Nash

Nash, was a boy we lost to soon.

 I, Melissa, started the Northern Chapter Great Dane Rescue of New England in May 2023 because I saw a need for these majestic dogs. What I didn’t fully grasp at the time was just how difficult and heartbreaking some moments in rescue work can be.  

On the night of January 21st, we had to say goodbye to Nash. 💔

Nash came to us because his family was moving and could no longer keep him. While he received the basics in his previous home, his long nails, skin issues, and lack of training showed he needed extra care. We worked quickly to arrange a plan, including placing him in a six-week board-and-train program at Harmony Dog Training in Rhode Island, with a sponsor lined up to adopt him after.  

Nash immediately stole hearts. His sponsor gifted him a beautiful orthopedic bed, and according to Luis at the facility, Nash loved it. He’d settle on it as if to say, “This is my heaven.”  

But soon after his arrival, things changed. Nash started favoring a back leg, lost his appetite, and showed signs something was seriously wrong. Luis, with his medical background, brought Nash to an emergency vet. The diagnosis was devastating: aggressive osteosarcoma in his rear tibia and a dangerously high resting heartbeat. After consulting with multiple veterinarians, the kindest decision was to let Nash go humanely and peacefully.  

Nash’s last moments were filled with love and comfort. The team treated him to a chocolate shake and chicken sandwich from Chick-fil-A before he crossed the rainbow bridge. Though I couldn’t be there to hold him myself, Luis stayed by his side until the very end, ensuring Nash wasn’t alone.  

Rescue work is unpredictable and often incredibly hard. This experience came much earlier in our journey than I ever imagined, but Nash reminded us why we do what we do. For the first time in his life, he truly let his guard down. He enjoyed his bed, his meals, and the comfort he deserved.  

Nash will always be a part of our rescue family. Our commitment to these dogs is lifelong—through the good, the bad, and the hardest moments. They are more than dogs; they are family.  

Run free, sweet Nash. 🌈 You are loved beyond measure, and you’ll always have a home with us.