Celebrating Lucy: The Rescue Dog Who Changed Everything
On January 28th, 2018, Lucy officially joined my life, and changed everything. That was the day Lucy, a timid and fearful Great Dane who had been through so much, officially became part of my family. Now, as we celebrate her seventh gotcha day, I find myself reflecting on her journey and all the joy, love, and inspiration she has brought into my life. This is her story—and the story of how she inspired The Big Damn Dog Co.
From Shelter to Rescue: Lucy’s Journey
Lucy’s story began like many rescue dogs—with a rough start. At just a year old, she had been surrendered to a shelter. Timid, fearful of people, and overwhelmed by the noisy shelter environment, Lucy struggled to adapt. Weeks passed, and she remained unadopted. Tragically, her time at the shelter ran out, and she was just 12 hours away from being euthanized when a local rescue stepped in and saved her.
The rescue placed her in a foster home, giving Lucy a chance to decompress and let her personality emerge. With patience, love, and a safe environment, she began to come out of her shell. Her foster family worked hard to rebuild her trust in people, and after a few months, she was finally ready for her forever home.
Love at First Sight
I had been searching for a Great Dane to adopt and was actively following rescue groups. One day, a friend sent me Lucy’s picture, which had been posted by the rescue. There was something about her that instantly pulled at my heart. I applied to meet her right away.
The first time we met, we clicked. Despite everything she had been through, Lucy seemed comfortable with me from the start. It felt like she had chosen me as much as I had chosen her. The rescue’s protocol required fostering for a month to ensure a good fit, but honestly, I knew from day one that she was already family. After that month, Lucy officially became mine, and I became hers.
Adjusting to Life with a Gentle Giant
Adopting a giant breed dog like Lucy came with its share of adjustments. She was bigger than any dog I’d ever owned, and her size alone took some getting used to. For instance, we spent about a week “disagreeing” on whether or not she was allowed on the couch. Spoiler alert: I lost that battle.
Despite her size, Lucy’s gentle nature quickly filled our home with love. She formed a bond with me almost immediately, and her ability to trust again after everything she’d endured was nothing short of remarkable. Over time, I realized that Lucy wasn’t just any dog—she was a living example of second chances. And she deserved the best care I could possibly give her.
How Lucy Inspired The Big Damn Dog Co.
Lucy’s adoption didn’t just change my life—it changed my purpose. As I cared for her, I quickly learned that owning a giant breed dog came with unique challenges. One of the biggest was finding a joint supplement that was actually formulated for dogs her size. Most products on the market capped their dosage at 60 pounds, and doubling up on supplements was expensive and less effective.
I started researching joint health, diving into studies, and learning about the best ingredients for preventing joint issues in big dogs. Lucy’s needs pushed me to create something better, and that’s how The Big Damn Dog Co. and Giant Breed Hip & Joint were born. Her story is the foundation of our mission: to help big dogs like Lucy live more, better years.
Celebrating Gotcha Days: Why They Matter
Gotcha days are more than just anniversaries—they’re a celebration of second chances, unconditional love, and the bonds we form with our rescue dogs. For me, Lucy’s gotcha day is a reminder of how far she’s come and how much she’s given back to me in return.
Dogs like Lucy often come with challenges. They may need time to adjust, extra patience, or special care. But the rewards? They’re immeasurable. In my experience, rescue dogs love even harder. They know what it means to be given a chance, and they return that love tenfold.
How We’re Celebrating Lucy’s Gotcha Day
This year, Lucy turns 9, and we’re celebrating her gotcha day with all her favorite things. She’ll enjoy a special pup cake, a hike outdoors (her absolute favorite activity), and plenty of cuddles. It’s our way of honoring everything she’s brought into our lives and making her feel as loved as she makes us feel every day.
If you’re celebrating a gotcha day soon, consider making it special with your dog’s favorite treats, activities, or even a quiet moment of reflection on the bond you share.
A Message to Fellow Dog Lovers: Consider Rescue
Lucy’s story is proof that rescue dogs deserve a chance. They may come with their own unique set of challenges, but they also bring unparalleled love, loyalty, and joy. If you’re considering adding a dog to your family, I encourage you to look into adoption. There are so many incredible dogs waiting for their second chance—and one of them just might change your life, too.
Lucy’s gotcha day is a celebration of love, resilience, and second chances. She didn’t just find a home; she found her purpose—and in turn, she helped me find mine. Through her, I’ve learned that even the most timid dogs can thrive with love and care. She’s the heart of The Big Damn Dog Co., and every product we create is inspired by her and dogs like her.
To everyone who has supported our journey, thank you. And to all the rescue dogs out there waiting for their chance, we see you—and we’ll keep working to give you the love and care you deserve.
Here’s to Lucy, and here’s to many more years of celebrating the big dogs who make our lives whole. 🐾
Sincerely,
Sarah McLean, Co-Founder, The Big Damn Dog Co.
