Love for all dogs, even abandoned ones, is driving force behind pet company Kiss My Mutt

Jan. 4, 2011 - PRLog -- Santa Barbara’s Jennifer Beinke feels all dogs deserve a warm bed in a home with a family that loves them. This includes mutts, or mixed-breed dogs, that have been abandoned at animal shelters. It’s with these things in mind, Jennifer founded her company Kiss My Mutt.

Launched in the summer of 2010, Kiss My Mutt sells “stylish, comfortable and durable” dog beds that are eco-friendly and an assortment of other products that have been highlighted in Dog Fancy, Natural Dog, OK!, and Vogue. Kiss My Mutt offers indoor and outdoor pet beds that feature recycled bedding materials, as well as braided collars and leashes, reversible bandanas, apparel and accessories.

Dogs have always been a big part of Jennifer’s life. She says she has fond memories as a child, growing up with two family dogs.

“Rocky and Cody were a huge part of my childhood,” Jennifer said. “They taught me to love dogs. They were truly members of the family and were my inspiration for creating this product line. I can't imagine my life growing up without them.”

Jennifer graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara in June 2009. The communications major had interned at television stations KEYT in Santa Barbara and KTVU in Oakland.  

Rather than enter a struggling media industry hit by hard times, Jennifer decided it was time to start her own business. She combined her love for dogs and fashion with design and started Kiss My Mutt, which she runs with her family. Her sister Kristen, a photographer, and their parents are all involved in different areas of the company.

“Working with my family has made the experience enjoyable,” Jennifer said. “We are all working towards the same goal and I know the advice they give me is always in my best interest. I trust their opinions, knowledge, and experience, and I'm very grateful to have their help through this process. I’m so lucky to have people who have allowed me to take my passions of design and dogs, and create a business they all support and care about.”

Between her and her family, they have five dogs. Jennifer adopted her two dogs Kali and Brody after fostering them at a local shelter, which she began volunteering at three years ago.

“I became very attached to Kali and Brody at the shelter, and made it a priority to visit them to walk them every week,” Jennifer said. “Later I adopted them.”

This past summer Jennifer gave back with a dogs wash sponsored by her company that benefited K-9 PALS. The event raised close to $2,000 for food and medical bills. Jennifer wants to do a similar event in 2011, and hopes to be able to double the money raised.

“It is really enjoyable helping out a cause that I am so passionate about,” Jennifer said. “Dogs have always been a part of my life, and I plan on having them be a large part of the rest of my life. Along with running a successful pet product company, I hope to one day open up my own non profit organization through Kiss My Mutt to help abandoned and homeless dogs.”

Kiss My Mutt’s eco-friendly dog beds, braided collars and leashes, reversible bandanas, apparel and accessories are handmade with love and care to create a happy and stylish lifestyle for you and your pet.  The collection is fashioned to complement pet owners’ lives and is perfect for any pampered pooch.  

For more information please visit:
http://www.kissmymutt.com/
http://www.facebook.com/KissMyMutt
http://twitter.com/KissMyMutt

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