When I started Giant Paws Market, I had an idea. I wanted to create a place where people with giant-breed dogs could find products, information, and resources that might make life with these big, lovable creatures a little easier.
But the more I've worked on this website, the more I've realized I want something bigger than that.
I want a community.
Let me tell you something right up front. I'm not a veterinarian. I'm not a professional dog trainer. I'm not an expert on giant-breed dogs.
I'm just a woman who fell completely in love with a Great Dane named Waylon and quickly discovered there was a whole lot I didn't know! And while we're being honest, I'm not some super tech-savvy, camera-ready, 20-something influencer either!
I'm a 50-something woman learning a whole new set of skills while sharing the ups, the downs, and the downright ridiculous moments of life with my best friend, Waylon.
Meet our family, myself, my husband, and Waylon. Part-time model, full-time couch hog, and the reason I started this journey with Giant Paws Market.
Some days I surprise myself with what I can do. Other days, I'm ready to throw my computer out the window!
But I'm learning, I'm having fun, and I'm figuring things out as I go.
But, i digress…
When we brought Waylon home, I had so many questions. What should he eat? How much? How fast was he supposed to grow? Where was I going to find a bed big enough for him? And why on earth were so many things labeled "extra large" clearly not made for a dog like mine?
I researched. I asked questions. I read articles. I joined groups. I talked to people who knew more than I did.
And I made mistakes.
I still make mistakes!
Some things have worked beautifully. Others? Well, let's just say I've spent good money learning what doesn't work.
But that's part of the experience, isn't it? And isn't that what life is about? Trying new things, making mistakes, learning from them, and hopefully having a few laughs along the way?
Here's What I've Been Thinking
There are people out there who have been raising giant-breed dogs for 20 or 30 years. There are people who just brought home their first puppy yesterday. And there are people like me, somewhere in between, still learning as we go.
Imagine what we could learn from each other.
Maybe you've found a dog bed that actually lasts. Maybe you've figured out a trick for keeping your floors clean when your dog considers his water bowl a swimming pool. Maybe you've struggled with a picky eater or wondered whether you're doing everything right.
I want to hear about it.
Not just the successes, either.
I want to talk about the things we struggle with. The things nobody warned us about. The purchases we regret. The moments when we question ourselves.
And, of course, all the ridiculous, hilarious things these enormous dogs do that make us laugh until we cry.
Because if living with Waylon has taught me anything, it's that there's never a dull moment.
I Don't Want This to Be a One-Way Conversation
I'll continue sharing our experiences, the things I've learned, the products we've tried, and the stories that make life with Waylon so entertaining.
But I don't want Giant Paws Market to be just me telling you what I think works.
I want you to tell me what works for you.
You might have a completely different experience than I've had, and that's okay! That's how we learn.
I'm not interested in pretending there's one perfect way to raise a dog. Every dog is different, and every household is different.
What I do believe is that we all want the same basic thing: happy, healthy dogs who get to live wonderful lives with the people who love them.
And sometimes that means listening to someone who's already walked the road we're just starting down.
Yes, There Will Still Be Products
I'm going to keep sharing useful finds, honest recommendations, and resources for giant-breed owners. That's part of why Giant Paws Market exists.
And I hope to create more helpful products of my own along the way.
But I never want you to feel like you're here just to be sold something.
If I love a product, I'll tell you why. If something didn't work for us, I'll tell you that, too. And if I'm working with a brand, I'll be upfront about it.
I want your trust to mean more than a sale.
It Takes a Village
You've probably heard the saying that it takes a village to raise a child.
Well, after living with a Great Dane, I'm beginning to think raising a giant-breed dog takes a pretty good village, too!
So here's my invitation.
Whether you share your home with a Great Dane, Mastiff, Saint Bernard, Great Pyrenees, Irish Wolfhound, or another big, beautiful breed, I'd love for you to be part of what we're building.
You don't have to be an expert. You don't have to have all the answers.
You just have to love your dog.
Let's share our experiences, ask questions, laugh at our dogs, learn from our mistakes, and help each other along the way.
And while we're at it, let's remember to be kind to one another. We're all doing the best we can with what we know.
I'll go first.
I'm still learning how to be the best person I can be for Waylon. And I suspect he'll be teaching me things for the rest of his life.
Now I'd love to hear from you: What's one thing you wish someone had told you before you brought your giant-breed dog home?
Or just tell me about your dog. I'd love to meet them!
Because Giant Paws Market might have started with Waylon and me, but I don't want it to end there.
I want to see what we can build together.
— Terry & Waylon
Giant Paws Market
Big dogs. Big love. Better finds.