Anna Meißner has launched what I think is a very exciting blog parade, though it ends today. On Anna's blog Strukturgeberin you'll find all the details about it and posts that have already been published on the topic.
So what's it actually about?
Simple →
What does the dog as a calling mean to you?
That I'm an animal person has been known to my family and friends since childhood.
I've always been drawn enormously to animals, especially horses and dogs. A gentle sniff, a wet lick, a dusty snort — all of that belonged just as much as running my fingers through soft fur. "This fever" got hold of me, I think, shortly after I was born…
The passion for horses.
As you can read in About us, I was lucky enough to grow up with a dog. As a teenager, though, my interest in horses was considerably stronger, and so after finishing school and a brief detour to the economics university, I studied equine science. But as life goes, I ended up in an office.
Was I not focused enough career-wise back then, or was it simply not the right path?
I don't know?! I never had THE ONE dream job.
All I know is that for as long as I can remember, I wanted to do something with animals!!
(Which my father always smiled at, since it apparently wasn't lucrative enough…)
The love of dogs.
When my favourite person came into my life, the time had also come for my focus to shift from horses to dogs. Che stepped into my life after a dog-free period.
At first Che and I had a few communication difficulties that we wanted to get under control — and we've largely managed that.
That's how I gradually started immersing myself in all things dog. Lots of outings with Martina & Atlas, reading books, attending social walks, training sessions and further education courses — that's how I loved to spend my free time in order to better understand my canine partner. And I still do…
The Hundereise.
Since my darling works in web design and has witnessed my creative streak first-hand, about 7 months ago he suggested the idea of a dog blog to me. Murphy had also just moved in, so we had even more stories to tell. We immediately asked Martina, Atlas & Tiago if they'd like to share their adventures too (since we tackle most of them together anyway) and luckily they said yes. The Hundereise was born!
The name came up during a brainstorming session. We love going on holiday with our dogs. Writing about it brings us joy. And from our own experience, we know that until recently there wasn't that much to be found on the worldwide web in this niche. That was the initial idea.
Another thought, which I still find really lovely, is that Hundereise is simply meant to symbolise the journey through life with your own dog! And that's why we also tell other stories about our furry companions.
Living out creativity through sewing.
Writing, photography, painting and crafting, figuring out how to make things work, "playing" with colours, patterns and fabrics — all of that lifts my spirits while at the same time bringing me back down to earth and helping me unwind.
How the sewing bug found me — I can tell you exactly: I spotted a crown cushion online and thought:
"Hey, I can do that! Can't be that hard."
The first crown cushion, which actually ended up becoming a star cushion, was made in collaboration with my dear aunt. She's a master seamstress and devoted an entire Saturday to initiating me into the art of sewing. The first stitches were done.
Then came my first sewing machine of my own, more crown cushions, the first loop, and later huge snuggle beds — both round and square.
The sewing machine had gone from foe to friend — the beginning was a little bumpy.
By now we get along so well that I've even got her some backup.
The Hundereise Manufaktur.
Over time the wish grew for a small, fine sewing studio to create individually crafted, made-to-measure pieces for dogs. So in January 2018 I registered as a small business. I still work full-time and I go to work every day with joy.
But in my spare time, I make accessories with (dog) love for the wet noses by your side.
It's deeply fulfilling to be able to live out my creativity in combination with my love of dogs. Where my personal path leads from here remains to be seen. I face the future with calm confidence and look forward to whatever might come.
You can read the first post that hinted at what's in store for us this year right here:
Where are the dog accessories made? A peek through the keyhole.
Bandoggies have recently been put through their paces by a few test wearers. They'll be available with personalised embroidery. And another sewing project is currently in development.
"My Hundereise began a while ago, but it's far from over!"
Warm regards
Your Babsi
