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THIS WEEK'S TOPICS:

• 🪡 $1M/mo embroidering pups

• 🥇 Vito the Pug brings home $20K

• ❤️‍🔥 Update: The Golden Retriever Experience is still red hot

 🪡 $1M/MO EMBROIDERING PUPS

In the heart of BBQ country (Austin, Texas), a small business born out of love for dogs and art has blossomed into a multimillion-dollar success story.

Pupsentials, founded by Jake and Kyndall Chambers, has transformed the pet portrait industry with their unique, highly detailed embroidered images of customers' pets on sweatshirts and other apparel.

The journey began with a simple idea and a single embroidery machine.

Despite being told by 42 local vendors that their concept was impossible due to its intricate details and color requirements, Jake and Kyndall decided to bet on themselves.

Their persistence paid off when a celebrity endorsement of their prototype led to an overwhelming 300 orders in just one day.

Handmade Milestones:

• 💸 Achieved $5 million in total revenue within two years of launch

• 🔻 Reduced order turnaround time from 6-8 weeks to 5-7 days

• 🏆 Recently hit their first $1 million month in sales

The company's growth has been nothing short of remarkable.

From a "mom and pup" (& Jake) startup, Pupsentials has evolved into a thriving business that captures the hearts of dog lovers nationwide.

Their success is built on a foundation of quality, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of their customers' emotional connection to their pets.

Each Pupsentials creation is a labor of love, featuring:

• 😲 Over 25,000 stitches per design

• 🎨 15+ thread colors

• ✍️ Hand-drawn artwork to capture every detail

The company's best-selling collection showcases a range of products, from sweatshirts to dad hats, all featuring stunningly accurate pet portraits.

Customers rave about the quality…

Pupsentials' success isn't just about numbers; it's about the impact they've made on their customers' lives.

Many customers purchase these items as heartfelt gifts or as memorials for beloved pets who have passed away.

The emotional value of their products has created a loyal customer base that continues to grow.

As they continue to expand, Pupsentials remains committed to their core values. They give back to non-kill shelters in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, sharing their success with those who need it most. 

This commitment to social responsibility resonates with their customer base and adds depth to their brand story.

The Pupsentials tale is one of perseverance, creativity, and the power of following one's passion.

From a small startup to a million-dollar enterprise, Jake and Kyndall Chambers have proven that with dedication and a unique product, it's possible to turn a love for pets into a thriving business that touches the hearts of dog lovers everywhere.

🥇 VITO THE PUG BRINGS HOME $20K

Vito the Pug has made history as the first of his breed to win the prestigious Best in Show title at the 2024 National Dog Show.

Competing against nearly 2,000 dogs from 205 breeds, Vito’s victory is a monumental achievement not only for him but also for the pug breed, which has never before won in this competition’s 22yr televised history.

The Path to Victory

Vito, a 2.5yr old pug from Chapel Hill, North Carolina, has had an illustrious career leading up to this historic win.

Known formally as MBIS/MBISS GCHG Andi In Cahoots (do what now?) Vito has participated in over 75 competitions, amassing an impressive 25 Best in Show titles.

He was already recognized as the top pug in all show systems and ranked as the second-best toy dog in the United States. 

His handler, Michael Scott, praised Vito’s “exquisite head and expression,” compact build, and smooth movement—qualities that embody the ideal pug.

At the National Dog Show, held at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, Vito first triumphed in the Toy Group category before outshining other group winners like Verde the Welsh Terrier (Reserve Best in Show) and Monty the Giant Schnauzer.

His win was celebrated by millions of viewers who tuned in after the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

The Costs and Rewards of a Champion

While winning comes with prestige, it also requires significant investment.

The costs of raising and campaigning a show dog like Vito include training, grooming, travel expenses, and entry fees - often totaling tens of thousands of dollars annually.

However, victories bring rewards such as cash prizes (the National Dog Show offers a modest $20,000 prize), endorsements, and increased breeding value.

Impact on Pugs and Future Prospects

Vito’s win is a beacon for a breed that has faced declining popularity due to health concerns associated with their flat-faced (brachycephalic) structure. 

His success could inspire breeders to focus on healthier standards while reigniting public interest in pugs.

There’s currently trending searches on TikTok for ‘vintage pugs’, ‘retro pugs’, and ‘original pugs’ — people want to see what came before, and are curious how we can get back there for the sake of the longevity of the breed.

Co-owner Carolyn Koch expressed immense pride in Vito and hopes his achievements will shine a positive light on her beloved breed.

