As we celebrate our one-year anniversary of launching The Big Damn Dog Co., we can’t help but feel overwhelmed with gratitude. Over the past year, we’ve had the honor of helping hundreds of giant breed dogs live more comfortable, joyful lives. This milestone is a reflection of the love and support from all of you—our customers, fellow dog lovers, and friends.
But before we dive into the celebration, we want to share a little bit about how this all started. Because we’re not a faceless company; we’re a family. And this all began with one very special dog named Lucy.
Lucy: The Dog Who Started It All
When we adopted Lucy, a two-year-old, 120-pound Great Dane, we thought we knew what we were getting into. Big appetite? Check. Big personality? Double-check. But what we didn’t anticipate was the big learning curve. Taking care of a giant breed dog came with unique challenges—ones that most pet owners never have to think about.
One of those challenges became clear during a routine vet visit. Lucy’s veterinarian explained that, due to her size, joint issues were a concern even at her young age. She recommended starting Lucy on a joint supplement immediately to support her growing body.
We thought this would be a simple fix—but we quickly discovered a problem. Not a single joint supplement on the market was formulated for a dog Lucy’s size. The dosage instructions on the vet’s top recommendation capped out at 60 pounds, meaning we’d need to double (or even triple) the dose just to meet her needs.
So, we did what any dog parent would do: we started researching. And researching. And researching some more.
Turning Frustration into Innovation
As we dug deeper into the world of joint supplements, we realized something alarming: the market wasn’t built for dogs like Lucy. Giant breeds have unique needs, and their size means they require higher dosages of active ingredients, yet most products fell short.
Even the best products on the market left us questioning:
- Were the ingredients potent enough to truly support a dog of Lucy’s size?
- What about additional pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory ingredients that weren’t included?
- Was there a better way to ensure our girl had the joint health she deserved?
After years of trial, error, and countless conversations with veterinarians and researchers, we found our answer. And that’s how Giant Breed Hip & Joint was born.
We crafted this supplement to provide everything Lucy—and dogs like her—needed: increased potency, clinically backed ingredients, and the added benefit of pain relief and anti-inflammatory support. It wasn’t just a product; it was a solution inspired by love and necessity.
From Our Family to Yours
We understand what your giant breed dog needs because we’ve been there. Lucy was (and still is!) the driving force behind this company, and every decision we’ve made has been rooted in giving her the best care possible.
Over the past year, we’ve been honored to share that care with hundreds of other big dogs and their families. From Great Danes to Saint Bernards to Irish Wolfhounds, we’ve heard countless stories of how our product has helped dogs feel more comfortable, recover faster, and get back to living their best lives.
This is the heart of what we do: providing specialized products, tailored to the unique needs of giant breed dogs, with the personal touch of a family-run business.
Why a Small Business Like Ours Makes a Big Difference
When you shop small, you’re not just buying a product—you’re supporting people who genuinely care. We’re not a big corporation. We’re dog owners, just like you. And that’s why:
- Our Products Are Tailored: We don’t create one-size-fits-all solutions. We craft products specifically for giant breed dogs, with their size and needs in mind.
- Our Expertise is Personal: We’ve spent years learning the ins and outs of giant breed health because we’ve lived it. Lucy’s journey has shaped every decision we make.
- Our Service is Personal: When you reach out to us, you’re talking to real people (Jared or Sarah, most likely!), who care deeply about your dog’s well-being.
This personalized care is what sets small businesses like ours apart. And it’s why we’re so grateful to every single customer who has supported us over the past year.
Thank You for Supporting The Big Damn Dog Co.
Small Business Saturday feels extra special this year because it also marks one year since we officially opened our doors. In that time, we’ve:
- Helped hundreds of dogs find relief and live more active lives.
- Connected with an incredible community of giant breed dog owners who share our love and dedication to these amazing animals.
- Continued our mission of giving giant breed dogs “more, better years.”
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for believing in us, supporting our mission, and trusting us with the health of your gentle giants.
Celebrate Small Business Saturday With Us
Whether you’ve been with us since the beginning or are just discovering The Big Damn Dog Co., we’re so glad you’re here. Shopping small doesn’t just support our family—it supports the health and happiness of big dogs everywhere.
Here’s to another year of making a difference, one big dog at a time. 🐾💙
With gratitude,
Sarah & Jared, Founders
The Big Damn Dog Co.
PS, Have you seen our Founding Story video? Spoiler alert, Lucy's the main character. Watch it here.