Bringing Home a 185 Pound Gentle Giant Mastiff from a Virginia Rescue

Providing a Second Chance for Mastiffs in Need in Virginia

From their massive size to their gentle nature, Mastiffs hold a special place in the hearts of dog lovers. However, these extra large dogs can sometimes end up homeless or in shelters through no fault of their own. Thankfully, dedicated Mastiff rescue groups work hard across Virginia to ensure these gentle giants get the second chance they deserve.

The Challenges of Mastiff Rescue and Adoption in Virginia

With adult Mastiffs easily topping 100+ pounds, they are not a typical shelter dog. Their substantial size makes them expensive dogs to care for in a shelter environment. Between food costs, medication, veterinary care and finding space to house them comfortably, shelter resources can quickly become strained.

Additionally, their sheer size also limits adoption options, as many households may not have the space or area for such a massive companion. Backyard requirements need to accommodate a dog that can stretch out over three feet tall and seven feet long! This combination of factors can mean longer shelter stays for homeless Mastiffs until a qualified adopter steps forward.

Dedicated Mastiff Rescue Groups in Virginia

Thankfully there are fantastic breed-specific Mastiff rescue groups operating within Virginia. These registered non-profit organizations rely on volunteers and foster homes to facilitate Mastiff adoptions across the state and beyond. Here are two of the most prominent:

Virginia Mastiff Rescue

Founded in 2013, Virginia Mastiff Rescue focuses on purebred Mastiffs and mixes within Virginia and surrounding states. Their fully vetted and altered dogs come from shelters, owner surrenders or auctions. By utilizing a network of foster homes, they can properly assess temperament and find the right forever home for these gentle giants.

Mid-Atlantic Mastiff Rescue

Mid-Atlantic Mastiff Rescue helps Mastiffs and other Molosser breed dogs across Virginia, Maryland, Delaware and Pennsylvania. Ranging from 10 years old to 10 weeks old, their homeless dogs find temporary refuge in one of over 50 available foster homes after leaving shelters or unsatisfactory living conditions.

Mastiff Rescue Adoption Process and Requirements in Virginia

The application process to adopt a Mastiff begins with an initial consultation. This gives the rescue group a chance to better match prospective owners with available dogs. Considerations include activity levels within the household, experience handling giant breeds, space for a dog to move comfortably both inside and out, as well as how much time the Mastiff would routinely spend alone.

Veterinary and personal references are required along with a home inspection. The adoption fee itself covers vaccinations, altering and microchipping. As far as ongoing costs, owners should budget over $100 a month for food alone due to their giant appetites! Having ample financial resources to properly care for a Mastiff for life is essential.

Why Choose a Rescue Mastiff in Virginia?

Opening your home to a Mastiff in need through a dedicated rescue organization has many rewards. For one, you are provided ongoing breed support pre and post-adoption. Fosters can give great insight into individual dog temperaments, allowing for better matching. This helps prevent rehoming situations down the road.

Additionally adopting from a non-profit group ensures the adoption fees directly aid other homeless Mastiffs. So not only are you saving one dog, but indirectly helping save many more. This gives purpose behind your new addition beyond just acquiring a pet.

Finally, despite their intimidating appearance, these rescue Mastiffs show their true gentle spirit once placed in a loving home. They eagerly return affection while being a loyal and devoted companion. By adopting, you gain the gratitude of an enormous couch cuddler for years to come!

Bringing Home Our 185 Pound Rescue Mastiff in Virginia

When we made the decision to add an extraordinarily large furry family member, I contacted Virginia Mastiff Rescue. Living in a single story suburban home with a fenced backyard, we met all the initial requirements. A home visit confirmed we could comfortably accommodate such an enormous dog inside and out.

Picking the Perfect Gentle Giant

I told the adoption coordinator we wanted a mature, laidback Mastiff male to join our household. One immediately came to mind - Duncan. This 185 pound, brindle-coated boy lazily wandered over for an introduction during our shelter visit like an ambling bear. His calm demeanor and soulful brown eyes captured our hearts instantly.

Bringing Duncan Home

After approval and payment of the $250 adoption fee, we prepared to pick Duncan up from his foster home for good. He settled right into the spacious crate in our SUV for the drive home, calmly looking out the window. Almost like he knew his days of uncertainty were finally behind him after 5 long months in rescue.

My son could barely contain his excitement as we parked in our driveway, ready to properly meet the newest member of our family. Duncan slowly stepped out of the car and into the sunshine, his entire back end gently swaying. He crossed the lawn, scanned the perimeter, then proceeded to follow my son inside for thorough home exploration.

Settling Into Family Life

That first night Duncan immediately claimed almost half of my queen sized bed, generously leaving me a few feet of space. He snored contently with his giant head on my spare pillow, legs twitching in a happy dream. From that moment on Duncan felt like he belonged here.

During the days, he alternates between sunbathing in the yard and cozying up on his oversized dog bed by the couch. He politely takes treats from my son's small hands using just his lips. Duncan will even lay next to the refrigerator around dinner time, not to beg, but just to be close by in hopes of any accidental food droppage.

While Duncan came from a past filled with uncertainty, today he is the most spoiled, happy 185 pound family member we could have ever hoped for. By working with Virginia Mastiff Rescue, we all got a second chance - both him and us. Their dedication reunited this gentle giant with the loving home he always deserved.

FAQs

What is the best way to find a Mastiff for adoption in Virginia?

The top options include Virginia Mastiff Rescue and Mid-Atlantic Mastiff Rescue. These groups specialize in these giant breed dogs, thoroughly vet adoptable dogs, and carefully match pets with owners.

How big do Mastiffs actually get?

Mastiffs are one of the largest breeds - males can reach 30 inches tall and weigh up to 230 pounds! Female Mastiffs may reach 27 inches tall and weigh around 150 pounds on average when full grown.

What kind of space do Mastiffs need?

Their substantial size means they require adequate room to move comfortably indoors and a large, fenced outdoor area. Home inspections ensure there is sufficient space before adoption.

Do Mastiffs do well with kids and other pets?

Yes, with proper introduction they excel with children and other animals. Their calm temperament and loyalty have earned them the nickname "gentle giant"! Most rescued Mastiffs are assessed for compatibility.

How expensive is it to own a Mastiff?

Plan for over $100 a month on high quality food plus budget for increased medical costs due to their short lifespan and increased likelihood for certain conditions like ACL tears and gastric torsion.