✠̈ Meet Gertrude — “Gertie” to her friends ✠̈ Gertie is the kind of dog who quietly works her way into your heart and stays there forever. With her stunning orange eyes, gentle soul, and sweet, cautious nature, Gertie is truly a diamond in the rough. Life has not always been kind to her, and while that has made her careful with new people, it has never stopped her from wanting love. She just needs a little time to believe it’s safe. If you move too fast, Gertie will retreat. But if you let her observe you, approach on her own terms, and build trust at her pace, you will discover the most loving, loyal little shadow imaginable. Once you are officially part of Gertie’s circle, prepare for kisses, cuddles, and a constant companion who always wants to know where her people are. And yes — sliced cheese helps tremendously. Gertie is still learning that the world is not such a scary place. Leash walking remains a journey, and sometimes Point A to Point B includes a dramatic pancake flop in protest. But every day she gets a little braver, a little more confident, and a little more willing to trust. Her foster siblings have become her emotional support crew, helping her discover that adventures can actually be fun. She enjoys car rides when her dog friends come too, though stepping out into the “big world” still takes courage. Like any true Dane puppy, Gertie is equal parts gentle giant and tiny velociraptor. She loves with her whole face — literally. She is still learning that affection does not require using her mouth, but every goofy nibble and awkward love chomp comes from pure happiness. At home, Gertie thrives on companionship. She loves wrestling in the yard, evening zoomies, naps near her people, and keeping a close eye on everyone she loves. Very close. If you are searching for independence, Gertie may not be your girl. If you want a Velcro dog who thinks your presence is the greatest thing on earth? Perfect match. She is kennel trained, mostly trustworthy with free roam, and only occasionally believes your socks belong to her now. Gertie needs a patient, understanding home willing to let her bloom in her own time. She does not need perfection. She needs kindness, consistency, and someone who sees the beautiful dog she already is underneath the uncertainty. And for the person willing to give her that chance? You will gain one of the sweetest, softest, most devoted companions imaginable. ❤ï ̧ Gertie is being fostered in Fort Mill, SC Email: info@greatdanefriends.com for an application*****Great Dane Friends of Ruff Love covers NC and surrounding states for adoptions. We require a fenced yard (exceptions made on a case by case basis - NO exceptions for puppies or deaf/vision impaired dogs - no invisible fencing), that stairs in the home be covered with some sort of slip resistant material to prevent injury, that all other animals in the home be up to date on vaccinations as well as spayed/neutered and that all dogs live inside as a part of the family. Our approval process consists of an application, vet and reference checks, phone interview and house check. Please email us for an application or if you have any questions.*****