Puptables
When Ashley Hutson’s family realized that they’d be forced to permanently close the doors of their restaurant, they were faced with some big decisions. After running the famed Ortanique on the Mile in Coral Gables for more than twenty years, the pandemic took the ultimate toll on the beloved business.
As many have been forced to do these past six months, Ashley had to re-evaluate her life – and livelihood - and figure out her next chapter.
As the former General Manager and Chef, she did some soul searching and ultimately decided to make an official business out of what had been a long-time hobby - making home cooked meals for dogs.
“As much as I love being a chef, the hours were really starting to get to me. I felt like I didn’t have a life at all. This (Corona-induced) closure gave me the avenue to find something that I really love.”
- Ashley Hutson (Photo by Carly Terenzio)
And so, Puptables was born. Using her well-honed culinary skills, she began making healthy, balanced meals for dogs from the same high-quality ingredients she used to source for the restaurant. “These are the exact same purveyors and products used at Ortanique.”
Offering three different blends to satisfy all taste buds and health needs - multi-vitamin, weight management and skin & coat - Puptables is a supplemental food to mix in to your favorite kibble or other dog food. If you would like to transition your dog off kibble entirely, they also offer complete meals with either a chicken, pork or beef base.
Ashley’s boyfriend, Dennis, a professional baker, is also now adding dog treats and specialty cakes to their menu. A turmeric paste is in the works next.
Need a cake for your pup? You can now order cakes and desserts like this to celebrate a birthday, adoption, or any other milestone.
As with many passion pivots, there was a personal angle. “I’m really passionate about changing the views on bully breeds. I have three pit bulls.”
Bullet, who is now the face of the brand (and pictured above) was headed to a kill shelter when Ashley intervened. “My cousin called me and asked me to help with this dog. I was not ready. But, once I saw those eyes, I was done.” Now, Bullet has a sister Freya and the latest addition to the household, a new puppy named Floki. (Freya is from Paw Patrol Animal Rescue and Floki is from Bullies-N- Beyond, both South Florida-based rescues).
“I don’t see myself going back to cooking for people in a human kitchen. I’m a dog chef now.”
Photo by Carly Terenzio
“Opening a business and starting something from scratch is terrifying. It’s even more terrifying with all that‘s going on – not only in our state, but our country and the world.
(But), At the the end of the day…. any part I can have to make animals healthier is a passion project for me.”
Puptables is based in Miami, FL and they offer delivery options to the surrounding area. Learn more about their meal plans and place your orders here.
Bonus tip! When you subscribe to our newsletter, you’ll receive a Puptables discount code!
The Snout Diet
You’ve probably heard about the growing popularity of human-grade food for pets. As more and more pet owners realize the negative impact feeding low-quality kibble can have on their pets’ long term health and wellness, they’re seeking alternatives to the standard dry and wet food options that have populated big box store shelves for decades.
There are several large, commercial companies who have gotten into the better-food-for-your-dog game with successful results. However, there is also a growing crop of smaller, mom-and-pop shops that are actually home cooking meals for dogs - made with quality ingredients (balanced for optimal nutrition) and tasty flavors that are proven winners with most pups.
As a rep for a traditional dog food company - and mom to three of her own dogs - Samantha Manuel, owner of The Snout Diet, started to realize that maybe kibble wasn’t necessarily the only (or best) option for canine family members.
“I was feeding my dogs homemade food way before I started this company. I started with a simple sweet potato. From there, it’s been a journey of me feeding my dogs and learning what’s good for them.”
She officially launched The Snout Diet in July 2020 (in the midst of the pandemic no less), in an effort to bring homemade food and treats to dog owners in her community.
With an option called Just the Basics (chicken, brown rice, sweet potato and egg) for dogs who might have more sensitive stomachs), to a salmon based option called Under the Sea, and snacks like Bacon Chips and Snout Balls, there are options for every dog. Each package contains seven meals and the snacks come in boxes or bags. “One of my goals was to bring this to people in an affordable way….this is only $4 for a meal per dog.”
