My love for dogs started with a one-eyed Chihuahua mix named Oogie when I was a toddler. I have had pups my entire life from small to medium to huge and back to small again! I learned early on how healing and comforting they are and how much unconditional love and joy they bring to us.

We all have that one special pet at some point in our lives that have helped us through some critical times. I worked in the Music Business for 30 years, when I had to step away because of a drastic life change...Breast Cancer. My support system was made up of family, friends and my 175lb Mastiff Rufus.

Sadly, during my battle he was dealing with his own battle with Bone Cancer, and my sweet boy passed away. But he was my inspiration to start Rufus Ragz.

So...during recovery, I taught myself how to sew. I tried to remember what I learned all those years ago in Home Ec class and started out simple. Bandanas! Double sided with vibrant colors and themes to match. I didn’t want your normal paws and dog prints, you can get those anywhere. I ended up selling them at a local pet store in my neighborhood at the time and it was a success..

Where does the name come from? For those of you that know Mastiffs, also know that they have a horrible drool factor! We used to hide rags around the house so we could catch the drool. And that is how I came up with the name.

We started with bandanas and then it exploded into coats, feeders, toys and more! All handmade in my own backyard in Long Beach.

I went from Farmers Markets to getting my shop at Crafted at the Port of LA in San Pedro. A huge 1940s warehouse filled with Artists from jewelry to ceramics and me. The largest craft market in LA.

The Community of San Pedro and their furry ones welcomed me immediately. I treasure my Customers and also Crafted for allowing Dogs in the building. I may not remember all of my Human Customers names, but I remember their dogs names and they know that the pink haired dog lady always has a treat for them...but, they have to earn it with a paw, a trick or a nice sit. Puppies are exempt of course!

5 years later we now do events such as Doggy Weddings, Halloween Parades, Barkday Parties, Dog Fashion shows and Adoption Fairs. A lot of my events are Charity based as I have the need to give back to honor my Rufus.

Our feeders are in homes throughout Los Angeles as well as Pete’s Sunset Grill at The Hyatt Regency in Huntington Beach , and a Family Restaurant in Sweden that allows dogs!,

My husband and I are always at Flea Markets, Estate Sales, or Garage Sales looking for those items that are Vintage, unusual or just plain silly to upcycle into feeders and beds. . Vintage suitcases, Military trunks, old 60’s stereo and even a pink pedal car are just a few of the items we have had in the shop. All one of a kind.

We also hunt for Surfboards, skateboards and snowboards to represent our beloved California Culture.

We offer custom coats as well as feeders. Do you have Grandmas old Hope Chest that you want turned into a feeder? Or how about your son’s old Surfboard? Want it handpainted as well? Local artist Lindsay Sochar handpaints all of our feeders. (@lindsaysochar)

Planning a trip to London ? My best friend Lesley came out from the UK to help us out during part of my recovery. Because of her love for Rufus and dogs, she decided to give it a go across the Pond. Now she is the owner of Rufus Ragz London. Rufus Ragz London is located in Covent Garden. (www.rufusragz.co.uk) (@rufusragzlondon)

Crafted and the adjacent brewery are open Fri—Sun. 12-6 you can have an all dog friendly day.

website at www.rufusragz.com @rufusragz @craftedportla

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