Tag Archives: animals

ThatMutt.com Features RIC!

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Check out this interview and chance to win a free RIC tee on ThatMutt.com! Original is here.

Note: ThatMutt.com is an affiliate of RIC by Stacey Lauren. Save 15% off your order with RIC by SL by using coupon code THATMUTT.

I love the dog-related graphic tees and tops from RIC by Stacey Lauren.

“Love Rock Live” is the brand’s motto, and each shirt makes a statement.

Stacey Lauren is the entrepreneur and graphic designer behind RIC. The brand is named after her late father Ric who Stacey said will always be an inspiration. She believes he continues to help her in ways he never could.

Dog-themed shirts to help animals!

RIC by SL offers three clothing collections – LOVE, ROCK and LIVE.

The LOVE collection features animal-related designs.

Stacey is quite the dog lover, and a portion of the proceeds from her LOVE collection are donated to the Humane Society of the United States.

“The reason I began designing animal-related graphic tees is so that animal lovers like me can proudly and fashionably display their passion for four-legged creatures,” Stacey said.

Some of the tees have specific messages of adoption and love for breeds, but hopefully each top can be a conversation starter, she said.

My favorite shirts from RIC by SL so far are the tops featuring a cute pitbull with the words “Lover not a fighter.” Ace and I are modeling it for you at the bottom of this post :) Although Ace is most likely not a pitbull mix, many of his friends are pit mixes.

Cute tan and red pitbull mixStacey owns a rescued pitbull mix named Theo.

“I love him immensely, and he has taught me so much about what it really means to rescue a dog,” she said.

While she would love to say Theo is perfectly behaved and the ideal representation of a lovable pitbull (and he is very lovable), she said he has many issues.

Theo is very fearful, she said. He was probably taken from his littermates at a very young age. He was a stray, and he may have been abused. He has developed a territorial aggression, which is clearly fear-based as he shakes and cries whenever the door bell rings.

“I do not blame any of this on his breed, but rather his circumstances,” Stacey said. “He is a learning experience for me, and I cannot wait to rescue more pitbulls.”

It is important that no matter what breed you decide to rescue that you are prepared to help the dog through any issues he may come with, she said.

In addition to the “Lover not a fighter” graphic, other dog-related designs from RIC include paw prints or various dog breeds.

I love “the golden life” shirt with a golden retriever and the “guardian” shirt with a German shepherd. Other designs feature the doberman, the Chihuahua, the bull dog and others. I’m hoping to see a design featuring big, black lab mixes at some point! :)

The ROCK and LIVE collections

Additional graphic designs are available through RIC’s ROCK and LIVE collections.

The ROCK collection features music-related designs and helps raise funds for kids’ music programs across America. I am a band geek at heart, and I truly appreciate these designs.

The LIVE collection features inspirational sayings such as “hakuna matata,” and proceeds from these shirts are donated to The Adventure Project to help fight extreme poverty.

RIC by SL coupon code

I hope you will visit RIC by SL on Etsy! I think you will love the designs as much as I do. Check out some of the designs below, and don’t forget to use the coupon code THATMUTT to save 15% off your order!

Win a free shirt from RIC by SL

RIC by SL is offering a free “Lover not a fighter” v-neck unisex tee to one lucky That Mutt reader.  You will be able to choose the color and size from the available options.

For your chance to win, please visit RIC by SL’s site. Then leave a comment below telling me what other RIC designs you like. I will select one winner at random Feb. 12 and notify the winner by email and in the comments of this post. Must have a U.S. mailing address to win.

Cute white paw hoodie for women
Cute women's long sleeve Tshirt Keep Calm and Rescue On

Ace and I thought we would pretend we are models, too!

Cute pitbull themed tshirts for people, men and women

Don’t forget to check out the original post to enter to win!

Lemon Dear Interviews RIC by Stacey Lauren

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Check out the original here!

