Stories

Arlo captured our hearts since the moment we discovered him on Instagram (@arlo.dood). His natural modeling skills and goofy yet adorable appearance led us to choose him as one of Lasso's models. Here his human Daphne tell us how this gorgeous golden doodle came into their lives.

Jack and I have been together for almost 7 years and we often talked about what our next step would be as a couple. We talked about bringing home a fur baby that would switch up our city life that had become so routine. We wanted a reason to get out and explore. We wanted more for our little family of two. With Arlo, every day feels like we're the three musketeers. We're all just perfectly happy being in our own little world as long as we're together. 

Arlo has made our lives so much better. We are happier and feel more whole with him. Dogs are such special little creatures...and those of us who are fortunate enough to love one and be loved by them, are the luckiest people on the planet.

- Jack, Daphne + Arlo

When you adopt an older dog, or even a young one in a shelter its very likely that you won’t know what life they had before you. You can make some guesses and if you ask at the pound, at least here in Puerto Rico, the most you are likely to get is where the person that brought him found him. The thing is, some of these stories are so horrific that you could hardly believe them to be true. As is the case with Sparky.

The happy, beautiful pup in this drawing he hasn't always been this happy. About 2 years ago, on May 2015, he used to live in a town of the rural part of Puerto Rico called San Lorenzo. He lived in the projects, didn't have a home or anyone to take care of him. One day he was walking through where he used to live and a 37 year old woman decided to attack him with a white weapon (she used a knife to stab him in the neck to cause harm to him). Does anyone know why someone would do such a horrible thing? No, no one does. The attack was recorded and became viral. Luckly, he was found and rescued by an organization of investigators against animal cruelty (OICA), and he's also very thankful for all the vets and trainer that took very good care of him.

Now let's get to the good part, 3 months later, local broadcast news aired his recovery story. He was being put up for adoption and a lot of people wanted to adopt him, but only Amber Lee Vélez was the one that destiny wanted for Sparky. At the time, Amber was the spokes person for the Department of Justice, and what's interesting is that she was never that much of a pet lover but she instantly fell in love with this pitbull mixed dog... so much that Amber has changed her profession from communications and journalism to become a seamstress and designer of dog bandannas. Sparky lives the happiest life with his family Amber, Kristen and Luis. He really loves going to the beach and catching coconuts in the water, going on long walks and sneaking into everyone's room and sleeping in their bed. Needless to say, Sparky is unconditionally loved and the best thing that has happened to his family.

We started the idea of sharing the stories of our Ambassadors and Models as a way for us & you to get to know them better; and it has been a joy. It is so wonderful to see how the connection with your dog can make you connect with people all over the world! It really is a magical thing. We hope that you enjoy them as much as we do and here we leave you with Bettina's story of how having Bruce helped her reach her true potential :)

" I've been giving a lot of thought to this story...

Ever since I was a little girl I've been dreaming about having a dog. My mom often found me daydreaming and drawing yellow doggies on my homework. 

In 2012 I moved to Canada, leaving my family and beloved friends behind, in hopes of pursuing my career in photography. I went through all stages of homesickness, and wasn't sure if I wanted to stay at all. I was lonely, uncertain and unhappy. Then one day I just made the call. That's it. I'm going to get a dog. I'm going to have a family at the other side of the world, stop being sad and really start my own life. And that's how the cutest little labrador puppy, named Bruce, entered my life. That was the moment when I started calling Canada my home, I felt like I really belong here and my business started thriving. All thanks to Bruce. He became my family, my home and my best friend. All in one. 

I still to the day tear up a little when I think about this, haha."