Watch Razzles Go!

Remember Razzles, the beautiful bearded collie and Mister Migs Ambassadorable for the Denim Dogs Blast? Razzles was part of the finale act at the Blast who put on that spectacular display of canine agility with her Sheltie sister Pippa Rose!

We are proud to announce that Razzles just won the National Championship for her talent!

A mere week after delighting guests at the Blast, Razzles won the chance to compete in the finals of the UKI US Open for dog agility.  Only eight dogs qualified, the best of the best, and Razzles was among them.  Despite a temporary setback due to injury, Razzles carried on and performed a final run that earned her the National Championship! 

Congratulations to Razzles--the "2015 UKI US Open National Champion" in her height class! Wow! Go Razzles!

Here’s a video to enjoy of Razzles final run with her coach (and dad) John.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6ZG9btz2Hs

Echo the Beagle- Best in Show!

By M.G. Mauney

Congrats Echo the Beagle, voted BEST IN SHOW

Thank You Voters and Ambassadorables!

The Ambassadorables were the Stars of the show at The Mister Migs Denim Dogs Fashion Blast, with Echo the Beagle leading the pack! Echo won the coveted BEST IN SHOW Award at the Fashion Blast! Reno the Dalmation and Phipps the Chihuahua came in right behind earning the 1st and 2nd Runner-up Award.

The Mister Migs Ambassadorables are a special team of pooches who strutted the runway and greeted guests at the Reception for the Fashion Blast. But they had a bigger mission on their small shoulders than just being the perfect hosts and runway stars.  All the Ambassadorables were fundraisers too! They helped raise funds and awareness for the Mister Migs mission to help young adults with autism and developmental disabilities. And they accomplished this in spades, raising hundreds of dollars together for the Mister Migs cause through votes from their community and our guests at the show!

Congratulations to Echo who raised the most! Thank you to ALL the Ambassadorables, their amazing pet parents, and all the friends, family and guests who voted for them before and at the show.

Mister Migs makes Dog Gear for Good. Our Ambassadorables are amazing Dogs for Good!

Mister Migs Launches First Couture Collection at Signature Event

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media contact

Lizbeth A. Dison

Shiny, Inc.

678.372.8164 (mobile)

ldison@shinycomm.com

            Mister Migs Launches First Couture Collection at Signature Event                                                                              

 Denim Dogs Fashion Blast 2015 Introduces Brand, Raises Funds for Marginalized Young Adults

TUCKER GA (23 November 2015) – Mister Migs, a Georgia non-profit organization that designs and produces high-quality couture dog wear and gear, launched its first couture collection at Denim Dogs Fashion Blast 2015, its runway event held on Saturday, 7 November at Ambient Plus Studio in Atlanta. Over 200 guests enjoyed unique cuisine by J'aime Sweets & Savories, live jazz and a silent auction, followed by local celebrity dogs modeling the latest in Mister Migs designs. The event also raised more than $15,000 for the organization, including over $5,000 from the silent auction; funds raised will support Mister Migs’s mission to provide real-life job experience for marginalized young adults, many with developmental disabilities and autism.

“We couldn’t be more pleased at the reception given our very first collection,” said Karen Lynn, founder and president of WOW In-Sync, Mister Migs’s parent company. “We heard nothing but praise from our guests at the show, not just about the designs but also for the work Mister Migs does with our young adults. This event was a huge step forward for Mister Migs, and we are excited about the next step – the launch of our online store in the next few weeks.”

The ticketed event spotlighted the couture canine designs from Mister Migs’s debut collection and included local celebrity dogs accompanied by runway models from sponsor  Factor Women. The dogs included television and film stars, therapy dogs and breed champions. Star K9 supplied several of the “actor” dogs, and Tracy Sargent, owner and lead trainer, also brought along noted search and rescue dog Chance to open the show. All 28 of the dogs in the show worked as “Ambassadorables,” representing Mister Migs and its mission in their communities. The dog who raised the most votes in its community was voted “Best in Show;” Echo the beagle, who works as a therapy dog with special needs children, won top honor with 570 votes.

Sponsors of Denim Dogs Fashion Blast included the Westin Hotel Buckhead as the official hotel. Other sponsor commitments included Waldorf Astoria Resorts Boca Raton Resort and Club and Arizona Biltmore; Atlanta mall Lenox Square; Arel Group Wine and Spirits, Atlanta-based distributors of the Candoni de Zan family wines, including Polvara Tenuta; Pet Resorts in Dunwoody; Puparazzi Portraits; Atlanta Dog Trainer in Alpharetta; Georgia Power; magazines Eidé and Modern Dog; Old Gringo Boots; AgoraTV; Pet-Fixer Mobile Veterinary; Bark Fifth Ave, distributor of Mister Migs designs; and Pet Pages Atlanta. Home Depot #175 in Tucker supplied materials for the dog walk.

The runway production was produced by Michelle Lynch, owner of Poshe Productions and Macy’s national show event planner.

“It was months of hard work, but Denim Dogs Fashion Blast 2015 was a huge success for us,” said Lynn. “Now we’ll start planning for 2016!”

