Pug Locket

Inspired by our shop dog Otis, our latest fundraiser product will benefit pugs in need. For each of these pug lockets we sell, we'll donate $10 to pug rescue organizations.Order here.

We'll split the funds between Seattle Pug Rescue and Southern Nevada Pug Rescue. Both are volunteer-run organizations doing great work for dogs in need.

"Thanks for supporting my less fortunate brethren," say Otis Redding the shop dog.

Sunny in Seattle

The whole earth was brimming sunshine that morning. She tripped along, the clear sky pouring liquid blue into her soul. 

- Theodore Dreiser, Sister Carrie

One thing that can safely be said about Seattle residents: We surely appreciate the summer sun when it comes out. (Usually some time after the Fourth of July.)


I can't imagine that those living in warmer places like Florida or southern California can truly understand what it's like to have the sun hit your face after all of those damp months.

Last week, I was so happy about the sunny days that I treated myself to a new pair of white sunglasses. Then I designed a sleeve to protect said glasses.

Now I'm offering these cute cozies for sale in my shop or via email (soon on our website). $18-21 each.

Otis the Shop Dog Poses & Meets Famous Puglet

It's no secret that Otis the shop dog digs having his picture taken. I swear I lift my Canon and he starts to pose.

So when I learned from my favorite blogging pug that his photographer human was coming to Seattle as part of her 1000 pugs tour, I signed Mr. Otis Bee right up.
We made our way down to the EMP at Seattle Center and waited with the other pugs. At 11:40 it was Otis' turn to play America's Next Top model.
He did a great job, and I was a proud Momma. Amanda, the photographer, was super nice and Otis was fond of her magical treat bag.


We were Amanda's last appointment before her lunch break, and she told me that the famous Puglet and his Dalmatian brother Dutch were hanging out nearby in her car. "Would you like to meet them?" she asked. I couldn't believe it! I was so thrilled, I think I acted like a crazy person.

That's me with Dutch and Puglet, who is such a supermodel he's even posing for Jeff's Droid.
For those of you who don't know, Puglet is quite famous for his modeling abilities. You can see some of his best work here and here. He treated Otis to a master class at the EMP building. (I wonder what Frank Gehry would think.) Amanda let Puglet off-leash and he scaled the wall and found a pose.

The dogs were BFFs by the end of the time together. Notice Otis (left) and Puglet (middle) in sync.
Thanks Amanda, Puglet, and sweet Dutch for a wonderful day. I can't wait until the book is published.

PS - 1000 Pugs is donating 20% off the sitting fees to the local pug rescue in each area she visits. That means Seattle Pug Rescue benefited from our antics yesterday!

Number Nine

Otis the shop pug turned nine in early February so we took him on a day of adventure. First we hiked in a local park.


His age may qualify him for AARP membership, but he's pretty sporty and spry.

Happy 2012 to All Friends and Family

Otis in a new sweater, originally uploaded by Laura Bee Seattle.

We'll get back to regularly scheduled blogging in the coming days.

Otis the Shop Pug Invites You

Pug Celebration this Weekend

A customer I hadn't seen in a while came in over the weekend. She told me that because of shop dog Otis, her family now has two pugs! Apparently, she and her husband met Otis years ago and loved him so much that they decided their family pets would be pugs too. The pug mom in me is proud.

Otis and I do some volunteer work on the side for our favorite animal-oriented not-for-profit, Seattle Pug Rescue. We love spreading the word about rescue animals in general and pugs in specific. Even if aren't a pug person, or if your dog isn't a rescue, you can still support rescues! Spread the word and tell your friends.

Please tell anyone you know who might be interested about Seattle Pug Rescue, their Facebook Page, and, most importantly, the big Pug Rescue party that's happening this weekend. You can download the flier here, and can get all of the info, including directions, here.

Much love from Otis the shop dog. Woof!

New Ribbons Have Arrived!

I'm having so much fun snapping quick shots lately with my new smart phone. While the quality doesn't match my trusty SLR, the convenience allows me to capture funny moments like that above.

Otis actually likes wearing scarves, and today he sported a turquoise one that flatters his fur-tone. Here he is pondering the pile of new ribbons that just arrived in stock. These beauties are ready for your custom bag creativity.

We're having a Facebook Contest through Friday of this week. Hop on over here to enter to win a wallet made with one of our new ribbons!

For the Restofus

Today, December 23rd, is Festivus. Have you aired your grievances yet?

Template by Pugly Pixel.

Getting Cozy - Back on Friday

Sleepy Pug in Turtleneck, originally uploaded by Laura Bee Seattle.

