Little Giants Dog Rescue 
est. 2019

Owning four amazing dogs of their own, Tricia and Christie are very passionate about the love and understanding it takes to care for man-and woman's- best friend.

They have always put the needs of their dogs before anything and understand that every dog deserves a loving home no matter what it takes. They dream of saving all the dogs in the world.....well as many as humanly possible.  This is why they needed to do more and put all the love they have to those who need it most. 

With the help, support and understanding of their board members, Little Giants Dog Rescue was soon created. They were able to finally live out their dream of saving one dog at a time and finding their forever home. 

Little Giants Dog Rescue is dedicated to making sure that each life saved is their number one priority. They want to educate society on the importance of spaying/neutering animals to help with over population and any possible medical issues down the line. They want to show the world that every animal, no matter their background, deserves a second chance at life and a loving home.  

We are committed to being the voice and advocates for the Little Giants who can't do it themselves. Each Little Giant has their own story to tell and we get the honor of telling it. 


Meet Our Team

Christie Cantilena
Co-Founder/Director/President
 Christie is the founder of LGDR. She graduated from WIU with a Bachelors Degree in Psychology. She currently works in the Home Care Industry. She has 4 little rescued fur babies herself and loves volunteering at the local animal shelter. She enjoys spending time with her dogs, working out, and keeping as busy as possible. The idea to open a foster based rescue came when Christie realized that she could do so much more for dogs in need and wanted to commit to doing just that. She believes that every dog deserves the chance to be spoiled and loved. 

Tricia Balla
Co-Founder/Executive Director
 Tricia is mom to 4 furbabies and has always been passionate about animals. Graduating from Western Illinois University with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology. Tricia is currently working in the Downers Grove area. She spends her time volunteering at the local animal shelter and hanging with her own babies. She hopes that one day all dogs will find a loving furever home and be heard!

Tanya Galloway
Vice President/Director

Tanya is an English teacher who received her Bachelors Degree from Illinois State University and earned her Masters Degree from Northern Illinois University both in English Education. She loves all animals especially dogs and has grown up with boxers and currently spoils her boxer, Maple, in Montgomery. She has volunteered with Heartland and Magnificent Mutts & Meows. In her free time, she loves to read, craft, travel and visit WI . 

Linda Daiberl
Adoption Coordinator
Linda is a retired high school counselor who has a bachelors degree from Northern Illinois University, a masters in special education from National Louis University, and a masters in counseling from Northeastern Illinois University. She is mom to 2 rescue dogs who are chihuahua mixes. She is also mom to 4 humans and grandma to 11. She stays very busy babysitting and attending band concerts and other school functions for the grandkids. Family is her first passion and helping rescue dogs find their forever homes is her second.