First of all, I love dogs. All dogs. I can't resist their wet noses, wagging tails, and loving eyes.

But I read somewhere that black dogs are the least-often adopted, and are the most-often abandoned. That made me sad. So to do my part, my family and I have only adopted black dogs.

Our first was Otto. We got him shortly after my husband and I were married. He was a sweet boy who loved to swim and play fetch and snuggle on the sofa. He taught us how to be a family, and he helped us welcome our son when he was born.

Otto's time on this earth was about average for dogs, but too short for me. After we lost him I had to take some time to mourn. But it wasn't long before the silence in the house became deafening. I missed the clicking of paws on the wood floors and the barking at the dorrbell.

So we went to the shelter and picked out Sadie. Actually, she picked me. I picked her up and she tucked her little head under my chin, and that was it - I had to have her.

Sadie's a bit on the lazy side. She doesn't swim or play fetch, but she loves to lay in bed, lay in the sun, and roll in the grass. And more than anything, she loves to give kisses.

Dogs -- especially black dogs -- are my muse. When it came time to name my business, I couldn't think of anything better.

Get Inspired!

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