Underweight California Great Dane Was Barely Half His Expected Size, And His Recovery Was Remarkable
When Goliath was first rescued, he was dangerously thin and hesitant to trust. With patience, a special diet, and lots of love, he transformed into a 160-pound gentle giant who became the glue of his California foster pack.
A Heartbreaking Sight
When his rescuer first laid eyes on him, the situation was dire.
The large dog, who should have been a towering presence, was shockingly frail.
“He just looked like a bag of bones,” he recalled.
Knowing the pup needed immediate intervention, he stepped up, determined to give him the help he so desperately needed.
A Fraction Of His True Size
The reality of his condition became even more apparent when they assessed his weight.
He weighed a mere 86 pounds.
For a dog of his breed and stature, he was supposed to weigh around 160 pounds.
He was barely half the size he was meant to be, highlighting the long road to recovery ahead.
Hesitant To Trust
The first step in his rehabilitation was getting him to eat.
They knew they needed a diet that would help him gain a significant amount of weight.
However, the dog, now named Goliath, had been let down for so long that he was reluctant to accept help.
“He didn’t wanna eat. He had just been let down, so he needed someone to trust,” his rescuer explained.
Building A Connection
Feeding Goliath became about more than just calories; it was about building a bond.
His rescuer used mealtime to connect with him, showing him that he was safe and cared for.
Slowly, his patience paid off.
He finally gave in, taking those crucial first bites toward recovery.
The Glue To The Pack
As Goliath began to heal, a beautiful personality emerged.
He formed a deep attachment to his rescuer, and the feeling was mutual.
He also took on a special role in the home, becoming the “big grandpa” for all the other incoming rescue dogs.
He became the intro dog, giving his “sniff approvals” and letting every puppy sleep in his little crevices.
Reaching His Goal Weight
With consistent care and love, Goliath’s transformation was astounding.
He steadily gained weight, eventually reaching his healthy goal of 160 pounds.
He looked incredible, finally resembling the strong, majestic dog he was always meant to be.
“He shines when you get to see him look like a horse just gallivanting,” his rescuer shared proudly.
A Forever Promise
Once Goliath fully recovered, his rescuer faced a decision.
He realized he couldn’t bear the thought of him ever being let down again.
The bond they had formed was unbreakable.
He decided to officially adopt him, turning his story into a joyful “foster fail.”
Living Up To His Name
Today, Goliath is living his best life as a beloved family member.
He is completely spoiled, getting whatever he wants—even mashed potatoes if he asks for them.
His incredible journey even brought him national attention.
He won “Best in Senior” at the Hallmark rescue dog awards and made an appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show.
The Big Friendly Giant
Goliath’s presence lights up every room he enters.
Despite his massive size, he is a gentle soul who loves his family fiercely.
He may occasionally try to stop his dad from putting on his boots, but it’s all out of love.
He is truly their “big friendly Goliath,” proving that with a little trust and a lot of care, even the most broken hearts can heal.
