UAlbany Mother-Daughter Duo Prepare Rescued Great Danes for Adoption
ALBANY, N.Y. (Feb. 20, 2024) — When the call went out for volunteers to foster abandoned Great Danes in Dutchess County last month, University at Albany student Kiara Seavey didn’t hesitate to step in.
Seavey, a junior majoring in criminal justice and emergency preparedness, homeland security and cybersecurity, picked up Max and Daisy on Jan. 11 with her mother, Jillian Van Alstyne, a UAlbany graduate who helps rescue dogs in the Capital Region.
The two were stunned to learn about the conditions the dogs were found in. Their owner, who recently passed away, had a total of 22 Great Danes in his care.
“We talked to the people who rescued the dogs from the home and they showed us pictures,” said Seavey. “They all looked so sad and in need of immediate care.”
Max, estimated to be six or seven years old, had callouses from sitting in one place for long periods of time. He had an inflamed toe and missing toenails. Daisy, only about a year old, was not able to walk. She had entropion, a disease that causes inverted eyelids and irritation.
Luckily for Max and Daisy, Seavey and her family have fostered local animals for years. They knew exactly what needed to be done to ensure these Great Danes were healthy, safe and loved in their home.
“Any dog that’s in need of fostering locally, we’re ready to help,” said Van Alstyne. “These Great Danes deserve a loving home.”
According to Seavey, coming home from her classes as a UAlbany Great Dane to her new Great Dane companions is the best part of her day. It makes the process of rehabilitating them back to health a rewarding one.
“They’re the best to come home to,” said Seavey. “Daisy always wants to play. Max always wants to cuddle.”
With local shelters being full, there continues to be a dire need for fosters and adopters in the Albany area. To learn more about fostering or adopting dogs, including Max and Daisy, visit Petfinder or consult with your local pet rescue agency.
UAlbany coaching staffs and their student-athletes are working to raise awareness for the rescued Great Danes. Teams are urging their supporters to act by making donations and supporting the dogs in any way possible.