For more information on Mister Migs, visit www.mistermigs.com.

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About Mister Migs

Mister Migs LLC is a manufacturing and retail distribution company providing couture “Dog Gear for Good.” Supporting a green initiative, Mister Migs uses recycled denim as the core material for all its product designs. Based in Tucker, Georgia (part of metro Atlanta), Mister Migs is an open-community entrepreneurial initiative of Wow In-Sync, Inc., a 501 (c) (3) organization providing real-life work and community experience to marginalized youth, many of whom are challenged by developmental disabilities or autism. Through their experiences at Mister Migs, these youth gain an understanding of what is expected of them in business, helping them overcome barriers to mainstream employment and empower them to pursue their passions in career and life. For more information, visit www.mistermigs.com.

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The Blast was a Blast!

By Mary Grace Mauney

After months of blogging about the Mister Migs Denim Dogs Fashion Blast, I got to go…and it was a BLAST!

Yours truly has been writing about dogStars for months to promote the Mister Migs Denim Dogs Fashion Blast event that finally came to fruition on Saturday, November 7, at Atlanta’s Ambient + Studio. While I met and interviewed each canine model, I knew little about the rest of what would be happening that night. I knew the dress code (denim and black tie), and that there would be food, music, and of course dogs, but not much else. Was I in for a surprise when I got there!

The moment I stepped inside, I was blown away by the glamor and glitz of this Gala.  I’m admittedly not an uptown girl, but it was still the most posh event I’d ever been to. The atmosphere was the first thing to strike me. The sheer feel of Atlanta elegance was in the very air. Next came the sight of the beautiful lighting, beautiful people, beautiful clothes, and beautiful dogs being escorted by beautiful models. I only had the courage to approach people I already knew, mainly from work, but it was clear to me that the cream of the crop was in attendance. And I’d worried my dress might be too nice!

After a meet-and-greet with every Ambassadorable in the room, I made my way to the buffet, eyeballing every gorgeous dress on the way. I must say it would have been worth coming just to see what humans wore tonight, let alone the canine couture wonders on the runway!

And the gourmet spread was no less impressive. Catered by J'aime Sweets & Savories, this dinner was as diverse as it was delicious. The festive fare ranged from classic Southern staples like mac’n’cheese, to a Mediterranean antipasto consisting of feta and cherry tomatoes in a light pesto, to exotic fruits. I finally got to try dragon fruit for the first time, something I’ve been wanting to do for ages! I admit, I had to eat one of the mini cupcakes first though; it’s a good thing they were small so I didn’t have to pick just one delicious flavor!

Once everyone had a chance to snack and schmooze, the show began.

Fantastic. Amazing. Spectacular.  Everything was perfect. You simply had to be there for no words can even begin to describe the dogs and their gear and how they strutted their stuff and showed the world (or at least Atlanta) just what Mister Migs was about. Not just our fun, funky, frayed fashion but what we stand for.

You see, before models came down runway, a video detailed the story of our very own photographer Jamie. Jamie is one of the many young adults with autism and developmental disabilities who came through the Mister Migs training program. The Mister Migs program is designed to not only foster life skills and workplace skills for those who need it, but  to discover the talents they already have and give them the chance to shine for all to see. That’s what happened with Jamie; when we found out she liked photography, we showed her work to real career photographers and they agreed, she had promise. Both now mentor her, and she’s progressed so much that she was one of the photographers for our event and for many of the dogStar features.

Now everyone knows that Mister Migs not only makes one-of-a-kind custom Dog Gear for Good, but that it’s couture for a good cause! And, it will soon be available on our “Shop” tab for your dogStar too!

We hope you were there, and if you missed it, there’s always next year! 

Sneak Peak at Items from our Amazing Silent Auction

Check out the FABULOUS items you can bid on at The Blast Silent Auction this Saturday!

Resort stays-- from Boca to Nashville to the mountains of Arizona!...A Pamper You and Your Pooch package  from Lenox Square Shops, Bloomingdale’s, The Palm Restaurant, and Westin Buckhead! (includes shopping spree and beauty bar works)...Fine dining at Le Bilboquet in Atlanta!...Golf at Chateau Elan!...Georgia Bulldog fan pack…and these are just some of the great items up for bid….

Go to www.mistermigs.com and click on the top bar Denim Dogs Fashion Blast to get a sneak peek at the items you can bid on!

Here’s the direct Link to the Silent Auction Sneak Peek:https://wowinsync.ejoinme.org/MyEvents/DenimDogsFashionBlast2015/SilentAuction/tabid/719627/Default.aspx

See you at The Blast!

Wondering What to Wear to the Blast?

