Join Team Axel And Help Us Heal Him
Axel is a magnificent Great Dane who desperately needs our help, but not in the way you might expect. He doesn't have scars from abuse or wounds from neglect. He wasn't found starving on the streets. Axel's wounds are invisible and that's exactly why he needs specialized help!
Just like with people, mental health matters for dogs too.
What Happened to Axel: His first mom loved him deeply, but her marriage ended and she had to leave quickly for her safety and the safety of her children. She couldn't take him with her. We adopted him to a wonderful family...a single mom with two kids who adored him. Everyone has loved Axel deeply...the rescue, his adopters, everyone who's met him. But love alone isn't enough when mental health needs aren't being addressed.
Axel is a strong, alpha-dominant Great Dane who needs clear leadership, consistent structure, and expertise that most families, and even many rescues, simply don't have. Without that specialized guidance, he's been forced into a leadership role he was never meant to take. The anxiety and confusion that comes from this is real, even if you can't see it. When a powerful dog feels responsible for his pack but doesn't have the tools to manage that role, it takes a psychological toll.
Then his mental health crisis deepened. In an attempt to help, an e-collar was used incorrectly, which significantly escalated his anxiety and reactivity. What started as confusion has become fear, distrust, and trauma. Just like humans who experience improper treatment, the damage compounds.
The situation has become critical. Axel is snapping, resource guarding, and recently bit a child. His family no longer feels safe. We cannot place him in another home without professional support and guidance.
We've already taken action. Axel is going to a certified behaviorist with extensive experience with large, dominant breeds and trauma recovery related to rehoming/rescue. We had no choice but to move forward immediately as his mental health needs couldn't wait. But we're counting on donations to cover the cost of his care.
What the Behaviorist Will Do:
- Address the trauma from improper e-collar use
- Rebuild his shattered confidence and sense of safety
- Help him learn to trust human leadership again
- Address the anxiety and fear that's driving his reactive behavior
- Prepare him for placement with an experienced handler who understands both his physical and mental health needs
This Isn't Optional - It's Survival.
This isn't about training him to sit or stay. This is therapy. This is mental health treatment. Just like a person struggling with anxiety and trauma needs professional help, so does Axel. We don't dismiss mental health needs in people and we shouldn't dismiss them in dogs either.
With Your Help, Axel Can Heal.
Large, dominant dogs like Axel need experienced handlers who understand that behavioral issues are often mental health issues. The behaviorist will help him heal and prepare him for placement with someone who can support his ongoing mental wellness.
Goal: $2,700
This covers two months of intensive behavioral therapy, including comprehensive psychological assessment, individualized treatment plan, hands-on rehabilitation, and general care supplies. We've committed to giving Axel this chance now we need your help to make it possible.
Time Is Critical. Axel is getting the help he needs right now. Can you help us cover the cost of his life-saving care?
