The Water Closet - Oaklie
Founded in 2008 by Caryn Evans as a boutique bathroom design firm, The Water Closet has evolved into a full-service interior design firm that provides turn-key design and construction for all types of interior spaces. Oaklie, a miniature Golden Doodle with lively personality, began her role as protector, consultant, and resident dog at The Water Closet six years ago.
Fun Facts about Oaklie
1. Oaklie loves a good pup cup and as a result thinks every drive-thru window has something just for her.
2. She really enjoys time in the pool and has been known to hop in and take a dip no matter the time of year.
3. Oaklie enjoys scrambled eggs for breakfast most mornings and can often be found supervising the cooking of those eggs.
4. When someone in her family leaves the house, Oaklie truly believes that she should always get to go for a ride as well.
5. Oaklie has an office routine that includes choosing Lori if she wants to go on longer walks, as Caryn usually only takes her for a quick trip outside, and insisting that she be part of discussions and consultations occurring around the showroom’s work island.
ECM Gems - Molly
At ECM Gems, Carly Morris designs and creates custom, one-of-a-kind fine jewelry such as necklaces, bridal sets, and elevated class rings. One of her specialties is working with heirlooms where she uses the elements of the pieces and redesigns them into something new. For the last four years, Molly, a “pocket” Great Pyrenees, has served as Carly’s assistant.
Fun Facts about Molly
1. She has a large selection of colorful bows, and she wears one to work each day. Molly’s bows range from seasonal colors and patterns to the signature colors of ECM Gems, often matching the colors of Carly’s outfits.
2. She has an adorable underbite that shows off her bottom teeth when she smiles.
3. Molly is a rescue dog from Saving Hope and was adopted by Carly when she was 6 months old.
4. She loves pizza crust and knows exactly what is in that cardboard box being delivered. On the flip side, she does not like French fries.
5. Molly has a few fun tricks to entertain friends and clients including playing dead and giving paw high-fives and hugs.
Honey Loves Boho - Sherlock
Three years ago, Kristen Barbee launched Honey Loves Boho as an online boutique. In 2024, she and her 9-year-old Basset Hound, Sherlock, began welcoming customers at the boutique’s storefront location, where shoppers browse a curated selection of trendy and Bohemian fashion, accented with a touch of Western flair, with items available in sizes XS to 3X.
Fun Facts About Sherlock
1. He is a low rider with ears and has mopped more floors than a Roomba.
2. Sherlock can smell a good brisket from three blocks away and he once trailed a dropped hot dog on the family ranch for 20 minutes and consumed it before anyone realized what was happening.
3. He's the current reigning Tarrant County nap champion, averaging 16 hours of sleep a day. If napping were an Olympic sport, he would have lots of gold medals.
4. His mom says he has the voice of an angel and will serenade her with endless moaning and grunting just at the thought of having to roll over.
5. Sherlock loves his job as a greeter and people often stop by just to see him.
Kay Genua Designs - Tutu
With a natural eye for design and accessorizing, Kay Genua opened her own design firm in 2002 after years of experience in retail and antique sales. Often accompanied by her dog, Tutu, Kay enjoys every step of the design process and adding timeless elegance to homes.
Fun Facts about Tutu
1. A rescue dog from Saving Hope, Tutu came to live with Kay, her 4th home, when she was about 2 years old.
2. She is an Australian Cattle dog mix, loves to herd, and has very expressive ears that move to different positions when she barks.
3. Tutu accompanies Kay everywhere and is welcome in most showrooms in the Dallas Design District and in the homes of many of Kay’s clients.
4. Tutu has traveled to the Broadmoor Hotel and to the Ritz -Carlton in Beaver Creek, where she had her own dogsitter while Kay was attending events.
5. She has a large toy collection kept in a corner of Kay’s living room that includes about 50 toys, which is just part of the way Kay enjoys spoiling her after Tutu’s tough beginning in life.
The Smart Institute - Penelope
At the Smart Institute located in downtown Fort Worth, patients of all ages experience healing through neuro, orthopedic, and sports therapies. Penelope, a four-year-old French Bulldog that belongs to the Office Manager Jennifer Sawyer, has been greeting patients since she was 9 weeks old.
Fun Facts about Penelope
1. Penelope wears a different outfit to work every day. Office staff and patients alike look forward to seeing her choice each day.
2. She is sweet, playful, and loves people – which makes her the perfect greeter.
3. Whether it is for a vet appointment or some other reason, Penelope does not like to miss work and will often pout to let Jennifer know she is disappointed.
4. Penelope reads the temperament of people and is very patient with those who may not like animals. But she doesn’t give up on them… she just goes very slowly to win them over. It took her a year of inching closer to one patient to make him a forever friend.
5. Penelope has her own sticker that patients love to put on water bottles and notebooks.