Finnegan, 5, Oliver, three, Liberty, six and Lincoln, one (Picture: Mercury Press)‘I think people are intimidated by Great Danes because they are huge, but they are so gentle and loving.

Mudrooms provide a space where dogs can have their paws cleaned and coats toweled dry before being permitted inside the rest of the house. The dog mudroom they are building will feature a large walk-in and an elevated bathing station for their hard-playing dogs Bettie, Teeny, Nelly and Finnegan.