About iPetprints

Let me quote Gandhi who said, "How the people of a society treat animals can judge the degree of civilization of that society." to begin my story.

Before you get to know me, please look at the following statistics:

• Around 920,000 shelter animals are euthanized each year including 390,000 dogs and 530,000 cats. [Data from World Animal Foundation]
• Every weekday, government workers in the Carolinas kill 700 unclaimed U.S. dogs and cats, note the units are per day
• Texas needs to kill 220,000 unclaimed American dogs and cats every year
• About 3.9 million homeless dogs and 3.4 million cats enter animal shelters each year, and only 1.4 million dogs and 1.3 million cats are adopted each year, so a large number of dogs and cats are waiting for adoption in animal shelters
• About a quarter of the dogs and cats in U.S. animal shelters are euthanized
• In the United States, a pet is voluntarily put to death (aka euthanized) every 7 seconds

My name is Samantha Brooks and I am a former employee from the Oregon Humane Society, an Animal Shelter Alliance (ASAP) Partner Shelter, and during the six years I worked at the Oregon Humane Society, the stresses associated with having to care for these adorable animals and subsequently euthanize them put me at risk for compassionate fatigue , burnout and even high risk of suicide.

Then I quit.

I believe that every pet deserves care and recognition; that they deserve the same unconditional love they show us every day.

On my work computer, I have saved many photos of animals (mostly dogs and cats) that were previously in my care. They were either euthanized or adopted by new owners. It's hard for me to see them, but I reminisce about them often.

One random day, I was browsing Etsy and came across Pet Portrait Custom Jewelry. I initiated a customization offer with them, and after I received the physical products, I always felt they were a little different than what I had in mind.

I looked to my friends who specialize in design to learn graphic techniques for rendering animal portraits on metalwork, and to make the animals as realistic as possible while still giving them the expression and demeanor that the owner wanted.

What started as an unconventional hobby soon turned into a full-time job.

My personalized jewelry is a bridge between memory and presence, a way to keep our beloved pets close even when they can no longer be with us. I am committed to making pieces that are not only beautiful but meaningful. Each piece we create is filled with love, care and a deep understanding of the special place our pets hold in our hearts.

I realize I can't be the only dog mom who wants meaningful memorial products.

I invite you to explore our collection and find that special piece that strikes the most chord in your heart. Whether you want to honor a beloved pet or celebrate the joy they brought to your life, this will help you always stay close to them.
I hope this wonderful memory of your pet will also remind you of them as they constantly wait for you to come home so you can get back to them even faster. Don't forget you are their whole life.

Samantha Brooks in Portland, OR