Meet the Founder

Deborah Groenheyde

Dogs have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, and while my husband, Marten, and I were living in Hawaii we rescued two 7.5-week-old puppies, Moka and Java, from a shelter on Maui.

Moka and Java quickly found places in my heart – the unconditional love and trust that they shared was a testament to the meaningful relationships that we humans have with our animal companions.

My work often required me to travel, and when I was away from my dogs and missed them terribly.  This separation inspired me to create a symbol of the love and connection shared between people and their pets, something that I could carry with me at all times to remind myself of my fur friends even when I couldn’t be with them.