Fun Clothing That Gives Back to Pet Charities
Luv the Paw sees the lighter side of life with comfortable, sturdy and playful apparel
As my family and friends know, I love t-shirts. They’re just so cozy and you can wear them anywhere. I hate to admit it, but most of my shirts are basic black, blue or green. I knew I needed a little pizzazz in my closet, so I looked for a company that offered apparel that was not only soft and well fit, but also had cool designs. After some research, I found exactly what I was looking for. Luv the Paw not only sells amazing t-shirts, but they also donate a portion of their net profits to pet charities, shelters and causes. You just can’t go wrong with a company like that.
As I started wearing their clothing, I knew I needed to know more about this fantastic business. I reached out to owners Steve and Kelly, who let me know all about their company, Luv the Paw.
How did the idea for Luv the Paw come together?
The idea came about a couple of years ago. We love to wear fun tee shirts, but had a hard time finding ones we really liked or that were not overused. We both enjoy craft beer, going to local breweries, listening to live music and love to bring our pups to the beer gardens and patios with us. So, we started designing our own funny tee shirts about beer and dogs. People we would meet and family and friends kept asking us where we got our tee shirts. At the time, we were both fully employed, so we had very little time to get our company off the ground. When COVID hit last year, it allowed us more time to put our focus on launching our business full-time. More importantly, when we were creating our business plan, we knew we wanted to give back to pet charities. It breaks our hearts when we see the sweetest pups and cats who need loving homes, or animals that have been lost or stolen. So giving back was very important to us.
When did the company launch?
We launched in Summer of 2020 and recently got our trademark for our logo.
What kind of products do you sell?
We currently sell t-shirts and some beverage koozies and coffee mugs. We plan on expanding our product line to tank tops and hoodies, along with more accessories like small carry bags and pet bandanas.
Ricky & me. I love wearing Luv the Paw’s L-O-V-E tee.
Where did your love of fun products come from?
We both have a great sense of humor and love to laugh. We always get a kick out of funny tee shirts or signs when we are out and about. We usually meet a lot of people when we are out, because of the tee shirts we wear. They really are great conversation starters and puts a smile on peoples’ faces. We've been known to make new friends just from wearing our tees.
What are some of your favorite Luv the Paw products?
Nice To Meet You …I mean come on! IPA Lot When I Drink Beer – it’s true. We love the Nashville pet community so we had to create – our LOVE line - Nash Love. Peace Love Paws – that’s what life is all about. And, we love our jeep, so you gotta love Baby's Got Back…you could say it’s a Jeep thing.
When did your love of dogs begin?
I have loved dogs my whole life. I grew up on the West Coast of Florida and we always had dogs, cats and even cows! Kelly grew up in a large family, and having a dog was unfortunately out of the question. She was initially intimidated by big dogs until she met me and the best bassett hound ever - Buster. He changed her mind about 15 years ago and she has loved dogs ever since. We have no children, so our dogs are very important in our lives. This is also a reason our company gives back to places that help animals in need.
My LOVE - 4 Legged Word t-shirt is super comfortable
How many pets do you own?
We have Sunshine (we call her Sunny) a 12-year-old Bichon. She has quite a personality and is the princess of the house. She’s funny, sassy and very playful. She is always on our laps and thinks she runs the house. Cooper we rescued from a shelter when he was about 1 year old. We have been told he is a border terrier/dachshund mix. He was beaten and abused before we adopted him, so it took many years for him to fully trust us. He is now 8 years old and a well-adjusted part of our family. Now, he absolutely loves people! We always joke the he’s looking for his next family when we are at a dog park. He greets them with his sweet personality and people just fall in love with him. He makes a great wing man for our friend Bill too.
What are some of the pet charities and causes that are dear to your heart?
Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary
Nashville Humane
Nashville Cat Rescue
Agape
Along with helping black cats and dogs get adopted…since the adoption rates are tougher for black animals.
Wearing Luv the Paw’s Peace Love & Paw Symbol tee makes me very happy
What has been the reaction from the dog community?
So far very positive. Where ever we go, people ask us where we got our tee shirts. More importantly, they love that we give back to pet charities. We’ve had a few wholesale custom orders from smaller groups just because we give back. We’re looking forward to increasing our brand awareness in the Nashville area at the many events and festivals this year. Our first one is Pups and Pints coming up in June. We love that we can now spread kind vibes throughout the community.
What's next for Luv the Paw?
Attending festivals, growing our product line, and giving back to needy causes. The more people that know about us and the good that we do, the more good things we can do for those in need.
Where can people find you & purchase your items?
Well, I’m already in love with your products Steve & Kelly. I just got some compliments on your Peace Love & Paw Symbol tee at brunch the other day. Best of luck to you both and keep us posted on new products and events coming up!
L-O-V-E tee
LOVE - 4 Legged Word tee
Peace Love & Paw Symbol tee
