Long Dog is very much a labour of love. In 2014, our one Dachshund, Lulu, broke her back. It was a very emotional and testing time, and we had to keep her still for two months. Now, this was no easy feat; Lulu was the ‘Tomboy’ of our two sausages, and her personality was about everything BUT ‘being still’.
I changed a lot of my lifestyle to be at home to care for and nurse her. In this time and with the incredible bond that formed between us, my brain went into overdrive, and I started to research Dachshund-themed products and businesses.
I spent many late nights with Lulu and her sister Mitzi lying next to me on the bed, and the creative marketing side of me jumped into action. I was often drawn to quirky little gifts and collectables with a specific dog theme, and noticed that there was very little available in South Africa, so my business plan came together.
My husband was away, and when he returned, I prepared to pitch my Long Dog concept…thinking, ‘Now he really is going to think I’m the crazy dog lady, been cooped up far too long with an injured dog!!
And so Long Dog came to life… an online shop for those who are dotty about Dachshunds!
About 5% of the range is imported; the rest is printed, handmade and crafted by local South African artists and companies.
And so Long Dog grew from a late-night crazy idea into a business with real life and spirit. Lulu passed on in 2023, but her sister Mitzi continues to be at my side through the decision-making and on deliveries and trips to the couriers.
The business was originally all about Dachshunds when I started in 2014, but because all dogs are special, I decided to widen the range and even include a few feline friends.
I hope you will get as much joy from these pages and from our gift ideas and creations as I have.
– Kerrie & the crew