Interview from Lemon Dear copied below:

Today we meet Stacey Lauren, who loves basics and followed her dad’s advise: ”be independently wealthy, while helping others” and combined her love for animals with her graphic designer knowledge to open RIC, a wonderful t-shirt shop with a message: We talk about her collections and how they benefit different worthwhile causes such as helping animals, music for kids and the end of extreme poverty. Also, she advises sellers how to raise money for causes they are passionate about and takes us on a walk in a day of her creative life. Enjoy!

 

What’s the inspiration behind RIC?

First, I love basics. On any given day, you’ll likely find me in a t-shirt and jeans, or a long sleeve shirt and jeans, or a tank top and jeans.. you get the point. I wear jeans a lot. But I really love comfy, easy-to-wear t-shirts. If I could afford to own every item from LnA Clothing, I totally would.

Second, when I graduated college and still didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life, my father told me to “be independently wealthy, while helping others”. While that’s easier said than done, I believe I’ve stumbled on my niche to make it happen. I am a graphic designer and an animal lover, and I decided to combine these two passions and put them on the other love of mine, clothing. My dad loved the idea and encouraged me to achieve success with it. He took days off of work to come to meetings with me, and even offered to try selling my shirts door-to-door. Sadly, he lost his battle with prostate cancer last year. His name was Ric (always signed in all caps). I have changed the name of the line to his name so that he can always be a part of this adventure. I now believe he helps me in ways he never could before.

Could you tell us more about the causes you support through your shop?

The motto of the line is “Love, Rock, Live”, and for each there is a collection benefiting a different cause:

The LOVE Collection is simply based on my (near-obsessive) love for animals, with paw print designs and a soft spot for rescued animals. A portion of the proceeds from this collection is donated to the Humane Society of the United States to help protect animals from abuse and neglect.


The ROCK Collection is for music lovers. I grew up listening to rock ‘n roll, and played a couple different instruments in school. I believe a song can instantly change your mood. Also, my husband runs a music business, putting band programs into schools that don’t have them. He told me about the Fender Music Foundation, an organization dedicated to raising money for kids’ music programs across America. A portion of the proceeds from the ROCK collection is donated to this cause.


The LIVE Collection consists of life quotes and inspirational messages, encouraging wearers to make the most of every day and live life to the fullest. My dad was an avid believer in pursuing your dreams, and so am I. I want to encourage others to do the same! A portion of the proceeds from this collection is donated to The Adventure Project to help end extreme poverty. This organization was established to “increase investments in positive social enterprises around the world”, contributing to projects that “spur economic opportunity, promote dignity, & save lives”. Who wouldn’t want to support them?

Could you please share some advise to fellow Etsians who would like to raise money for good causes?

Anyone can do it! Once you’ve picked a cause that means something to you, you have a couple of options. You can donate a portion of all of your proceeds to that cause, or a portion of the proceeds from any particular item you sell. Many organizations accept donations through PayPal, which makes it very simple for Etsy sellers to do, since that’s where most of your income goes.

On top of the good feeling you get for supporting a cause that’s dear to you, your customers get to know you a little better by learning what’s important to you. And it adds an extra special meaning to their purchases.


A lot of your creations are organic, why?

I print many of my designs on Alternative Apparel blanks because the quality is amazing and their fabrics are super soft (the most important feature in any t-shirt). They offer so many organic styles, and they’re all amazingly soft and flattering! Being good for the environment is a fabulous bonus. But not every style I use is organic.

Could you walk us through a day in your creative life?

Um.. it’s different every day, but usually goes something like this: Walk and feed Theo, gym (sometimes), breakfast, purchase blanks for incoming orders, print shirts that arrived that day, a trip to the post office, freelance graphic work (still a freelance graphic designer as well), upload things to Blog, Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest, Theo rings his bell to be walked again, play fetch with him for a little, call my husband to see how his day is going, design a new shirt, read articles about entrepreneurship, photograph some samples, volunteer at the local rescue center (on Tuesdays), hubby comes home, maybe cook but probably take out something, watch reality tv, then go to bed and dream about the day I’m selling in Bloomingdale’s.


