Starving Great Dane Forced To Eat Stones for Survival Until a Kind Family Rescue Him

Amid the many touching stories of dogs yearning for a brighter future, some stories rekindle our faith in humanity. This is one of those extraordinary tales…

When Angelo, a young Great Dane, was wandering the streets, there was no such thing as hope for the poor pup. Severely undernourished, he could barely stand on his legs.

Yet, an incredible turn of events unfolded! A kind-hearted woman dedicated to rescuing stray dogs stepped in to help. However, Angelo’s situation was alarming, and he was rushed for urgent medical care.

Angelo’s Battle for Life

It was shocking to learn about Great Dane’s inability to move —his stomach was filled with stones. Starving and malnourished, Angelo had resorted to eating rocks to survive.

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His belly was so full of stones that he couldn’t eat or relieve himself when brought to the shelter. While the vet immediately performed surgery on him, Angelo’s recovery was uncertain.

Furever Rescue Foster to the Rescue

Hanan, from the Furever Rescue Foster organization, went above and beyond to save Angelo. The surgery was costly and required an extensive recovery period, prompting her to seek assistance through social media.

Justin Finning and his wife, Deborah, saw Angelo’s heartbreaking photo. Although he was far from their home, they were determined to help him.

Meant to Be Together

This wasn’t the first Great Dane Justin and Deborah decided to save.

With over thirty years of experience in rescuing and fostering Great Danes with special needs, they knew they had to be involved in Angelo’s rescue.

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However, Angelo was in another country and couldn’t travel until after surgery. Together with Hanan, the couple launched a fundraiser to gather the necessary funds for his treatment.

Beyond the initial surgery, Angelo needed physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, and a specialized diet, all of which were very expensive.

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Thankfully, this compassionate couple succeeded in their mission, providing Angelo with the crucial care he needed.

The surgery was a success, but Angelo needed time to regain his strength before traveling to his new home. When the day finally came, Hanan shared on Facebook:

“Finally, Angelo has gone home, and he is so happy and enjoying his life. Justin Finning and Deborah Noakes, thank you both for sponsoring him and welcoming him into your paradise.“

Thriving in a Loving Home


Justin and Deborah were committed to Angelo’s full recovery. They took him to regular therapy sessions, and after several months, this beautiful boy reached his full potential.

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No longer shy or reserved, Angelo is now a lively, cheerful Great Dane who loves being the center of attention. He runs, plays in his spacious new backyard, and enjoys trips to the beach with his family!

The highlight of his new life is undoubtedly his new companions. Angelo now lives with three other dogs and embraces life to the fullest.

We wish him a long, happy life, filled with love and new adventures. He truly deserves it!