Do you sense it? That tiny hint of spring in the air? It’s enough to make the soul a bit giddy and the pups even more zoomie. It also makes this weekend the perfect time to visit the Dallas Farmers Market, where leashed pets are ALWAYS welcome, for a tail-wagging Mardi Paw good time!
On Saturday, March 1, from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., get to know the adorable, adoptable pups from Doodle Rock Rescue, as well as learn about the incredible working dogs of the Dallas Police Department’s Canine Squad at their meet and greet. And don’t miss out, from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., dressing up your pup in their best Mardi Gras-inspired costumes and competing in the DFM Doggy Costume Contest.
After all these pawsitive events, make sure to trot on by Lula Pup Shop, found in The Shops at Harvest Lofts, for doggie treats, toys, and all things fluffy fun and funny, including a bead collar bar to celebrate Mardi Paw in style. Choose from one of the premade designs with new designs available every other week, or make one of your own.
Lula Pup Shop, named after their animal shelter rescue chihuahuas Luna and Lola, started as a way for owner Romina Martinez Venecia (Ro) to honor her grandma Julia.
“Both of my grandmas loved to sew and always tried to teach me. I honestly never really found it interesting, but I was really struggling in the months following the August 2019 passing of my grandma Julia. She left many things behind, one of them being her sewing machine, so I talked to my mom about making Christmas bandanas for my dogs as a way to include grandma in our first Christmas without her. My mom and I then started sewing bandanas for friends and family, my brothers made a logo for the brand, and before we knew it, we were selling them at markets next to my dad selling Churros.”
As her business grew, Ro landed a spot at the 2021 Boho Market at Pearl Plaza, fell in love with the Dallas Farmers Market, then immediately knew she needed to be a part of the community.
“We started at The Shed with no idea that one day we would have our own store here, but when the opportunity arrived, I didn’t hesitate. It was something I never thought would ever be possible, so once it was mentioned, I couldn’t say no!”
Currently Ro’s mom, Alicia, makes all the dog bandanas and bow ties, while Ro concentrates on creating the shirts, hats, tote bags, dog collars, and leashes. In order to keep prices affordable for all pet parents, they also pack a large majority of the delicious treats with help from her father, Alberto.
Ro is so thankful Lula Pup Shop is truly a family affair, including her two new Dallas Animal Shelter rescue dogs, Skye and Indi. Lula Pup Shop is an equal opportunity spoiler with plenty of items for cat lovers as well, so take this chance to stop by and congratulate them on their first anniversary in The Shops at Harvest Lofts. Your beloved pets will be glad you did!
The Dallas Farmers Market is beyond fortunate to be filled with incredibly talented and locally based entrepreneurs here to indulge your four-legged family members and you. Come wander and discover during this gorgeous, sun-filled weekend.