Dressed-up denim---just what does that mean? If you’re at a loss for what to wear to the canine fashion event of the year, fret no more, the style specialists at Mister Migs are here to help! Here’s some ideas to help you create YOUR look:

The plainest of denim pieces can become posh when paired with upscale separates. Try a regular denim jacket with a sequined top or embellished skirt. Gentlemen might try a suit blazer with some nice jeans, or, if they’re daring, a velvet tuxedo jacket. Another idea for men (and ladies who like menswear!) is dressing up a chambray shirt, perhaps with a box tie or eye-catching pin. Denim isn’t limited to jeans and jackets either; denim can be made into beautiful tops, tailored jeans, dresses, skirts, blazers, even scarves! It can have lace, metallic details, embroidery, and even brocade! Shop around, use the Internet, and you’ll find that the possibilities are endless!  Experiment, get creative, and let your fashion sense shine at the Mister Migs Denim Dogs Fashion Blast!

Press Release: 5 New Sponsors for Denim Dogs Fashion Blast

===========================================================================

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Press contact for Mister Migs: Lizbeth Dison
Shiny, Inc.
678.372.8164 (mobile)
ldison@shinycomm.com

Denim Dogs Fashion Blast 2015 Adds Additional Sponsors
 

Five New Sponsors Include Home Depot, Old Gringo Boots

TUCKER GA (3 November 2015) – Mister Migs, a Georgia non-profit organization that designs and produces high-quality couture dog wear and gear while providing employment opportunities for marginalized young adults, announced today the latest additions to a growing list of corporate sponsors of its upcoming “Denim Dogs Fashion Blast 2015” fundraiser, scheduled for Saturday, 7 November 2015, 6 to 9 p.m., at Ambient Plus Studio in Midtown Atlanta. Home Depot #175 in Tucker, Old Gringo Boots, AgoraTV, Pet-Fixer Mobile Veterinary and Bark Fifth Ave. have all committed support, bringing the total number of sponsors for the event to twenty.

“This event wouldn’t be possible without the support of our very generous sponsors,” said Karen Lynn, founder and president of WOW In-Sync, Mister Migs’s parent company. “Through their generosity, we can not only show how Mister Migs’s products celebrate dogs and their owners, but promote its larger mission to help young adults develop career skills and grow in self-confidence.”

Home Depot will be supplying the materials for the dog walk at the event. Old Gringo has donated $1000 worth of boots for the silent auction. AgoraTV will be providing a robotic real-time videocam during the show, designed to capture the audio/visual impact of the event. Atlanta veterinarian Dr. Danielle (Dani) LaMarr, founder of Pet-Fixer Mobile Veterinary, will be onsite with the mobile unit to handle pet medical needs and to answer questions. Buckhead boutique and Mister Migs vendor Bark Fifth Ave. has committed financial support as well as providing items for the silent auction.

The ticketed event will spotlight couture canine designs from Mister Migs’s debut collection, modeled by local celebrity dogs accompanied by runway models. The Westin Hotel Buckhead announced in August that it had come on board as the official hotel. Other sponsor commitments include Simon Property Group, owners of Atlanta malls including Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza; Arel Group Wine and Spirits, Atlanta-based distributors of the Candoni de Zan family wines; Pet Resorts in Dunwoody; Atlanta Dog Trainer in Alpharetta; Georgia Power; Eidé Magazine; magazine Modern Dog; Pet Pages Atlanta; Factor Women; and Star K9. All proceeds from the event will benefit Mister Migs’s mission to provide real-life work experience for marginalized young adults, many with developmental disabilities and autism.

The runway production will be produced by Michelle Lynch, owner of Poshe Productions and Macy’s national show event planner; Star K-9 will provide many of the four-legged models, including several television and film stars along with show dogs and community heroes.

In addition to the fashion show, event guests will be treated to a dinner with unique cuisine, provided by J'aime Sweets & Savories, live jazz music and a silent auction.

Sponsorships are still available; companies and individuals interested in sponsorships should contact Mary Justman at mjustman@wowinsync.org for available packages and prices.

For more information on Denim Dogs Fashion Blast 2015, including sponsorships and how to purchase tickets, visitwww.mistermigs.com.

#   #   #

About Mister Migs
Mister Migs LLC is a manufacturing and retail distribution company providing couture “Dog Gear for Good.” Supporting a green initiative, Mister Migs uses recycled denim as the core material for all its product designs. Based in Tucker, Georgia (part of metro Atlanta), Mister Migs is an open-community entrepreneurial initiative of Wow In-Sync, Inc., a 501 (c) (3) organization providing real-life work and community experience to marginalized youth, many of whom are challenged by developmental disabilities or autism. Through their experiences at Mister Migs, these youth gain an understanding of what is expected of them in business, helping them overcome barriers to mainstream employment and empower them to pursue their passions in career and life. For more information, visitwww.mistermigs.com.

Time to Place Your Vote for: Best in Show!

It’s time to vote! One of the Mister Migs Ambassadorables will be named “BEST IN SHOW” at the Denim Dogs Fashion Blast this Saturday and its up to YOU!

The Mister Migs Ambassadorables are raising funds to support the work of Mister Migs, supporting marginalized youth, many with autism and developmental disabilities.

Your votes will determine who wins the coveted BEST IN SHOW award! And, it’s a tax deductible donation too!

