About Cindy & SpanielBowls
First and foremost, I love dogs. From early childhood, my fondest and saddest memories revolve around dogs. I know most of us feel the same, that our dogs are kindred spirits.
I cry every time I hear a sad story of someone losing their dog, and I also cry every time I see a wonderfully happy story about a dog. I love puppies, and I love old dogs even better.
So, I guess it is not surprising, that in later years, I landed on this path to creating things that I think are so helpful to dogs, and is also incredibly gratifying work for me. When I was in my late 20ties, (that was the late 70ties), I lived in San Diego, along with my husband of now over 40 years, and our cocker spaniels, Chelsea & Midnight. I worked outside the home, but also seemed to have time for hobbies. It was at that time that I started in hobby ceramics a low-fire ware, created from casting slip and molds. I was extremely prolific, so of course, as is my nature, started my first business in ceramics called "Stocking Stuffers". It was strictly Christmas Ware. I sold very well, as I always paid attention to detail in my work…. At some point, I moved on to other crafts. I kept my kiln however, and. in the mid-1980's I was back in school, and also working for a stained glass company. I taught a few classes in stained glass making, sold the glass, and also fired glass decals on beveled glass discs that became light catchers. At that time I also took an art class at school. I made one hand thrown mug, and one hand thrown and extruded wine glass of stoneware. I did this on a kick wheel, which indicates my age I guess.
So fast forward many years to the late nineties when I got into cavaliers. I really didn’t realize, at first, that I needed one of these bowls (another gal made them at the time).
By the time I realized I needed one, the gal that made them, had retired. So, I got it in my head that I might do this myself. Coincidentally, I had wanted to buy a show dog and felt that if I sold 400 of these bowls, I could afford this dog. And that was how SpanielBowls.com began, with a goal, and an idea of how to reach that goal.
Suffice to say, that idea, and inspired passion has led me to many years of joy.
I love that I get to work at home, with my dogs near me.
I love that I get to talk to so many dog owners, sharing in their joys and even their sorrows.
I love that I make products that I truly believe help our dogs’ live better lives.
I love that I am an American Girl, who has created American business with an American product that has been successful. No small feat in this day.
I love that I continue to learn and grow in my work, taking sculpture lessons, collaborating with other artists, attending continued education pottery workshops, and more, while still remaining singly focused on the dogs. And finally, I love that I continue to love what I am doing, even as I grow older.