As a lifelong creative, Medlin yearned to launch a project that she found personally meaningful. With a discerning eye, Medlin searched around the world for products suitable for her beloved pup, Wubbi, an Olde English Bulldog- ge (hence, the D-O-G-G-E spelling) who inspired the personality and the creation of the product. On her search, she found pet products that were cheaply constructed and often made with uninspiring materials. There was, also, another important element missing: the people factor. As a natural problem solver who thinks unconventionally, Medlin knew this was an area of creative opportunity.
“When a family prepares their home to accommodate their new four legged family member, the dog product introduced into the space doesn’t have to compromise the aesthetic of the home. If anything, it should be inviting and beautiful. Why not create thoughtfully designed prod- ucts that can be enjoyed by the pup and appreciated by their people?”
House Dogge’s initial handcrafted collection consist of customizable vegetable-tanned leather toys, lambs wool-lined leashes, raw denim beds, and other nontoxic, sustainable accessories. The brand’s design ethos is inspired by the philosophy of “wabi-sabi.” Medlin’s simplified explanation of what this means to her is shown in her practice of appreciating the textures of aging elements and finding beauty in imperfection. With this perspective, House Dogge emphasizes minimalism, comfort, and handcrafted, natural beauty in its products. House Dogge further supports the well being of pups and their amazing humans by donating a percentage of earnings to The Pongo Fund, a nonprofit organization that provides quality food and vital veterinary care for the family pets of anyone in honest need, keeping them safe, healthy and out of the shelters.
Although Medlin came up with the idea for House Dogge a decade ago while exploring Tokyo, Japan, she waited to launch her new line in Portland in July 2017, when she felt the timing was right. Following a year long sabbatical, Medlin focused her sights on building her passion project into the artisan brand that was authentic to her vision.
The support from local Portland makers, retailers, publications, and national buyers for her new House Dogge line has been phenomenal. There’s a unique tribe of independent designers and makers in Portland that Medlin refers to as creative-preneurs. As someone representing less than 5% of Portland’s population, Medlin is a unicorn of sorts in Portland and in the design industry. Her industry experience makes for an uncommon journey and a specialized eye for design. Medlin gathers inspiration through world travel and her personal experience with house dogs since childhood.
“House Dogge's guarantee is provide quality designer dog product made with 100% love & happiness."
NY NOW Summer 2018 will be House Dogge's first tradeshow exhibition! Visit Booth #1144 on the third floor of the Javits Center for this exciting moment!
PRESS & LINKS
“House Dogge Brand” Featured in Schoolhouse Electric Spring 2018 Catalog https://www.schoolhouse.com/blogs/journal/inside-the-home-of-our-spring-catalog
“House Dogge Collection” Featured by Design Milk https://dog-milk.com/house-dogge-collection-by-designd/
“House Dogge and Home Interior” Featured by Design Sponge https://www.designsponge.com/2018/08/celebrating-the-states-the-pacific-northwest.html