This is how you vote:

1. Click on Denim Dogs Fashion Blast at top of this page.
2. Click on the VOTE FOR BEST IN SHOW at the right of the screen.
3. This takes fans to the bidding page of all the DogStars to place their vote. (below is what you will see starting with George, all dogstars are listed, just scroll down)
4. Every dollar donated counts as one vote.
5. There is no limit to the number of times votes can be cast per dog and there is no limit on the number of dogs you want to vote for.

Be sure to be at the Denim Dogs Fashion Blast to cheer on YOUR dogStar. This will be open from now til the final call for votes at the show.

LET THE GAMES BEGIN!

About Mister Migs

Mister Migs LLC is a manufacturing and retail distribution company providing couture “Dog Gear for Good.” Supporting a green initiative, Mister Migs uses recycled denim as the core material for all its product designs. Based in Tucker, Georgia (part of metro Atlanta), Mister Migs is an open-community entrepreneurial initiative of Wow In-Sync, Inc., a 501 (c) (3) organization providing real-life work and community experience to marginalized youth, many of whom are challenged by developmental disabilities or autism. Through their experiences at Mister Migs, these youth gain an understanding of what is expected of them in business, helping them overcome barriers to mainstream employment and empower them to pursue their passions in career and life. For more information, visit www.mistermigs.com.

Denim Dogs Fashion Blast Ambassadorable: Chance- the Search & Rescue Superhero!

By M.G.Mauney

Meet Chance, Rescued by a Special Human---Who Became a Special Rescue Dog!
 

A so-called “throw-away” dog, Chance the lab mix began as a puppy in a high-kill shelter.  He thought he’d found salvation with a family that took him home, but the family swiftly returned him for daring to chew on things, as puppies will. A foster home scooped him up, and Trace Sargeant, owner of STAR K-9 Talent and Wrangling Agency adopted him. She gave him his name as she said he was given a second “Chance” in life.  Since then, he has become one of the best search and rescue dogs she’s had in 20 years. It was Chance who was the search and rescue dog flown to Aruba this year to help find new evidence in the Natalie Holloway case.

Chance has a long list of adventures and accomplishments. He was called to Tuscaloosa after the devastating hurricane. He found a missing person there in the wreckage, even though the human crew had searched in the debris for five days. He was called to Macon to help solve a murder case. He searched and found someone who had disappeared in metro Atlanta and been featured on the “Disappeared” TV show. He’s even used his fantastic sniffer to confirm an historical Revolutionary War battlefield site from over 235 years ago! And that’s just a few highlights from his prodigious career.  No wonder he’s been interviewed on CNN as well as been in several films and TV shows.

His Golden Retriever/Chocolate Lab heritage has blessed him not only with agility and intelligence, but also an exuberance for life, be it work or play. “He has incredible focus and gives his all,” says Trace, “He doesn’t do anything halfway.”

Don’t miss the chance to see Ambassadorable Chance in an actual demonstration using his amazing search skills! It all happens at the Mister Migs Denim Dogs Fashion Blast!

Purchase your tickets today:
https://wowinsync.ejoinme.org/MyEvents/DenimDogsFashionBlast2015/PurchaseTickets/tabid/694297/Default.aspx

Denim Dogs Fashion Blast Ambassadorables: Hemingway and KatyKat - Nashville's own Diva Dogs!

By M.G.Mauney

Meet Nashville’s own KatyKat and Hemingway, Dogstars who know how to have fun!

At Mister Migs we believe in following your dreams and reaching for the stars no matter what the obstacles. All the way from Nashville are Ambassadorables Hemingway and KatyKat, two pooches who personify overcoming obstacles!

Hemingway and KatyKat the Shih Tzu siblings had a rough start in life to say the least.  Both were dubbed “imperfect” due to medical conditions. Hemingway also has one closed eye, one closed nostril, and six toes on each paw. Their breeder, wanting them out of sight as soon as possible, gave them away to their human parents who were planning to foster them but became their forever parents after getting to know their loving and fun natures. Like many dogs rescued from challenging circumstances Hemingway and Katy Kat are among the most loving of companions to their humans. 

While life may have handed them lemons, they’ve truly made lemonade and are now living large! Hemingway has traveled by plane, car, chartered yacht, and limousine to places like Miami, Boca Raton, Utah, California, Dallas, and Tennessee.  He’s pranced in couture on Rodeo Drive and strutted down the runway in Palm Springs for a fashion benefit. He’s even been in Country Weekly magazine with Barbara Mandrell! 

KatyKat is a traveling diva too who loves wearing couture and even wears shoes! At her first fashion show this August she was decked out in a gigantic Southern belle hat anchored by a few dozen pins and an Elvis-inspired tulle dress. Though she looked prim and proper, she snagged a bon-bon from someone’s plate while being carried during the show’s social hour! That’s KatyKat to the core. She loves to prance around and play dress-up, but she’s still a sassy spitfire who’s not afraid to get rough-and-tumble with her four siblings! Both dainty and feisty, KatyKat is a little starlet who hasn’t let her medical conditions get in the way of fun!

Come see KatyKat and Hemingway, Nashville diva dogstars at the Mister Migs Denim Dogs Fashion Blast! But watch your bon-bon plate at the reception! 

