We had a wonderful time at our Howliday Party at West Elm Dadeland this weekend! Our doggie clients had a chance to meet their pet sitters at this dog-friendly event to raise funds for Paws 4 You Rescue, but they also got to meet other local, dog-related small businesses. These local businesses were a huge part of the gathering’s success. We’d like to tell you a little bit about these Miami based, pet-centric companies, and please be sure to visit their websites to learn more about them!
First, we must thank West Elm Dadeland for hosting our holiday party and fundraiser for Paws 4 You this Sunday! West Elm has been incredibly generous with dog rescue organizations this year, and with the community in general.Their doors are always open to working with local artists, vendors, and organizations to create a sense of community, and their furniture and home decor is beautiful, too (we always want to buy everything, but especially their dog and cat-themed decorations- so cute!!!). Dogs are always welcome at West Elm, too! Remember to pass by with your pooch for a Santa Paws photo, delicious treats for humans and pups, shopping with Fuji & Friends, dog adoptions, arts and crafts, and more!
Our friends from Cao Chocolates donated a little something sweet for our (human) goody bags for the Holiday Party and also gifted a tray of delicious brownies as they couldn’t be there with us.
Cao Chocolates is our favorite place to buy local, artisanal chocolate truffles and fine chocolates of amazing quality. If you need a special gift for your friends, family, business, or yourself- make sure you choose Cao. Visit Caochocolates.com for information on their location (right here in Pinecrest!) and how to order for the holidays. Make sure to pass by their cozy store to meet Cao and Anelith- they are wonderful, welcoming people happy to talk about their passion- chocolate!
Fuji and Friends Apparel Co., Miami’s coolest dog-themed vintage apparel company, not only co-hosted our Howliday Party benefiting Paws 4 You Rescue with us… they also be sold their beautiful shirts!
The Equipaws pack loves the design and the fact that they donate a portion of their proceeds to benefit Paws 4 You and K9 Field Kits Working Dog Fund. Visit their website for more info: http://www.fujiandfriends.com/, and like their Facebook page at Fuji and Friends!
We’re happy to share that A Little R & R Bakery added their sweet touch to the party, including goodies like:
*Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies with a twist.
*Cloud Cookies– a Saint Louis speciality! Traditionally called Gooey Butter Cookies, these are cake-like cookies that have a surprisingly light and airy texture.
*Reddies– red velvet cupcakes have received a makeover into a bright red brownie with a cream cheese wave running through the center.
*Almond Blondie-Bows– almond flavored blondies with rainbow sprinkles (usually a crowd favorite!)
*Cookies ‘n Hold the Creams– dairy free Oreo cookies that are light and airy
*Vegan Brownies– dark chocolate vegan brownies made with only 8 ingredients!
*Vanilla Bean Ice Cream– a perfect complement to your baked treats! (don’t worry, calories don’t count on Sunday!).
They will also had peanut-butter pumpkin dog treats available for the furry best friends!
We love their story, as told by owner Lauren Redondo:
“The company is run by both myself and my husband, Marcos. I have been baking since I was a young girl– taught by my mother and grandmothers. My maternal grandmother was the one who taught me the precise science behind baking, while my paternal grandmother was the one who taught me that to cook is to show someone how much you love them.
I began wanting to own my own bakery midway through high school, but it wasn’t until after I married my husband this June that we really decided to begin the bakery. Since I am originally from Saint Louis, many of our recipes have a midwestern origin which we believe is a niche that can be filled in Miami. Marcos is my sous-chef, head-sampler, and packaging professional. He is also currently organizing the financial aspect of our small company.
Some of our favorite ingredients to work with are butter, brown sugar…and butter. But we also have dairy free, sugar free, and vegan items for those who have special dietary needs.”
WagletWorksĀ Adventure Dog Gear: We were so happy to have Barb bring her hands-free dog gear to the holiday party. She is such a great support to the local rescue community and has an innovative hands-free complete system that helps dog parents spend time with their pooches without stress. The WagletWorks system includes a sturdy and cool leash, poo bags, water bottle holder, water bowl, personal tote, and more. Check out their website and let us know what you think!
The Sheep Sac joined us this Sunday! They create custom, reusable gift bags for all occasions. We love the product, as we strive to be “green” and responsible in everything we do. Their totes are beautiful and we love that you can choose the theme. Get your holiday reusable totes now! Visit the Sheep Sac’s Facebook page for orders.
A founding member of the Equipaws family, Frankie can mostly be found working behind the scenes, helping co-create online branding, managing several social media accounts, designing brand collateral, writing copy, and managing events. She also fills in for pet sitters and dog walkers when needed in Palmetto Bay, Pinecrest, and South Miami. Her own small pack consists of Boots the Shih Tzu mix and Nutmeg the Chiweenie.
[…] Thanks to all three for volunteering on a Sunday! We are grateful for the support from our local Miami pet-friendly businessesĀ and rescue volunteers! We’d like to thank everyone who came out to make this holiday party […]