These are as darling in person as they are in photos and are very nicely made. Worked great in the first load, and look forward to using them!
Given as gift because I love mine. Have all different patterns. It’s a go to for gifts for me. Love them.
At Friendsheep, we are committed to supporting rescue organizations that save dogs from the deadly shelter system, where countless animals end up due to irresponsible backyard breeding, a lack of spaying and neutering, and insufficient education among pet owners. Too often, people buy purebred puppies from breeders, only to abandon them as they grow older and more demanding. This cycle of neglect contributes to an overwhelming shelter crisis, affecting dogs of all breeds and ages. However, certain groups—such as pit bulls, black dogs (due to "Black Dog Syndrome"), huskies, shepherds, and working dogs—face even worse odds. In places like Southern California, Texas, and other southern states, nearly 45% of dogs that enter the shelter system as surrenders or strays don’t make it out, they are euthanized to make space for more dogs arriving every day.
At Friendsheep, we partner with rescues across the country to help give these dogs a second chance. There’s so much we can do to help beyond donations—we can foster, and we can adopt shelter and rescue dogs. This is the story of our founder, Valeria Isaacs, and her remarkable rescue dog, Pongo.
Pongo, a black Labrador, began life loved and wanted, like many other purebred puppies, only to quickly find himself in unimaginable circumstances. After his first year of puppyhood, he spent the following years confined to a crate for 16 hours a day, neglected and abused by owners who were no longer interested in him. During this time, he developed severe separation anxiety and was placed on heavy medications like Prozac and other opioid-like sedatives, which masked his trauma instead of treating it.
When Pongo’s condition worsened, and his owners were about to give up on him, his vet, worried, reached out to West Coast Labrador Retriever Rescue (WCLRR). The rescue team quickly stepped in and saved Pongo, giving him a second chance at life.
Pongo arrived at WCLRR in a very fragile state—both physically and emotionally. Underweight and still under the influence of heavy medications, Pongo was scarred by years of neglect and suffered from separation anxiety. He was labeled a "special needs dog" and his complex health and behavioral needs made adoption unlikely. At five and a half years old and being a black dog, his chances of finding a home were slim.
In the world of animal rescue, there’s a tragic stigma surrounding black dogs, often referred to as "Black Dog Syndrome." Dogs with black coats tend to be less noticeable in shelters, which results in longer adoption times. Some even perceive them as scarier or evil. Because of this, in some high intake shelters, black dogs are twice as likely to be euthanized as their lighter-colored counterparts, as they are often passed over by adopters. Despite his affectionate nature and strong desire to please, Pongo spent three months in foster care, where he was loved and nurtured, but no one came forward to adopt him. Many potential adopters saw him as "damaged" and passed him by.
Meanwhile, Valeria’s family was grieving the loss of their beloved dog, Valeria’s former service dog. Her young kids, heartbroken, were dreaming of a new dog when they came across Pongo’s story on the WCLRR website. His tale of neglect, his love for tennis balls, and the pictures of him patiently waiting for a family touched their hearts. They were determined to help this dog in need and asked their parents if they could adopt Pongo, hoping he could fill the void left by their previous dog.
Despite knowing Pongo would need special care, Valeria and her family couldn’t resist. They saw beyond the labels and recognized his potential, intelligence, and capacity for love.
When Pongo arrived in his new home, he was anxious and stressed, still under medications, but also eager to learn and he quickly bonded with his new family. Valeria soon noticed something special in him. So special that she wondered if he could be more than just a family dog—he had the potential to be a service dog.
Determined to help Pongo thrive, Valeria, with guidance from a vet, weaned him off his medications and enrolled him in a training program with a trusted trainer who specializes in rescue dogs and service dog training. In just a few weeks, Pongo transformed. He calmed down, learned to walk properly on a leash, pick up items from the ground, and follow commands. He began walking alongside Valeria’s wheelchair, showing a natural instinct to assist.
Valeria worked with Pongo every day for months, reinforcing his training in public places and at home. Their bond grew stronger, and Pongo’s confidence blossomed. He no longer resembled the scared, drugged dog from his past. After six months of intensive and rewarding training, Pongo was ready to take his service dog exam. He passed with flying colors, impressing everyone with his skills and calm demeanor. From a dog no one wanted, he became a brilliant service dog.
Comments will be approved before showing up.
At Friendsheep, we believe that small, everyday choices can create a big impact. That's why we're proud to partner with Sungai Watch, an organization working to stop plastic pollution before it reaches the ocean. Through our sponsorship of a river barrier in East Java, we're helping support daily river cleanups, local jobs, and waste management education. Read the full story to learn more about Sungai Watch, why this partnership matters, and how we're working together to create cleaner rivers and healthier oceans.
Each year, hundreds of children in Nepal experience spinal cord injuries due to falls, landslides, and accidents. Most homes aren’t built with accessibility in mind. Schools lack ramps and wheelchair access. Public transportation and roads are difficult, if not impossible, to navigate. As a result, many of these children are forced to drop out of school and remain at home, isolated from their communities and opportunities. Over time, this leads to a loss of independence and, too often, a cycle of poverty. That’s why Spinal Cord Injury Network Nepal (SCINN) is building something truly groundbreaking. Nepal’s first fully accessible, disability-led Independent Living Practice Village in Kathmandu. This Village is designed to be more than just a place to stay. It is a place where students can rebuild their lives.
This holiday season, let’s shop small and with intention. Choosing gifts that last means saying no to overconsumption, single-use items, and waste that ends up in landfills. Instead, give gifts that bring joy and make a difference. Our 2025 Planet-Friendly Gift Guide has something for everyone: eco dryer balls for the mindful homebody, wool pet toys for furry friends, and reusable decor that brings warmth to every space. Every Friendsheep product is handmade with care from sustainable materials, supporting fair wages, animal rescues, and reforestation efforts. This year, give gifts that give back — to people, animals, and the planet we all share.