Meet Zelda

Zelda – Update 1/16/25

Zelda has spent some time getting to know her foster family, and here’s what they’ve learned about this silly, affectionate, and sometimes shy girl!

She is playful, outgoing, and a total clown, always ready to entertain with her goofy antics. Zelda loves to give kisses and has perfected the art of being a Velcro dog—she wants to be near her people at all times. She’s a leaner and a licker, always eager for affection, and she’ll gently (or sometimes not-so-gently) paw at you if she wants attention.

While Zelda is very friendly with her family, she can be shy with new people, especially men. She takes time to warm up but eventually becomes affectionate. She has had limited exposure to children but did well around a 3-year-old with no issues. Loud noises and yelling make her nervous, even if they aren’t directed at her.

Training & Skills

Zelda is:
✅ Crate trained – She settles in her crate when alone or at night.
✅ House trained – Accidents only happen when she’s scared, excited, or feels like she’s in trouble.
✅ Leash trained – Walks well but prefers sniffing every blade of grass!
✅ Knows sit, down, come, stay, and hand signals.
✅ Working on “shake” and “stay” – still a bit rough with her paws!
✅ Can jump on your shoulders when given the command.

Dog Interactions

Zelda is good with medium-sized dogs but takes time to warm up. She prefers playing with free-spirited dogs over dominant ones. She had some trouble sharing toys at first, but her foster family found that keeping toys outside has helped. She loves to run and play chase, fetch, and tug-of-war, but if she isn’t the fastest to the toy, she’ll just let the other dog have it. She does not like dogs near her while she has a bone and will growl to communicate that, but she has never nipped.

Home Preferences

🏡 Zelda would do best in a home with another dog to keep her company and help her feel secure.
🐾 She doesn’t like being outside alone—she’ll do her business and head straight for the door unless someone (human or canine) is with her.
🚗 Not a fan of car rides—she gets anxious and doesn’t settle well.
🛋️ Loves being on furniture and as close to her humans as possible.

The Perfect Family for Zelda

Zelda is still adjusting and will need a patient, understanding family willing to give her time to settle in. Her ideal home would have:
✔ A big yard for her to run and play.
✔ A canine companion to help her feel comfortable.
✔ People who love going on long sniffing walks.
✔ A calm environment, as she’s sensitive to loud noises and yelling.

If you’re looking for a sweet, affectionate, and playful Great Dane who just needs a little time to feel safe, Zelda might be the perfect match! Apply to adopt her today! 💜

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