Telling a Giant Dog she’s a GOOD GIRL 🥹
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When I first walked into the back kennel area—the one closed off to the public—I didn’t know what I’d find. But I definitely wasn’t expecting a Great Dane, skin draped over bone, ears like angel wings, and eyes filled with fear. She was growling, and with her size, that’s not something you take lightly.
But here’s the thing: when a dog growls, she’s not being bad. She’s communicating. And Harley (or Mabel—we’re letting the community decide her name) had a lot to say.
Night Drop Mystery
This girl was left at night drop—a place where people can surrender dogs after hours. But here’s where things get fishy. She didn’t come alone. A Basset Hound and a Bulldog were dropped off at the same time, each in separate kennels. All full-breed dogs. All suspiciously in poor condition. The kind of trio that screams “backyard breeding.”
Harley, likely used for breeding, showed every sign of neglect and overuse. Covered in ticks. No collar. Spine protruding. Teats suggesting recent puppies. Five days in, she still hadn’t been health-checked because her fear-based behavior made it unsafe for the staff.
But this wasn’t aggression—it was pain and trauma talking.
A Harlequin Coat & a Heavy Past
Now, let’s talk breed. She’s almost certainly a Harlequin Great Dane, known for their patchy black-and-white coats and gentle nature. These dogs are nicknamed “gentle giants” for a reason—but gentle doesn’t mean unbreakable. And Harley had clearly been broken.
Some people think these dogs are majestic status symbols. But they’re still dogs. They need love, shelter, and care. Judging by her condition, she wasn’t getting any of that. She was likely bred for profit, left outdoors, untreated for parasites, and fed just enough to survive.
Training Tip: Read the Tail
Even though Harley moved around the kennel, her tail was tucked tight under her belly. A wagging tail doesn’t always mean a happy dog, and a tucked tail doesn’t mean aggression—it means uncertainty. One of the biggest learning opportunities in this sit was recognizing that even big dogs can be just as scared as the smallest Chihuahua.
Training isn’t always about commands. Sometimes it’s about body language. About giving space. About using treats as a trust-builder, not just a reward.
Treats, Ticks & Tiny Victories
Let’s talk about “The Scoop”—my signature moment of getting a dog to relax enough to settle into my lap. It might sound like a small thing, but for dogs like Harley, it’s huge. It’s proof of safety.
At first, she wouldn’t come near. So I did what I often do: hunkered down, avoided eye contact, and offered treats with an open palm. Slowly, her growl faded. Then came the sniff. Then the nudge. Then the moment her giant head gently rested next to my hand.
Her body was literally crawling with ticks—some the size of my thumbnail. She had a raw spot on her neck, possibly from a too-tight collar or excessive scratching. Whatever it was, it hurt. And she didn’t let anyone touch her until she knew she was safe.
She Needed a Tick Bath—Stat
With Mel (our go-to groomer) out of town, Charyl from the shelter staff stepped in. She didn’t hesitate to get up close and remove the worst of the ticks. Then came the bath—a spa moment Harley may have never experienced before.
And let me tell you—this big girl in that tub? She melted. Regal, calm, trusting. Watching her receive love and care after everything she’d endured… it just hit me.
Flip’s Farm: A Place for Healing
I’m already thinking about bringing Harley to Flip’s Farm. Our Southern California coffee farm, named after my late dog Flip, is more than just a place to grow beans—it’s where dogs heal. Harley could have her own space, air conditioning, and freedom to roam without fear.
Our coffee doesn’t just taste great—it supports dogs like Harley. Every bag you buy helps fund the work we do to rehabilitate forgotten dogs and give them a second chance.
Naming a Survivor
We still haven’t decided between Harley and Mabel, and we’re letting the community vote. Harley comes from her Harlequin coat. Mabel just feels gentle and grandmotherly in the best way. Either way, this dog is already showing her true colors.
She’s resilient. She’s brave. And with some time, love, and a full belly, she’s going to make someone an incredible companion.
Next Steps
Here’s what happens now:
- Tick treatment is underway and working.
- She’s receiving small, frequent meals to safely gain weight.
- A microchip scan showed no chip, and no one has come forward.
- We’re waiting on her full health check once she’s comfortable enough to tolerate it.
But most importantly: she needs a home. One that understands big dogs. One with patience. One with a soft bed and a big heart.
If you can’t adopt her, please share her story. Because this girl isn’t just a dog in need—she’s a symbol of survival. And someone out there is meant to be her family.
