About Us

Built on Foster Homes. Powered by Volunteers. Done for the Danes.

Northern Chapter Great Dane Rescue of New England is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to rescuing Great Danes in need throughout northern New England. Founded and based in Northern Vermont, we are a fully foster-based rescue with no physical facility. Every dog in our care lives in a home, surrounded by patience, structure, and love.

Everything we do is made possible by our fosters and volunteers. They are the heart of this rescue and the reason the magic happens.

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More Than Rescue. A Lifelong Commitment.

Our Mission

Our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome Great Danes in need, ensuring they receive the care, stability, and support they deserve.

We are committed not only to saving dogs, but to setting them up for success. That means educating current and potential owners about the unique needs of this majestic breed, including their size, strength, training requirements, nutritional needs, and veterinary care.

Great Danes often face shorter lifespans and breed-specific health challenges. We take that responsibility seriously. Through advocacy, community support, and partnerships with experienced trainers and veterinarians, we work to give every Dane the best possible quality of life.

Whether through rescue efforts, education, or direct support for families and dogs in crisis, we stand by the Great Danes who need us most, because every Dane deserves a loving, informed, forever home.

Do It For The Danes.

Where Northern Chapter Began

Northern Chapter Great Dane Rescue of New England was founded in 2023 by Melissa, a lifelong animal advocate with a deep passion for giant breeds.

Taking on a mission few choose, Melissa set out to help Great Danes who are often overlooked due to their size, strength, and specialized needs. What began as a personal commitment quickly grew into a rescue built on compassion, education, and long-term support.

Northern Chapter focuses not only on rescue and medical care, but on providing adopters and owners with the tools they need to succeed, including guidance, training resources, and lifelong assistance. Our goal has always been the same, thoughtful placements, lasting matches, and better lives for these gentle giants.

The Real Bosses of the Rescue

Sampson aka Samsonite or SammyBoy

Sampson came to NCGDRNE in May of 2023 as a medical surrender, at 2 years old, with the body of an 10–11-year-old Dane. His progress has been huge, and his attitude towards life has changed immensely since receiving the necessary long-term care.

Emma or Emmason

Sampson aka Samsonite or SammyBoy

Emma is our current leaders personal dog. She was rescued at 10 months old back in 2016 and has been living a life filled with love and green mountains.

Emma passed over the rainbow bridge in March 2026. She was the beginning of Melissa’s journey into rescue, and she lives on in every dog Northern Chapter Great Dane Rescue of New England saves.

Winston

Sampson aka Samsonite or SammyBoy

Winston

Winston is Kelsey’s owner, a five-year-old Great Dane and Weimaraner mix who runs a very tight household. While he is not a rescue himself, Winston trained his human so well that she now volunteers her marketing skills with NCGDRNE. Proof that sometimes the dogs rescue the people.

Big Dogs. Big Hearts. Bigger Commitment.

Built on Foster Homes. Powered by Volunteers. Done for the Danes.

More Than Rescue. A Lifelong Commitment.

Our Mission

Where Northern Chapter Began

The Real Bosses of the Rescue

Sampson aka Samsonite or SammyBoy

Sampson aka Samsonite or SammyBoy

Sampson aka Samsonite or SammyBoy

Emma or Emmason

Sampson aka Samsonite or SammyBoy

Sampson aka Samsonite or SammyBoy

Winston

Sampson aka Samsonite or SammyBoy

Winston

It Takes A Village

Reviews

Big Dogs. Big Hearts. Bigger Commitment.

Built on Foster Homes. Powered by Volunteers. Done for the Danes.

More Than Rescue. A Lifelong Commitment.

Our Mission

Where Northern Chapter Began

The Real Bosses of the Rescue

Sampson aka Samsonite or SammyBoy

Sampson aka Samsonite or SammyBoy

Sampson aka Samsonite or SammyBoy

Emma or Emmason

Sampson aka Samsonite or SammyBoy

Sampson aka Samsonite or SammyBoy

Winston

Sampson aka Samsonite or SammyBoy

Winston

It Takes A Village

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Reviews

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