Original article can be read online here: https://www.wickedlocal.com/story/old-colony-memorial/2020/12/14/proceeds-plymouth-online-store-help-dog-charities/6482286002/

Plymouth dog lover donates proceeds from online store to canine charities

Written by Dave Kindy, Wicked Local

When it comes to canines, Stacy Padula is an unabashed dog lover. Her own two long-haired dachshunds, Briley and Baxter, are near and dear to her heart. So much so that the Plymouth author, tutor, mentor and college counselor even named her publishing company and an online business after them.

“While 2020 has been difficult because of the pandemic, I’ve really enjoyed the time I’ve spent working from home,” she said. “I always have Briley and Baxter next to me, even when I’m online in virtual meetings.”

The dachshund duo is so important to Padula that she decided to go a step further with her eponymous businesses by donating proceeds to animal rescue organizations. She started with Briley & Baxter Publications, contributing 10 percent of paperback and 20 percent of hardcover profits to selected dog-benefiting charities.

“I wanted to help more authors get their voices out there,” said Padula, who also published her own series of faith-based novels about the pressures faced by young people today. “It’s a way of building the brand and helping others. It all adds up.”

When she started her own online store, it was a no-brainer to name it after her pampered pooches. Not only that, Padula decided that the product line would include goods featuring the images of Briley and Baxter.

“It all began when I started an Instagram page for Briley and Baxter,” she said. “I got 5,900 followers and made a lot of close friends. So I got this idea to start selling clothing and gifts featuring both dogs. I already had the artwork done for my publishing company. I just figured it would be a lot fun for dog lovers.”

Padula established the Briley & Baxter Shop on Etsy last month. She also decided to up the ante and donate 50 percent of profits to a different dog charity each month. For December, proceeds are going to Tiny Tim on Wheels Foundation, a group that helps dogs with a condition Padula knows all about.

“Tiny Tim helps dogs with intervertebral disc disease,” said Padula, who also operates South Shore College Consulting & Tutoring to help high school students prepare for their higher education. “Baxter suffers from that. It can cause paralysis and can cost thousands of dollars for surgery. Many dogs end up having to use canine wheelchairs to get around. Fortunately, Baxter didn’t get that bad, but he did need eight weeks of bed rest to recover.”

Her store offers a variety of products, including mugs, hats, flip flops, hoodies, backpacks, face masks, socks, jewelry and much more – all bearing the images of her two cuddly dachshunds. The new venture is just gaining traction, and sales are picking up. Padula hopes the holiday season will drive more interest in the Briley and Baxter items so dog charities will benefit.

“I’m not really in it for the money,” she said. “I just want to cover expenses and make donations to animal rescue groups. The goal is to raise funds and awareness for these organizations.”

To check out the Briley and Baxter Shop, visit www.etsy.com/shop/TwoCuddlyDachshunds.

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