Grand Re-Opening Set for June 17
After a 6-month hiatus, we're excited to be back with our community of dog lovers! At the end of 2024, I was feeling very tired, worn down, and creatively tapped. I wasn't sure if continuing this business was the right choice, but instead of stopping entirely, I stepped away.
That time was so critical to get a better perspective on what Missy Pup meant to me and the importance it played in my life. I had appreciated the extra time in my days not spent working but missed our community and the relationships we had cultivated over the past 4 years. I knew that if I were to come back, a few things would need to change.
So... what exactly has changed?
Apparel. Apparel had to go. It was time consuming, difficult to produce, and created a ton of waste. While this is what Missy Pup was founded on and what our customers have come to know and love about us, it was making me exhausted. I tried pivoting and adjusting a few things and those options just didn't work the way I had hoped and provided a poor customer experience. I knew if I came back, I'd need to pivot away from this offering.
All that said, we still have a small handful of items available for humans, so I haven't entirely given up products for our dog people yet. :)
Our priority, though, will be to focus on dog goods and specifically toys and enrichment. I have spent years building up relationships with reputable dog toy manufacturers and brands and truly believe what I've been able to curate and source from them is unique and not found in many big box retailers. In addition, the focus on these products will allow our business to have a stronger philanthropic approach by donating toys and enrichment to dogs in shelters.
Which brings me to my next and most important point. Coming back on my terms also meant finding a way to help shelter and rescue dogs more often and consistently. I wanted a bigger purpose than just a creative outlet for me. We introduced the Missy's Mates program which you can read more about here: Missy's Mates Giving Program – Missy Pup & Co
Essentially, each quarter we will donate a portion of our proceeds to a shelter or rescue from our pool of nominations. We will also be making pledges to at risk dogs in the Minneapolis community, who are set to be euthanized unless a rescue or foster situation becomes available. Your purchases will go directly to saving animals.
We're excited to be back doing what we love with the best community in the world. See you on the 17th!
PS - you didn't think I'd let you get to the end of this without sharing some product sneak peeks, would you?!
Heather & Missy