When I turned 27, I found myself living alone in a cozy one-bedroom apartment feeling a little lonely. The solution I sought was to bring a dog into my life. I didn't realize that this decision would transform my world.

I decided to adopt an adorable 8-week-old Vizsla lab mix puppy, a little boy I affectionately named Riley.

Riley and I became inseparable companions, sharing countless memorable moments. He was a bundle of energy, always eager to play fetch, swim, and run. Riley was what many would call a "velcro dog" because he stuck by my side relentlessly. His loyalty was so profound that, when I wasn't at home, he'd occasionally become a bit mischievous. Though he wasn't flawless, he was perfect in my eyes. Riley blessed my life for 13 wonderful years.

When Riley was about a year and a half, I bought a house with a yard so he would have more room to run and play. Soon after, I felt it was time for Riley to have a companion. I embarked on a quest to find him a little sister.

That's when I discovered Penny, a sweet and gentle 8-week-old princess with a golden coat and beautiful white markings on her chest, paws, and face. Penny loved lounging in the sun, searching for lizards, and simply enjoying life. Her heart was brimming with love, and she remained my cherished companion until she reached the age of 16.

As a few more years passed, I felt the call to expand our family once more. By then, we had been fostering dogs for several years, a fulfilling endeavor that warmed our hearts. One day, we received a call from a rescue group in desperate need of assistance. A pregnant labrador named Hazel was about to give birth in a shelter. They urgently required a safe environment for her and her puppies. Without hesitation, we offered our help, and the next day, we were fostering Hazel and her eight precious puppies.

Little did I know that one of these puppies would become the third addition to our yellow dog family.

We decided to adopt one of Hazel's puppies. We named him Winston, and we've had him since his first day of life. Although Winston, lovingly known as Uncle Winston, didn't possess the athleticism of Riley or the regal demeanor of Penny, he brought his own unique charm. As a puppy, he was full of boundless energy and a touch of mischief. However, unlike our other dogs, Winston battles numerous health issues, including severe allergies and gut problems, just to name a few. At the age of 7, he even faced a near-death experience.

Today, at almost 14 years old, Winston is deaf and spends his days peacefully sleeping, eating, and basking in the warmth of the sun. And you know what? He still greets me every morning with his tail wagging. Even in his golden years, he reminds me what unconditional love looks like.

Our trio of yellow dogs has been an extraordinary blessing in our lives. Over the past two decades, my life has seen numerous changes, marriage, the arrival of two beautiful human daughters, losses, and a cross-country move. Yet, amid all these transformations, the love I hold for my three yellow dogs remains unwavering.

But they didn't just teach me about love. They taught me how to be a better dog parent.

Riley taught me that dogs need more than just walks. They need adventure, mental stimulation, and enrichment. A tired dog isn't just a physically exhausted dog, it's a mentally engaged one. The days Riley was happiest weren't just after long runs, but after puzzle games, new toys, and activities that challenged his clever mind.

Penny taught me that quality matters. She had a gentle soul and deserved gentle, thoughtful care. Not all toys are created equal. Not all treats are safe. She showed me that when you love your dog like family, you don't settle for "good enough",you give them the best.

Winston taught me about resilience and special care. With his allergies and health challenges, I became obsessive about ingredients, materials, and safety. I learned to read every label, research every product, and never compromise on what goes in his body or what he plays with. Winston needed extra care, and he deserved it, just like every dog does.

I wanted to create something that helps other dog owners give their dogs the same kind of life Riley, Penny, and Winston had. A life filled with love, adventure, quality toys, meaningful enrichment, and treats that you could feel good about giving.

But Three Yellow Dogs is about more than what goes inside the box. I also wanted it to be a place for helpful education, encouragement, and connection, because anyone who loves a dog knows it truly takes a village.

That is why we work hard to connect with rescue groups across the country, so together we can make a greater impact for dogs in need and the people who care for them.

And because I’ll never forget where our dogs came from, we give 3% of every purchase to help support rescue organizations working to help dogs find their forever homes.

Every box we send is a celebration of the love and bond between dogs and their humans. Every purchase helps another dog find that same love, safety, and security our pups found with us.

I miss Riley and Penny terribly, but I take comfort in knowing that they lived wonderful lives and that they'll be waiting for me on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge. What a joyous reunion that will be. 💛

That's our story. That's our mission.