​Let’s see where this takes us… PART I

As the co-founders of Snugwicks LLC, we are first and foremost dog people… well, actually, pet people (can’t slight our ‘purr’ecious cats). Each of our families has two dogs and three cats… all rescues and none planned. It’s true what they say, “you don’t pick your pets, they pick you.” What they don’t tell you is, “watch out… you’re about to em‘bark’ on some crazy adventures at the paws of those furry companions.”

In a way, Snugwicks began 3.5 years ago with the unplanned adoption of TWO puppies from the local animal shelter. At the time, the shelter was very overpopulated, the pups were extremely attached to one another, and the adoption fees had been cut in half. So, they went home together with one family… unplanned. However, even with the adoption promotion, the shelter faced a mandatory depopulation. We saw the other two littermates go home with families that day. But, there was the precious mama dog left behind. This weighed heavily on our hearts and we could not forget her. After advocating on her behalf with no luck, the one of us who hadn’t had a dog for over thirty years said to her cats, “It’s time you kits have a dog.” So, off to the shelter again, and upon arrival in the visitation room, mama dog leapt into her lap. She found her home… unplanned.

You’re right. We said FOUR dogs. Well, #4 didn’t arrive until a year and a half later. He was dropped off at the shelter when his family had to move. Thanks to Facebook, his adorable mug and history showed up on our newsfeeds. So, yes, you know where this story ends up… back at the shelter… with another adoption… unplanned.

The reunion with his sisters and mama was remarkable! Not a bark or growl, but more like something out of a movie. They gathered together, tails wagging, running from point to point – like they had never been apart. To this day, they look forward to regular playdates and are nearly inseparable.

This brings us back to how four furry family members triggered the start of a company.

We wish we could share that exact “aha” moment when we decided to start a new business called Snugwicks that makes unique, water-wicking, performance-based dog gear, but honestly neither of us can remember a moment like that. Maybe there wasn’t one moment, but rather a series of seemingly unrelated, outlandish conversations, ridiculous ideas and a strange gut feeling to “see where this takes us.”