Happy 14th birthday to my “little brother” and favorite curmudgeon, Ringo! My mother adopted Ringo from a local shelter in July of 2010. He had been brought up from the south and surrendered to a shelter in Springfield, MA. At the time, Ringo weighed just 12 lbs. We could practically count his ribs. He was anxious and barking in the crate at the shelter, and to this day crates give him extreme anxiety. Half of his teeth were missing due to poor health and malnutrition, but that didn’t stop him from trying to jump up on the counter to grab a snack! Yes, from the beginning, Ringo kept us on our toes! People often ask us about Ringo, so here’s his Gotcha Story in honor of his special birthday.

That summer we were thinking of adopting a pug to keep JD company, but hadn’t heard any news from the rescues that we sent applications to. That’s when we discovered Ringo on an online pet finder website. When I saw that his name was Ringo, I had to click on the photo (after all, I loved the Beatles)! Ringo looked too thin to be a pug and was already quite grey in the muzzle. I saved his profile and waited. I kept thinking about Ringo after seeing his photo, but I was already busy finishing college and running All You Need is Pug in its early days. I wasn’t sure if I had enough time to take care of a second dog. Nonetheless, Ringo stayed on my mind. I worried that a dog who was just about to turn 8 years old may not necessarily quickly find a home. I told my mother about Ringo. After seeing him, she also believed that he seemed to belong with our family. Since I wasn’t certain about adopting a second dog, my mum decided to give Ringo his forever home. We drove out to Springfield, MA on June 10 (just 3 days after Ringo’s 8th birthday) and adopted him on the spot!

During Ringo’s time with us he has had many joys and, unfortunately, many struggles as well. We managed to get him to a healthy weight, but then he went blind a few years later and began to overeat as a comfort and compensation for his lost sight, causing him to go from underweight to overweight. He endured a leg injury slipping on ice one winter that left him stroller-bound for a year. He has chronic bronchitis and lung disease that continue to grow worse as he ages. But don’t feel badly for the little guy! None of this stops him! He has his good days and his bad, like anyone, but at 14 he is still one of the most sprightly, spunky dogs I know. He remains full of mischief, trying to steal cat food or sneak into the litter box if given the opportunity. He enjoys running around the house (yes, despite his blindness) now that his leg has healed. He is at a healthy weight again, so he makes running look effortless, even with arthritis. His favorite thing to do is bark his head off as an alarm to remind us that it is time for dinner or a snack. And above all, he loves to snuggle with his mama. Occasionally he will snuggle with yours truly, but that’s only if our mum has gone out and I am the sole warm body left to curl up against!

Ringo truly is a gift, as is every senior dog. Yes, seniors take extra time and care. Yes, they rack up astronomical veterinary care bills for the health problems that arise with aging. But would we trade Ringo for anything? No, not for the world!

Happy 14th birthday, sweet boy! We hope that with us you have found the beautiful life that you deserve.

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I just came in from retrieving my mail, and as usual there were only a handful of generic flyers and an invoice or two in my mailbox. What ever happened to the art of writing letters? It is rare for me to pop open my mailbox to find a handwritten card or note, but when I do, I truly savor every word. Getting snail mail from loved ones absolutely brightens my entire day, and it makes me wonder why we don’t share these sweet correspondences more often than we do.

I became engaged last summer and I am now in full wedding planning mode. My current mission is to find a gown by the end of the month. I haven’t had any luck yet, but it has been fun to browse and try on these stunning dresses. The reason that I bring up my dress hunt is because yesterday I opened my mailbox, and lo and behold! There was a handwritten note addressed to me. When I opened it I found a beautiful thank you card from the owner of one of the bridal shops that I recently visited. She kindly thanked me for browsing her shop and extended the invitation for me to contact her if I wanted to see any additional gowns. I was struck by the fact that she took the time to write this lovely note, and even though the gowns in her shop weren’t for me, it made me happy to have had a pleasant experience with such a kind, conscientious business owner.

I believe that one of the things that drew me toward designing dog greeting cards and other stationery was that I truly enjoy sending cards and notes, which is sadly something that is becoming a bit of a lost art. Why do so many of us now send invitations over Facebook instead of charming, decorated invitations in the mail? Why do birthday text messages pour in on this special occasion when a sweet card is so much more memorable? Perhaps I’m an old soul, but there’s something about seeing a loved one’s handwriting that just makes the message feel so much more personal and meaningful than when that message comes to me digitally over a screen.

Last week I had a very large greeting card order from a client, and all I could do was smile as I printed and prepped her order for shipment. I imagined her penning a special note inside of each card, and then I thought of her loved ones’ faces lighting up as they opened their cards and saw the cute dog illustrations alongside her well wishes. Perhaps it is time that we all revive the art of letter writing, even if it is only to make someone’s day just a little more beautiful.

If you like the cards that you see in this post, visit our Etsy shop for all of these designs and dozens more!