Before officially launching, Samantha put the word out via social media asking people if they’d be willing to try some free samples (full disclosure: that’s how we met) and the response has been great. “I’m so elated that people are loving it as much as I do. I’ve gotten so many good responses; I‘m just really excited.”
Samantha was kind enough to drop off to us a (compostable and biodegradable) package of Snout Balls - oven baked treats made from oatmeal, pumpkin puree, egg, peanut butter and cinammon. The K&D boys gobbled them right up! (I shared that video on Facebook).
“My dogs are my babies, I want them to have the longest life possible.”
Samantha’s three dogs: Penny, Princess and Gracie
Based in Coconut Creek, FL Samantha currently delivers every morning to areas around Broward County, with her sights set on being to able to deliver to Miami and Palm Beach counties in the near future. Follow The Snout Diet on Facebook and Instagram @thesnoutdiet. Happy feeding!
“This is the food that our dogs should be eating. It’s not dog food, it’s food for our dogs.”
The Pawfect Match
As the owner and founder of Kibble& Dribble, I’m happy to announce that we are officially launcing our next venture, The Pawfect Match.
The Pawfect Match is a matchmaking service of sorts - designed to match people and families who are looking for a new pet, with their ideal match. In order to do that, we meet with new clients to determine their lifestyle, desired personality traits in a pet, family size and location. This happens either in person, if possible, or via a phone call. Our consultations typically last one hour and can be scheduled with anyone within the U.S.
“We offer comprehensive consultation services to help people figure out how and where to find their perfect pet. Our desire to help people and families through this process comes from a decade of seeing them struggle with analysis paralysis, frustrating wait times, unfamiliar costs, training issues, family dynamics and lifestyle changes.”
There isn’t just one right way to do it
We do not advocate for any one particular way of obtaining a new pet. Part of what I explain during consultations are the different, available routes you can take to pet ownership, and what to expect from each. From there, it will be your decision how to proceed. (However, we do not support, nor work with pet stores or unscrupulous breeders. This is not negotiable). Furthermore, we do not consider any breed “bad” or reliably “good.” There are variations within them all.
Dogs! They’re like potato chips….
Hi! I’m Vanessa Torres, founder of Kibble & Dribble and the Pawfect Match.
If you’d like to add a second or third pet to your home, we’d be happy to help you find your new addition! Part of our initial meeting will be getting to know your current pet(s) and determining what would be best for them, as well as the human members of the family.
We offer different packages to provide you with options that suit your timeline and budget.
The goal is to find your new best friend and to set you both up for success, preparing you for years of loyalty, commitment and enrichment.
Furthermore, our relationship with clients doesn’t simply end when your pup is home. If you have additional questions or concerns post-homecoming, we’re here to address them.
For more information visit our dedicated page, The Pawfect Match, where you’ll also find testimonials from people I’ve worked with. You can also join our Facebook page, where you’ll find current listings of dogs in need of new homes. I look forward to being your guide on this journey!
Halloween + Dogs = Cute
Halloween is nearly upon us and, for those who like to go all out for this holiday, the shopping and planning can be endless. From homemade couples costumes, to “houses of horror,” some people wait all year for these spooky celebrations.
Recently, dog parents have gotten their pups in the act, taking them along trick-or-treating with kids, and even dressing them up in their own adorable costumes. We have to admit, dogs in costumes can be ridiculously cute. And these days, it’s easier than ever to suit up your pooch, with tons of options available from the big box stores. But, before you buy Fluffy her costume while doing your regular shopping, consider supporting the underdog, the mom and pop shops who are doing their most to keep it creative and handmade. So, in honor of those who love to get their dogs in on the act (and those who love to help them) we’ve rounded up our favorite Etsy shops, that will gladly make costumes for your pets.