As Vito continues his career, his legacy will likely influence not only dog shows but also broader perceptions of pugs. His journey proves that even small smug dogs can achieve big dreams.

❤️‍🔥 UPDATE: THE GOLDEN RETRIEVER EXPERIENCE IS STILL RED HOT

We’re taking you back to the picturesque landscape of Jeffersonville, Vermont, where Golden Dog Farm has continued its glow-up from a charming and viral local attraction to a thriving business, captivating dog lovers all over.

As we revisit this story, which we first covered almost a year ago, it's clear that the farm's "Golden Retriever Experience™," now a trademarked service, has seen serious growth since its inception.

Business Growth Highlights

• 🔺 Price increase: From $75 —> $99 per person

• 🔺 Capacity expansion: Slots increased from 24 —> 30

• 📈 Demand surge: Fully booked for the remainder of the year (we checked in October), except for 13 New Year's Eve slots

• Estimated annual revenue: Approaching ~$500,000, up from initial $300,000 projection

Let's break down the napkin math:

$99 per person × 30 slots = $2,970 per day

Assuming 15 operating days per month: $2,970 × 15 = $44,550 per month

$44,550 × 12 months = $534,600 potential annual revenue

The Worples' innovative concept has struck gold (😉) in the pet entertainment industry.

Their success story began in September 2022 when they decided to share their love for golden retrievers with the public. The experience quickly went viral, with travel influencers flocking to the farm and their TikTok account garnering up to 2 million views.

The Golden Retriever Experience™

Visitors to Golden Dog Farm enjoy an hour-long immersion in what Doug Worple humorously calls a "happy" of goldens. This unique experience offers more than just petting.

It's a therapeutic escape into a world of wet noses, wagging tails, and unbridled joy.

Becca Worple, a professional photographer, captures these heartwarming moments, providing guests with lasting memories of their time with the goldens.

The experience has proven beneficial for various visitors, from those unable to own pets to individuals seeking comfort after losing a furry companion.

Business Model Evolution

The Worples have skillfully adapted their business model to meet growing demand:

• Trademark acquisition: "The Golden Retriever Experience™"

• Pricing strategy: 32% increase in ticket price

• Capacity management: 25% increase in available slots

These changes have significantly boosted the farm's revenue potential, demonstrating the Worples' business acumen in scaling their unique offering.

Beyond the Goldens

Golden Dog Farm isn't just about dog encounters.

The 275-acre property is a hub of diverse activities, including beekeeping and maple syrup production from 4,500 tapped trees.

This multifaceted approach adds depth to their business model and enhances the overall visitor experience.

As Golden Dog Farm continues to flourish, it stands as a testament to the power of innovative thinking in the pet industry and the serious need for city folk to get out and roll around with some farm raised pooches!

DOGGYDEX™

Winner 🏆: BITCOIN

Proudly introducing the DoggyDex™, an index comprised of 10 publicly traded companies whose primary focus is the dog/pet industry.

List of tickers used can be found at the very bottom of the newsletter.

The yellow line-plot in the chart represents these companies above (DoggyDex™) and their combined performance against both the S&P 500 and Bitcoin on a weekly basis.

Pawformance is measured by % gains & losses.

• ❤️ Senior dogs need loving too: Check out these delightful photos of some beautifully seasoned dogs by Vieler Photography.

• 👅 How long is this dogs tongue?!: American bulldog is dead asleep with its tongue hanging out when their owner gently starts to pull it and it appears almost endless.

• 🚢 Dog exclusive cruises are here: Tampa’s Margaritaville at Sea is launching a first-ever dog-friendly cruise in 2025. Complete with pet butler, groomer, massages, dog shows, and more!

• $CHWY - Chewy: E-commerce platform for pet supplies

• $IDXX - Idexx Labs: Vet point of care instruments and vet software

• $FRPT - Fresh Pet: Pet food company

• $ELAN - Elanco: Manufactures pet disease prevention products

• $PETS - PetMeds: Online pet pharmacy

• $ZTS - Zoetis: World's largest producer of meds and vaccines for pets and livestock

• $TRUP - Trupanion: Pet insurance company

• $WOOF - Petco Health & Wellness co.: Pet health & wellness company

• $BARK - BarkBox: Subscription service providing dog products, services, and experiences

• $PET - Wag! Group Co.: Tech platform that allows pet owners to connect with industry professionals for services such as, walking, training, etc.