Lucy: The Heart and Soul of Lucy & Co.

Every great story has a beginning, and for Lucy & Co., that beginning is a spirited, big-eyed pug-Boston terrier mix named Lucy. The muse behind our brand, Lucy’s tale is as heartwarming as it is inspiring. From her humble beginnings to her unexpected role as a canine influencer, Lucy’s journey is a testament to the bond between humans and their dogs.

Love at First Sight

In 2009, Ahmed, half of the dynamic duo behind Lucy & Co., found himself yearning for a dog. As someone who had never had a pet before, he reached out to a friend for advice. That friend, who worked at a pet store, introduced Ahmed to Lucy, a tiny bundle of joy from Minnesota. “I didn’t grow up with pets,” Ahmed recalls. “But when I met Lucy, it was love at first sight. I took her home that very day.”

Lucy quickly became Ahmed’s constant companion. In his 20s, Ahmed and Lucy figured out life together. Whether they were exploring local parks, capturing moments on camera, or simply relaxing at home, Lucy was there for it all. It wasn’t long before she became the first-ever post on Ahmed’s flourishing project, Dogs of Instagram.

A Life of Inspiration

“Lucy was the spark,” says Ashley, Ahmed’s partner in both life and business. When the two met in 2011, Lucy had already started carving out her legacy. In 2011 Dogs of Instagram was created and quickly gained traction. Lucy’s quirky personality and undeniable charm were central to its early success. With the success of this Instagram account, Lucy traveled with Ahmed and Ashley to events, from a Purina headquarters visit to attending dog-centric movie premieres. 

“Lucy had a funny, magnetic personality,” Ashley says. “People were drawn to her, not because she was famous, but because she had this unique charm. She was goofy yet elegant, with her squishy pug face and agile Boston terrier body. And her big, expressive eyes? They melted hearts.”

From Muse to Family

Lucy’s influence didn’t stop at social media. In 2014, Ahmed and Ashley officially launched Lucy & Co., naming the brand after their beloved pup. Lucy was more than a muse; she was family. As Ashley fondly puts it, “She was our first child.”

But Lucy wasn’t just a figurehead. She played a hands-on role in shaping the brand’s identity. From being the model for countless photo shoots to inspiring product designs that prioritized both function and style, Lucy was at the heart of it all. The company’s commitment to creating gear that’s as practical as it is fashionable stems directly from Lucy’s needs and personality. She inspired practical innovations, like the first puffer vest designed by Lucy & Co., tailored to keep her warm during chilly Minnesota winters.

A Special Bond

As Lucy ages, her role evolves. Despite facing challenges like arthritis and the loss of her sight and hearing, Lucy’s resilient spirit continues to shine. Ahmed and Ashley adapted their care routines, marveling at Lucy’s ability to navigate life with her remaining senses. “She’s adjusted so well,” Ahmed says. “Her sense of smell has become her superpower. Watching her persevere is inspiring.”

These later years brought a quieter kind of magic. Lucy’s days are now filled with snuggles, the scent of salmon treats, and moments of pure love with her family. She may no longer travel to events or star in photoshoots, but her legacy lives on in every product Lucy & Co. creates and every customer story the brand celebrates.

A Legacy of Love

Lucy’s story is a reminder of the profound impact dogs can have on our lives. “Pets are a chosen family,” Ashley reflects. “They inspire us, bring joy, and teach us about unconditional love. Lucy has not only been a source of inspiration for us but has also allowed us to connect with our customers and their incredible relationships with their dogs.”

Today, Lucy is 15 going on 16—a senior pup with a lifetime of adventures and a legacy that’s touched countless lives. Her story continues to inspire Ahmed, Ashley, and the entire Lucy & Co. community to celebrate the bond between humans and their pets.

Lucy isn’t just the heart of Lucy & Co.; she’s a symbol of the love, resilience, and joy that dogs bring into our lives. Here’s to Lucy, the dog who started it all.