Tickets here:
https://wowinsync.ejoinme.org/MyEvents/DenimDogsFashionBlast2015/PurchaseTickets/tabid/694297/Default.aspx

Denim Dogs Fashion Blast Ambassadorable: Colorado the Country Girl!

By M.G. Mauney

Meet Colorado, the Clever Country Girl!

Picture yourself surrounded by green grass, tall trees, and sunshine. Around the bend you come to a farm with horses in the pasture, rocking chairs on the porch, and Coke bottle hummingbird feeders hanging from the clothesline. Loping down the dirt path towards you comes a big beautiful German Shepherd. She greets you like she’s known you all her life.

This is Colorado, a farm girl through and through. She will be modeling our “Tail-Waggin’ Tuff” collection, a sturdy denim look that’s perfect for Colorado, a country dog who’s always at work.

German Shepherds were bred to protect flocks from outside danger and thus are very protective of “their” people and serious about their responsibilities. Colorado’s almost psychic ability to tell friend from foe upon first meeting makes her a very friendly example of the breed. As devoted as she is to her human mother, when Colorado meets someone she likes, she almost becomes “their” dog for that time.

German Shepherds are also known for their intelligence. Colorado not only obeys commands, she’s a thinker. One look in her gentle brown eyes and you can see the intuition and soul within. It’s her soulful sensitivity and thoughtfulness, combined with an innate instinctive intellect that defines Colorado as a multi-talented dog. She sports an endless list of titles, certifications, and accomplishments in obedience, rallying, herding, and agility.  But what truly sets her apart is her skill as a Registered Emotional Support Animal (RESA). Colorado is a first responder who is always alert and ready to act to support and defend. More importantly, with Colorado’s gentle nature, always ready to love too!

Come see Colorado, the Tail-Waggin’ Tuff Country Girl at the Mister Migs Denim Dogs Fashion Blast!

Purchase your tickets today—the Fashion Blast is almost here!:

https://wowinsync.ejoinme.org/MyEvents/DenimDogsFashionBlast2015/PurchaseTickets/tabid/694297/Default.aspx

Denim Dogs Fashion Blast Ambassadorables: Precious and Mocha, the Chihuahua Chiques!

By M.G.Mauney
 

Meet Precious and Mocha, Two Tiny Teacup Chihuahuas!

Weighing in at 2.6 and 3.7 lbs. respectively, sisters Precious and Mocha, the teacup Chihuahuas, are so tiny they actually do fit into a teacup! But they don’t get overlooked just because they’re under-sized; these diminutive divas have a fashion sense as stylish as they are small. Flouncing around in frou-frou frocks, sporting sparkles and lavish lace, these hip half-pints stand out in the crowd!

View fullsize

Getting into modeling was their own idea. A few years ago their mom took them to a big dog show all dolled up to spectate. When the fashion portion of the show began, people in the crowd began encouraging Precious and Mocha to be in the ring too. Even though they weren’t contestants everyone thought that these two dress-wearing little dogs should be!  Precious was still too small to prance around larger dogs but Mocha’s mom let her give it a try. Mocha was an instant natural, strutting around perfectly as if she’d done it all her life.

After that doors started opening up for these two little dogs.  Everyone wanted to feature these compact cuties and the invitations were pouring in from all sorts of upscale establishments and events! Pooch and Paws Pet Boutique & Bakery, Poshe Productions, and the Avalon grand opening are just a few of the extravaganzas that these pint-size prima donnas have graced with their presence.

They now have their own website and business cards as “Chihuahua Chiques” to book their stylish services. Just what are these services? Much like many human celebrities, they are simply paid to be there and be themselves.

For Precious and Mocha, that’s no problem. They’re natural divas who love having their nails done, spa day, trying on clothes, and getting attention for just being adorable.

You can meet these DogStar Divas (in Mister Migs couture of course) at the Denim Dogs Fashion Blast!

Do you have your Tickets?
https://wowinsync.ejoinme.org/MyEvents/DenimDogsFashionBlast2015/PurchaseTickets/tabid/694297/Default.aspx

Meet the Mister Migs Master Designer and Tailor, Rosemary!

By M.G.Mauney

Meet Rosemary, the designer behind the Mister Migs Dog Gear for Good!

Rosemary is the Designer and Product Manager at the Mister Migs Studio. She oversees the creation of the beautiful one-of-a-kind garments for our discerning canine clientele. As a Master Tailor by trade and a former Professor of Fashion Design she brings flair and finesse to the Mister Migs collections, befitting her lengthy fashion pedigree.

Enjoy this Q&A with our very own design diva!

MG: How did you get into fashion?
Rosemary: I’ve been in fashion all my life. I learned to sew from my mother when I was three years old.

MG: Where did you go to school? Where else have you worked?
Rosemary: I attended several colleges and universities including the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, the Savannah College of Art and Design, Georgia State University, Virginia Polytechnic Institute, and the University of Helsinki in Finland. I taught fashion and design at Bauder College and have worked as a designer and product manager in bridal-wear, sportswear, and menswear. I am also a Master Tailor.

