Have you heard of Missy Pup & Co? The answer is likely 'yes!' since Heather and her brand of curated goods for dog lovers is a local sensation. Missy Pup & Co has been featured on Twin Cities Live and is a staple at many local fairs and pet-friendly events around the cities. Not only does Heather curate the best apparel and goods for dogs and their humans, but she also creates relatable, funny, and heartfelt videos and shareable quotes on social media. Missy Pup & Co is a must-follow if you're on Instagram or Facebook . If you are new to Missy Pup & Co, let me first say I am so happy to be introducing you to one of my long-time local pet industry friends! Heather and her dog Missy are such a joy and I hope you learn something new about this amazing boutique from this interview! Can you tell us a bit about Missy Pup & Co and how it got started? Missy Pup & Co started shortly after my husband and I adopted our first dog, Missy. I immediately fell in love with her and being a dog owner. We adopted her in June of 2020, and she brought so much joy and purpose to my day during a tough season for me and for pretty much everyone going through their first global pandemic. (ha). I had some spare time on my hands and started looking for products for Missy and for me. I was looking for items that were more subtle/simple in nature and would stay in style for some time. I struggled to find things that felt like me, so it sparked an idea. I designed one sweatshirt, put it up on Missy's dogstagram page (because of course I had one for her), and waited to see what happened. Well, it sold out. I thought maybe I was onto something, so I started our website, curated some other products and we were a real-life business as of November 2020. What are some of the most popular products or services you offer for pet parents? Our most popular items are our apparel for humans and any sort of dog enrichment toy or mat . A lesser-known service I also offer is gift curation . I can piece together items from our shop to create the perfect gift for a friend or family member. Simply send me an email if you'd like help with a theme, gift ideas, packaging, etc. Apparel for Humans: Enrichment for Dogs: How do you select the products you offer? Do you have specific criteria? The products we offer are a mix of items I design myself, in addition to selecting items from other small businesses throughout the US. I put extra effort into sourcing and creating items that may not be found on Amazon, Etsy, or other large retailers, so what people find with us is unique and feels curated for them.  I believe in opting for higher quality goods and materials whether that's our apparel brand choices or who we work with to manufacture toys and enrichment mats.   How do you see the Twin Cities pet community evolving? We are so lucky to be in such a vibrant pet community as it is. Whether that is pet-friendly events, establishments, or the volume of shelter and rescue organizations serving our area, I see this only continuing to grow. I think we'll see more local stores pop up, and with many breweries creating kitchens in their spaces which means pets are allowed outside only, I could see this being an opportunity for new businesses to capitalize on in the winter especially. Overall, I don't really see it slowing down, but only getting stronger, more supportive, and continuing to thrive. What is your approach to ensuring the quality and safety of the products you sell? I spend hours upon hours scouring for reputable and reliable manufacturers and vendors who provide us with our products. Whether that's reading reviews, connecting with other small businesses on their experiences, digging into the behind-the-scenes of a vendor's manufacturing practices, etc, I care deeply about where our items come from. This is a big reason why I work with a lot of other small businesses on our products. Additionally, when it comes to pet toys and materials, we work with a handful of Certified B corporations who take care to ensure the use of quality dyes, fabrics, etc.  And of course, Missy is our certified product tester, so her reaction and experience with things often dictate whether I proceed with selling an item or not. Unfortunately (or fortunately for us personally), her toy-destroying days might be over, so she's less reliable for that. :) Can you share a memorable experience you've had with a customer or their pet? I am so fortunate to have the best community rallying around us here locally and beyond. Many of our customers have become friends and that has by far been one of the most rewarding parts of this business. My favorite experiences are at local events when people come up, look at our booth and our concept immediately clicks. "This aesthetic is so me." "Everything is so cute and the colors are drawing me in." "This is the cutest dog shirt I've ever seen." Hearing this from our customers just motivates me to keep going and improving.  Are there any upcoming projects or plans for your business that you're particularly excited about? I have goals to expand and begin doing custom items. Currently working on what this looks like, but it has been a long time coming and a highly requested offering from our customers. I'm hoping  to launch the custom section of our website for the holiday this year. Giving back to local rescues and organizations continues to be something I try to prioritize and I'm excited to continue to grow in the future as well. In 2023, we donated over $2500 in products and monetary donations to rescues and shelters in the Twin Cities. It is important to me as a small business to give to our community whenever it is possible, and I'm hoping to create more opportunities for that in the future. Tropicana Summer Collection Missy Pup & Co's Tropicana Summer Collection features palm trees, pineapples, coconuts, waves, and everything reminiscent of being on island time! Just like everything at Missy Pup & Co, there's something for both the dogs and the humans. I hope you've enjoyed getting to know Missy Pup & Co. Check out the shop for yourself and see what you can find for you, your pets, or a friend!

