Foster update 8-31-02.  Dakota's foster family says he is handling life and being spoiled like the champ that he is.  He sleeps with mom and dad at times, and in the mornings, he happily runs into the children's rooms to wake them up with a nudge and a kiss!  He has met all the family's friends with a friendly wag and invitation to see all his 'toys'!  When the family has given parties, he has been such a charming gentleman that the guests all want to take him home with them.  He is a funny and enthused boy that has come a long way from near starvation at the end of a chain!  He will make a wonderful easy addition to a lucky family's home.

DAKOTA seems to be about 1 1/2 to 2 years old, according to our vets, though his owner said he is only a year old. He is emaciated and weighs 67 pounds. If properly cared for, he should weigh 115 to 120 pounds. He is merle with nice natural ears, sad eyes, and a very sweet and calm nature. He appears to not be used to affection, kindness or any handling. He is, however, easy to manage and is beginning to wag his tail a little inside of one day at our vet hospital. He is tall and gentle but is very sick at this time. He has hook worms and whip worms and, sadly, also has heartworms! He has a big round bony injury on his front leg that appears to have been broken and healed by itself. He also has sores all over, cuts in places, and has heavy calluses on his elbows. He also has a broken tooth which appears to be open to the nerve. He is now getting the necessary medications and will have x-rays and surgery this week to determine what else he will need medically. His body has been a little bruised but the Dane spirit is there. He is a sweet boy that is going to enjoy feeling better soon and will be a very grateful soul.