Shop small and support the little guy
Note: We suggest that you take note of processing and shipping times before ordering, and if you have any questions, be sure to contact each respective seller prior to making your purchase. Also, it’s important to remember that not all dogs like to dress up or wear things on their head and face. If you notice that your dog seems stressed, please respect their wishes.
FROODIES Hoodies creates custom dog hoodies specifically for the um… ahem… “big-boned” pups in our lives, inspired by Rosie Future Underfoot, the French bulldog. That doesn’t mean that you can’t get a custom Froodie to fit your pooch, though!
Check out this adorable premade flying pig costume on the Froodies Hoodies shop, or maybe take a look at standard Froodies in “bulldog bordeaux,” which passes for a believable bat. The best part is that Froodies Hoodies are a great option for year-round wear, and are so stinking cute we can’t help ourselves.
We love this adorably functional “bat dog” harness by Octostitches that makes for a perfect option if you plan to take your pooch trick-or-treating with the kiddos (obvs no candy, but will wag tail for head pats!). Props (Prawps??? Hehe...,) to Octostitches’ indie owners and creators for embracing green crafting and using only recycled materials in their creations!
Pay attention to sizing on this one as Octostitches specializes in small dog and ferret accessories! Ferrets!
Just Dog Gone Cute wants to make sure our bigger furbabies get in on the dress-up fun with the Bad to the Bone Ribbon Dog Collar (pictured in a Medium). Just Dog Gone Cute has one of our favorite stories leading up to its creation, as it all started with prettying up adoptable pup pics for a local shelter. Make your pooch the star of the spooky show in this skeleton ribbon collar! (Skeleton PJs not included).
The Cutest Lion Ever!The Cutest Lion Ever!
KO Couture specializes in “knockout fashion” accessories for both small and large breeds, but this ferociously sweet lion costume is just for the little guys. The costume features tan and brown felt strips attached to a felt headband that can double as a collar depending on your pup’s measurements. As if this alone wasn’t cute enough, two matching leg cuffs complete the look. Snag this one up and your lil’ pup is sure to turn heads on Hallloween!
Dress up your pretty girl in a durable and perfectly gorgeous doggie tutu by Once Upon a Time Tutus. Our fave is this brilliant peacock tutu - just look at those colors! We love the idea of doggie tutus because when isn’t it a good day for a tutu? I mean, come on! Can you imagine getting a matching one for yourself and raking up all the likes on Instagram? Once Upon a Time Tutus is a family-owned shop that started with basic tutus and hair accessories and expanded their offerings as they grew. For this, and the peacock pup tutu, we are ever-so-grateful.
Tutu cute!
Pawty in a Box
Celebrating dogs one party at a time
Does the idea of throwing a birthday or anniversary party for your dog seem silly? We don’t think so, either!
When we first heard about Mandy Diaz’ company, Pawty in a Box, we were intrigued. And, then excited. I mean, how cute is the idea of throwing your bestie - the most deserving of them all - a party to celebrate his/her special day.
Mandy launched her Miami-based company on Valentine’s Day, 2014, inspired by her own dog, Nouba, and her desire to throw him a party after hearing of someone else doing the same for their dog. Unable to find the kind of cute accessories she was looking for, Mandy decided to create them herself.
Each kit comes with invitations, party hats, bowls, treat bags and other accessories. Boxes are available in two sizes.
KB: When you launched your company, what did you think the response would be?
MD: The question I really asked myself was, ‘how many dog moms like me existed out there, that celebrated their pups?’ Many call us crazy dog moms, but I don’t really like that expression. We are not crazy, we just know how to express that love and let everyone know how much we love our dogs while we are at it!
KB: Were you surprised at the response?
MD: Absolutely! The response has been great. In the beginning, it was a challenge because the product did not exist in the market, so trying to create the need and explain why consumers needed it was definitely a challenge. It has definitely been a learning process! When somoene would open the boxes, I held by breath and watched carefully for their expressions, but I have recieved nothing but love!