It's officially feeling like summer in the Twin Cities! We are so lucky to live in a place with so many lakes, rivers, and parks, and summer is one of the best times of year to take advantage of all three. In this blog post, I'll share some inspiration for your dog-friendly summer adventures. Each idea includes a brief description, some photo ideas, and helpful tips to make the most of your dog-friendly outdoor adventures! Beach Day Paddle Boarding Adventures Hiking in Local Parks Boating on Nearby Rivers and Lakes Chasing Waterfalls Urban Park Picnics Camping Adventures From scenic lakesides to lush trails, let these ideas guide your next pet-friendly outdoor adventure, and let me know if you need your own personal pup-arazzi to join you! 1. Beach Day Take advantage of the sandy shores of local lakes for a fun-filled day with your dog. The calm waters and scenic surroundings provide a perfect setting for play and relaxation. Activity Ideas: Play fetch in the shallow water. Let your dog dig and explore in the sand. Enjoy a relaxing swim together. Photo Ideas: Action shots of your dog playing in the water. Candid moments of your dog digging in the sand. Sunset portraits with the serene lake backdrop. Tips: Do your research to ensure the beach is pet-friendly! Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the heat and crowds. Bring a colorful beach towel, toys, and plenty of water for hydration. 2. Paddle Boarding Adventures Combine adventure and fun by taking your pet paddle boarding on one of the nearby lakes. This activity offers a unique way to explore the water together. Activity Ideas: Practice balance with your dog on the board. Explore the lake's shoreline and discover hidden treasures. Enjoy the tranquility of the water and nature. Photo Ideas: Close-ups of your dog's curious expressions as they balance on the board. Wide shots to capture the peaceful lake and surrounding nature. Action shots of you and your dog paddling together. Tips: Ensure your dog is comfortable on the paddle board and equipped with a life jacket for safety. Aim for calm weather days to make the experience enjoyable and stress-free. Make sure you're following local rules for pet-friendly beaches for launch. 3. Hiking in Local Parks The parks around the Twin Cities offer numerous trails and picturesque landscapes for an adventurous hike with your dog. Explore the trails and enjoy the lush greenery and varied terrain. Activity Ideas: Hike scenic trails with varying levels of difficulty. Stop for breaks and enjoy the natural surroundings. Discover new paths and hidden gems in the park. Photo Ideas: Portraits of your dog on the trail with dense foliage as a backdrop. Action shots of your dog leaping over logs or navigating rocky paths. Candid moments of rest and hydration at scenic spots. Tips: Choose dog-friendly trails and bring a portable water bowl and treats. Keep your dog on a leash and be mindful of other hikers and wildlife. Pick a trail that is meaningful to you and your dog or try a new one for a fun adventure! 4. Boating on Nearby Rivers and Lakes Set sail on one of the local rivers or lakes for a nautical adventure. The tranquil waters and scenic surroundings provide a perfect setting for a day on the water with your dog. Activity Ideas: Enjoy a relaxing boat ride while your dog takes in the sights and sounds. Stop at different spots along the shore for exploration. Have a picnic on the boat or at a lakeside spot. Photo Ideas: Photos of your dog at the bow of the boat, enjoying the wind and water. Action shots of your dog wearing a captain's hat or life vest. Scenic portraits with the riverbanks and surrounding nature in the background. Tips: Ensure your dog is comfortable on the boat and always wears a life jacket. Bring plenty of water, snacks, and a shade umbrella for comfort. 