What is your favourite RIC item?
The pink Pit Bull Tank Top. I don’t know why I haven’t made one for myself yet.

What are the future plans for RIC?
Selling in retail stores and designing my own line of basics to print on.

Where can we find you and RIC?
Stacey Lauren, facebook, twitter, and of course, etsy! Thank you!

Missing Pit Mix Coming Home for Christmas After 8 Years

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Petunia the Pit Mix Reunited with Family After 8 Years
Petunia (source)

Petunia, a staffordshire terrier mix, ran away from her family farm in Virginia on the Saturday after Thanksgiving in 2003. After an extensive search by her owners, it was presumed that she had not survived.

That is, until she was found in California this past Wednesday. She was brought to the Yuba County Animal Care Services Shelter, where they used her microchip to determine who her original owners were. Somehow, this pup had made it cross-country over 8 years, and survived!

Petunia will be reunited with her family in time for Christmas. Talk about a holiday miracle! This makes my heart warm :)

More Adoptable Buddies

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Looking for a new friend? How about any of these adoptable cuddle buddies:

Diamond Adoptable Dog
Diamond

Come meet Diamond and let her dazzle you with her sweet, outgoing personality. She will greet you with tail wagging, body dancing, and a lick on the face, if you let her. Have another canine? She will greet them the same! This sweet girl is too friendly to be in a shelter. She needs a home where she can run and play, go on long walks or runs and take trips to the park. If you adopt Diamond, you will see the love and devotion she gives is truly priceless!

 

Dominick Adoptable Do
Dominick

Dominick is a 4yr old lab mix…he was rescued from the CACC and now in boarding we had an adopter but it fell through he gets along with other dogs…he is up to date with shots and microchipped and neutered…he does not like to be crated at all..he is getting very depressed in his cage in boarding can anyone help this guy out…

 

Leon Adoptable Dog
Leon

Anybody know a big strong dude looking for a big strong dog to play/wrestle with? Leon is a wonderful rescue dog who LOVES to play, is super friendly and waggly/wiggly, BUT his play style is VERY physical and he requires a person who can match him in physical strength and love of play. He loves all people and other dogs…especially those with lots of energy and endurance. Leon is 2 yrs old, about 75 lbs, neutered, up to date on his shots and looking for his home in NY/NJ/New England region. He is currently upstate NY, near Albany.

 

Coco Adoptable Dog
Coco

Coco is a gorgeous male, neutered, german shepherd mix, 21 mths old and a true german shepherd. He is very loving and loves his family but is protective of them too as many shepherds are. Once he meets you though, he loves you. He loves other dogs too. Coco was found as a puppy abandoned at just 5 weeks old. Coco loves going for long walks, and just loves the snow.. He is a wonderful dog and his foster family can speak with you directly. They are unable to keep him as Coco was their daughters dog and she is overseas and cannot take him with her. Please give this beautiful boy a home down load an application from ruffhouserescue.com and help get this boy a permanent home.

 

Shelby Adoptable Dog
Shelby

Meet our absolute sweet girl Shelby. Shelby was rescued just in the nick of time- you see her owner had to surrender her to a high-kill shelter when they went into the hospital. Poor Shelby, a beloved family pet was so scared. This girl is just a calm, mellow, cuddler. She is fantastic on the leash an d great with other dogs, and children too.

 

Carly Adoptable Dog
Carly

Carly is a stunning Black Lab mix. She was a wonderful mommy to her 6 pups and now needs a loving home of her own. She is about 2 years old.

 

Rumor Adoptable Dog
Rumor

This is Rumor a pretty, happy little dog who loves to play and is just beautiful. She is always smiling as she seems to enjoy just about everything. Rumor is small in stature and weighs about 40lbs. She loves to play with other dogs and is very good on the leash. She is very well behaved and enjoys sitting and relaxing with her favorite person. Please download an application for Rumor if you want a wonderful little girl to call your own. Take long walks with and just hang out with too.

