Among countless stories of animals hoping for a better tomorrow, some tales shine a special light on the goodness in people’s hearts. This is one of those stories — the remarkable journey of Angelo, a young Great Dane whose will to live reached far beyond what anyone could imagine.
When Angelo was first spotted wandering the streets, he was little more than skin and bones. So weak from hunger, he could barely stand. It seemed as though hope had long left this gentle soul’s side. But fate had other plans.
One day, a compassionate rescuer crossed his path. She was dedicated to helping stray dogs, and when she saw Angelo’s desperate condition, she rushed him to get urgent medical attention. What vets discovered was heartbreaking: Angelo’s stomach was packed with stones. He had been so hungry, he’d eaten rocks just to survive.
He was so malnourished, he couldn’t even eat or relieve himself. The veterinary team wasted no time and performed immediate surgery, but his future was uncertain.
That’s when Hanan from Furever Rescue Foster stepped in. She saw the fighter in Angelo and knew he deserved another chance. The surgery was expensive, and his recovery would be long, so Hanan reached out to the community for help.
Justin Finning and his wife Deborah, experienced Great Dane rescuers with over thirty years of love for the breed, spotted Angelo’s photo. Even though he was far away, they couldn’t turn away from his story.
Angelo’s journey was far from over. Because he was in another country, he couldn’t travel right away. Meanwhile, Hanan and the couple launched a fundraiser to cover his medical and rehabilitation costs. Beyond surgery, he needed physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, and a special diet — all of which were costly.
Thanks to the generosity of many, and the relentless devotion of his rescue team, Angelo made it through his treatment. Finally, the day came for him to join his new family. 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.”
Life with Justin and Deborah was everything Angelo had ever dreamed of. They made sure he got all the therapy he needed, and over the next few months, he blossomed into a vibrant, joyful Great Dane.
No longer the shy, frail pup he once was, Angelo now races around his spacious backyard, soaks up the sun, and even enjoys beach trips with his family. But perhaps the best part of his new life? He’s surrounded by love — and three canine companions who have become his best friends.
We wish Angelo a future filled with love, long walks, and endless new adventures. He’s proof that, even in the darkest times, hope and kindness can light the way.