MG: What drew you to Mister Migs? What’s best about working here?
Rosemary: The story inspired me. The story and the vision of providing an avenue for work training and combining that with fashion and apparel. As for what I like best it’s hard to say; I like every aspect of it.
 

MG: Where do you get inspiration for new designs? What is your process for translating that inspiration into a design?
Rosemary: I do mountains of research and also am inspired by the world around me. One source will provide the silhouette, another the colors, another the mood and concept. Then I combine all aspects into a single, unified design.

MG: Was it hard to transition from designing for people to designing for dogs? What’s the biggest difference? The biggest challenge?
Rosemary: Fashion designers study human anatomy so I never had to consider the anatomy of dogs, especially how different breeds can have radically different builds. It’s been quite an eye-opener for me. The biggest challenge is that I don’t want to make people clothes for dogs but gear made to fit a dog’s needs. I have to translate the apparel inspirations into garments that look like they belong to a dog.

MG: What’s your favorite “look” for a dog vest? Your favorite style, details, etc.?
Rosemary: As a Master Tailor by trade small tailored details appeal to me the most, but I like all different styles.

MG: What is most rewarding about the Mister Migs experience?
Rosemary: Working with Sam, the Studio Technician who came through our Discovery Program. Sam has learned that he CAN do it! He just made his first Migrubbie!

Come meet Rosemary, Master Tailor and Canine Couture Designer at the Denim Dogs Fashion Blast!

Limited Tickets, Purchase here today:

https://wowinsync.ejoinme.org/MyEvents/DenimDogsFashionBlast2015/PurchaseTickets/tabid/694297/Default.aspx

Denim Dogs Fashion Blast Ambassadorable: QB the happy & huggable lion!

M.G.Mauney

Meet QB, our lineup’s Lion!

That mane, that strut, that majesty---is that a real lion on the Mister Migs runway? Almost! It took nine months to transform QB the poodle into her leonine likeness, and the look takes a few hours a week to maintain. QB is no stranger to such lengthy stretches in the grooming parlor; some of her fur coat creations take six to eight hours to complete. She’s a regular in grooming competitions, becoming a pink Parisian princess in one, a living canvas for a tropical scene in the next, and for Mister Migs, a King of Beasts fit to be runway royalty!

People stare and traffic stops every time she so much as sets a paw outside for a simple walk, and many children have to be convinced that she is not in fact an actual lion ready to gobble them up! A few pats of her soft coat and her friendly smile clears up that misconception.

She has just earned her Therapy Dog Certification, so next stop for QB the Lion is the metro Atlanta hospitals. Imagine what fun to see a wild (and huggable) lion walking hospital halls!

It’s no wonder QB has the look of a champion; her grandfather is George, the dog show champion featured first in our DogStar lineup for the Mister Migs Fashion Blast. Clearly stardom runs in the family! QB appears in commercials too. Look for her in a “Jacks” cereal commercial this Holiday season.

Just as real lions are the only big cats to live in groups, so too is QB, the most social ‘feline’ around!

Come see this big friendly lion at the Mister Migs Denim Dogs Fashion Blast!

Do you have your Tickets?:
https://wowinsync.ejoinme.org/MyEvents/DenimDogsFashionBlast2015/PurchaseTickets/tabid/694297/Default.aspx

Denim Dogs Fashion Blast Ambassadorable: Posey the Magazine Mascot!

By M.G.Mauney

Meet Posey, the fox-like Italian breed and Ambassadorable for the Mister Migs Denim Dogs Fashion Blast!

Posey’s mom is none other than Tova Gelfond, owner and editor of Eidé Magazine, and Lookbook Atlanta , and owner of Enlightment Media Group. Eidé is a national lifestyle, fashion and cultural magazine that originates right here in Atlanta!

We asked Tova to give us the scoop on her posh pup and Posey’s role the media world.

Q: Tell us About Posey
Tova: Posey is a Volpino Italiano—It means “little Italian fox and it’s pretty close to a German Spitz. They are pretty hard to find, but apparently Michelangelo had this breed of dog.

 Q: How about Posey’s Personality?
Tova: Silly, playful and oh, so loyal. Obsessed with mommy.
 

Q: Loves?
Tova: Mommy! tummy rubs, Coconut oil (but mommy only gives her small doses), and coming to the office.
 

Q: Hates?
Tova: Any sort of fly or bug in the air, bubbles, baths, rubber bands. She’s a totally oddball dog. 

Q: Funniest Trait?
Tova: She smiles all the time, and walks on her back legs.

Q: Most Annoying Trait?
Tova: The barking and the licking… both overdone.

Q: Most Lovable Trait?
Tova: She’s a great cuddlebug. 

Q: Biggest Accomplishment?
Tova: Being photographed for Mister Migs, of course! (see exclusive sneak peek pic of Posey in Mister Migs couture ensemble)

 Q: When did Posey start coming to the office?
Tova: The first day I got her! This is totally her second home.

