Update:

So I have been super busy with finals and grad school interviews and even some job interviews! But I wanted to just be clear and say I am not dead XD 
I have recently made some great purchases for my soon to be doggie!
I bought the playpen from my previous post and it should be here within the week so I will probably have a DIY for you guys next week! 
I also go the parts to make the feeder I will also do a DIY on that so you can see what I'm talking about half the time. 

UP-UPDATE: I talked it over with a current Dane mom and she has persuaded me to foster a rescue dog over the Summer with the intent to adopt in August/September. He will still be young but not a puppy she just thinks it would be best that my first Great Dane not be a rambunctious puppy.