OUR STORY
The Pandemic
Emotions and stress were high for everyone. Many people were discovering how much the companionship and love of their animals were bringing them.
The Plan
Katie and John decided they would add a rescue puppy to their family. Their senior dog, Mia, was slowing down and they wanted their daughter, Cosette, to have a companion she could run and play with.
The family saw a post from a local rescue organization, Felines & Canines, and fell in love with a scruffy puppy in Alabama named Parker. A week later, and an ASPCA bus ride from Alabama, they picked her up in Chicago!
The Name
Katie named her Margot and let Cosette pick her middle name. Cosette chose Flamingo as a nod to one of their favorite things in Key West, Florida: two flamingos, Rhett & Scarlett who live at the Butterfly Museum in Key West.
The Reality
Margot Flamingo arrived with lots of energy, quirkiness, and typical puppy mischievousness. Even with Katie and John's strong animal knowledge and experience, welcoming a new dog into their home with a child was a completely different journey.
Sometimes Cosette was frustrated, sad, or disappointed about her interactions with Margot Flamingo. The family’s expectations of a new puppy did not always match the reality.
The Idea
It was clear that training Margot Flamingo was important, but empowering Cosette to take an active role and learn to empathize with her new dog was even more crucial. Katie and John connected with Jessica and Jennifer in 2021 and realized their experiences had many similarities. Together, they’ve created a company that helps children and families navigate the complex relationship between dogs and children.
