Meet Groot

At just 2 years old, Groot is a striking Great Dane who’s already lived through more than most. After a rough start that included conflict with another dog in the home and a stay at a shelter, he was rescued by a volunteer from Rocky Mountain Great Dane Rescue—and his journey to healing began.

Groot is now in foster care, learning what it means to feel safe, loved, and understood. He’s goofy and affectionate, sensitive and bold. Like many under-socialized dogs, Groot wears his heart on his (very large) sleeve and needs a home where patience, structure, and love are part of the daily routine.

💖 Personality Snapshot:

Groot is full of contrasts—playful and bold, yet deeply fearful of the unfamiliar. He’s still learning how to navigate the world, and his foster family has been working hard to help him grow in confidence.

• 🐶 Velcro Dog: He loves being near his people and will happily flop into your lap if you let him.

  • 🛋️ Affectionate & Physical: Groot is a leaner and a paw-tapper when he wants attention.

  • 😬 Leery of Strangers: Both men and women make him nervous, especially when they enter his space unexpectedly.

  • 👧 Not Kid-Friendly: Groot is fearful of children and too rough to be around little ones. He needs a calm, adult-only household.

  • 🦴 Playful Clown: He’s not into fetch, but soft stuffed toys and a good zoom around the yard bring him joy.

  • 🐾 Talkative & Expressive: Groot isn’t shy about sharing his thoughts—especially when he’s unsure.

🧠 Training & Daily Life

Despite his fears, Groot is incredibly smart and eager to learn. He thrives on routine and direction, and he’s making daily progress.

• 🚶‍♂️ Leash Trained: Walks are a work in progress, but he does well with a gentle leader and treats. His foster gives people the sidewalk while they walk in the street to ease his anxiety.

  • 🎓 Commands He Knows: Sit, Down, Stay, Come, Off, and even hand signals
  • 🏠 Housetrained & Trustworthy with Free Roam
  • 🐾 Crate-Free: Groot doesn’t need to be crated, as he’s respectful in the house with supervision.

  • 🧼 Messy Eater & Drinker: He’s got a big sloppy mouth, and we love him for it.

  • 🛋️ Furniture-Friendly: Yes, he gets on the furniture. No, he doesn’t ask first.

He’s still healing from a bite wound caused by a brown recluse spider but is receiving proper care and doing well. Despite the pain, Groot’s spirit remains resilient and hopeful.

🐕‍🦺 Socialization & Challenges

Groot is very under-socialized and fearful of new people and experiences. His foster family is helping him associate visitors with positive experiences by using baby gates and allowing him to observe from a safe distance.

While he hasn’t shown aggressive behavior, Groot was surrendered after altercations with another dog, and other animals get him too excited. For now, he should be the only pet in the home.

• 🐶 Dog-Reactive: Other dogs overstimulate him. Best as an only pet.

  • 🐈 High Prey Drive: Squirrels and birds are irresistible, so cats are likely a no-go.

  • 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Not Suitable for Young Children or Busy Homes
  • 🧠 Needs Continued Socialization and Confidence Building

🏡 The Ideal Home for Groot

Groot needs more than just a place to live—he needs a person or people who will meet him where he is and help him grow. His perfect home is:

✔️ A calm, adult-only home
✔️ No other pets
✔️ Quiet and low-traffic (both people and noise)
✔️ Patient, experienced with large or fearful dogs
✔️ Willing to continue slow and positive socialization
✔️ Has a fenced yard for zoomies and sunbathing

If you’re looking for a companion who is loyal, loving, and just needs someone to believe in him, Groot might be your guy. He’s a work in progress—but aren’t we all?

📩 Interested in Adopting Groot?
Submit an application today!  Groot’s heart is ready—are you the one to help him feel safe enough to share it fully?

If you would like to foster-to-adopt or adopt Groot, submit your adoption application today! Reach Hollie at fostering@rmgreatdane.org or Candice at placements@rmgreatdane.org if you are already an approved foster / adopt family and would like to add Groot to your family.