Q: What’s her workday like? 
Tova: First she comes in for a staff meeting which is really tough on her, because no one gives her any attention. But then it’s time for a walk, followed by email time (which is also naptime). There is a play break in there and by the time the day ends, she’s ready to go! 

Q: Does she get along with her fellow employees and eide’/LOOKBOOK clients?

Tova: She is always a great watchdog so she likes to bark when someone new comes to the office. But it’s just a firm greeting, and then she warms up and is full of excitement to show them around. 

Q: How does she help out?
Tova: Other than breaking the ice with everyone who comes to the office? She just happens to be the best therapy for a stressed-out team on deadline. 

Q: Are there benefits from Posey being part of the Team? 
Tova: She makes everyone smile! 

Q: How about any drawbacks?
Tova: She can be a distraction from work for sure.

Q: How has she influenced the eide’/LOOKBOOK magazine team? 
Tova: We all get a little more activity during the day because she has to be taken out.

Q: Is there something special Posey has contributed to the success of eide’ and LOOKBOOK Atlanta?
Tova: Laughter! 

Come meet Posey, the magazine mascot, at the Denim Dogs Fashion Blast!

Tickets:
https://wowinsync.ejoinme.org/MyEvents/DenimDogsFashionBlast2015/PurchaseTickets/tabid/694297/Default.aspx

Denim Dogs Fashion Blast Ambassadorable: Harper Jane, Medical Alert Dog Extraordinaire!

By M.G. Mauney 

Meet Harper Jane, a Medical Alert Dog and soon-to-be-mascot for a cancer-fighting foundation!

Harper Jane is an adorable little Chihuahua/Yorkshire Terrier mix who will soon be the mascot of The Taylor Brooks Foundation, an organization dedicated to the fight against childhood cancer and founded by the family of Taylor Brooks after Taylor lost her battle with cancer at the young age of 14. Harper Jane’s attention-getting cuteness will help raise support and awareness through the foundation to help fund life-saving care and resources to victims of childhood cancer.

It’s a natural fit for Harper Jane to be the mascot of a medical foundation as she’s a Medical Alert Dog. Medical Alert Dogs sense when a medical crisis (such as a seizure or low blood sugar) is about to happen and then alert humans. Detecting when something is medically amiss with a human is an innate skill that some dogs have and some do not. Harper Jane not only possesses this keen awareness, she is so sensitive she can detect medical issues even in strangers.

Her human mother describes her as a “Godsend” that came into her life in an unusual way. One afternoon she stopped to get gas and saw a man leaning against the station with a cigarette in one hand and a tiny puppy for sale in his other hand. Instantly she felt a connection and bought the puppy on the spot. She and Harper Jane have been inseparable since.

Harper Jane is now a snuggly little energetic sweetheart who loves learning new things. She’s not only become a Medical Alert Dog and the future mascot of a medical foundation, but also earned her Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Certification from the American Kennel Club (AKC), and her Novice Trick Dog Certificate (NTDC) just for fun. Harper Jane could have lived a happy life as a lap dog, but she chose to use her cuteness for a cause!

Come see this cancer-fighting cutie at the Mister Migs Denim Dogs Fashion Blast in November!

Tickets are limited. Purchase here today:

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Denim Dogs Fashion Blast Ambassadorable: Sally Ann the Dirt-Loving Duchess!

Meet Sally Ann, the terrific tunneler!

Sally Ann is a Welsh terrier, a breed so rare that the United Kennel Club has it on a watchlist to prevent its extinction. If Welsh terriers are worried they’re not showing it; they’re known for being happy, lively dogs. Sweet Sally Ann is no exception. She’s friendly, outgoing, and social, with a high energy level typical to terriers. One of the ways she puts this energy to work is at Earthdog Trials. 

Earthdog Trials are underground hunting tests designed for breeds that were made to go after burrowing animals. Welsh terriers are one such breed, and Sally Ann does her ancestry proud as she plunges down into the tunnels of an Earthdog course. Once she’s beneath ground, she must navigate through the dark by nose alone until she locates a cage of rats. Once the rats are discovered she must allow her handler to take her out of the tunnel within a time limit.  Sally Ann is a top-level Senior Earthdog because she is fast, thorough, and obedient to her handler no matter how “in the zone” she is. It’s tougher than it sounds! Sally Ann has just one more level to go to achieve Master Earthdog, the highest achieving Earthdog status.
 

But she’s not always down and dirty. In fact, Sally Ann can be a real duchess! She loves riding in her stroller like a royal carriage and is practicing her Prima Donna prance for the Mister Migs runway.  When she’s not training for her next competition, Sally Ann enjoys playing with tennis balls, licking her mother’s face, and dreaming about her debut as a Mister Migs DogStar.

Come see Sally Ann, the rare breed dirt-loving duchess of Wales!

Tickets here:
https://wowinsync.ejoinme.org/MyEvents/DenimDogsFashionBlast2015/PurchaseTickets/tabid/694297/Default.aspx

Want your dog to be a DogStar? A guide from a talent agency expert!

