It all started with a photo of a scared little pup on a rescue website...
We had just lost our almost 15 year old shihtzu/pomeranian mix, Izzy. She was my first dog, and my canine soulmate. My heart was in a million pieces, and our apartment was just too quiet without her. I began browsing rescue sites in the Chicago area and we made an appointment to meet some dogs. Not finding the right fit, we were bummed to go home empty handed. But that night... a little matted, dirty, neglected little curly girl showed up on the Adoptable Dogs section of the Border Tails Rescue site. Her shelter name was "Cashmere," and her nervous expression coupled with the fact that she was standing on the counter in the office for her photo sealed the deal. We emailed the rescue immediately that we'd be there the next morning to see her.
Noses pressed against the glass of the front door before they opened, we met her and instantly fell in love. She had clearly had many puppies, and was silent as she took us in. We sat on the floor with her, offering hands and giving gentle pets. When the rescue coordinator checked in, we looked at each other and nodded, saying "she's ours."
We named her Tater Tot on the ride home, based on her crispy potato coloring and her rather um rotund appearance. She clung to my sweatshirt for dear life, and we promised her that she would never ever be alone again. A quick stop at Petco for a bath (because she was a verrry stinky girl) and then on to her forever home.
Being a nervous pup, Tater Tot needed constant supervision. Even taking a quick trip to the mailbox left her crying at the door. I knew I needed to pivot immediately. I've always been a dog person, needing to pet every pup I see. Creating a pet brand was the logical solution. I was already laser-focused on the toot every moment, why not make it my job as well?
Silly Goose Pets is a brand designed around cute and custom pet stuff. That's our goal, with our mission to support the rescue that gave us our little silly goose.
You can find us here on Etsy, at our website sillygoosepets.com, on Instagram @sillygoosepets and at makers markets in the Chicagoland area year-round. Thank you for shopping with us and for helping to save pets across the US and Mexico in the process.
Ashley, Ryan, & Tater Tot