 

Click on the dog to reach their adoption page. Happy adopting!

Help Protect Animals From Abuse & Neglect with HSUS

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Currently volunteering at a local shelter, I’m doing my best to step into the world of animal welfare. I’m working on becoming emotionally stronger so that I can eventually have a bigger impact. I’ve also created a collection of tees and tops, donating a portion of the proceeds to The Humane Society of the United States. Hope you like them:

RIC by Stacey Lauren Rescued Tee
“Rescued” Tee

RIC by Stacey Lauren Studded Paw Tee
“Studded Paw” Tee

RIC by Stacey Lauren Lace Paw Hoodie
“Lace Paw” Hoodie

RIC by Stacey Lauren Lace Paw Boat Neck Tee
“Lace Paw” Boat Neck Tee

RIC by Stacey Lauren "Studded Paw" Hoodie
“Studded Paw” Hoodie

RIC by Stacey Lauren "Studded Paw" Hoodie
“Studded Paw” Hoodie

What’s left from my 2010 collection of dog breed tees also contributes to HSUS. Click to see the whole collection:

Stacey Lauren 2010 Collection

Have a comment? Please share!

Last Hope’s Golden Whisker Society Aims to Increase Senior Adoptions

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Recently, I was asked by my sister-in-law to design this logo for Last Hope‘s new Golden Whisker Society Senior Dog & Cat Adoption Program:

Golden Whisker Society at Last Hope

Below is the newsletter sent out regarding the program:

November is “Adopt a Senior Pet” Month and the perfect time for us to launch Last Hope’s senior pet adoption program, the Golden Whisker Society.  As we know, our town shelters are overflowing with homeless cats and dogs every day.  Removing any animal from that plight is rewarding; Doing so for an older cat or dog can be one of the more satisfying experiences of a lifetime.  No animal likes to be in a cage, alone and without companionship.  Older animals tend to suffer more, though, due to the stress of a major life-change at a time when their bodies are not as strong and their sensitivities high.   Many suffer physical pains and ailments that go untreated because they cannot tell anyone what hurts.  Most of them suffer broken hearts due to  the losses they have endured, having once been someone’s beloved pet and now finding themselves alone in a cage in a strange place. Many older animals languish in shelter cages for months, and even years, because most people look to adopt younger pets.  We are hoping to change this.  Our goal with our Golden Whisker Society is two-fold:  We aim to raise awareness of the incredible joy one can experience in adopting a senior pet by having our senior-pet adopters tell their stories here, and we hope to raise much-needed funding so that we can continue to take more amazing seniors out of the shelters and give them the medical attention they deserve and the comfort of the forever-homes they crave.

Please check back here often for our stories, and please consider donating to our cause. If you have ever adopted an older animal and want to share your story, just send us an email to GWS@Lasthopeanimalrescue.org to submit your story (and photo too!) and we can post your story here. For more information about the Golden Whisker Society contact Lucy at effmanlu@yahoo.com and Eileen at Eosmers@gmail.com.

We celebrate this month as Adopt a Senior Pet Month, but our Golden Whisker Society mission continues every single day throughout the year and beyond.  For as long as there are senior animals who need us, we will continue to find ways to help them.

Please support the Golden Whisker Society and spread the word to animal lovers in your circle!

Selena Gomez & Justin Bieber Adopt A Puppy

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Justin Bieber & Selena Gomez

While on tour in Winnipeg, Canada, Selena Gomez took a moment out of her busy schedule to stop by local shelter D’Arcy’s Animal Rescue Centre and help out a pup in need. She took home adorable 10-week old husky mix, Baylor. He is the sixth addition to her family of rescues. He is quite the looker:

Selena Gomez Adopts Baylor the Puppy

Look at those blue eyes! I’m officially a new Selena Gomez fan.