Rescue Story: the Quiet Presence of Bela Lugosi, Part II
This article is the second part of a Tooth & Honey Original Perspective Series. Part 1 was released last week.
Bela’s Necessary Creation of Clothing
The years with Bela that followed reinforced those ideal concepts of being comfortable in your own skin, but Bela came with some challenges: she suffered from literally being uncomfortable in her skin. After moving to North Carolina, the environment presented no shortage of pollen, and Bela suffered constant skin allergies. Her painful, itchy rashes persisted through most of the year, despite dietary changes, oatmeal baths and various medicines. The thing that I noticed that helped the most, however, was wearing clothes that minimized allergen contact with her skin.
It started with a t-shirt, then a modified t-shirt, and eventually fitted shirts and pajamas that she looked forward to getting into to escape the pollen. I found myself getting carried away with all the possibilities and designs, and she enabled this craze of creativity that I enjoyed. When allergy season ended in the winter, she still wanted to wear something, not for the allergies, but because of her thin coat of fur dwindled down by allergies. This was key when I realized that she loves wearing clothes because it relaxes her and swaddles her, turning her into a cuddly teddy bear that only wants to snuggle you. I realized that a lot of people had similar experiences with their pit bulls, and I started casually selling clothes under the brand I’m a Dog, Keep Me Warm.
Bad Perceptions and the Pink Tutu
I decided to share Bela’s warmth with the world, and eventually Bela became a Canine Good Citizen, as well as a certified Therapy Dog. I signed her up at a nearby hospital to spread her therapeutic vibes, excited to show people what loving creatures pit bulls are. When I showed up, I was disappointed when the hospital director pre-judged Bela and said she can’t visit the hospital because she looks like she bites, and it will scare the patients. I was heart-broken, and I wanted to throw in the towel, or at least look for another hospital who wasn’t so judgey. But after thinking of Bela’s values and what she taught me, it became clear that THIS hospital and THIS individual needed to be educated and exposed to Bela, and what she represents for the breed. After a little back-and-forth, the director agreed that Bela can visit the patients if she is made to “look more approachable.” I didn’t know what that meant, so I did what anyone would do: make a pink tutu for her.
When we went back to the hospital, no one could resist the little brown dog wearing the fluffy pink tutu. She made tons of new friends and created countless smiles and memories for people who needed a boost of serotonin in their day. My favorite part was when patients asked, “what kind of dog is she?” and I got to proudly reply, “she’s a pit bull.” Their reaction was normally surprised or in disbelief, as most of their perceptions of pit bulls were informed by false narratives and negative stereotypes. That’s when I knew that I was onto something larger here. I had a vehicle to change those perceptions and beliefs: Bela and I met each other to make this happen.
The Creation of Tooth & Honey
Merging the “physical necessity” aspect of functional clothes with the “perception enhancement” aspect of cute designs is what led me to change my company’s name and mission in 2015. I wasn’t just casually selling dog clothes anymore, and it wasn’t just to keep dogs warm. I now had the mission to educate people about these animals who have a bad reputation, but really want nothing more than to love you; the exact thing I felt when I first saw Bela’s honey-colored eyes 6 years before that. Some people have been conditioned to look at dogs like Bela and only see her teeth, but if they gave her the chance, they would really see that she is as sweet as honey.
Bela has taught me lots of personal lessons, but I credit her mostly with creating Tooth & Honey. More than just inspiring the name, she inspired me to patiently create this platform to change perceptions, to help more dogs like her, and to spread warmth and love through the world one rubber-ducky pajamaed dog at a time.
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Love you and your work fir what you have done for Bella and her breed. And many other breeds who get a bad rep. I have a Doberman who is as sweet as our but that’s not what people see. Would love to get some PJ’s for him because he’s always cold but his legs are too long for anything you make. Hope your brand go bigger ! Z
You made me smile ❤️
Love the story of Bela and how she inspired you! Like her, you don’t stop looking for a better way, and it shows in your doggy wear. Kisses to you and Bela! ??❤️
Thank you so much for the kind words Terry!! I truly appreciate it!! XO
Thank you for sharing your story!!! It’s making me ugly cry at work!!!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE what you have learned from Bela and what she is able to teach us in return! Please never stop the amazing work you do with advocating for this amazing dog and her misunderstood breed!!!
I have to admit that I’m a superfangirl of your store and own 90% of the store! I too have felt the ugly discrimination of people and their pre-assumptions of pitbulls. My pretty baby, Tiger Lily, loves wearing sweaters during winter because of her short coat and love of being warm (she got that from me). I love when I walk her around our neighborhood and people say, “You can’t be scared of a dog in sweater.” I don’t know how to say thank you enough!!!!
