It's time to reveal our first donation recipient: Pilots N Paws!
For those who may not be aware, one of the main objectives of our company is to provide support to dog rescue organizations through profits. From sales here in the United States, each quarter we will select one stellar group as the recipient of this donation and announce it here.
One of the big hurdles with dog rescue is transporting them from one place to another. Many shelters are overflowing with dogs in desperate need of homes, yet there are wonderful families for them that are maybe just a little too far away. Pilots N Paws was created to provide a solution through its network of volunteer pilots who donate their time and fuel to transport pets from dire circumstances to new beginnings. They're a great group of people working hard to make a big difference, and we salute them!
On a personal note, selecting Pilots N Paws as our first recipient is also to honor my dad for Father's Day. He spent his career in the aviation industry beginning with Douglas Aircraft, then McDonnell Douglas, and finally Boeing. I miss him very much, and I think he'd definitely approve of Pilots N Paws!
If you'd like to learn more about Pilots N Paws, you can visit their website here.
As it turns out, the best souvenirs are free. Relaxation. Laughter. Memories. Inspiration.
Most tourists will hit the big cities, dashing from one monument or museum to the next as they "do" Rome, or they "do" Venice. But my first visit to Italy was a business trip for my former employer, to a small beach town on the Adriatic called Pesaro. It was the last week in July and although my days were spent inside a dark photo studio without air conditioning, mornings and evenings were free to relax and observe the ease of the Italian lifestyle.
From my balcony each morning I watched the perfectly aligned umbrellas and lounges on the beach below being set up for the day. Soon entire families would arrive on bicycles and Vespas, looking forward to another day together enjoying the seaside. Later in the center of the town, la passeggiata, the daily stroll. I was smitten by the relaxed everyday life in this Italian town, and there was no turning back. After visits to many other Italian cities and towns since then I've discovered that it's everywhere in Italy, every day.
As I walked through the streets of Pesaro one afternoon, I had the idea for Pantofola. I wanted to combine my design background, my love for dogs, and this incredible country. Italian craftsmanship is the best in the world, so I knew the final products would be perfect. But I also wanted to do what I could to support this intoxicating way of life, this special souvenir, especially because so much of Italy's luxury manufacturing has moved elsewhere. I was going to create a new brand, raise money for dogs in need through profits, and make an investment in Italian craftsmanship.
Collezione Lido was inspired by the time I spent in Pesaro. A day by the sea, the relaxed carefree attitude, the color palette and combinations, my own intangible souvenirs from that trip. In the photos below, you can see the translation from my view from the hotel balcony to final product and fluffy friend.
People love getting presents, and people love their dogs. For these reasons we enjoy putting together each package, because the only thing better than receiving a gift is sending one. We do always wonder who the lucky recipient might be: a dachshund, beagle, or Frenchie? A little mixed breed pup by the name of Max? We'll probably never know, but it's always fun to imagine the possibilities.
When a shopkeeper takes the time to carefully wrap a purchase it's such a special treat. Even when the item is just for you, this added touch is always so appreciated and thoughtful. While on a trip to visit a tannery I bought a somewhat ordinary coffee mug from a kitchen shop in the small Italian town of Biella. I'll always remember how the woman behind the counter took the time to wrap it so beautifully, it felt like my birthday. So when I began to consider the options for packaging Pantofola collars, I wanted to provide the same care. After all, a new collar for your best friend is a big occasion!
We begin with our black and white gift boxes, and tuck a super soft pocket that holds your collar inside. Underneath we place a card with your purchase information that bears our seal as certified Pantofola production from Italy. The card also serves as a reminder of our pledge to donate a percentage from your purchase to dog rescue organizations worldwide.
It's a few extra steps, and it's our pleasure to take them. We only hope you enjoy receiving our package as much as we enjoy putting it together. Here's to you, Max!
