How My Two Dogs Became the Faces of Grandma Jen Crafts

When I first started crocheting pet bandanas, I never imagined that my two pups would become such an important part of the process. Not only are they my constant companions and quality control experts (read: treat-motivated supervisors), but they’ve also become my official models—and honestly, the stars of the show!

Meet My Furry Models

Let me introduce you to the faces behind the bandanas:

Bergie, my cattle dog/bloodhound mix, is the calm and patient one (well…out of the two!) He’ll sit still just long enough to let me snap a few pictures – as long as there’s a treat waiting for him afterward. He loves soft yarn and will happily test out new bandana or pet blanket styles for hours if it means snoozing on the couch wrapped in cozy crochet!

Neely, on the other hand, is our younger pup full of energy and personality. Her photoshoots are a bit more… full of puppy spirit! She’s the one who reminds me that pet bandanas need to be comfortable, secure, and made to move. If it can survive her zoomies, it’s ready for anything!

Why I Chose to Use My Own Dogs as Models

When I was first brainstorming how to show off my designs, I knew I wanted the photos to feel real and relatable. Stock images or borrowed pet photos just wouldn’t cut it. I wanted shoppers to see my bandanas in action—on happy and dogs living their everyday lives. Who better for that job than my own pups?

Plus, it gave me the chance to test fit, comfort, and durability in real-time. I learned quickly which yarns were too stiff, which ties held best, and what sizes worked best for different breeds. It’s a fun and functional partnership! And honestly, they’ve been much more cooperative than I expected now that they know to expect extra treats and belly rubs.

Behind the Scenes: The Reality of Using Pets as Models for Your Handmade Business

Let’s just say… it’s not always as glamorous as it looks. There are plenty of outtakes: mid-scratch poses, blurry zooms, tongues out, derpy facial expressions, you get the idea! But those moments are part of the charm. It reminds me that these products aren’t just cute—they’re meant to be worn, played in, and loved by real pets.

I try to give myself plenty of time during each photoshoot to allow for extra retakes. 

I’ve also learned to pick my opportunities – days when my pups are wound up and have tons of energy to unleash are not ideal for asking them to pose for a bunch of pictures. Instead I try to wait until they’re a bit calmer or tired – this makes the experience better for all of us!

Bonus: While maybe not ideal for say, Etsy listing photos, “blooper” shots are great for posting to social media as anyone with pets can relate to their goofier moments! 

Bringing Personality to Each Product

Using my dogs as models helps me show how each bandana adds a bit of personality and style to your pet’s look. Whether it’s a classic solid color, a fun seasonal print, or something with a little sparkle, I try to capture the spirit of each piece—just like I capture the unique charm of my own dogs.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and try using pets as models for your handmade business!