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Jeremy and I spent hours taking photos for the feature, and I spent days trying to perfect every last word in the short article before sending it off to Etsy’s staff (who are all quite wonderful, supportive, and kind, by the way).  And now here it is, the editorial that I have waited years to be featured in is finally in print for the world to see. To get a behind-the-scenes peek into my work space, my process, and the wild and whimsical world of All You Need is Pug, visit our Featured Shop editorial on the official Etsy Blog.

Yes, this is indeed a lovely way to end 2015. This has been a successful year for All You Need is Pug, and I feel that it all began when I quit my day job back in May. I was so nervous to take the leap, and I would never have done it if my fiancé hadn’t encouraged and supported me. It also helped that I have exceptional customers and followers who make my job worthwhile and so much fun to do. I look forward to waking up each day to see what adventures wait for me as I work on custom orders and brainstorm new ideas. I am overwhelmed by the kind words and wishes that I have received from customers and fellow artists just in the past 24 hours since the editorial has gone live. People can be so extraordinary and surprising, and I can’t thank you enough for making me smile and pushing me to be a better person, artist, and small businesswoman. 2015 is ending on a high note, and I hope that 2016 will prove to be even better. Here’s to you, here’s to 2016, and here’s to the future of All You Need is Pug!

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Gratitude for all of the wonderful things in our lives is something that we try to practice everyday, but it’s nice to have one day each year where we are able to get together with our loved ones and share this appreciation on Thanksgiving. This year, the All You Need is Pug team and I have a great deal to be thankful for. I am thankful that I was able to quit my day job in May to take a chance on my small business and see it thrive. I am thankful for every success, small or large, and every opportunity that has come my way. I am thankful to be engaged to a man who supports me and my creative drive, and for family and friends who are equally encouraging and inspiring. And let’s not forget you, dear customers and friends! Without you, All You Need is Pug would not exist. It is thanks to all of you who support shopping small that we are able to wake up each day to do what we love.  Even on the shop’s busiest days when I am scrambling to complete deadlines and get orders out for holidays and special occasions, I feel happy and fulfilled in my work, and you all play such a large role in giving me that gift.

While I am a huge fan of Thanksgiving (pass the vegan tofurky pie, please!), I am not so fond of Thanksgiving day shopping. As someone who used to work at a large retail chain, I can tell you that working on Thanksgiving and Black Friday is not only exhausting, but can sap the holiday spirit right out of you when you see how people are treated in these packed stores. For those who have to work on the holiday and the hectic day that follows, just know that you are appreciated, even if it won’t seem so in the hours spent stocking shelves and dealing with cranky customers. And if you are heading out to shop, be kind, both to workers and fellow shoppers. ‘Tis the season to be jolly, after all.

Even though Black Friday shopping in stores is not something that I enjoy, I certainly can’t resist snagging a good deal online, and I know that you feel the same way. This year, we are offering 15% off of purchases made on Thanksgiving and Black Friday as our “thank you” to all of our customers, both returning and new. Visit our Etsy shop and use the coupon code BLACKPUG15 for an automatic 15% off of your orders.

Before we send you off to start cooking, just remember that it’s okay to sneak a bit of turkey and some carrots or sweet potatoes to your dogs tomorrow, but keep them away from things like bones, gravy, onions, raisins, chocolate desserts and other potentially harmful goodies.

The All You Need is Pug team wishes you a lovely Thanksgiving!

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Today the All You Need is Pug family celebrates a very special occasion: JD’s 8th birthday! It is so hard for me to believe that he is already 8 years old. I rescued JD from the Pug Rescue of New England when he was just 7 months old. This rambunctious little puppy was surrendered because he was too high energy for his former family, but I knew that his fun spirit and wild ways would be the perfect addition to my days. I was fresh out of high school, planning for college, and nervous about the future. I had always wanted a pug and had been begging my parents to adopt one since I was in grade school. When I was just becoming an adult myself, I made the decision to spend the money I had received through graduation gifts toward the adoption fee for a little pug named Reggie. I changed his name to James Dean, because I could tell right away when he playfully nipped at my hand that he would be a little rebel.

JD has taught me more than I ever imagined he could in our 7+ years together. He has made me a more compassionate, selfless, honest, and creative human being, and I cannot thank him enough for helping me to become the person that I am. Today, and everyday, I celebrate JD for his happy heart, freely given love, and a loyalty that I never knew existed until he snuggled into my arms. Without JD, All You Need is Pug would not exist. He is the muse and inspiration behind every stitch that I knit and every new piece of art that I create. I have always known that JD would give me a happier, more fulfilled existence, but I never could have dreamed that he would touch the hearts of thousands all over the world by making them smile with his funny photos and sloppy kisses. Everyone that he meets marvels at his personality and says “I’ve never met a dog like him!” And it’s true. I have never met another dog like JD, and I am so thankful for the little man who has made my life the extraordinary adventure that it is. JD, for today and all of the days that we will have in our shared life together, for all of our moments nestled on the couch, for all of our walks trampling through leaves, for all of the silly songs that I sing to you, and for all of the funny little habits that you have, I give you the happiest of wishes, the warmest embraces, and the best life that I know how to give you. Happy 8th birthday, my heart.

