There are so many unique ways of making a difference for dogs in need. This week, we’re sharing the venture of a Rescue Ranch team member who’s using his artistic talents to help save dog lives. If you’ve been following us for a while, you might remember Caleb Armstrong from stories about our puppy program. We’re excited to announce that Caleb recently launched The Howling Thread, a nature-inspired merchandise brand that benefits dog rescue. Clothes that help homeless dogs? Yes please!
Artist and ‘Puppy Guy’
Caleb is passionate about dog rescue and saving innocent lives. He first joined the Rescue Ranch team in 2022 and his rapport with young puppies soon earned him the nickname ‘the Puppy Guy.’ He was deeply missed when he took a break from dog rescue for a sojourn in Southern California. After a few months, he returned to the north state more determined to help homeless dogs than ever. He now works at the Sanctuary as one of our primary caregivers.
Caleb’s art has always expressed his reverence for the natural world. Now that he lives and breathes dog rescue he says “it’s even deeper in my soul.” He works primarily with acrylics, paint pens, and inks to create symbolic designs featuring animals.
In the past, Caleb sold his art at festivals and similar venues. But working in rescue made him yearn to use his art to help dogs. That’s when he realized he could create a line of merchandise that combines his passions for art, the natural world, and dog rescue. Voila!
The Howling Thread
Enter The Howling Thread, a brand of merchandise adorned by Caleb’s nature-inspired artwork. Customers can choose from a wide range of shirts, hoodies, jackets, and hats. There’s even a doggy bandana and hoodie!
The Howling Thread logo depicts a dog crooning at the stars beside a craggy tree. Caleb says the design is authentic to his life with his rescue dogs Flow and Shine (both from Rescue Ranch). Talk about the perfect company mascots.
Caleb currently offers merchandise through his own website, as well as Shopify and Etsy. For now, goods are produced through print-on-demand manufacturers, but his goal is to keep everything as local as possible. To that end he’s teaming up with Siskiyou Laser in Yreka to make merchandise for his Etsy shop as well as local retailers. Oh, and of course Caleb’s merch is Rescue Ranch staff approved!
Working in dog rescue by day, Caleb hopes The Howling Thread will help bring attention to the plight of homeless dogs and the wider shelter crisis. He wants customers to know that he’s out there in the thick of it–cleaning kennels, scooping yards, monitoring puppies, and training adults. A generous 10% of The Howling Thread sales will go directly to Rescue Ranch. He’s also planning to literally tag Rescue Ranch on all his products.
Be on the lookout for The Howling Thread merchandise in local shops. You can also visit Caleb’s website and explore offerings on Shopify and Etsy. Watch for more designs to appear, including a wider range of eco-conscious fabrics. Stop by Caleb’s Facebook page to enjoy his beautiful artwork.
While regular Rescue Ranch merchandise is still available through our Adoption Center, Caleb is excited to offer his garments to everyone who wants to help make a difference for the dogs. What a great example of following your heart and “Doing it for the Dogs!”
