Bringing Meridian Home

Bringing Meridian Home is a fundraiser to help cover a year’s worth of medical and food expenses for Meridian—a resilient Great Dane who deserves a forever home filled with stability, love, and care. That home is with me (Samantha), Monkey, and Rudy (UMGDR alum).

As many of you know, I’ve been fostering with the Upper Midwest Great Dane Rescue for over two years. Meridian is my sixth foster, and from the beginning, she was different. I originally reached out to the rescue about fostering a different Dane, but that dog had just been placed elsewhere. Instead, they asked if I would consider taking in a sweet girl with epilepsy who had been waiting several months for the right foster home. I’d already helped nurse critically ill Danes back to health, so I said yes to this new medical challenge.

Meridian came to me in October 2024 and has remained in rescue ever since.. During her time with me, she’s been brought up to date on vaccines, spayed, and worked hard on behavioral training. She’s now great with other dogs and there has been significant progress managing her seizures.

Several months ago, while I was dealing with my own mental health challenges, a kind and generous foster in Minnesota stepped up to care for Meridian temporarily. But now they’re preparing to move by the end of the year, and with zero interest from adopters or new foster homes, I simply cannot let her fall through the cracks or be passed around anymore.

Meridian is one of the gentlest souls I’ve ever met even though her brain wants to destroy her. She adores Monkey, enjoys her daily daycare routine, and thrives in the stable, loving environment we’ve built. She’s not just a foster anymore—she’s family. She’s also been my teacher; helping me grow and better understand some things about myself.

Do I need a third Dane? Of course…..ok, probably not. But sometimes we don’t choose the dog—the dog chooses us. And sometimes the right thing isn’t the easiest thing. And as the UMGDR rescue's motto goes, “Nothing great gets done alone.” That’s why I’m asking for your help.

The Bringing Meridian Home campaign is a jumpstart to get her immediate future secured before OCTOBER (1 year mark of being in rescue) to cover the costs necessary to give her the quality of life she deserves. Here’s a breakdown of her yearly expenses:

Adoption Fee: $270

Food (Kirkland chicken & vegetable): $45/month

Treats: $0 (She can’t have any due to strict seizure diet sensitivity)

Vet Care

Exam visit, vaccines, fecal test, heartworm test: $470/year

Seizure Medications:

KBr Liquid: $80/month

Phenobarbital: $15/month

Blood tests (1x/year):

Bromine level: $235

Phenobarbital level: $190

Heartworm prevention (12 chews): $262/year

Flea/tick collar: $60

Grooming, daycare, kennel, bowls, collar/leash: $0(Covered by me)

ANNUAL GRAND TOTAL (GOAL BY OCTOBER 2025): $3,167

To see Meridian’s UMGDR profile, click here: https://www.wagtopia.com/search/pet?id=2213882&name=Meridian+(24-059)

To see other adoptable Great Danes or learn more about UMGDR or become a foster, click here: https://www.thegreatdanerescue.com/available-great-danes