KB: When did you realize that you were really on to something?
MD: After attending and exhibiting at Global Pet Expo in Orlando. Not only was there no other product like mine, but design-wise, I also knew I was within a small group of companies that were really pushing the envelope to cater to stylish and trendy dog parents who, not only wanted a quality product, but a prodcut that fit their lifestyles and looked great on their social media pages as well. After all, many of our clients have Instagram pages for their pups; our boxes make their special celebrations a beautifully styled “Pawty.”
KB: How did you find running the business end of things - did you have a sales or marketing background when you started?
MD: Actually, yes. My career began in producing events for the nightlife industy in Puerto Rico. We curated experiences for the attendee, from the flyer/promo to the actual event itself, everything was themed out. Years later, I switched to the vendor side of event production, still working on the design aspect of the event, but in a different manner. I am in sales as well. It is a career that I love and has opened many doors for me, including this new venture in my life. Having a creative outlet has always pushed me further, and now that I get to create a beautiful product that celerates the life of a dog, I mean, it’s absolute perfection!
KB: How many pawty kits do you offer?
The new, unicorn-themed decor.
MD: We currently have six themes and will be launching a seventh one shortly! The first five have some kind of dog icon and a beautiful color palette to compliment any customization. They are all ready for customization if our clients want to bring in additional items like cakes and cookies. For example, we had a client request a Sex & the City theme, so they purchased our Black Tie Pawty Kit and we recommended carrying the theme through to the food - the birthday cake had the NYC cityscape, the cupcakes had fun themed toppers, and the cookies were Cosmopolitans. We have received many requests for a Unicorn theme, so this was the first specific theme we launched, and our next will be a vibrant donut theme. I really can’t wait for everyone to see it!
KB: Do you design all the boxes?
MD: Yes, I do, being in the events industry and loving fashion, we are always looking at how trends are changing the market. With this in mind, we will continue to design looks that are unique and exclusive to the brand while being bold, fun, and happy!
KB: What are your plans for the future/expansion?
MD: I would definitely love to expand the collection and offer items within each themed box that go beyond the party, but I am taking it one step at a time and really focusing on party decor. That’s what I do best and what I am sticking to for the time being.
Nouba passed away in 2016, but his legacy lives on as the star of the Pawty in a Box logo. This is Mandy with her new dog, Beau Handsome.
“Nouba used to go to daycare, and one day his “teacher” said that a lady was having a birthday for her dog. Since I worked in event planning, I looked at her and was like “Wait, I’m celebrating his birthday, too.” Let’s be real, this other dog mom could not “out birthday” me - I’m the event girl! So I whipped up a party in no time with the help of friends and family. That’s when I realized there wasn’t anything on the market for birthday parties for dogs - much less anything pretty that I would purchase. And, that’s where the idea came from! ”
Breed Bling
Carrie Cramer Fine Jewelry
Carrie Cramer wasn’t a (self-proclaimed) crazy dog lady until she got her Schnauzer, Atticus. She was a successful stylist with a thriving business in Los Angeles, catering to celebrity clientele.
Carrie and her dog, Atticus.
In 2016, however, inspired by her furry best friend, she combined her passion for creating art with her love of jewelry and styling. And the rest, as they say, is history.
Cramer’s breed-specific designs are available in variety of finishes (white, yellow and rose gold) and price points - ensuring that every dog lover can find their perfect match.
Visit Carrie Cramer Fine Jewelry to see more of her gorgeous designs and order your favorite! Free shipping is available 1/21 - 2/4/19. Just in time for Valentine’s Day. wink wink
PetCon 2018
Insta-famous pets take over NYC!
We had the pleasure of attending the second annual PetCon in NYC on Nov. 17-18, held at the Jacob Javitz Center. The conference was created by Loni Edwards who runs The Dog Agency, the first management company dedicated solely to animal clients.
