My owners thought that all breeders were reputable but they quickly found out that is not the case!! Just a few days after bringing me home they took me to the vet because I was walking "funny". Unfortunately for me, that vet was incapable of making a diagnosis. Weeks and months went by and even a change in vets did not find the answer to my awkward gait. According to the owners the breeder refused to take me back and finally my owners had to face a harsh reality when my medical bills were more than they could afford. A young couple with 3 small children and a puppy with major health problems meant something had to go. Since they could no longer provide the medical care that I needed they decided the kindest thing to do was to bring me to Harlequin Haven Great Dane Rescue. They knew the rescue had the experience, knowledge and love to care for me and that if anything could be done the rescue would do their best to make it happen. Within hours of arriving at the rescue, a Neurosurgeon was contacted and I had an appointment scheduled to see him! The news was not good. According to the Neurosurgeon I was born with congenital and believed genetic skeletal deformities referred to as Cervical Spondomyelopathy aka Wobblers Syndrome. The vertebrae's in my neck are all deformed. According to the Neurosurgeon, it was the worst case he had ever seen. He was surprised I was still walking! Unfortunately I am not a candidate for surgery. Although my birth defect cannot be fixed, the rescue loves me enough to allow me to live out my life giving and receiving snuggles and kisses.