Shared with love by Shannyn, for a dear friend and fellow dog mum

I want to share a story that’s not my own, but one that has touched me deeply — the story of a dear friend, her family, and a beautiful Great Dane named Chad.

This family of five has been dedicated to Great Danes for many years. They’ve loved and raised five of these gentle giants, each one a cherished member of their family. But when they lost one of their Danes — a brother to their girl, June — everything changed. June fell into deep grief, and it was heartbreaking to witness. She missed her brother terribly and was fading without him.

In time, they decided to open their hearts again and adopt a rescue — not just for themselves, but for June. That’s when Chace came into their lives — a 2-year-old Great Dane with a calm spirit and a gentle soul. And what made it feel even more like fate was that their eldest son is also named Chace. It felt like a sign — like the universe had sent this boy to them.

They renamed him Chad, and he quickly became June’s companion, her comfort, her reason to keep going. Chad brought light and life back into June’s final year, and they shared a beautiful bond until she passed.

But life kept throwing hardship their way.

Soon after June passed, Chad suffered a twisted stomach — a life-threatening condition. Without hesitation, the family used the entirety of their first flood insurance payout — $14,000 — to save him. That’s how much he meant to them. Chad survived like a true warrior, pulling through the surgery and recovery with strength and grace.

Then came the second flood, after the Alfred rain. This one was catastrophic. Their home was severely damaged, and they lost almost everything. Water filled the house, and poor Chad couldn’t even go outside to relieve himself. They tried to get him to use the top veranda, but he was confused and distressed — it just wasn’t what he was used to.

That was the beginning of his urination issues.

Slowly, he stopped peeing altogether. Then he began showing troubling signs: foaming at the mouth, refusing to eat, dramatic weight loss. They rushed him to a 24-hour emergency vet. They ran every test possible — but after spending $3,000 in one night, they were left with no answers and no financial reserves.

Desperate and heartbroken, they reached out to a local vet where they knew a nurse. They explained the situation, panicked and pleading. And miraculously, the clinic said, “Bring him in.” No conditions. Just compassion.

That vet, knowing they had no financial backing, still gave Chad four days of care, trialling different treatments, hoping for answers. Just as they thought they might finally be getting somewhere, another blow came: Chad tested positive for heartworm — a condition he already had when adopted, despite being regularly treated since.

In just five days, Chad lost 5kg. The vet kindly allowed him to go home for the weekend, hoping the love and comfort of his family might lift his spirits and encourage him to eat. The clinic is an hour away, but they’ve found in that team a rare kind of kindness — one that goes beyond money and into true care.

My friend shared this story on our Great Dane community page — not to ask for anything, but just to release the pain of what they’ve been going through. To feel less alone. To say, “This is hard, and I don’t know what to do.” they suggested a go fund me page to help with the vet expenses.

Chad is not a stranger to the community. My friend has shared his joy, his funny moments, his gentle spirit many times. But this is the most vulnerable she’s ever felt — not being able to give him the care he so clearly needs, even while he continues to give them his love and loyalty without question.

So I’m sharing this on her behalf. Because her love for Chad is pure. Because her family has given everything — literally everything — to save him, to comfort him, and to fight for him. And because sometimes, even the strongest hearts need a little help.

With love,

Shannyn

A friend, a fellow dog mum, and someone who believes no one should face this kind of heartbreak alone.