MERAKI GREAT DANES
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  • Our Danes
    • Bryer
    • Tiger Lily
    • Maybell
    • Oona
    • Juniper
    • Síla
    • Koah
    • Kannen
    • Elita
    • In Memorial: >
      • Bristow
      • Maddie
      • Josie
      • Jamie
  • Puppies
    • Contact
    • Previous Litters
  • Meraki Family
  • Earn Titles

A Little About Us

Meraki is a word that modern Greeks often use to describe doing something with soul, creativity, or love - when you put “something of yourself” into what you're doing, whatever it may be...
​I don't believe I could have found a better word to describe my passion towards this wonderful breed.

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My husband and I first became involved with Great Danes in 2013 when we welcomed our first blue, Maddie. It didn’t take long for us to fall in love with the breed, and within a year we added a second Dane to our family. From there, we ventured into the world of conformation showing, which eventually led us to become members of both the Canadian Kennel Club and the Great Dane Club of Canada. Over the years, our love for this magnificent breed has only grown, along with our knowledge of the standard, structure, health, and temperament. We are always learning, always striving to do better for the dogs we love so much.
Although I am a Registered Veterinary Technician by trade, I currently stay home to raise our two daughters. Our Danes are, first and foremost, beloved pets and family members. They share our home and our daily lives, and we include them in as many of our activities as possible. In the summer, you’ll often find us camping in a tent with multiple Danes, much to the amusement of fellow campers.
Our dogs are show dogs second, but they truly enjoy competing in a variety of sports including Rally Obedience, Obedience, Barn Hunt, and Agility. Prior to 2020, we were also active in the local pet therapy program, and we’ve recently returned to doing visits. I love being able to give back to the community, and it’s deeply rewarding to share the joy and comfort that my dogs bring to others.
We are proudly located in Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada.


- Melissa Rodriguez

Canine-Related Credentials & Involvement:

  • Member in good standing of the Canadian Kennel Club since 2013
  • Active member of the Great Dane Club of Canada since 2014
  • National Awards Officer, Great Dane Club of Canada (2017–present)
  • Western Division Secretary, GDCC (2022–2024)
  • Member of the GDCC National Judges Committee since 2021
  • Member of the GDCC National Ethics Committee since 2022
  • Member of the GDCC National Website Committee since 2023
  • Member of the Great Dane Club of America since 2022

    Professional Certifications & Memberships:
  • Fear Free Certified (RVT) since 2018
  • Member of the Society of Veterinary Behavior Technicians
  • Associate member of the Canadian Association of Professional Dog Trainers

    Evaluator & Instructor Certifications:
  • Certified AKC Evaluator for:
    • S.T.A.R. Puppy Program (STAR)
    • Canine Good Citizen (CGC)
    • AKC Community Canine (CGCA)
    • Urban CGC (CGCU)
    • Home Manners (VHM/VHMA)
    • Trick Dog Titles (TKN, TKI, TKA, TKP)
  • Certified CKC CGN Evaluator
  • Certified Trick Dog Instructor, Do More With Your Dog (DMWYD)
  • Canine Conditioning and Fitness Coach, DMWYD
  • Animal Actors Certified Evaluator, DMWYD
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Please contact if you would like to arrange a testing date or submit a video for evaluation.
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  • Home
  • About Us
  • Our Danes
    • Bryer
    • Tiger Lily
    • Maybell
    • Oona
    • Juniper
    • Síla
    • Koah
    • Kannen
    • Elita
    • In Memorial: >
      • Bristow
      • Maddie
      • Josie
      • Jamie
  • Puppies
    • Contact
    • Previous Litters
  • Meraki Family
  • Earn Titles