Share the Love: PAWS

100% of proceeds from our Love Shop will benefit 3 organizations in their efforts to protect the environment, animals in need, and girls everywhere. 

PAWS — a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to saving Philadelphia’s homeless, abandoned, and unwanted animals. PAWS is the city’s largest no-kill shelter and operates two high-volume, low-cost clinics serving pet owners and rescue organizations that lack access to affordable basic veterinary care. Through its adoption locations, special events, and foster care network, PAWS finds loving homes for thousands of animals each year. PAWS is working to make Philadelphia a no-kill city where every healthy and treatable pet is guaranteed a home.

In honor of PAWS, we spoke to 2 of our lovely Home Office employees, Alistair and Emily, to share with you their stories about finding — and loving — Lykka and Dakota, the most influential four-legged women in their lives.

Tell us your stories. How did you find one another?

Alistair: I got Lykka when I lived in Seattle, about a year after I graduated college. I’d been wanting a dog for years; specifically, a wolf-like dog. My upstairs neighbor had a German Shepherd/Husky mix and I immediately fell in love with it. I started researching via Seattle rescue organizations and looking through their selections of available pups when I stumbled across this goofy picture of Lykka, then named “Fawn” (definitely had to change). I set up time to meet her, and my first glimpse was this dark mass jumping up to look at me through the door window right before it opened. She looked insane. She was. She was so hyper, running around like mad. My first reaction was “I can’t handle this dog.” After about 10 minutes, she finally settled down, jumped up next to me and kissed my face. I took her home and she’s been with me 4 years since.

Emily: Erin, a co-worker at URBN, came into work one day with her pup Bluebell and her new litter of Australian Shepherd/German Shepherd/English Setter babes (the kind of puppies that you’d see on Lisa Frank folders). I remember the first time I saw Dakota outside our cafeteria, I actually cried because the love was just too real. Erin must have known that the best way to get these little guys a home would be to bring them into work because everyone’s hearts exploded.

When I heard that Dakota (who looked like a baby cheetah </3) was still in need of a home, all of my responsible adult reasoning went out the window and I heard myself saying I would take her. Best impulse decision I ever made.

Why did you go the rescue route?

A: When I was growing up, both of our dogs were rescues. It was a combination of the way I was raised and knowing that I could provide a home for an animal in need. Even though I wanted a specific dog, I knew I would find a pup through rescue by taking a little time to research and being patient. It was worth it!

E: I have always supported “adopt don’t shop”. With so many animals in shelters and in need of homes, it was a no-brainer for me. I grew up in a household full of animals, including rescue dogs and stray cats. Nothing is more rewarding than saving an animal’s life and providing them with a loving home.

5 favorite things about Lykka and Dakota…

A: My most favorite thing is Lykka’s personality. She is so expressive and makes the funniest cutest faces to words that she knows.

Her ability to get fuzzier and cuter when there’s food around.

She can pull off any bandana.

Her vocal playing style and how weird some of the noises that come out of her are.

How comforting she is just being next to me.

E: She is the most loyal pup. I can walk almost anywhere with her off a leash and I know she won’t leave my side.

Always down to play.

Our mutual love of bacon.

She’s super sensitive and gentle. She always uses her front teeth — and only her front teeth — to grab a treat which is the sweetest thing.

The way her entire body wiggles when she wags her tail. It’s super long and usually hits her in the face when she gets really excited, but she just keeps on wagging.

Favorite tag-team activity…

A: During the summer, I love to take Lykka on really long walks, eventually end up at one of my go-to neighborhood restaurants (with outdoor seating), order food or a glass of wine and people-watch. It’s my all-time favorite activity — to decompress and just chill outside with Lykka.

E: I’m from the beach, so we go almost every weekend to chase birds and hunt for shells. I throw the big flat ones like a Frisbee and she’s gotten to be a pro at digging for the good ones and bringing them to me.

If you made a movie about your dog, which actress would you cast to play her?

A: Olivia Wilde!

E: Emma Stone — the perfect mix of smart, awkward, fun and endearing.

What does the word free mean to these ladies?

A: Being free to Lykka means being as independent as she can be. Lykka was named after the Russian space dog (laika), who was the first animal to orbit the earth. Her names fits her adventurous personality, her love for running off-leash and exploring but always coming back to her trusting mom.

E: Having the freedom to run on the beach, meet new pups and playmates at work every day at  Home Office, and coming with me pretty much everywhere I go. She rarely leaves my side.

+ Shop here to give back. <3

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I love that you’re sharing the love with all sorts of meaningful organisations!

Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com

7 years ago

All of my animals are rescues and it means a lot to support an organization with such a great cause. It breaks my heart when I see animals abandoned or abused because honestly, rescues are the most amazing animals anyone could ask for. They have so much love to give and all they want is that love in return.

Kayla Peart | Designer
Kaev Designs | Handmade Natural Gemstone Jewelry

mary
7 years ago

I love Freepeople…so stop selling fur.