Our Story: How a Stray Pup Named Amy Turned Our Lives (and Careers) Upside Down

Two years ago, we were just like most people—Sara (that’s me) behind a desk crunching spreadsheets, Mike (my husband) rushing to back-to-back meetings, and our evenings filled with little more than microwaved dinners and tired sighs. We loved the idea of pets, but life felt too “busy” for one. Then Amy walked into our lives.

It was a rainy Tuesday evening. Mike was walking home from the subway when he heard a tiny whimper near a trash can. There, huddled under a soggy cardboard box, was a scrawny little puppy—maybe 8 weeks old, with matted fur and one ear that wouldn’t stay up. She didn’t bark, just looked up at him with big, scared brown eyes, like she was asking, “Will you help me?”

We’d never had a dog before. We ran to the pet store (the first of many back then) for a cheap bed, some puppy food, and a crate we had no idea how to assemble. That night, Amy curled up on Mike’s lap while we watched a movie—and didn’t move for hours. We stayed up until 2 a.m. cleaning her fur, soothing her when she whimpered from nightmares, and arguing (gently) about what to name her. “Amy,” we finally agreed—simple, sweet, like her.

What we thought would be a “chore” turned into something we never saw coming: healing.

Gone were the nights of feeling drained from work. Instead, we’d rush home to find Amy waiting by the door, tail wagging so hard her whole body shook. Mornings stopped being about hitting snooze—we’d wake up early to take her for walks in the park, watching her chase squirrels (and fail miserably) while we laughed until our cheeks hurt. On tough days at the office, just looking at a photo of her napping on Mike’s sneakers would make the stress melt away.

Slowly, we realized: pet isn’t about “taking care of a trouble.” It’s about coming home to someone who loves you unconditionally. It’s about having a reason to slow down, to play, to be present. And as Amy grew (and her “scrawny” days turned into a fluffy, 40-pound ball of energy), we started noticing something else: so many pet products out there felt… lazy.

A harness that rubbed her underarms raw. A bed that flattened after two weeks. Treats that made her stomach upset (we learned that lesson the hard way, with a midnight trip to the vet). We’d spend hours researching products, buying one after another, just to find something that was safe, comfortable, and actually lasted. And that’s when the idea hit us:

What if we stopped settling for “good enough” for Amy—and started sharing the “actually great” stuff with other pet parents?

Quitting our office jobs wasn’t easy. We had savings to worry about, doubts to fight (“Are we crazy?” we asked each other at least once a week). But every time we watched Amy curl up in a bed we’d tested for weeks, or run happily in a harness that fit perfectly, we knew we were doing the right thing.

Today, our little store is more than just a place to buy pet gear—it’s a extension of our home. Every product on our shelves has been tried, tested, and approved by Amy (and by us). We’ve spent weekends throwing her toys to see which ones hold up to her “aggressive cuddling.” We’ve washed harnesses 10 times in a row to make sure the fabric doesn’t fade or fray. We’ve even tasted dog treats (yes, really—only the ones made with human-grade ingredients!) to make sure they’re as good as they claim.

If a product doesn’t pass Amy’s “wag test” (she wags her tail when she loves something—simple, but effective), it doesn’t make it to our store. Because we know what it’s like to want the best for your furry family member. We know how it feels to worry if a toy is safe, or if a bed will keep them cozy on cold nights.

This store isn’t just a business—it’s our way of sharing the joy Amy brought us with you. It’s our way of saying, “We get it. We’re right here with you.”

So whether you’re a new pet parent looking for your first harness, or a seasoned pro in need of a bed that actually lasts, we’re glad you’re here. And if you ever want to hear more stories about Amy (like the time she stole Mike’s sandwich, or the day she decided our couch was her personal napping spot), just ask—we could talk about her all day.

Here’s to the furry ones who heal us, love us, and turn our ordinary lives into something extraordinary.

— Sara & Mike, and Amy (the official store mascot, napping on her favorite bed as we write this)