The love of a dog is not something anyone can describe to you. If you know, you just get it. The feeling can manifest itself as bedtime snuggles or a paw on your lap while you watch tv together. It’s the happiness of coming home to them, knowing they’ll be just as excited to see you.
Not everyone gets the feeling. To some, dogs are “just dogs”. But if you’ve taken pictures of your dog sleeping, over and over, because they’re too adorable - you get it. Every second with them is so precious, you need to capture every single one.
Which brings us to the problem with dogs: people. An animal’s unconditional love makes them vulnerable to those who abuse them. There are people who torture dogs. There are people who hear their cries for help and do nothing. It is an exceptional type of cruelty that is, disturbingly, not exceptionally rare. To most, these are heartbreaking stories. But when you have loved a dog, when you get the feeling, they’re infuriating.
Everyone has seen a story of a suffering animal that comes back to life once they’ve found their forever home. Once these animals are given a chance to grow, they thrive.
As animal lovers and a small business, Lolamina understands that concept. Not a company, but a community, Lolamina knows the problem with dogs. We want to help them. Whether it is a police dog without a vest, a senior dog abandoned for being too old, or an abused dog needing surgery to recover – our mission is to help those who save them. With every sale, we give back to organizations working to get dogs into loving homes.
Everyone wants to give a gift that’s special and meaningful. Giving something from Lolamina is exactly that because you give twice. Once with the piece itself and again, with your purchase going back to animals in need. We want to connect with every person who shares our mission, who gets the feeling. If we’re successful, dogs will never know abuse again. But we can’t do that alone and we hope you join us.
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November is Adopt a Senior Pet Month, so we thought it was only fitting that we have a movie night with our dogs and watch “Seniors – A Dogumentary”.
Now, if you know about us, you definitely know about the Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary. An animal shelter and social media phenomenon, Old Friends has a cult following for being "The Last Pure Place Online”. I first discovered them in college, becoming part of the millions of others who had their days brightened by their posts. I was, and still am, a huge fan. So when I first reached out to Old Friends, to see if Lolamina could make a piece for them, I was starstruck when Susan responded.
And to have such warm and genuinely kind interactions with Susan? I was so touched. Compared to the rough world of starting a new business, every interaction was so refreshing and encouraging. They seemed too good to be true. Especially now, after watching their Dogumentary, I’m still so amazed that such a wonderful place can exist. But that is just who they are – goodness. For that, and for so many other reasons, Lolamina dedicated a necklace to them. It is an honor and a surreal experience to say that I have worked with them.
This is the most heartwarming hour you will ever spend watching a documentary. Directed by Gorman Bechard, the film follows Michael and Zina Goodin as they tell their story of how Old Friends became the success it is today. The documentary also tells stories of other animals and senior dog advocates along the way.
Izzy’s story, in particular, stuck with me most. She brings out the best in humanity, in a way that only man’s best friend can. She understands the residents of the senior living center and takes her job as caretaker very seriously.
And Chaser! Don’t even get me started on Chaser! She was absolutely brilliant in this. Dr. John W. Pilley Jr. said it perfectly - her demeanor proves the advanced “mental processes” and “strong emotions” dogs are blessed with. The bond that Jon and Chaser have in this film is so special and something that so many dog owners are lucky to understand.
However, this fact is often overlooked by others. Every dog at Old Friends, before finding the sanctuary, was left behind by someone. They have so much to offer, yet were discarded by their families because they were too old and wrongly assumed to be too much trouble.
But the people involved in this documentary don’t believe that, and the success of the sanctuary further proves that the world doesn’t believe that either. Having a video game, a documentary, and supporters from around the world – Old Friends has grown a massive following. And they deserve every ounce of success they get.
A beautiful quote in this film from Jane Sobel Klonsky, photographer and author of Unconditional, about senior dogs,
“They understand who they are, they’re more grounded. They have manners. They don’t need to go on 5 mile hikes, a leisurely stroll is nice. What they need is not that much, but yet what they’re willing to give you is that much more.”
