Olive Blog

I remember the first time I saw a FOUND leash. I was jogging in Pease Park in Austin. I passed a man leading his German Shepard with what looked like the gnarliest leash I'd ever seen. It was completely rustic, yet so cool. Olive was a fledgling business at the time - I knew we had to have it. What started as a chance sighting some six years ago has since turned into one of the deepest and most committed relationships. Our Found My Animal Collection has grown from just one lead to a designated collection of leads, collars, coats, bandanas, accoutrements and now beds and human jewelry. We couldn't be more proud of Found and its visionary leader Bethany Obrecht. Not to mention, we're so very tickled when from time to time she asks Olive's input.

Sniff it. Most dogs do. A quick whiff alerts them something is ok or not so ok. Similarly, a simple sniff test will suffice if you are checking out plastic pet toys. Toys made from PVC often stink and may have additives like lead, cadmium, or phthalates, a cheap plasticizer that disrupts hormones. Instead, choose pet toys made out of natural fabrics like wool, natural rubber, hemp, or organic cotton. Toys made in USA, like our retro toy collection, are generally a safer bet too.

It's no secret we're mad crazy for Found My Animal. That's why we're gaga for their new line of rope bracelets and charms for humans! You'll find the entire collection for pets and people in our Found section.

Feeling Lucky?

Daily Kibble Steps Up - Olive Lends a Paw

In the wake of the Newtown, CT school shootings, Daily Kibble, a NYC-based email newsletter covering pet trends and products, rolled out the 26 Acts of Kindness Contest. The 26-day contest selected a random winner each day (from over 32,000 entries!) to win 26 prizes. Olive was honored to be one of 26 companies participating. The giving didn't stop there...Daily Kibble also made a donation to the daily winners' charity of choice. Congratulations to all 26 winners!

February is National Pet Dental Health Month

Did you know that regular brushing of your dog's teeth can add a year or so to their life?
Seriously, studies show proper oral hygiene can extend your dog's life up to 1 year or more. Admittedly, routine brushing can be tough to achieve, but if you start early when they're a puppy or new to your household and stick with it, you'll see a difference in the long run. Consider this...

1. Dental disease affects up to 80% of pets over the age of 3. Symptoms may include bad breath, yellow and brown tartar build up, and red inflamed gums.

2. The build-up of plaque bacteria can seriously affect your dog's heart, kidneys, intestinal tract and joints and may even be life threatening.

3. We all know brown teeth and bad breath are just plain yucky. Some form of regular brushing is better than none, and brushing at least every other day will prevent the buildup of tartar on the teeth. Mornings will be that much sweeter when he's licking your face.

We are pleased to kick off the new year with a feature on Olive's home/work space in this month's Dwell Magazine. Thanks to Dwell for this nice mention!

"For a cost-conscious 2,000-square-foot renovation located 30 minutes outside of Austin, Texas, architect Nick Deaver took a look around for inspiration...."