By M.G.Mauney

Want to see your pup in pictures? We interviewed Trace Sargent, the owner of top-notch Atlanta talent agency STAR K-9 to find out how. Here’s the scoop on how to bust into showbiz with your pet according to this DogStar expert who has put hundreds of dogs onscreen.

Q: How do I start?

Trace: The first step is socialization. A star always has the public to contend with as well as working with unfamiliar people, animals, and situations on set. Getting your dog socialized at an early age is key. Expose them to as many different environments as possible: different people, sights, smells, sounds, pets, everything! Dogs with dreams of stardom must be instantly friendly with strangers.

Q: Ok, what’s next?

Trace: Next comes the obedience training. They must be able to sit, stay, lie down, and to go stand at their “mark” on set without being distracted. Responding to positive reinforcement, specifically food, is also essential for set work. DogStars must have an excellent attention span which means taking direction for as long as needed to capture the shot. Sometimes this means many hours on set.

Q: What kind of role is best for my dog?

Trace: Different projects require different personalities and a dog will be picked not only for their ability to perform but by how well they match the personality needed for the performances, just like human stars! For instance, a high-energy dog will be picked for action scenes but not for a scene that involves lounging on a couch. Your dog must not only have the right training and look for a role but the right temperament. Audition your dog for roles that best suit his/her personality.

Q: Now that my dog is ready, how do I get my dog out there? How do I find casting calls?

Trace:Go to the STAR K-9 website and sign up your future dog star! Best of luck, and see you in the movies!
http://www.stark9.com/

Here’s  Emma, the Border Collie, who is the star of “Super Dog” shown at the International Burbank Film Festival last weekend—and nominated for an award!

See Emma and all the amazing dogstars AND meet Trace Sargent in person at the Denim Dogs Fashion Blast on November 7!

Purchase your tickets Today: https://wowinsync.ejoinme.org/MyEvents/DenimDogsFashionBlast2015/PurchaseTickets/tabid/694297/Default.aspx

Denim Dogs Fashion Blast Ambassadorable: Reno the Sports Star!

By M.G.Mauney

Meet Reno, an agility-loving DogStar model for the Mister Migs Denim Dogs Fashion Blast!

Weaving through poles, navigating hurdles, and jumping through hoops, here comes Reno at full speed! Reno the Dalmatian lives for performing tricks and agility. An athlete par excellence he crawls tunnels and climbs ladders on course after course, loving every moment of it. Dalmatians were bred to run alongside horse-drawn carriages and as a result are a breed with vast amounts of energy and endurance, which Reno exemplifies to perfection. Agility began as a test for horses, so it’s only natural that a dog bred to keep pace with them would excel at agility too. In fact, Reno looks much like a racehorse himself as he zooms over the jumps, his long legs a blur in the wind.
 

Reno put his talent to the test this year by competing in his first North American Dog Agility Council (NADAC) Agility Trial. He took first place in the Novice Tunnelers and Novice Jumpers, winning qualifying scores in each event. A great start to a promising career! Reno’s ready for his paparazzi in his identity-disguising shades as you can see!

One might think a star athlete like Reno came from a champion bloodline background. In fact, his story is one with a sad start. Reno was rescued from a puppy mill and subsequently adopted by his owner at the age of seven weeks. He’s since grown into a friendly, playful, lovable dog. He’s constantly working on new tricks to add to his repertoire in order to earn his Novice Trick Dog title, and is in training to become a Certified Pet Therapy Dog too. He’s turned a sad start into a happy ending!

Come see this stunning spotted sports-star at the Mister Migs Denim Dogs Fashion Blast!

Tickets here:

https://wowinsync.ejoinme.org/MyEvents/DenimDogsFashionBlast2015/PurchaseTickets/tabid/694297/Default.aspx

Denim Dogs Fashion Blast Ambassadorable: Gigi the Glamour Girl

By M.G.Mauney
 

Meet Gigi, the tiny and talented Maltie-Poo model for the Mister Migs Denim Dogs Fashion Blast!

Gigi, the Maltipoo walks upright on two legs as she takes a stroll with her owner.

Gigi, described by her mom as a true “girly girl,” may have always wanted to walk the runway. She’s been practicing since she was a pup. Walking on two legs came naturally to Gigi and no training was even needed. When Gigi and her mom go out for a walk, Gigi prefers to walk beside her mom on two legs like a little person!

Clearly Gigi has a natural aptitude for showmanship, so her human mom worked with her to develop even more talents. Now Gigi knows so many tricks that she recently qualified for her official Novice Trick Dog (NTD) certification!

Fittingly for a girly girl, Gigi owns lots of fun fashionable clothes (including her Migrubbie from Mister Migs of course) and loves to show off her style while on the go with mom.  When mom grabs her bag to go shopping, Gigi goes up on her hind legs and follows her out the door. Girls, you know, just gotta have fun!

Come see this diminutive diva do the two-step strut at the Mister Migs Denim Dogs Fashion Blast! Tickets here:

https://wowinsync.ejoinme.org/MyEvents/DenimDogsFashionBlast2015/PurchaseTickets/tabid/694297/Default.aspx