And it is so true. Every single story, every single dog in this documentary is so special. Every person who spoke on the topic is so genuinely good. There is a positivity that radiates from Old Friends, that I was able to feel through the screen. This documentary was exactly that - warmth. It was kindness, it was playful, it was purely good - from start to finish. In short, it was Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary.
So we urge you to watch it, and to support them in any way you can. If by chance you didn’t hear of them before, you will be introduced to them in such a fantastic way. And I guarantee that, by the end, you will become a fan.
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This weekend, the world will see the first Full Halloween moon in 76 years. And a blue moon too? Even rarer.
But that's pretty on-brand for 2020, an exceptionally bizarre year. We've even seen a rise in haunted house reports, claim some paranormal experts. There are many factors that could contribute to this phenomenon. With people home now more than ever before, they're around to notice the activity. More generally, times of high public anxiety have been said to spike an interest in the supernatural.
And even without the year we've had, most people, whether they believe in ghosts or not, have seen or heard something that is truly eerie and beyond their comprehension. Some have stories not even involving themselves, but their pets. The internet is full of ghost stories – first hand accounts of people observing strange and unexplained behavior from animals.
Though some would argue that while these behaviors seem out-of-this-world, they have a very natural and logical explanation. For example - ever have someone in your home, that your dog just didn’t like or warm up to? Likely, that's not by chance. Dogs are socially aware. They’re able to understand body language, tone, and studies suggest they can even sense deception. That doesn't even count the heightened senses that are just common knowledge. Because of their exceptional hearing and scent detection, police and military K9s at brought to do jobs that humans just can't.
Overall, the question of whether dogs can sense spirits is still unanswered. It really all comes down to if you even believe such things even exist. While some will say these senses are why dogs can sense spirits, others will say they're just observing things in the natural world that we can't.
But, believer or not, we’re wishing everyone a Happy Halloween! Remember to keep all of your furbabies home safe, and if you still don’t have plans… well… we have a few ideas that can fix that.
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Because we’re Lolamina, we need to have our dogs involved in everything we do. And, with that in mind, we thought we should share some quarantine-friendly tips on how to celebrate Halloween with your furbaby. So grab a costume, a pumpkin, and your best 4-legged friend, and get ready to make this year the cutest Halloween ever!
1. Movie Night
When it comes to Halloween movies, we love both the spooky and scary. But our absolute favorites? They’re dog-related. Obviously.
Frankenweenie: While technically a kid’s movie, this Tim Burton underrated classic deals with the mature theme of grief and loss. A young boy tries to bring his family dog back to life, and we definitely relate to him. We also want our best friends to live forever. If you’re like us, and a little extra sensitive with this topic, maybe watch with some tissues on hand.
The Nightmare Before Christmas: A much lighter choice and perfect for people who, like us, are sad to see Halloween decorations leave, but will have their Christmas tree up by the stroke of midnight on November 1st.
It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown: A film that needs no introduction, The Great Pumpkin is universally adored. Though we are disappointed to see it leave TV this year, there’s still hope: it will be streaming for free on Apple TV from October 30th to November 1st.
Silence of the Lambs: So this is definitely a scary, not a spooky. [SPOILER] To be honest, Precious is our favorite character. And, with all the violence and gore, we’re really, REALLY happy that she makes it out alive.
2. Pumpkin Carving with the Pups
Did you know that pumpkin has great health benefits for dogs? When creating your beautiful Jack-O-Lantern, you can also make a special treat for your furbaby by making pumpkin puree. Whether you put it in a kong, on top of their food, or really go all out and make homemade treats, we’re sure they'll love it. Of course, ask your vet before introducing these foods, or making any changes to your pet’s diet.
3. Tricks and Treats
We all know how to prepare for trick or treaters. But we’ve been noticing that families have been bringing their dogs along for the fun too – sometimes even wearing matching costumes! To ensure that nobody is left out, stores have been keeping this in mind as well - offering sealed and individually wrapped treat bags. So, from now on, we’ll be sure to keep a bowl of puppy treats next to the bowl of candy bars.
4. Halloween Paw-ty
We know. Its 2020. We’re over Zoom. But maybe its because you’re only having zoom parties with people? Try having a costume contest with your pets, and having fun with it! For instance, having a cat DJ with a nightclub backdrop would definitely be an interesting way to liven up the typical virtual happy hour.
