This isn't a post dedicated to all the latest doggy gear but a story about how a lost dog found her home that helped lead a young couple to their home too. I guess you can call this a story of three strays and how each found what they were looking for -- and more. Meet Stray Dog Designs.

  A lamp finial, bird as decor, faux bois mirror and a pendant all from Stray Dog Designs.

It was 1994 in Mexico, beautiful  San Miguel de Allende to be exact, where mountains rise over cobblestone streets, the sun never ceases to shine, and the night sky spreads a blanket of stars before your eyes each night. Newlyweds Bill Pritchard and Jane Gray were just kids, expats who ran away from their life in America to explore new beginnings. A couple in love. But like all couples, the need to expand the family comes sooner or later, they just didn't realize that sometimes family comes to them simply by leaving a literal door open. And so came La Princessa, a stray dog that wandered in through their door one day that resembled a bat, all in black with dots of tan over her eyes and ears that stuck straight out as if she could fly. And fly she did, straight into their hearts as La Princessa became a new part of Jane and Bill's family.

As any newbie in an exotic land can confirm, there comes a point when the vacation is over and 'real life' kicks in. You need a job. Together, along with La Princessa, the couple scoured hidden corners to find unique pottery to import back to the states. After awhile, pottery wasn't enough -- they had bigger dreams since Jane had an eye for design and Bill had the energy to propel a business to the next level. With their beloved pet in tow, they discovered Guadalupe Alvarez and his tin workshop where together, they merged their talents to design a collection of whimsical lamps, urns, mirrors, and more that Jane sketched for Guadalupe who was able to transform her ideas into real, living objects. And with that, Stray Dog Designs was born.

A year later, the couple with big ideas relocated back to the states with their beloved fur kid and premiered Stray Dog Designs at the Atlanta International Gift and Home Furnishings Market in Atlanta, Georgia in 1995. And people came, and purchased, the good news spread, as it always does when you design a product from your heart. It shows.

  Sherry Etagere from Stray Dog Designs, $600 on sale.

Fast forward to 2003. Long time friends Robert Pregulman and Randy Hale were so impressed with Stray Dog Designs that in '06, they became partners. The little family of three grew to five.

Stray Dog Designs now includes lighting, tables, beds, stools, shelving, mirrors, storage, organizational items, and beyond with delightful lamp finials that are unique and fun. All in their signature color palette that radiates joy topped with a huge dollop of whimsy.

  Sconce, stools, and a trash bin by Stray Dog Designs.

Today Bill and Jane live on Lookout Mountain in Tennessee, with their three children and small zoo of cats, mice, fish, and their Great Dane, also a former stray dog. Robert and his wife Randy help run things from their office in Seattle. And though La Princessa may have passed, she will always be cherished as the stray dog that inspired two kids in love to follow their hearts ultimately leading to a thriving family life and business. Man's best friend indeed. So much can result from the love of a little dog.

This story inspired me so much today. I'm an animal lover and have experienced the power of pet ownership firsthand. Do you have a stray pet story to share? It's amazing how pets can heal, motivate, and bring so much joy. I have a few stories to tell, but someone has to go first by sharing yours because I'm tired from all this typing. Your turn. :)

(images from stray dog designs)