs.
One thing Dash never had before rescue was toys — and now he believes he deserves every toy in existence. Watching him discover playtime has been one of the greatest joys of fostering him. Stuffed animals are his absolute favorite, especially the kind he can enthusiastically “de-stuff” while his humans repeatedly put them back together for round two.
At around 115 pounds, Dash still has a little more filling out to do. He's almost back up to his goal weight of about 120-130. He is estimated to be about 2. His coat is a coarse black with white markings on his chest and legs, plus beautiful chestnut undertones around his neck and hips that almost hint at brindle hiding beneath. His soulful eyes tell the story of a dog learning, maybe for the first time, that humans can be gentle.
One of Dash’s most noticeable features is the missing piece from the tip of his left ear — likely an old bite injury from another animal. It took a long time for the wound to fully heal, especially while his ear infections were being treated, but it has finally stopped bleeding and continues improving.
And then there’s the bark. WOW. Dash doesn’t bark often, but when he does, it’s impossible to ignore. He usually won’t react to strangers unless the other dogs do first, but once he realizes a visitor is friendly, he quickly trades watchdog duties for leaning against them and asking for affection.
Dash is a dog who has clearly endured hardship, yet somehow still chooses kindness, trust, and love. He’s looking for a family who will continue showing him the safe, comfortable life he always deserved.
Dash's adoption fee is $400. He is fully vaccinated, neutered and microchipped. He has been treated with ProHeart 12 for heartworms.
To apply to adopt Dash, please go to nwflgdr.com/adopt to read over the requirements before applying.
Please note: NWFLGDR does not transport. All approved adopters are required to pick up the dog in person from his/her foster home.
HERSHEY
Great Dane
🇺🇸
Pensacola, Florida
female, extra large, senior
Great Dane
Pensacola, Florida