Or use the video chat boxes to your advantage – we immediately thought of the iconic Brady Bunch theme song, which made us immediately think of Olga, the hardest working poodle in the business… and that made us really happy.
Still need inspiration? Check out social media! Instagram is already full of innovative and fun costume ideas. We highly, HIGHLY recommend you check out Lily the Dachshund’s Instagram. Her costumes are simply the best, and when it comes to paranormal investigations…. Her and her mommy are the best. They need their own ghost hunting show. They’re Halloween Queens!
We hope that you’ll enjoy these spooky, safe ways to celebrate Halloween 2020 with your pets, and even be inspired to think of your own. October is such a wonderful time of year - so savor every moment left!
]]>Chanel was found with her leg broken, practically dangling off her body. She was hit by a car, running away from kids who were throwing rocks at her. As if this was not tragic enough, when she was brought to her home – her family rejected her. Turning her away because, now, she was too much trouble to care for.
We’re so tired of hearing stories like this - and so is the Northern Exposure Siberian Husky Rescue. This organization in New Jersey is dedicated to saving, rehabilitating, and finding forever homes for huskies like this precious girl. Chanel is now safe and living with her loving foster family. But she still fights every day to walk and play like a normal puppy. She’s undergone so many painful surgeries - Her leg is still healing in a cast, and requires close monitoring. But you would never know it. She carries it all with a smile on her face and a cheerful attitude.
Chanel is one of many huskies that are abandoned at alarming rates around the world. They are a gorgeous breed but require special care. To have the privilege of having a husky in your home, you need to be prepared to give them frequent exercise and attention. They’re smart and bold enough to escape virtually any fence or enclosure, and your days will be filled with howls and zoomies. You’ll need a lint roller in every room, in your car, and your bag, if you carry one.
This information is not to deter anyone from adopting this magnificent breed, but more to prepare someone of what to expect. It is crucial to educate potential husky owners of these responsibilities. Game of Thrones stars Jerome Flynn and Peter Dinklage have spoken out and raised awareness to this issue, urging people to do their research before adopting a husky. Because, unfortunately, we’re still seeing the effects of ignorance. Fantasy shows and movies have increased the demand and appeal of these furbabies because of their majestic and wolf-like appearance. People will purchase them, only to abandon them when they realize the care they require. Chanel was, tragically, no exception. She was given up once she became inconvenient.
We at Lolamina believe that huskies are truly one of the finer things in life. And like any other luxury, they need a particular kind of maintenance. My life is forever changed from my husky, my Mina. I think that having a dog like her is truly the greatest blessing. Once you understand and know the love of this breed, there’s really no going back. You will always want your days to be filled with howls and zoomies. They are so happy, so full of life, pure love, and sometimes silliness. They’re an extraordinary kind of animal, and we appreciate the extraordinary people who care for them – like the amazing people at the NESHR. They will always have our heart, which is why we dedicated our Milo Heart Bracelet to them.
So, if you think you are ready for a gorgeous animal to change your life for the better, please consider adopting or fostering a Siberian Husky. And if you’re not quite ready for that just yet, you can follow Chanel’s journey and donate towards her recovery over at the NESHR’s website.
]]>Since we’ve recently celebrated her Gotcha Day, we’ve been thinking a lot about Charlotte’s story – before she came to us. This fiery girl is living proof that it’s the little things in life that make all the difference. Our home has been so much more lively, and the amount of love it contains gets greater every day. All from this little puppy. We are so grateful for her (and her snuggles). She’s the kind of soul that you feel lucky to even know. But she had a rough start.
This furbaby was abused, abandoned, lived in the streets, hit by a car, put in a kill shelter, and finally saved by Ruff House Rescue. After removing the massive ticks from her body, and spending time in her foster home, we were lucky enough to meet Charlotte and bring her home.
