With Valentines Day approaching it would be remiss of me not to do a feature on love. Which got me thinking about how often I hear ‘dog people are another breed…they love their dog more than their own children”.  While that might not be the case for everyone, it is true that dog parents are gaga for their dogs.  So let me share my story of puppy love, and how Molly Barker came to be.

It was 4 years ago and I had just moved into a new house with a backyard. This meant I could finally get a dog. I agonised for months as to the bread I wanted. I always loved the gentle nature of Great Danes but worried a dog of that size might be a bit more than I could handle. On the other hand, I also loved the playfulness and all round safe family option of Golden Retrievers and Labradors. But being a lover of all dogs, I changed my mind on a daily bases. The only two things that didn’t change was I wanted a big dog, as I’d always grown up with bigger dogs, and I wanted to adopt.

I spent the next few months stalking pet rescue shelters and websites for my Sasha. Yes, like any crazy dog lady I had talked about getting a dog for so long that I had already chosen a name for my future fur baby. 

After months of searching I came across a litter of Great Dane x Labradors at a shelter in the country town of Shepparton. I couldn’t believe it, a mix of the two breads I loved the most! To make a long story short, I missed out on a couple of the pups I had enquired about. But finally I got a call that there was a female left and if I was still interested I could come get her. I literally grabbed my handbag and drove straight there. Two and half hours later I met little miss Molly. I say little because even though she was 3 months old, had huge paws and was already 12kg, she had the cutest little face and when I looked into those big eyes I just knew we were meant to find each other.

As with most new parents, I couldn’t wait for my work day to be over so I could rush home to her. I would often say to her “I wish I didn’t have to go to work and I could stay home with you all day”. Amongst the toilet training, chewed shoes and endless cuddles, I spent my time trying to find a dog bed, collar and lead that I actually liked. I couldn’t believe how hard it was. Ok, I might be a little fussy but everything screamed CUTE. I just couldn’t find anything that made me say ‘wow isn’t that beautiful’. In addition, my sweet Molly had a few issues that made me realise a new range of products was needed on the market. 

Firstly, she had flaky and irritable skin. I tried just about every medicated and natural grooming product I could get my hands on. Some gave her temporary relief, but none soothed her skin long term.

Secondly, at the age of almost 2 years old she developed anxiety when going for walks (apparently this is very common). Unfortunately specialised training wasn’t enough and she still has good and bad days. On the bad days she pulls on her lead which used to cause both of us a lot of discomfort. Her neck would rub on her collar, which even if made of real leather (not pleather), it was the same type of leather used for horse strapping. Sure her fur protected her skin, but you can imagine how it would cut into my hand when 35kg of dog would try to take off…Ouch!!! 

With a combination of inspiration and frustration for what wasn't on the market, I quit my job and set on a journey to create a label that enhanced functionality and comfort, all while complimenting the aesthetics of fashionable dog owners and their home decor. Who would have thought that my wish to have my girl by my side every day would come true? 

While productivity is often interrupted by the nudges to play or laughter from me as I watch her run in her sleep, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I am truly grateful that I get to do what I love every day, and I have my cheeky sweet girl by my side to share it with. I hope that as you read this you take a moment to appreciate your fur baby. And if you don’t have one, perhaps it will inspire you to contact a pet rescue shelter in your area and adopt a dog who needs a home. 

We hope you enjoyed reading about our journey so far. Do write in with your own stories! We’d love to hear from you. You can also browse through our online boutique for a special, stylish surprise for your fur baby.

From Molly and I, we wish you the happiest Valentines Day xxx