Thank you so much for reading!! It truly is amazing how much difference a sweater can make!! Hope you have an awesome day and send tons of kisses to Tiger Lily for us!! XOXOX
Bela in a tutu would help anyone feel better, no matter what they’re doing in a hospital or care center. Now, back to Swan Lake…
You and Bella were meant to be together. Both of you are showing the world that you should never judge a dog or even a person by their outer appearance or based on what other people have said about them. I have a pittie who absolutely loves to wear her pj’s and when she does all I hear from people who have been frightened by her is that she looks adorable in her yellow ducky jammies. ❤️
Love you your company and everything you and Bella stand for. My boys LOVE their T and H fleece especially my Jack who had allergies also. You have been kind enough to include extras when I’ve placed gift orders for rescued pits from Puerto Rico who are spending their first winter in the chilly north. Rock on Ally! PS: I use the fleece when it’s raining also because my boys love their walks even in the rain. Any chance you might investigate a water resistant material in the future????
I love this!
I took was instructed to be scared of pit bulls and listened to that advice until I nervously agreed to foster one. Little did I know that she would be one of my foster fails and is one of the sweetest (if not naughtiest..she STILL likes to tear into couches and pillows) pups! I realize that I must have pitties in my life from now on. ❤️
Finally…we now know the story behind the name!!! We knew it had to be something awesome!❤️ And it is!! Thank you for keeping our puppers warm with clothes that actually fit and for all that you do for the many rescue pups!?
I enjoyed reading yours and Bela’s story. It gave me warm fuzzies. I look forward to getting my big champagne colored pittie boy some pajama’s from you. We loved the sharky ones but I didn’t order in time. Thank you for changing people’s perception of our wonderful breed – the Pitties of all kinds! XOXO
We love your story and we me and faith Ann marie love your clothes thank you .
We love you Ally! My Big Red Bull loved wearing his ducky jammies and many beautiful sweaters you made. We lost my love to brain cancer but please know my happiest memories are of my big pit bull boy making us laugh wearing his jams. Xoxo Deb
What a sweet story. I’ve purchased 2 of your PJs for my sweet grandog, Maxi, who also has allergies, is always cold and is a pit mix. Your clothes are spot on!
Thank you for reading!! Granddogs are the best!! What a lucky pup!! <3
So thankful that you came up with the pj’s! My big boy just had to have a mass removed from his upper rump and he cannot tolerate a cone. After many tries with other brands I finally ordered yours and it fits! None of the others accounted for his very large chest or make it easy for him to go to the bathroom. It has been a complete GODSEND! I have two that I have been rotating. He finally gets his stitches out later today but as you mentioned I may have found another reason for keeping these on him. He has horrendous topical and inhalant allergies and is on medication. Vet says best to bathe him weekly, I told the vet he is welcome to come over and bathe my 85 pound bucking bronco if he wants because once a week is just too much for me, lol. His PJ’s have been keeping pollen or other things off his skin really well and he is less rashy!
All in all I owe you the biggest thanks for making a part of my life that was always such a pain, pretty easy now!! Thanks to BELA as well
Thank you so much for sharing this!! I am so happy to hear these pjs helped your big boy!! <3
This was a wonderful story and made me so happy! The rescue we foster for has many pitty foster parents who love your clothing. As well, the pittie nation group I moderate has numerous members who love your clothing. This story makes it all even better. Thank you for making our babies look even sweeter than they naturally are❤️
What a beautiful story & even more beautiful pup!!!
Brought tears to my eyes. So heartfelt. We love all the joy you bring ❤️❤️❤️??
Thank you for your story! I adopted Bella because she jumped into my lap and kissed me. The nexr day, I realized I had adopted and pitbull and doubted my sanity. I educated myself and now I wouldn’t have any other breed. They are wonderful! I just found your site and I am excited. Bella is NOT self sacrificing. The first hint of cool weather and she wants a warm shirt! I have bought a lot of sweatshirts for her that are too tight in the chest. Harnesses that she can walk right out of because they are not meant for big chested dogs. I just ordered harnesses and a pair of pajamas. I can’t wait to get them! My son rolled is eyes so hard when I told him about this site, he could see the back of his head. Then he laughed, saying I will never be able to get the pajamas off of her!
Made me cry! Reminds me of my rescue Ellie Mae. Thanks for sharing your story and great product!!
We have rescued 3 now. I ever grew up with dogs, however waft a difference they make in your life. I wouldn’t have it any other way. My youngest suffers with allergies, it was a process of elimination with her food. However she still gets other allergies. All theee if mine were dumped, mainly by where I work (industrial area) the youngest was the size of my hand, had to bottle feed and she was full of worms, thought she was just a fat puppy lol. Now she is a beast. To this day age sucks on blankets to go to sleep. Love you story
Oh my goodness I love this! I adopted my Henry who is a pit/shar pei mix with horrible skin issues from a high kill shelter. Mostly hairless, skin feels like a komodo dragon and his wrinkled legs are as crusted as his ears. But he is the sweetest, most loving guy and just wants to snuggle all the time. When I first got him I would put a turtleneck on his front and a tshirt on his back and tie them together but he kept getting out of them and I would find him and the shirts and the furniture he had been laying on a bloody mess. I follow Desmond and Luna on Instagram and they referred me to you for the pajamas! I plan to order some and am so very hopeful that will help him, not to mention me! Creativity is born out of necessity and love and you have done a beautiful beautiful service for so many of us! Thank you thank you! And much love to your sweet Bella!
