Back in 2013, Kaskade was photographed wearing a giant fluffy puppy t-shirt during a major set, and triggered a social media flurry. Tweets like: “Your music melted my face, but your puppy shirt melted my heart” ensued.
Our celebrity idols obviously know how to maintain our affection. If the Internet has taught us anything, it’s that everyone gets a little weak in the knees over puppies.
Enter Puppies Make Me Happy, the apparel line responsible for Kaskade’s heart-melting tee. Founded by Niels Skou, who soon partnered with product design whiz Ian McAllister, the brand's entire mission is dedicated to making the ‘happiest clothes on Earth.’ Awwwww. Enter more mushy feel-good.
Images courtesy of Puppies Make Me Happy
Niels Skou (L), doggie advocate Bonnie Jill Laflin & Ian McAllister at World Dog Day
Their product line, which includes tees, hats, yoga pants, sweaters and even swimsuits, has grown virally through social media, especially with fans like DJ/model Ruby Rose and actor Nina Dobrev. But as serious dog lovers, the joy-pushing boys aren’t just playing on cuteness, they’re also committed to giving back. A portion of proceeds helps such organizations as ASPCA, Young & Brave Foundation, SoCal Bulldog Rescue and AZ Bull Brigade.
Images courtesy of Puppies Make Me Happy
So throw on a Puppies t-shirt, collar your pooch and set off on a dog-friendly journey of LA with Niels and Ian.
Cafes/Stores
The Dog Cafe
Westlake
Ian: Dog Cafe is basically the coolest dog thing going on in LA right now. You get to play with rescue puppies whilst drinking your coffee.
The Dog Cafe. Image courtesy of @thedogcafe_la
The Petstaurant
Sherman Oaks
Ian: Animal Hope and Wellness Foundation is located inside of The PetStaurant, a wellness pet store. They directly save dogs from becoming dinner in China. You can adopt or just play with the dogs right there in the store.
Image courtesy of The PetStaurant
Outdoors
Redondo Beach Dog Park
Redondo Beach
Niels: I have to give a big shout out to my local dog park in Redondo. It’s super clean and everyone there is totally rad.
Ocean Trails Reserve
Rancho Palos Verdes
Niels: I love Ocean Trails because it’s the most epic view ever along the pacific ocean, but it isn’t a full day excursion. If I have an extra hour in my day to shoot up there it’s a super fun and easy way to tire your dog out and there are a ton of like-minded dog folks always cruising around with their pups. My dog is a digger so it’s fun for her to get a chance to play in the sand which can be hard to find in LA.
Rosie's Dog Beach
Long Beach
Ian: Rosie’s is great if you can avoid the peak hours. It can get a little insane on summer weekends, but the joy of seeing dogs endlessly digging sand holes never gets old.
Rosie’s Dog Beach. Image courtesy of @basically_devon_c
More Dog Gone Goodness
Penny's Pup Wash
Costa Mesa
Ian: Penny’s is the shit if you’re down in Costa Mesa. They were the very first retailer of our line.
Penny’s Pup Wash. Image courtesy of @penney_the_chinadoll_bulldozer
DogVacay’s Furry Dogmother
Hermosa Beach
Niels: The #1 Dog Sitter and walker in LA is the Furry Dogmother: Chrissy Huszczo
DogVacay. Image courtesy of @dogvacay
Wholesome Pooch
Online
Niels: This is a radical local dog treat company started by a 15 year old girl named Ariana. She makes totally organic treats with just 4 ingredients that dogs go absolutely nuts for. We met her on the beach one day when she was just selling them out of plastic sandwich bags, and now they have totally radical packaging. This girl is going places for sure.
Image courtesy of @wholesomepooch
Follow Puppies Make Me Happy’s latest designs over at Instagram.
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Belinda Gosbee is an Aussie writer, actress and coffee snob based in Los Angeles. Hypoallergenic puppies make her happy. Follow her jaunts on twitter @belindagosbee or instagram @gos22
Header Image courtesy of Puppies Make Me Happy