5. Chasing Waterfalls Several parks around the Twin Cities feature beautiful waterfalls and lush green spaces, perfect for a day of exploration with your dog. The combination of water and greenery provides a stunning backdrop for an adventure. Activity Ideas: Take a leisurely walk to the waterfalls and enjoy the scenery. Let your dog cool off in the mist or nearby streams. Explore the park's trails and open areas. Photo Ideas: Dramatic shots with the waterfall as a majestic backdrop. Close-ups of your dog enjoying the mist and cool air near the falls. Fun, playful shots in the park’s open areas and trails. Tips: Visit during weekdays or early mornings to avoid crowds. Bring a towel to dry off your dog if they get wet near the falls. Check ahead to ensure the trail is pet-friendly and obey any leash laws in place. 6. Urban Park Picnics Enjoy a relaxed picnic in one of the many urban parks. These green oases in the city offer plenty of space and scenery for a laid-back day with your dog. Activity Ideas: Spread out a blanket and enjoy a picnic with your dog. Play fetch or tug-of-war with your dog's favorite toys. Take a leisurely walk around the park and explore its features. Photo Ideas: Cozy shots of your dog lounging on a picnic blanket. Action shots of your dog playing with toys or exploring the park. Candid moments of your dog enjoying treats and the outdoors. Tips: Bring a variety of toys, a picnic basket, and plenty of treats for your pet. Choose a spot with both sunny and shaded areas for versatile comfort. Be sure to check for ticks if you're in an area with tall grass! 7. Camping Adventures Plan a camping trip to a nearby state park for an immersive nature experience. Camping provides a fantastic opportunity to enjoy quality time with your dog in a natural setting. Activity Ideas: Set up a cozy campsite and relax by the campfire. Go on exploratory hikes and nature walks. Enjoy stargazing and quiet moments in the wilderness. Photo Ideas: Cozy campfire shots with your dog relaxing by the fire. Photos on the dock near the campsite enjoying the peaceful waters with your dog. Action shots of your dog exploring the trails and enjoying the outdoors. Tips: Pack a cozy blanket or dog bed to make your campsite comfortable for your dog. Ensure your dog is comfortable and safe in the camping environment. Are You Ready for an Adventure? The Twin Cities offer a multitude of picturesque locations perfect for dog-friendly adventures. Whether you're hitting the beach, hiking through parks, enjoying a paddle on the lake, or camping under the stars, each location provides unique opportunities to enjoy the joy and adventure of summer with your pet. Grab your leash, some treats, and a sense of adventure, and start creating memories that will last a lifetime! Schedule a Professional Pet Photography Session If you want to sit back, relax, and have a professional photographer tag along to capture every moment of your summer adventure, look no further than Scruff Life Photography! I specialize in capturing the bond between people and their pets in Minnesota and beyond and I would be honored to capture your summer adventure memories! Reach out to schedule a session this summer.

Few things signify the fleeting beauty of spring quite like cherry blossoms. We are lucky to have a beautiful display of them at Como Park in St. Paul, MN, and it was the perfect spring photo spot for Kona and Cassandra! When I say fleeting, I do mean it. The blossoms were first reported on Saturday and within a week, the petals were all on the ground. We were super lucky to sneak in a quick session on a busy weekday evening and capture some of my favorite spring photos so far! I wouldn't recommend this for reactive dogs, but everyone was very respectful despite the crowds and kept space for each other. Overall, it was a fun session and I'm already looking forward to getting out cherry blossom photo sessions again next spring!