Hank is a beautiful black Great Dane.  He comes to us because his owner's husband is back from serving his country in IRAQ and has some some disabilities so they can no longer keep the dogs.  Hank's owner is heartbroken becuase these dogs are like her kids.  I say 'dogs' becuase Hank's sister Lilly is also being surrendered.  Here is the owner's description of Hank:

Hank is still a baby.  He is about a year and a half old.  He can still be a little wild but that all about being a toddler.  He loves playing with tennis balls or any toy for that matter and could not love swimming more.  He swims and dives right in the pool at least 5 times a day.  If he could be sopping wet all day he would.  He loves all attention and loves being with other dogs and cats.  He is so playful and loves being outside when the teperature is somewhat reasonable.  If it is warm, he will swim the whole time.  He loves car rides and going places with his head out the window.  He is a mostly black dog with a patch of white on the chest and a little on his toes.  He was born outside in the winter to  female American Mastiff and his father was a pure bread black Great Dane.  He did not even know what water was when I got him home, he had only been eating snow for his water source.  He has been a joy and would be a great addition to any family.  He could still work on some training but does know sit, stay, lay down and does very well on a leash.

It would be best if Lilly and Hank were adopted together.

*** According to dogbreedinfo.com, the history of Great Danes go way back. Incised on some Greek money dating back to 36 B.C. is the image of a dog very similar to the Great Dane of today. The Great Dane is known as the "Apollo of all dogs." In 407 A.D. German Gaul and part of Italy and Spain were invaded by an Asiatic people (the Alans) who brought with them powerful mastiff-like dogs. In Germany especially, where these magnificent animals capable of overcoming bears and wild boars were much admired, a process of selective breeding was begun. The dogs were crossed with Irish Greyhounds, and the issue was the beautiful, large, thin, agile dog known today as the Great Dane. Despite the fact that they are called Danes in English, these dogs have nothing to do with Denmark. The Great Dane is a gentle giant. Dignified, kind, sweet and affectionate, it is playful and patient with children. It loves everyone and needs to be around people. The Great Dane does not bark much and only becomes aggressive when the circumstances require it. A steady dog, responsible and dependable. Brave and loyal, it is a good watchdog. They need plenty of exercise - at least a good walk a day. The expected life-span is about 10 years, although some live 12-13.