Big Dog Owners Face Big Sized Challenges – Website Offers Refuge

Big Paws Only (www.bigpawsonly.com), an online community for large breed dog owners, offers support, resources, and above all, amity from the difficulties and frustrations they face. "We make it fun here" says Michael Campbell, the developer of Big Paws Only. From organizing contests and social meet ups, to dressing up big dogs like they were small dogs, Big Paws Only offers a fun refuge for the large breed owner.
Several things are typically never thought of when considering a large breed puppy – Big Paws Only lists a few things to think about when making that plunge into bringing a puppy home.

Apartments Typically Don't Allow Large Dogs
You almost have to be a home owner to have a large breed dog. Most apartments have strict limits to the size of your pet – sometimes by height but more commonly by weight. Leasing agreements usually state that dogs no more than 20 lb and some times up to 40 lb are allowed to share residence with you. Renters with large breed dogs frequently end up in more exclusive apartments where others in similar situations also find refuge, or end up looking into homes to rent.

Higher Veterinary Bills
When large dogs find themselves in need of medical attention, owners find they dig deeper into their pocket – particularly when anesthesia and medication are involved. Most Vets charge by the weight of the dog, so more anesthesia is needed to keep a dog safely asleep.

Costly to Travel With
Large breed dogs are rarely seen in the cabin of a commercial airliner – that's because they're stuck back in cargo. And cargo isn't cheap. While small dogs usually get a free ride if they can fit under the seat, larger dogs can expect to pay more than $200. While most airline cargo is a safe way for a dog to fly, it is never easy for the dog and likely just as hard on the owner.

Nothing Fits
Some giant breed dogs like Newfoundland's and St. Bernard's can be difficult to shop for. One can't always walk into the local Pets Mart and expect to find a collar large enough for their companion's neck. Often times, you'll find yourself purchasing extra links, or going online for special orders.

Bigger Mistakes
When a giant breed steps on you and you're barefoot, you're going to scream. If he gets your remote, he's going to total it. All dogs make mistakes, but when a large breed makes a mistake, they almost always have larger consequences - they either hurt more, or cost more.

He's So Scary
Be prepared for a certain stigma associated with big dogs. He or she could be the must lovable huggable animal on the planet but people will still be skeptical. Simply walking your dog down the sidewalk can cause everyday neighbors to fear you and your dog.

Just Simply Not Welcome
Try walking your Great Dane or Mastiff into a fine restaurant in California. Doesn't happen. If anything, you're stuck on the deck eating your meal while suffering the weather with your dog. Need to spend a day shopping? Even though you'll find little fluffy dogs hanging out of purses and shopping baskets, you won't be welcome with your beast. Life just isn't fair for the big dogs.

Big Dogs always seem to present big challenges, but for those who own them it's worth it, as there is just more to love. Jaime Campbell, co-owner of Big Paws Only (www.bigpawsonly.com), a large and giant breed dog community online, agrees, "You can tell how big a person's heart is by the size of their dog!" Big Paws Only was built with this in mind, exclusively so large breed dog lovers from all over the world could connect, interact, share and learn. BigPawsOnly.com also offers exclusive large breed merchandise that can be hard to find, a Doggy Date Social Calendar, Paw Prints and a Large Breed Online Encyclopedia. For more information, visit www.bigpawsonly.com

Contact info:
Michael Campbell
michaelpcampbell@gmail.com
www.bigpawsonly.com