kathy and a dog named maggie

from a young age, I always had a love for dogs. they just seemed to wag their way into my heart at an early age.

I grew up with our family dog, wendy, from the time I was eight to age 20, so I knew I would always have a canine companion in my life.

So when Tom and I got married, getting a dog quickly became a top priority. In April 1994, we met a 12 week old puppy that had boundless energy and a smile that seemed bigger than life itself. It took no time at all for Maggie become the center of our comedy routine. "It's all about the comedy" quickly became the mantra as she uprooted houseplants and ate into our couch. So as she sprinted through our lives - and I mean that literally - we knew we had the greatest dog ever.

In 2006, I decided it was time to leave the full time world of advertising to pursue my own interest in jewelry design - after many years of constant travel, Maggie sat inside my suitcase one night in protest over yet ANOTHER business trip.

That was my signal. It was time to be home more.

Maggie quickly asserted herself as my business partner in my jewelry design business, Kuhl Studio LLC. And while her input was limited to letting me know it was time for the next meal, she was by far the best office mate I ever had in my career.

So, after 14 years of pure canine love, and providing the best care we could, we had to come to terms with Maggie's failing health due to arthritis. As much as we denied it, we saw it in her eyes - she had lived a full and happy life with us, but it was time for her to move on with the grace and dignity we were to give her as one last gift.

along came nelli

As the months passed, we sat in our "empty" house wondering if we could ever love another dog. And while we knew we would always miss our Maggie, our hearts began to feel ready for another canine adventure. After all, Tom told me, "we are dog people. We need to give another dog the same great life we gave to Maggie. She would insist on it".

So along came Nelli, a 2-year old lab from Homeward Bound Rescue Organization of Minnesota.

Nelli quickly assumed responsibilities as my new business partner. And her first project has been Maggie's Light candles by Nelli Designs.

After all, it has been through Nelli that we realized Maggie gave us many gifts: teaching us the true meaning of unconditional love and the importance of giving it, not just once, but throughout your life.

So Maggie's Light candles are Nelli's way of honoring Maggie - the dog who taught Tom and I how to love beyond ourselves, understand what is really important, and how to enjoy the simple pleasures of rolling in the grass and taking long walks through the woods.

Maggie's Light candles were created to honor the dog that taught us how to love.

And, more importantly, how to love again.