“The World’s Most Influential and Social Savvy Pets”
Instagram stars filled a section of the monstrous Javitz Center, along with corporate sponsors such as Dyson and Facebook, rescue celebrities such as Amanda Giese of Animal Planet’s Amanda to the Rescue, and dogs available for adoption through the Foster Dogs organization. Needless to say, we had more than enough to occupy, entertain and educate us about the future of pet ownership and influence.
Even though the sheer joy of spending two days at a conference where animals were as welcomed as the human guests, would have been enough, we did have a few favorite experiences that we wanted to share with you.
Dyson caught our attention because, let’s be real, dog hair is an issue. They were promoting their latest and greatest designs, created especially for picking up pet hair and dander.
This machine not only sucks up dog hair in a snap, but tackles environmental pollutants as well. Go to www.dyson.com/petcon and you’ll get discounts on some of their most pet-friendly options. Use code PETCON18, but hurry, the offer ends 12/1/18!
“Humans and dogs share 84% of their DNA”
“Custom meds, mixed by experts”
Wisdom Panel, Canine DNA Test, identifies more than 350 breeds and screens for up to 150 genetic conditions. Most dog DNA tests are notoriously inaccurate, so we were excited to hear about how thorough this one sounds. Go to wisdompanel.com to learn more and get $15 off with code PETCON15.
Mixlab is a new pharmaceutical company that will custom blend your pet’s medications. WHAT? Pretty impressive, right? Similar to a compound pharmacy, they can either flavor the prescription, turn pills into treats, and/or provide liquid or gummy formulas. They even provide same day delivery to your door. A real game changer.
Get 10% off a custom order using code: MIXLAB10.
Facebook Watch’s booth gave pups their chance to shine
Did you know? The World’s Most Amazing Dog is an interactive, competition show that allows users to vote for the winner!
And, Finally - The Stars of Instagram!
There is no doubt that these canine superstars are the big draw here. Two days of meet- and-greets with some of social media’s most popular pets just proves that animals have the ability to capture the hearts and attention of a very dedicated audience. So, as we made our way around the floor, we couldn’t help but snap some pics of these adorable - and influential -fuzzy faces.
@thedailywalter
aka Walter Cronkite
Brooklyn-based dog-at-large
@ralphiethenewfandtheboss
Newfies! Ralphie & Boss’ parents quit their jobs and sold their house and are driving through all 50 states. Join them on their journey!
@theo_thegsd
Theo Hugo Koz, German Shepherd
We felt a little guilty cheating on our own Kibble and Dribble with this guy, but he was just so charming, we couldn’t resist!
@bandanajax
Jax Teller Morrow. Golden Retriever. Loves balls.
As you can see here, his smile is infectious.
@reagandoodle
A doodle with a heart for foster care and adoption (of humans)! His new book and calendar are now available!
@Gonetothesnowdogs
These two famous huskies are taking a look at the line of adoring fans waiting to meet them. Smile for the camera!
Star Quality
Silas Archer Gustav, featured in the new movie, “The Man Who Killed Hitler and then Bigfoot.”
Meet Silas Archer Gustav, the canine star of the new film, “The Man Who Killed Hitler and Then Bigfoot,” starring Sam Elliot, opening in the US in early 2019.
This hunky canine star is a medical alert dog and companion by day, and a movie star at night! Now, three years old and almost 90 lbs, his owner, Mikhaila Waldman, and her family, realized pretty quickly that Silas was so easy going and intelligent (not to mention, handsome!) that he had what it takes to be a star. He did so well at following commands and performing on cue that everyone deemed him a natural. He has since landed two film roles prior to “Bigfoot” and now has his own IMDB account!
