Just Giants: Rescue Hosts Golf Outing To Benefit Man's Best Friend

OSWEGO, IL — When you’re looking to adopt a new furry friend, do the phrases ‘teacup puppy’ or ‘lap dog’ lead your search? If not, you may be in the market for a bigger breed. In Oswego, one rescue organization is dedicated to rehoming one specific dog size - giant. Founded in 2014, Just Giants Rescue Inc. is a volunteer run non-profit that focuses on rehoming some of the biggest dog breeds, from Great Danes to Saint Bernards. In the past two years, the organization has helped more than 300 gentle giants find their forever homes.

With nine dogs currently awaiting adoption, the organization hosted its second annual golf outing fundraiser on Aug. 13 at the Whitetail Ridge Golf Club.

Under sunny skies, and in the company of a few giants, attendees enjoyed a day of golfing with all proceeds benefiting the dogs in need.

“You know what they say, big dogs, big bills,” said Just Giants founder Michaelene Majestic. In addition to giant dogs, the rescue’s website tells visitors that they also “have giant fees," many incurred during the rescue's fostering program.

Christine Dodge, a three-month volunteer for Just Giants and rescue pet blogger for The Rescue Runway, said she thinks the event was a great way to raise awareness for the rescue, and will hopefully draw in more donations, volunteers and maybe even a few new homes for the dogs in need.

Dodge became involved with Just Giants after a friend adopted a Saint Bernard from the organization. A self-described “big dog person” Dodge said she was drawn to the mission at Just Giants because she loved that they “specialized in breeds that might have a hard time finding homes due to their size.”

Dodge is volunteering her time to help raise awareness through online communication and is looking to start a newsletter to publicize events like the golf outing. The volunteer said the highlight of this year’s event was interacting with dogs up for adoption and dogs already adopted out through Just Giants. “There were four dogs at the golf outing and each one was happier than the next,” said Dodge, “Fun was had by all whether two legs or four.”

According to their website, Just Giants receives a large number of phone calls from current big breed owners looking to re-home their companions. Until Just Giants can find new owners for these dogs, they facilitate foster homes for them.

Individuals interested in fostering can sign up on the organization’s website, and will receive help caring for the dogs every step of the way. In addition to mentoring and moral support throughout fostering, the rescue will also supply fosters with a crate and housebreaking kit, and will pay for all veterinary care including prevention for heart worm and flea and tick issues. To help the dogs find the right home, Just Giants will screen anyone interested in adopting and will help fostered dogs gain exposure to potential adopters.

The annual golf outing helps the rescue afford these services, with a 50/50 raffle and silent auction to help bring in extra funds. After a day of fundraising and golfing, the event ended with dinner and drinks to celebrate the success of Just Giants.

“This money will help to pay for some of the expenses the dogs incur while in our care. We are very thankful to all our participants and those who continually support our organization,” said Majestic.

Those looking to add a large furry member to their family can see the available dogs, including Piper the mixed breed puppy and Hamilton the Great Pyrenees, on the "Meet the Giants" page.

If you don't have room in your home for a giant dog but would still like to help the rescue, the organization accepts donations year-round, including through Amazon shopping and the purchase of Just Giants attire.

Whether you’re looking to bring a giant into your home permanently, foster, or volunteer for the organization by helping with clerical tasks, transporting dogs to vets and foster homes, or setting up fundraising events, Just Giants is always looking for more helping hands. Those interested in volunteering can fill out an online application to get started helping the giants.

Photo via Just Giants