In Memory of ~
Ga-Mac's Apollo Zack Aryah (A.K.A. Zack)
Princeton's Icon Von Waldheim X BIS BISS Ch. Ga-Mac's Kalisto (top 5 1981)
Whelped in Zephyrhills, Florida
bred by Gayle Roberts of Ga-Mac Kennel

When I selected my first Great Dane puppy, I also learned the hard way about the importance of seeking a reputable breeder when searching for a purebred puppy.  I found my first Dane by answering an ad in a local newspaper. At the time, I knew very little about the breed and so I let low price be my guide.  That puppy came from what I might now call a "back yard breeder", someone who had very little knowledge about breeding Great Danes.  My puppy suffered serious health problems and consequently didn't live to see his 6 month birthday.  I spent the money I thought I had saved in his purchase price and a lot more at the Vet trying to learn what was wrong with my pup.  I was broken hearted once he was gone but I knew that Great Danes would always be the breed for me,  So, I began to read what I could about the breed and about selecting a breeder for my next puppy.  I saved my money and in time I brought home Zack.  He was everything one should expect in a Great Dane, beautiful, mannerly (after some training!), and devoted.  He was an ambassador for his breed and a compliment of accomplishment to his breeder.  

Zack's shining example is the reason my home is happily filled with Great Danes today.  Now, nearly 24 years later, I  participate in showing and breeding my own Great Danes.  I've made many wonderful friends within the fancy, some who've been the best mentors I could have hoped for.  I started my own line with a descendant from Zack's line; My girl Diva was Zack's distant niece, 5 generations removed.  

My old friend, I wish you could know this is a tribute to your influence on my life with Great Danes. 

One very sad day, I lost Zack to a common thief of our Gentle Giants ~ GDV (bloat with torsion).

November 5th, 1983 ~ January 2nd, 1990 

Zack was the "runt" of his litter.  He is pictured here on the right with one of his litter-mates.
Pictured here at 9 months old at  Phillipe Park in Safety Harbor, Florida.  This was one of his favorite parks to visit.
Napping is something where Zack excelled!
Here Zack is about 1 year old.  We taught him to put "paws on shoulders" on command and it was one of his favorite things to do.  The neighborhood children loved Zack and often knocked on our door to see if he could come out to play.
Zack never seemed to mind posing for pictures.  On the right, he is pictured with my Mom.  Mom loved to take Zack for walks.
I was in the Air Force when Zack came into my life.  We often went on base to one of the beaches to toss tennis balls into the water.  Zack loved to go to the beach but he wasn't much into swimming!  On the left, I'm trying to encourage Zack to come out to deeper water.  Many times he would patiently wait for the tennis ball to come in on the waves as he waded near the shore.
Fall 1985 ~
In 1985, we were living near the coast in Port Tampa, FL when hurricane Elaina paid an unwelcomed visit.  Our home was flooded and we were literally forced out onto the streets.  With trepidation, (because of the idea of having a Great Dane in his home) a good friend agreed to let us stay with him until we could find another place to live.  Here Zack is pictured with my guinea pig and my friends' cat.  Zack was always a gentleman and our friend was utterly amazed at how little trouble it was to have a Great Dane living in his home.
Late Autumn 1989 ~ This is one of the last photos I took of Zack.  It was taken at one of his very favorite parks.  Lettuce Lake Park in Tampa, Fl.
1986
Zack enjoying another day at another park...

Where ever you are now my friend, I hope each day is warm and sunny with brilliant blue skies and I hope you can splash in the sea and roll in the cool grass all day long.  Behind you left paw prints in the sands of my heart...

So long, Zack.

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