Silas, with his owner Mikhaila, director Robert D. Krzykowski, and Jan Waldman (l-r) at the premiere of “The Man Who Killed Bigfoot and then Hitler.” Photo credit: Carolyn Ross
A FAMILY AFFAIR
Silas - and his work - inspired his owner to study animals and public policy at Tufts’ Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. Now, a graduate, Mikhaila has started an animal casting company with her mom, Jan Waldman, a film and commercial actress. Critter Casting is an agency specializing in placing animal actors in films that don’t have the benefit of a big budget.
Silas has recently welcomed a new sibling, a Malinois puppy who will be following in his footsteps as a movie actor. We can’t wait to see more from these two animal actors!
Silas has previously appeared in “Code 13: Unreadable (2018),” and “Lifted” (2018).
“Silas is the first dog who has liked everyone in the family equally. We’ve had other dogs, but they always seem to favor one person.”
B&B Kustom Kennels
As we scrolled through Instagram recently (one of our favorite hobbies), we spotted an ad for the most gorgeous dog kennels we’ve ever seen! So, we DM’d the company and asked if they’d be willing to chat with us for a few minutes and give us the skinny on these unique designs.
Since it’s part of our mission to share superior products with our readers, we knew they fit right in at K&B - especially after we learned the founders are a young couple who discovered a gap in the marketplace and worked dilligently to fill it. As young entrepreneurs, they re-prioritized their life and worked on building a future together based on something they were genuinely passionate about.
Who they are: Bethany and Brody Rathman, founders, B&B Kustom Kennels, based in Larkspur, CO.
The inspiration: In 2015, the couple adopted two 8 month old labradoodles - litter mates who they named Gracie and Pyper. “We realized very quickly that they could not be left out unattended. They ate the drywall.” So, off the couple went in search of crates or kennels that could contain their adorable beasts, AND leave their kitchen cabinets intact!
“Brody had just remodeled our house and after all that work we were upset that we now had these stupid kennels in our kitchen. So, I started looking for a piece of furniture that we could transform into a kennel.”
So, off they went to Home Depot to start improvising. Neither Bethany nor Brody had any professional design or carpentry experience - she was a school teacher and varsity volleyball coach and he had a successful career in healthcare IT. Not exactly the perfect recipe for a dynamic design duo.
But, they knew what they liked. And, they clearly have good taste. The first model was grey with white legs. Bethany’s cousin suggested they share a pic of it online. She recalls that they got somewhere around 200 likes, mostly from locals, and - lo and behold - one of them turned out to be their first customer. With the money from that first sale, they were able to build four more kennels and figured they’d sell one per month and help pay off their student loans.
Going viral: However, when their first happy customer posted her new kennel online, things really blew up. That post went viral and reached over 6 million people.
Coincidentally, all this happened right before the Christmas holidays. Bethany decided to use her holiday break to figure out all the logistics of what was clearly going to be a REAL business. They filed an LLC, built a website and figured out how to ship such hefty packages. By the new year, they were able to start taking orders and were soon selling 30 kennels a month.
“We weren’t afraid of hard work. We’re both college athletes and I think that helped, in the sense that it teaches you life skills.”
Entrepreuners at heart: In the Spring, Brody decided to quit his job and focus on building kennels full time. They acquired two employees - a college buddy and a cousin - and worked out of their 400 sq ft garage. Two and half years later, they have completed construction on a new warehouse, are still making each kennel by hand and have a 16 -18 week wait time. They established a parent company, Rothman & Co. and have recently made deals with both Overstock and Wayfair, who will sell slightly different product versions manufactured in China and shipped flat, ready to be assembled at your home within 3- 5 days.
Bonus tip: B&B is currently hiring. If you’re interested in working for them, go to the Careers section of their website.
Two weeks after we spoke, Bethany delivered their first baby, a boy, Emmitt Jay Rathman. We are so excited for them!
To order you own custom kennel, visit B&B Kustom Kennels.
Follow them on Instagram @bbkustomkennels, on Twitter @BBKustomKennels and Facebook at B&B Kustom Kennels.