The Laura Bee crew will be celebrating Thanksgiving tomorrow by getting cozy at home with our families. We'll be back in the store at 10 AM on Friday morning, staying open until 7 pm.

Shop with us this Friday and receive Double Punches on your Frequent Shopper Card.

We're also giving away the 2011 CRAVE guide to the first 20 customers who spend $50 or more.

Otis the Shop Pug Apologizes to His Fans

Pug Pouch Finale - Goal Surpassed!

Briana the pug got her wheels from Seattle Pug Rescue. 

Here she is ready to play at a recent SPR event. 

Photo courtesy of Shelley Richfield.

I'm thrilled to announce that we not only met our goal of $1000 raised for Seattle Pug Rescue, we surpassed it!

Thanks to each and every one of you who bought the 70 pouches we sold. Your purchase helped us raise $1050 to help canines in need.

Seattle Pug Rescue is an all-volunteer organization, so every cent raised goes directly to help the animals.

Fundraiser: Pouches for Pugs!

It's been several months since we finished up our Dahlias for Haiti fundraiser, so it's time for us to raise money for another favorite cause. We're offering these pouches for sale in our Seattle store and website. Our goal is to raise $1000 by the end of September.

We love all dogs at Laura Bee Designs, but have a special place in our hearts for pugs and pug mixes. Otis the shop dog is a pug, and Ashley adopted Tucker through Seattle Pug Rescue (SPR)! (You might remember our other SPR fundraiser from a couple of years ago.)

SPR is an amazing all-volunteer organization that takes in all pugs, no matter their health or age. Volunteers from the organization work tirelessly as foster families and to raise money to pay for surgeries, dental care, and the Helping Hands program for extra-special dogs with extra needs.

Order the Pug Pouches here. We're offering free shipping and a chance to win a free photo mini wallet to all who order!

Thrift Score: Vintage Table Cloth

Otis with Vintage Table Cloth, originally uploaded by Laura Bee Seattle.

Jeff and I love visiting our local thrift shops looking for crafty inspiration and useful items.

Recently we found this oilcloth tablecloth that made the perfect backdrop for a pug photo session. We also plan to use it for picnicking this summer.

What thrift scores have you found recently?

Work in Progress: New Bag Line + Pug

We had an amazing weekend hanging out on our deck. Otis spent quite a bit of time checking out this new bag design that I'm testing. He's fond of sniffing for treats in every purse or bag within 100 yards of his nose.

I made this jumbo tote out of a lightweight, durable mesh that has various colors cross-woven with brown and tan. I'm working on a new, utility line of bags and pouches that are built for summer days in the park or at the beach.

Stay tuned for more info on this new collection later this week.

PS - I accidentally left my glass of diet root beer in the shot when I took this picture. However, it sort of matches, so I decided to use the image anyhow.

Otis the Shop Dog Wants You to Watch This

If this isn't scaling to the correct size on your monitor, click here to watch it on a new page.

Video: Sweet Bones the Pug

A few weeks back I told you about Bones. When I visited him at his foster family's home, I also shot a little video of him at play. Above I've posted the video that I made with the pictures and footage.

It takes a village to save a Pug. Bones is lucky to have a whole team of volunteers - his foster family, the Seattle Pug Rescue vets, and those who run the organization.

Learn more here.

Meet Bones the Miracle Rescue Pug

Bones, originally uploaded by Laura Bee Seattle.

A few weeks back I had the chance to meet this adorable little pug. He was rescued from starvation on the streets of Taiwan by an anonymous American.

Bones was sent to Seattle Pug Rescue, one of my favorite animal-rescue organizations. You can see his amazing story in pictures here.

I took a bunch of pictures of Bones to capture just how much he's healed and grown in foster care. He's a playful charming fellow, and living proof that animals can bounce back from great hardship.

You can meet Bones this weekend at Pugmania, the biggest annual fundraiser for all-volunteer Seattle Pug rescue. He's the grand marshal of the Parade of Rescues.

Handbag Store or Buddhist Pug Monastery?

The other day I came back from a lunch break to find this sight on the sales floor of my shop. (Click the image to enlarge.)

Because he is king, we swaddle him in polar fleece at his command. Somehow he managed to leave his bed, crawl under display shelving, and self-drape this saffron robe/toga.

Otis was nice at first about having his picture taken, but quickly became bored. Either that, or he was doing some sort of silent chanting/meditation.

Rumor has it that rubbing his belly does bring good luck.

Happy 7th Birthday to My Best Buddy

Party Hat Pug, originally uploaded by Laura Bee Seattle.

It's Otis Redding the pug's birthday today.

Happy Birthday little nugget!