By day I'm a Communications Manager at Dartmouth Cancer Center. A job I love. But my passion for the creative, affinity for crafts and textiles, and love for animals needed an outlet too. Thus, The Eclectic Hound was born.

When my husband and I first adopted our retired racing greyhound, the first order of business was to find her a new stylish collar to begin her life as a pampered member of the family. Ok actually, the first order of business was finding her a new name! Her racing name, "Invoice," wasn't exactly flattering and I probably wouldn't be motivated to run if that were my name either... As literature lovers, we tossed around a few ideas and landed on "Phoebe," who is Holden Caulfield's little sister in Catcher in the Rye. Now the doting could begin :).

I don't have children of my own, so all that desire to knit and sew cute stuff went into dear Phoebe instead. Hours of online browsing for ribbon, fabric, webbing, and supplies, and a few more hours of trial-and-error at my sewing machine later, Phoebe had the perfect collar. However, in the process of deciding on materials for Phoebe, I found hundreds of other fabrics and materials I couldn't resist.

And that's where you come in!

I listened to that creative calling, but rerouted a bit by opening up shop to outfit the 4-legged children of your lives instead! Every item I make is one I would keep for myself. I send them away to you with love and a little piece of Phoebe and me.

I donate a portion of my proceeds and all the merchandise I can to animal rescues, humane societies, foster organizations and greyhound adoption agencies, and that's what makes me so happy to send away my creations. I've been able to not only satisfy my creative need, but help animals. And what better thing is there?! I'm also a proud member of Etsy's Handmade4Hounds shop, which donates 100% of its proceeds to a different sighthound non-profit each month.

After 5 wonderful years together, we lost sweet Phoebe to lymphoma at age 11. Though I miss her every day, her spirit is still with me and she will forever be my inspiration for The Eclectic Hound.

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(¸.•´ (¸.•` ABOUT MY SHOP NAME
It is merely an excuse to not box myself in to one style. I never know when inspiration will hit and you'll never know what "eclectic" new gems will pop up in my shop next!

Thanks for stopping by!
~Lara