Cushioned By Love

The idea for Paws For Thought snuck upon me suddenly. Most mornings, you will find me walking on a Scottish beach with the dogs, thinking through the day ahead and what I want to get done. And as I watched my canine pals dash through the low tide, it arrived – the idea for a simple, creative project that re-cycled beautiful materials and would make dogs and their humans happy. Most importantly it would also provide a fund-giving stream for The Super Power Agency.

The Power of Story-Telling

The Super Power Agency is a charity that works directly with some of Scotland’s most disadvantaged young people. The agency collaborates directly with writers, schools and businesses to enable young people to express themselves creatively - to put pen to paper and write their own stories. Profits generated by MHS Design support the S.P.A and other similar organisations. I am extremely passionate about the charity’s work and will bend the ear of anyone I know who can contribute to it.

Material Gain

The world of Interior Design has become increasingly aware of the need to reuse and recycle. And these aims sit at the heart of all my designs. So, I was wondering, how to make sure remnants and unwanted lengths of beautiful fabric are not wasted. And suddenly, as I walked alongside the shore, there it was. A new idea. Dog beds! Made and sold on behalf of The Super Power Agency.

Super Nelly

Nelly is a key member of The Super Power Agency’s team. It is her job to visit schools, attend workshops and encourage young people to mix and chat. Love and affection are her super powers. She may be small but she makes a big difference.

Nelly lives a charmed life with her human Claire and her mischievous cat brother Haggis. But life wasn’t always so happy. Until the age of six, Nelly was cooped up in a small kitchen and used for breeding. Her fifth and final litter of puppies were all stillborn and thankfully she was re-homed. Chasing squirrels and sleeping on her Paws For Thought bed are amongst Nelly’s favourite pastimes.

An Aristocrat Abandoned

In 2008, Manchita and her puppy siblings were left on the doorstep of a well-known animal lover. It was a desperately tough start to a young life but thankfully, Manchita found a new home in Edinburgh through Facebook.

Manchita adores her Paws For Thought bed. And no wonder. Once she was settled in her Scottish home, her new guardians researched her pedigree and discovered an extraordinary back-story. One of Manchita’s forebears features in a baroque painting from the Workshop of 17th Century Spanish Court painter Diego Velázquez. From Street Dog to Aristocrat – thanks to the internet!

The Writer’s Friend

The work of an author can be lonely. A desk, a computer, the pressure of deadlines. Occasionally it can all feel a little isolating. But add a dog into the equation and suddenly the daily routine is positively changed.

Sara Sheridan has written more than 20 books. During Covid, her life and that of her family, was transformed by Dotty. For a number of years, this little dog had rarely been taken for a walk. She was also carrying a variety of injuries including a broken jaw. Sara was asked if she could provide a new home for Dotty and happily, she was able to. ‘I love being interrupted by Dotty’ says Sara. ‘Walks to the park and the beach are a joy for her and for me. She makes sure I look out and beyond my typed word and I know I am a better writer for walking alongside her.’

A Beautiful Blond

Carmena is a long-limbed beauty. She is a perfect model for Paws For Thought. She is able to sit still and look dreamily into the distance while musing on…what trouble she can cause next!

Within her human family, her name has evolved – Carmena…Carmenace…Menace COME HERE!!
Meanwhile, being a former Albanian Street Dog, rescued in 2016, Carmena can’t believe her luck.