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If you want a gift that will impress your co-workers year-round, we’ve got two adorable options for you! For the coffee loving co-worker who simply can’t start the day without a cup of joe, our pug mugs will bring a bit of extra delight to every sip. If your co-workers enjoy decorating their office space, add a bit of fun and whimsy to their decor with our A Very Pugly 2016 wall calendar.

Teenagers and children can be tough to buy for, especially as they develop their own sense of style. Our knit hat line is sure to offer something that will impress people of all ages, and our Fox Hat is a particular favorite among fashionable teens and little ones.

Need a gift for that awesome dog dad? Add a sense of adventure to his holiday gift with a cozy handmade Aviator Helmet Set. Each set comes with a matching pair of hats, one for your cool dude, and the other for his dog. The dog hat can be custom made to fit dogs of most breeds. Need a gift just for your special guy? Order a solo Aviator Helmet for him to enjoy all winter long!

Every girl would love a personal assistant as a holiday gift, but since those can be rather pricey, try a pug tote bag instead! Each tote is printed with one of our beautiful pug designs and is the perfect size for helping your loved one to carry everything from library books and groceries to kids’ toys and little daily necessities. While these adorable totes may not be quite as helpful as a personal assistant, they are wonderful for helping busy gals to stay organized on the go.

As most of our customers know, our shop is all about pampering your pup with clothing that is both cozy and fashionable. Our large line of custom, handmade dog hats and dog neck warmers make gorgeous gifts not only for your own pets, but for the ardent dog lovers in your life. We custom create dog clothing for dogs of almost any shape or size, so every four-legged-friend on your holiday list can receive something special that has been made to fit his or her unique measurements.

Looking to grab gifts that will suit absolutely anyone on your holiday list? We offer pug holiday greeting cards and handmade pug ornaments that will make people of all ages smile! Each greeting card is customizable so that you can add an extra personal touch by having your own message written inside, and our ornaments come as singles or in sets, giving you options to accommodate everyone you love.

We hope that our suggestions have helped you check a few people off of your holiday list, and that you enjoy the wonderful season that lies ahead.

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Along with our Santa Pug cards, we are also introducing a 2016 New Year’s card to our pug greeting card collection. This vibrant card features a photo of James Dean in a 2016 party hat and, like our Christmas cards, has options available for the text featured inside of each card. This is one of my personal favorite photos of JD, which is why it also graces the cover of this year’s A Very Pugly 2016 calendar.

If you simply can’t decide which card to buy, we have also created a sampler set of our holiday cards so that you may share a variety of sweet greetings with your pug-loving pals. This set includes 3 of our Christmas pug cards and a Happy New Year Card. I can guarantee that no matter which card your loved ones receive, they will not be able to stop smiling! I still have some ideas brewing for other new paper goods that will soon be in the works, and I can’t wait to share them with all of you once my ideas come to life!

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Any orders for dog hats and custom knits must be placed by November 15 for United States customers and November 1 for customers located in any other country.

Orders for All You Need is Pug tote bags, paper goods, t-shirts, and mugs must be placed by December 15 for United States customers and November 21 for customers located in any other country.

Any orders placed after these dates cannot be guaranteed to arrive in time for Christmas! Orders for dog hats & custom knits take 5-6 weeks to be handmade before being shipped. I will also note that it is our shop policy that there are no cancellations, returns, or refunds, so be sure to keep these dates in mind when placing your order, as you will not be able to cancel your order for any reason once it has been placed.  All orders placed after the indicated cut-off dates will ship in January 2016.

November is sneaking up on us quickly, and our cut-off dates are not far from sight, especially for our international customers. Visit our Etsy shop to save our items to your “favorites” list and place your orders!

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It’s been a tough few weeks for JD. After visiting the vet half a dozen times he was finally diagnosed with an indolent corneal ulcer in his right eye and underwent surgery on Wednesday. While his eye looks painful and is sutured half-closed for the next two weeks, JD is being one tough little dude and isn’t letting his recovery phase him too much. He still does his little pug dance when he sees me cooking dinner for him and Murph and he loves snuggling and resting his cone comfortably on my lap. This pampered pug even has a cozy soft cone that he wears to bed! All in all, JD is doing quite well, and we know that the kind wishes sent by our friends and customers certainly helped us feel better as we spent the past few weeks worrying about what would happen to JD’s eye. JD will be seeing the vet for his post-op follow up toward the end of October. He will get his sutures out and hopefully we will find that his eye is fully healed and feeling better. In the meantime, we may have to plan for JD to be Popeye for Halloween this year!

I cannot thank you all enough for being so concerned about my little man. While he is my business mascot and muse, he is, above all, my furry son and soul mate, and I have been one nervous mama watching my baby boy struggle over the past few weeks. It makes my heart happy to know that he is on the road to recovery, and to know that he has touched the hearts of people all over the world just as much as he has touched mine.

I will keep you updated about your favorite fashionable pug and his progress!

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