What a beautiful and emotional story of love and persistence. I appreciate all you do for our wonderful pit bulls. I’ll be ordering all my boys clothing through you going forward.
I love this so much!! Makes me love this even more to hear the backstory. I have a staffy mix and so I completely relate. People will walk through the gate at the dog park, and before they do anything ask me “will your dog attack mine? Because we can go to the other park.” But my clove girl is the sweetest darn thing. She loves to sleep with her head on my pillow and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Love this story and how the name was inspired. Just placed our first order!! For our Boston Terrier and Frenchton and their Pibble Cousin who already owns jammies from you
Thank you for everything-from adopting Bela from the shelter, to showing her how to become THE BEST dog she coukd possibly be, for being a Bully Breed advocate, and never giving up. This makes me more excited about buying my “pocket pitties” first jammies from you! All my best to you!
So beautifully written. I love knowing the story behind your company name and mission. More importantly, I am moved by the love between you and Bela. Thank you for sharing her with us!
WoW speechless , amazing work and undeniable love this story is very moving thanks for the letting us in on the true meaning all I can say it keep up ur amazing work these babies have no voices but with humans like you they can be heard … just amazing I will be back to visit love the products and more the meaning !!!??
I love the story of Bella. I have a rescue Pitbull he has changed my life of being on the wrong side of life. I know my Pit will love me unconditionally no matter what. I will forever adopt a Pitbull over any breed. Thank you by giving people educational about Pitbulls.
My blue boy Ashy loves your pajamas thank you for sharing your story it’s true they pick you. Ashy followed me home and Stole my heart
I love this!! You are SO right about these dogs, and I love that you and Bela continue to educate the world in such creative ways! I’m so excited to get our first sweater from Tooth & Honey, to keep my “scary” Bully warm & welcoming!
I was introduced to your site this weekend through visiting Instagram and saying omygoodness look how cute and also I thought of my boy Blu. The misconceptions because he is a ‘Pitbull’ the neighbors who go down another street when they see my boy. It breaks my heart. He really is a gentle giant and he also suffers from allergies. The itching and also plagued with anxiety. I ordered a sleeveless, 2 shirts with sleeves and a pair of jammies. My hopes are that those neighbors will want to walk close and meet Blu and see just what a sweetheart he is. He’s getting a little brother in May to help boost his confidence and maybe not be so anxious anymore. I read the two parts of this story and just balled my eyes out. How can people be so judgmental when they never take the chance to meet Blu. Maybe his snazzy rubber duckies and rainbow shirts will change their mind. Thank you for sharing and giving me a good cry only to snuggle Blu a little tighter tonight.
What a wonderful story! I have a lovely pitty too, but my need was for a different pup. I searched for 2 years to find the perfect pj’s for my Basenji mix girl who regurgitates if she gets too cold. Nothing fit… The closures came undone or the fabric stretched too much or they rubbed patches of fur off. Then a friend told me about Tooth and Honey. Bingo! My girl isn’t a broad-chested pitty type so I was concerned about the fit. But T&H were perfect in every way. I especially love the longer legs that help keep her warmer during cold nights. I’m a huge fan and keep adding to her collection of adorable print pj’s. Thank you for all you do for pitties, but also for any dog in need!
I love this story and that you are championing this amazing breed! Your efforts and ingenuity have gone a long way in reimagining how we as a society can look at pit bulls. Being a rescue foster mom and having pit bulls of my own, these shirts have been a life-saver. Pit bulls already come across as scary. Add to that a dog who has skin issues (missing hair, scars from skin cancer removal, growths, etc) and people really don’t want to have anything to do with them. Your shirts make them more approachable and help protect them. Thank you!!! Proud to support your company. ❤️?
Your honesty and willingness to share your experience is so heartwarming. Bela is an inspiration to us all. We can all make life better for our little friends. Ally, you are the perfect example what a difference one woman and her dreams can make.
Wow I just your story of Bella. She is just beautiful and I can see why you fell in love with her. I too have a golden eyed pit Hanna. She is everything to me and my husband. She is his service dog. We love long walks and cuddling together. She especially loves her pajamas from your company. Thank you for your journey with her and understanding this wonderful breed of dog.
What a fantastic story!! Thank you for sharing beautiful Bela with the world and doing all you do!
My dog’s story is so similar to yours! I fell in love with him the moment I saw him. He was rescued by an adoption agency 2 hours before he was scheduled to be put down. He was in a foster home for half a year because no one showed interest in him. I drove an 8 hour round trip to go meet him and I knew he was the one. Shortly after I adopted him I noticed how little fur he had and how many issues he had with his skin. I’ve tried just about everything and nothing has worked. His pajamas however help him not directly scratch his skin and has helped sooo much! Now he always has to have something on because he loves it. If I take his pajamas off he looks so uncomfortable. Thank you for creating such cute things for him to wear!