In 2016, I unwittingly became the person I used to mock. By happenstance one Sunday, I met a beagle named Jitterbug. She chose me to adopt her, despite my having no intention to do so.  Jitterbug’s insistence, cuteness and soulful eyes were no match for my reticence. That Sunday afternoon, Jitterbug became the center of my universe for 6 ½ years.Paws of Paradiseguesstimated that she was 8 years old. Jitterbug made me kinder, more relaxed and patient, and softened my heart. While her passing in 2022 was sad, the event was as calm and as beautiful as it could have been, here at home. 

After crossing over, Miss Jitterbug was frequently in contact through tv ads: the Jitterbug phone; DNA Ancestry inquiring if your grandparents “cut a rug doing the Jitterbug”; and an ice cream shop featuring a flavor called “Disco Lives” – Jitterbug and I used to disco. Two-and-a-half weeks after her departure, Miss Jitterbug sent me Sundae, a unique mélange of a whole lot of wonderful – a basset hound combined with a terrier according to the Humane Society of North Texas (HSNT). While Jitterbug was a Queen, Miss Sundae is a spunky, 4-year-old, splendid being who can be quite sassy at times. 

 Dogs have taught me, in part:

• “Be the kind person your dog thinks you are.”
• Afternoon naps are critical
• Dogs exhibit valued human qualities better than people (loyalty, love, friendship)
• My dogs are smarter and more gracious than I
• Be generous
• If your dog doesn’t like someone, pay attention –they know things
• The purest form of love comes from a dog
• “Dog is such a little word for something so big.”

Exiting the corporate world after decades, I grappled with what to do next. Working with an executive business ownership coach propelled me into action after a long bout of inertia. What fills my heart? Dogs. What kind of business did I want to work in? Something that makes me happy. Who do I want to work with? Kind, intelligent, creative, collaborative, generous people. What type of environment? I want to work from home with Sundae at my feet and by my side. Doggy daycare is a non-starter. All these thoughts percolated and coalesced into my starting Sassy Sundae.

Thus far, businesses we work with are owned by individual entrepreneurs or have been in families for generations. Suppliers’ origin stories are compelling and we value the fact that our products are crafted here in the USA.

Sundae and I thank you for stopping by. We hope our unique offerings will add some whimsical charm and elegance to your pup’s accessories.

God Bless Dogs!

Pack Leader @ Sassy Sundae