Last Updated on January 22, 2025 by Fumipets
Horror Over Emaciated Great Dane Weighing Just 75 Pounds After Rescue
The shocking story of a malnourished Great Dane named Llyod has captured the hearts of many. Weighing only 75 pounds at the time of his rescue, this gentle giant’s journey to recovery serves as both an emotional and inspiring tale. Llyod’s story highlights the dedication of animal rescuers and the resilience of pets who have endured unimaginable hardships.
A Rescue Mission of Hope
Chandra Honican, a dedicated animal rescuer and the founder of the Kentucky-based equine sanctuary Off The Pace Standardbreds, has taken Llyod under her wing. The sanctuary is home to over 200 animals, including horses, goats, cows, pigs, dogs, cats, and even a chicken. However, Llyod’s case stands out as one of the most challenging rescues she has undertaken.
Discovering Llyod: A Heartbreaking Situation
Honican and her partner learned about Llyod through a social media post by Miami-Dade Animal Services. The 10-year-old Great Dane was reportedly a victim of a divorce revenge case. His former owner had starved him as a form of retaliation. By the time Llyod was surrendered to the shelter, he was severely underweight, with protruding ribs and visible bones.
Despite the distance, Honican immediately decided to help. Friends facilitated Llyod’s adoption while Honican made the nearly 20-hour journey from Kentucky to Miami to bring him home.
Emergency Surgery En Route
Tragedy struck when Llyod had to undergo emergency surgery for gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), a life-threatening condition where the stomach twists and fills with air. This condition can quickly send a dog into shock and requires immediate medical attention. Thankfully, Llyod survived the surgery, but his battle for recovery was far from over.
A Long Road to Recovery
When Honican finally brought Llyod home in December, his weight was a mere 75 pounds—less than half of the 140-175 pounds typical for adult male Great Danes. Given Llyod’s height and build, Honican estimates his healthy weight should be around 150 pounds.
To aid his recovery, Honican developed a strict feeding schedule. Llyod eats five small meals daily, totaling about 1,600 calories. His diet consists primarily of puppy food and wet food since his sensitive stomach cannot tolerate other options. Adjusting his portions is a careful process, requiring patience to ensure his body adapts without complications.
Overcoming Challenges
The process hasn’t been easy. Llyod’s medical expenses have already exceeded $15,000, and his specialized diet costs hundreds of dollars every few days. Despite the financial burden, Honican remains unwavering in her commitment to Llyod’s recovery.
Llyod’s Resilience and Personality
Despite his condition, Llyod’s playful and stubborn personality has shone through. Honican describes him as a funny and lively dog who greets everyone enthusiastically. Though he cannot yet play with the other dogs on the farm, Llyod’s strong spirit and will to live have amazed Honican and her team.
“He is so funny and stubborn and does whatever he wants to do, and we love that,” Honican shared. “He comes bouncing to the door as if nothing is wrong with him.”
TikTok Chronicles Llyod’s Journey
Honican has been documenting Llyod’s recovery journey on her TikTok account, @chandrahonican, where thousands of followers eagerly track his progress. One of her January videos, featuring Llyod’s emaciated condition, garnered over 987,000 views and 85,600 likes.
Viewer Reactions
The TikTok community has been overwhelmingly supportive. Many expressed heartbreak over Llyod’s condition while praising Honican’s efforts. Comments like “Thank you for rescuing him” and “Can’t wait to see him pack on some weight” highlight the collective hope for Llyod’s transformation.
Key Insights About Llyod’s Diet and Care
To ensure Llyod’s health improves steadily, Honican follows these best practices:
- Small, Frequent Meals: Llyod eats five meals daily to prevent overloading his sensitive stomach.
- High-Calorie Diet: His meals include 1,600 calories from puppy food and wet food, designed to provide essential nutrients.
- Gradual Increases: Honican tests higher food doses for a few days before permanently increasing his portions.
The Financial and Emotional Cost of Rescue
Rescuing an animal in Llyod’s condition requires significant resources. Alongside medical bills and food expenses, Honican invests her time, energy, and love to give Llyod a second chance.
But for Honican, the costs are worth it. “He has the strongest will to live,” she said. Her dedication reflects the compassion and selflessness of animal rescuers everywhere.
The Future Looks Bright for Llyod
As Llyod continues his recovery, his progress serves as a testament to resilience and love. With each pound gained and every wag of his tail, Llyod proves that even the most heartbreaking cases can have happy endings when met with kindness and care.
FAQs About Llyod’s Story
1. How much should an adult male Great Dane weigh?
An adult male Great Dane typically weighs between 140 and 175 pounds. Llyod, who was only 75 pounds at the time of rescue, is gradually working toward a healthy weight of around 150 pounds.
2. What caused Llyod’s severe malnourishment?
Llyod’s condition was the result of neglect during a divorce revenge case. His previous owner intentionally starved him before surrendering him to the shelter.
3. What is GDV, and why did Llyod require emergency surgery?
GDV (gastric dilatation-volvulus) is a life-threatening condition where a dog’s stomach twists and fills with air. It restricts blood flow and can lead to shock. Llyod underwent surgery to address this condition and survived.
4. How can people help rescue animals like Llyod?
Individuals can help by donating to animal rescue organizations, adopting or fostering pets in need, and raising awareness about animal cruelty and neglect.
5. Where can I follow Llyod’s recovery journey?
Llyod’s recovery journey is documented on Chandra Honican’s TikTok account, @chandrahonican, where viewers can stay updated on his progress.
References: Newsweek article on Llyod’s rescue and recovery