Warning: These Shirts Will Make You Smile
Written By: Nicole Hakim
Photographed By: Ed Visions
Styled By: Jaclynn Kershek Puppies Make Me Happy
Puppies Make Me Happy, an apparel company launched in 2013, was started by Niels Skou in hopes of bringing positivity to the world with products that you can’t help but smile when you see. Initially, the company was said to help raise money for hearing aids for hard-of-hearing dogs. Though this mission might not have been their sole focus, Puppies Make Me Happy has done quite a bit to help dogs in need; in fact, 100 percent of the proceeds from their Rescue Puppies line benefits dog-related charities and shelters.
The company began designing and selling t-shirts inspired by a mutual friend, the founder of Groceries Apparel, but since then, has expanded to include a variety of products like activewear, swimwear, tank tops, beanies, hats and, in the near future, high-performance sunglasses.
Not only do they sell products that make dog parents everywhere want to get their wallets out, but they also make sure everything on their site is both high quality and eco-friendly. Puppies Make Me Happy also cuts, sews and prints their line in LA, using an American-made fabric termed “PuppySoft” that simulates petting a soft puppy.
Designer Ian McAllister reminisced about their favorite product, “Mine and Niels’ favorite product is a shirt that has a pager that says ‘Page Me’ and ‘1-800-Puppy.’” Unfortunately, you won’t find that shirt on the site any longer, but it still makes McAllister and Skou giggle.
Whether you’re looking to sport your new swimsuit to the beach, your leggings to the gym or just snuggle up with your pup in your super-soft tee, Puppies Make Me Happy will do just that—make you happy.
Do Some Good: Puppies Make Me Happy donated over $60,000 in 2017 to a variety of dog charities.
In the Headlines: Puppies Make Me Happy was featured in Women’s Health Magazine, where a doctor explained that puppies give people a positive psychology association with working out.
Native Knowledge: Puppies Make Me Happy offers custom t-shirts where you can have your own puppy’s picture printed on a tee.
