Massive Dog Brody Finds Forever Home After Heroic Rescue

A giant dog named Brody, weighing a remarkable 66 kg (approximately 10 stone), has found a loving home after being rescued by Animal Concern Cumbria. This impressive white Pyrenean Mountain dog, described as being “the size of a small polar bear,” was taken in by the shelter in December 2022 after his previous owners could no longer provide the care he needed.

Brody, standing six feet tall on his hind legs, consumes around 1 kg of dog biscuits daily. His size and needs attracted significant attention, leading to hundreds of inquiries from potential adopters eager to welcome him into their homes. Ultimately, it was Steve White, 59, and his wife Helen White, 63, from St Austell, Cornwall, who were chosen to adopt him, largely due to their spacious half-acre garden and their previous experience caring for Pyrenean dogs.

The couple undertook an 880-mile round trip to collect Brody, stating that the journey was “more than worth it.” Helen, an animal enthusiast, reached out to a friend in the Pyrenean Mountain Dog Club of Great Britain to inquire about any dogs in need of a home after the passing of their previous Pyrenean, Wilson, who died in October 2022.

Steve and Helen initially feared they had “no chance” of adopting Brody due to his popularity on social media. Nevertheless, they completed the adoption application and were soon contacted by the shelter for a video call to assess their home environment. Following a positive assessment, they arranged a visit to Brody at the shelter.

On January 1, 2023, the couple traveled to Cumbria, spending two days with Brody, including a walk in Wasdale. By January 3, 2023, they had officially adopted him. Helen reflected on their first encounter, stating, “We fell in love straight away,” noting Brody’s friendly nature.

Three weeks into his new life, the Whites report that Brody has settled in well. Steve shared that Brody interacts positively with the family’s other animals, including chickens and a Canadian Goose. He enjoys exploring the garden and is particularly fond of receiving neck scratches. An amusing incident occurred when Brody jumped into the family’s duck pond on his first day home, emerging covered in weeds.

Brody has also shown a love for trips to the beach, where he enjoys chasing tennis balls and paddling in streams. However, he is less fond of rain, often refusing to leave the house during wet weather. The couple discovered that he has a particular fondness for clotted cream, happily licking the container clean after they finish.

Originally bred to guard livestock against wolves and bears, Pyrenean Mountain Dogs like Brody are known for their protective nature. According to Lauren Pickthall, the animal rehoming manager at Animal Concern Cumbria, “Safe to say, he’s starting the year exactly where he belongs.”

In an effort to share Brody’s adventures, Steve has launched an Instagram page, Brody_thebigdog, allowing followers to keep up with his new life and exploits. The story of Brody’s rescue and adoption highlights the importance of providing homes for animals in need, showcasing the joy that they can bring to families.