Designers For Dogs, a 501c3 foundation, recently launched at The Container Store in Dallas, TX. The launch was presented by ASID Dallas with founding sponsor, Feizy Rugs. The new nonprofit endorses dog-friendly living while illuminating the value and need for fostering and rescuing, according to a news release.
“As an interior designer, I am in three or four client homes per week and almost all of them have dogs,” said Rachel Winston, founder and President of Designers for Dogs. “People invest a lot of money in their homes and aren’t always educated on the best products to suit their taste and their dog-friendly home.”
Through education, advocacy and creative collaboration, Designers For Dogs aspires to bridge the gap between design and animal welfare. The goal is to transform the interior design community into a force for positive change in the lives of rescue and foster dogs, according to the nonprofit.
“Designers for Dogs is important because it’s changing the narrative,” Winston said. “Yes, you can adopt a dog or foster one and have a nice home. It’s all about choosing the right products and having the right resources. Dogs and the home go hand in hand. It made perfect sense to utilize the interiors community to be a voice for change in alleviating pet homelessness.”
As lifestyles become increasingly urban, it’s more important than ever to protect the connection to nature by making homes dog-friendly, the nonprofit states. By educating and equipping homeowners, it’s possible to reduce thousands of dogs euthanized in the U.S. due to space and shelter environment stress.
“I have had several rescue dogs and they make wonderful pets,” said Michael Bauer, Director of Trade Relations for Feizy Rugs. “They often come with unique personalities or have been abused and are incredibly grateful for a second chance at a loving, forever home. Giving a dog a chance at a better life enriches my life.”
The new nonprofit will host Canine Couture: Where Designers Unleash Their Creativity for Dogs during Dallas Market Fall Design Week, Tues., Sept. 17 at 1:30 p.m. at the Feizy Rugs Showroom, World Trade Center, Suite 102.
Next year, as part of a larger partnership with Dallas Market Center, Designers For Dogs will launch its inaugural fundraiser Rescue Dog Fashion Show & Cocktail Party on September 18 and 19, 2025. Proceeds from the event will benefit Operation Kindness and a visiting rescue. Notable designer Thom Filicia is a Designers For Dogs Ambassador with more supporters to be announced, according to a press release. (For more details on this event and sponsorship opportunities Email contact@designersfordogs.org.)
Board members for Designers For Dogs include Winston, Principal of Rachel Winston Design; Ruth Ann Janson, President of The Dove Agency; Carla Armfield, Retail & Trade Executive; Michael Bauer, Director of Trade Relations, Feizy Rugs; and Ed Jamison, CEO of Operation Kindness.
