Honoring My Soul Dog: Best Stoneware Mugs

I can’t believe it’s already been over two years since saying “see you later” to my best friend and soulmate dog, Kota. I continue to be inspired by her daily and I also continue to honor her in unique ways.

I needed mugs in my life that triggered the Kota memories. Mugs that everyone could think of their own soul dog when pouring that first cup of morning coffee.

The inspiration behind the design

Two years ago I had Monica of Sniff Design Studio come up with some fun branded ideas for my business that I could use on product. Monica also did an amazing job designing my logo prior to this: a silhouette of Kota running in dog friendly Zorvino Vineyards from a photo I had taken.

It was the day after Kota passed that Monica sent the new branded files to me. She had no idea I had just said goodbye to my sweet, sassy girl. The timing was perfect. I needed these. The tears streamed, but these designs have helped in my journey of finding peace.

Branded coffee mugs

Coffee and dogs: My world! My life!

I knew I wanted branded coffee mugs. And they had to be a good size! When drinking coffee one needs a big, sturdy mug for sure!

They also had to be amazing quality – only the best for Kota!

I had a bigger company do my first round of mugs. They did a beautiful job and I loved them. But…. they didn’t 100% reflect me and my business, and I knew there was better out there for Kota!

Maple Leaf Pottery in NH

I love supporting local small businesses when I can. I did a google search looking for local artists/potters that do stoneware mugs. That’s how I found Liz of Maple Leaf Pottery located in Merrimack, NH.

The ironic thing was that right after I signed up for her email newsletter, I received an email promoting “custom mug bundles” for small businesses. Yes, please! Liz, you read my mind!

I reached out to Liz and shared my vision. She knew my colors and love of pink and she got to work on the designs. The mugs are stunning! The colors are perfect and very “me”.

A mug with a heartfelt message

“You will furever be my always”. That’s our soul dogs. Our heart dogs. Every dog owner needs this mug!

Yes, the mugs are also both dishwasher and microwave safe. I confess our dishwasher has been broken since we moved into my house 14 years ago so we had wash… but…. I’m one who does like to pop a mug in the microwave for a quick warm up!

Celebrating Kota with a silhouette mug

My 2nd design is Kota’s silhouette from my logo. It celebrates her spirit and her legacy lives on! Silhouettes lack detail, so the mug can be enjoyed by anyone, as any dog can be represented.

Liz even included the little pink heart right above Kota’s head which is part of my logo – the perfect detail!

Celebrating the connection between dogs and their humans

These mugs are more than just beautiful stoneware—they are a reflection of the connection I shared with Kota and the love we all have for our dogs. My hope is that through my photography and projects like these, I can help others celebrate their best “four legged” friends in ways that are just as meaningful.

Kota’s legacy lives on not only in my heart, but also in everything that I create and share with you all. Thanks for being a part of this journey with me! Our dogs truly are our world!

Book a soul dog session with me and you might just see one of these mugs in your gift bag!

Be sure to check out the Maple Leaf Pottery instagram and give her a follow. Liz is amazing and her work is stunning! Who knows… I may see if she can do stoneware dog bowls for me in the near future!

Liz is moving to Mississippi in a few weeks. I was sad to learn this… BUT … she ships!!! NH will miss her!