Though now she’s a happy addition to our little pack, it took a lot of time for her to warm up to her new surroundings. There are still scars from her old life of abuse and neglect. Loud noises and strangers scare her. She’ll still run to me and cower when she wants to be picked up. When I look at her little face, I get disgusted by what we know about her past. This little puppy just wanted to love and be loved. That’s all any dog wants, really. But instead, she was abused. How could someone see something so innocent, so full of pure goodness, and treat her so miserably? There are no words strong enough to express such a wickedness. Its outrageous.
Yet, in the face of evil, this little white fluffy puppy has persevered and overcome. Always growling and riling her big sisters up for playtime, she’s been given the nickname “Chainsaw Charlie”. Because, despite everything she’s gone through, she has so much fight in her. She’s tough as nails. She’s a survivor.
That’s why we named the Charlotte Ribbon Necklace after her and that is exactly why, this October, we’ll be donating part of our profits of the Charlotte Ribbon Necklace to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Survivors are everywhere, and their strength is absolutely magnificent. Our hearts go out to anyone who has been impacted by cancer, and we are so proud to support the BCRF in their mission to end breast cancer in any way we can. We know they can succeed, and they will. Until then, we hope that they continue to be a source of hope for so many - including us here at Lolamina.
As always, if you would like to donate directly to this amazing organization, please visit them at
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We’re lucky enough to have met and interacted with so many K9s and handlers. They are absolute heroes. Just knowing that such bravery exists is so inspiring, and their service fuels our dedication to serving them.
The first thing you notice, when seeing a K9 in person, is their strength. Yet, as mighty as they are, they’re still part of a family. Every K9 is someone’s fur-baby with a loving and protective pet parent. For example – K9 Chandler. This beautiful German Shepherd and his beautiful mommy are best friends, and partners in (fighting) crime. They both work tirelessly to keep their community safer and, for that, we are so grateful.
We were also so honored to become part of #SpikesPack. With every purchase of the Ella K9 Bracelet, we are able to donate to Spike’s K9 Fund. This amazing organization provides ballistic vests and medical care for working and retired K9s. We love the work that they do, and the work that all K9s, law enforcement officers and soldiers do every single day. These are the kinds of individuals we look up to, aspire to be like, and are proud to even know.
We encourage animal lovers everywhere to join our mission to help them all – big and small. They need us.
To learn more about Spike’s K9 Fund, or to donate directly, visit https://www.spikesk9fund.org/
K9 Chandler’s Instagram: @k9_chandler_
K9 Lando’s Instagram: @k9_lando317
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A way of capturing that friendliness, without leaving your home, is by shopping at small businesses. When you shop small, you aren’t just buying a product. You’re nurturing ambition and making dreams come true.
And with that comes so many amazing things! Just an example, we received the sweetest package over the weekend. Our friend Sophie and her mommy started their own business of luxury dog accessories. She puts so much pride into her work and it truly shows. We’ve purchased from their beautiful store, and were so impressed by the ornate details and unique designs. These accessories can’t be found in any department store or even boutique. They are truly made for royalty!
So you can imagine my excitement when I received a surprise from Sophie Baby Designs - a beautiful blue collar made just for my Mina. There was no reason or occasion - just a selfless act of kindness from one business to another.
It is also so rare to find brands that can accommodate sizes for larger breeds. Even with her being petite, its hard to find pretty and girly things for Mina. And without saying a word, Sophie Baby Designs knew my struggle. Her gift to us was so thoughtful, we appreciate her so much. We encourage all our supporters to shop small, because it is so significant <3
Be sure to check out Sophie Baby Designs here !
]]>This year was so hard for so many people. There was so much loss, anger, and grief. Life changed for everyone and the ripple effect of that will be felt for a long time. But, in all the darkness, there was hope. People celebrated birthdays, weddings. They banged on pots and pans, cheering, thanking the heroes who kept us safe. Kids drew rainbows and put them in windows.
There is a reason people share rainbows whenever they need to spread hope and love. They make us smile and remind us of the light after the darkness. They make us feel like there are better things coming.
Because there are.
We created this necklace as a symbol of hope – to anyone going through a storm right now. Things may be dark but its nothing to fear. It only means your rainbow is coming soon.
We hope everyone is staying safe, sane, and strong.
With Love,
Lolamina
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