DANES OVER DEPRESSION!!!
Here is another edition of “Danes over Depression”. Brought to you by Great Danes of the Ozarks, greatdanesoftheozarks.com
This publication was founded to honor my brother Tim’s memory and is designed to bring awareness to mental health maintenance. Each story submitted is from one of our clients and is dedicated to anyone who battles depression, anxiety, loneliness, addiction, etc. We sincerely hope these stories bring you joy and warm your heart as much as they do ours! Remember, if you’re feeling hopeless, help is just a phone call away, please call the suicide prevention hotline at 800-273-8255 to speak with a mental health professional. It is NEVER shameful to focus on your mental health!!
If you’d like to share your own story about how a Great Dane has enriched and changed your life please don’t hesitate to contact us. We would love to have you participate!
Sir Louis’ Story:
Ok, so I am Sir Louis’ dad. This story is going to read a bit different then the other stories that have been submitted in this series, but I’m ok with that. I have always understood that inviting a dog into your life is a huge responsibility, so in sharing my story I want to share my passion as an advocate for education and preparation before inviting that furry friend to join you in your life adventure!
I wanted a dog for many years, but I made a commitment to not take the leap until my life had more stability. I knew a Dane would bring me so much joy, a friend had one that I just loved! I however wanted to be certain I could provide properly for a pet first.
That took about 15 years to make happen. Life kept changing. I was continually moving and I could not find employment that offered substantial income, especially enough money to comfortably support a pet companion, and particularly a large breed dog. So, even though I wanted a Great Dane for many many years- I waited until I was sure I could provide a safe, comfortable, and abundant life for a pet first. Too many people get a pet without taking into consideration the full financial and emotional cost of proper ownership. Anyone can have a dog, but how many people provide adequately for their fur babies? From what I have seen, very few. Which is despicable when one considers what a pet provides in return to it’s owner: unconditional love, fun, companionship, surprises, joy, kindness, and the greatest gift of all: overall improved happiness.
This is what Sir Louis has given and continues to give me, day after day, and that is why I waited so long to find him: so that I could provide him a happy home in return. He requires medical care, high quality food, play dates, hikes, grooming, nail care, teeth care, vaccines, cuddling, attention, toys, bedding, obedience training, health insurance, daycare sometimes, and room to play without worrying about destroying the house. I happily provide these because he takes me out of my head and makes life more fun, more adventurous, more beautiful. He deserves a good life, all pets do, because they are angels on earth, and Sir Louis, my angel, helps me everyday, especially the hard days when life is heavy. He always makes it better. Don’t take a single day with a Dane for granted, and be sure you are prepared to provide a good life for your pup; they deserve it for all they do for us!!!
Thanks for listening to my story,
Gerrad R. Bohl
Author, Model, Dane lover
