Here at ZippyPaws, we’re all about dogs! We simply love them. They are our friends, family, coworkers, and so much more. From birthday parties for our beloved office pups to sample sales open to our loyal canine customers, we’ll find any excuse to spend time with all our four-legged friends. That’s just how we roll.
Via social media and ZippyPaws events, we’ve had the pleasure of meeting many of your pets already – even if it was just through photos of them on your phones. And we love seeing the excitement on your faces when you talk about your pets. We totally get it. We’re the same. That’s why we decided to use our blog to introduce you to some of our pets as well.
Lacey and Bear
In this second installment of our ongoing “Meet the Wonderful People and Pups of ZippyPaws” blog series, we’re excited to introduce you to our Product Designer extraordinaire, Lacey Mendez. Lacey joined the ZippyPaws team in 2020 and has been busy creating your favorite dog toys ever since.
In addition to designing ZippyPaws dog toys, Lacey also enjoys making pottery, weightlifting, and exploring/camping in her free time. But most importantly, she’s the proud parent of a big ol’ doggo named Bear – and three cats, Ripley, Winston, and Pumpkin.
Lacey recently took a break from her busy designing duties to answer a few questions for the blog. Read on to learn more about Lacey and her big boi Bear!
Your current roster of pets includes a doggo and three cats. Have you always had pets?
Yes. I grew up with two dogs and have had a variety of other pets growing up. I was very passionate about reptiles during my childhood. My mother was passionate about riding, so we had a horse. I’ve also had rabbits, birds, a chinchilla, mice, rats… you name it!
Can you tell us a little bit about Bear and how he came into your life?
We found Bear on Adoptapet.com from Coastal German Shepherd Rescue which mainly focuses on helping German Shepherd dogs. We were originally interested in his brother, but upon seeing Bear in person, we just knew he was the one. He was the sweetest little fluff ball and had the most expressive eyes. We were told he’s part Australian Shepherd, but we’re pretty sure that he is half German shepherd, half Rottweiler. We call him a rotten shepherd for fun.
How did you choose the name Bear?
We chose the name Bear because he looks and is the size of a bear.
Pet owners love nicknames. How many do you have for Bear?
So many that I will probably forget a few. BearBear, Baaaby Bear, BARBAR, Bewbew, Bubbba, Bubby, Mr. Stinky, Stinker, Little Man… you get the point.
If Bear had a career, what would it be?
He would probably have the same career that he has now – Product Tester Extraordinaire!
How many ZippyPaws toys does Bear have? Any favorites in his collection?
So. Many. Toys. His favorites are Jigglerz and Squeakie Cans. He really loves loud squeakers. And there are a few upcoming *top secret* toys that he’s crazy about!
What gets your doggo barking?
Bear is a very quiet dog, but he loses it when he sees another dog or animal on the television screen. His least favorite movie is Fantastic Mr. Fox. It’s odd because he doesn’t bark at dogs in real life. He also hates any video games where you can swim. I don’t know what it is about the water sounds, but he hates it.
What does a typical day with Bear look like?
I usually wake up, pet his belly, and tell him how much I love him. After that, it’s breakfast time – and then he gets the zoomies out. I’ll chase him around the backyard until he gets tired, and then I start work. I try to take a break midday to walk to his favorite park in our neighborhood. He LOVES the grass there and rolls around for a while. After work I make him dinner and we cuddle while watching tv. I try to reinforce his training at least once a day. I close out the day by giving him lots of pets and kisses and then it’s bedtime!
Does he enjoy watching TV? What does he like to watch?
He loves watching TV from his favorite spot on the couch! He’s really into documentaries.
What are your favorite activities to do with him?
My absolute favorite thing to do is go to the dog park with Bear. He gets so excited and goofy around the other dogs. I also love hiking with him because he’s an outdoor enthusiast!
Do you sing to Bear? Can you give an example?
I sing to him all the time, but it’s usually nonsense or made-up songs. I like to replace the words of random songs with the word “Bear”. He rolls his eyes at me occasionally, but I don’t blame him.
If Bear had a motto, what might it be?
Chewin’ grass and kicking butt!
What are his favorite things to do?
He loves rolling in fresh grass and zooming through the backyard. He also loves getting pets from anyone and everyone.
What words best describe Bear?
Silly and sweet! He’s a gentle giant.
What human food does he love the most?
Peanut butter or chicken! He can hear me opening the peanut butter jar from a mile away.
What has Bear brought to your life? How has he enriched it?
Bear came into my life when I needed him the most. I had recently graduated college and had a really hard time finding a job after. I felt so hopeless at the time and getting Bear was for emotional support. Things are obviously better now, but I am so glad we have him in our life. He has brought me so much joy! He’s my baby and my best friend. I can’t imagine a life without his slobbery kisses.
What do you think is the most important life lesson humans can learn from dogs?
I think dogs really teach you how to appreciate life. There are times when we’re driving in the car and Bear is just so happy. It immediately puts a smile on my face and reminds me to appreciate the little things.
If you could swap roles with Bear for a day, would you and why? What would you do?
Oh, for sure. I’m a homebody and wish I could sleep all day like Bear. He has it pretty easy.
What’s something Bear does that you wish he wouldn’t?
I wish he wouldn’t goose our guests with his snout, it’s rather embarrassing.
Okay, you’ve reached the final question. True or False? Cats rule, dogs drool.
False. Both rule!
