Great Dane Puppy Arrived At Indiana Shelter Barely Holding On, Now Look At His Amazing Makeover

Let me tell you about a big, goofy sweetheart named Avenue, a Great Dane pup who stole millions of hearts, including mine.

It all began when local law enforcement reached out with a call that never gets easier to hear: a young Great Dane was found in awful condition.

The team at Street Outreach Animal Response Initiative (SOAR) in Indiana had answered many calls like this before, but nothing quite prepared them for what they saw when Avenue walked in.

He was just a puppy, probably four to six months old, but already massive, as Great Danes are. Yet his body was so fragile.

He weighed only 58 pounds, far too little for a dog his age and breed. It seemed like he had been through way too much for such a short life.

He couldn’t even get up stairs on his own. His legs were so weak, he hopped like a bunny just to move around.

Getting into the car was impossible without help. It was clear that this sweet boy had been starved, neglected, and then dumped.

Despite everything, Avenue was incredibly gentle. He didn’t growl, didn’t shy away in fear. Instead, he trusted the very people who were strangers just moments ago.

That kind of trust is truly rare. And it said everything about who he was inside.

From day one, Avenue needed intensive care. The SOAR did everything to make sure he got enough food and love.

They got up every three to four hours, even in the middle of the night, just to feed him, check on him, and make sure he felt safe and comforted.

And as his belly filled and his body grew stronger, something beautiful happened: Avenue started showing his true personality.

Bit by bit, the silliness came out. That big, clumsy puppy energy. That goofy Great Dane personality everyone loves.

He started doing happy little bursts of energy. His awkward, adorable hops had the whole team cheering.

The first time he ran with full control of his body was a celebration. The staff clapped, and they cried a little. It was a huge moment.

Avenue was really smart. It didn’t take long for him to learn commands. He was proud of himself, you could tell. His tail wagged nonstop when he got things right.

Over time, his body caught up. He grew strong (a whole 95 pounds), healthy, and even more lovable than anyone thought possible.

Then came the day everyone had been working toward: adoption day. Avenue was ready.

Loading him into the car for the last time wasn’t easy. There were tears, hugs, and a few extra belly rubs.

The rescue shared on Facebook:

“Team has been saying goodbye for days. Today we got him all bathed, packed his bed, crate, coats, clothes, toys, food….it was like moving your young adult to college.”

But there was also peace. Because now, Avenue was going to his forever home, where he’d be adored beyond words.

He’d have a bed of his own, a yard to run in, and someone who would never let him down again.

Avenue’s story started out really rough, but it ended in the best way. And for everyone at SOAR, he’ll always be that sweet, floppy-eared pup who reminds them why they do this every day.