Hi there, I’m Lauren, the proud mum behind the brand! Let me introduce you to our little crew: my wonderful husband, Ryan, our spirited daughter, Evelyn (who’s basically our human puppy!), Poppy our sweet, 17-year-old rescue chihuahua (my first own dog at 17 years old!!), and of course, the star of the show, Riva. Riva’s our cheeky, ever-enthusiastic Cavapoo—she’s not only the face of our family business but also our Chief Executive Pup (CEP) and full-time product tester.
We’re thrilled to announce that Willow, our beautiful girl, is now with us and thriving! At almost 6 months old, she’s already jumped straight into quality control, ensuring every treat meets our high standards. Her sharp little nose is working overtime to make sure everything is up to scratch—she takes her job very seriously!
But that's not all! Willow has taken the lead in the PR department, joining us at various markets and events. She’s been charming everyone who crosses her path, making people swoon as they admire her beauty—both inside and out. Willow is a truly gorgeous addition to our family, and we’re so grateful to have her by our side, making the world a little brighter wherever she goes.
We’re a big, busy, chaotic, and loving family, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
A Heartfelt Goodbye to Poppy
With heavy hearts, we must share the sad news that our beloved Poppy has crossed over the rainbow bridge at 17 years young. Poppy was my first dog, my best friend, and a loyal companion who filled my life with love and joy. She has left an irreplaceable paw print on our hearts, and while we are heartbroken, we are incredibly grateful for the many long years we had together.
Poppy was more than a dog—she was family. Through every moment, whether joyful or tough, she was there, her soft fur and comforting presence always a source of peace. Her gentle soul and sweet spirit will never be forgotten. We will forever cherish the memories and the unconditional love she gave us. Our hearts will always carry her, and she will remain a part of our family forever.
A Year of Unexpected Turns
2024 was a year of unexpected turns for us. In September, I found myself in a position I wasn’t ready for. Due to some contract changes at my job, I had to step away from a role I loved. It hit me hard—not just because of the job itself but because of what it meant for me as a mum. I’d always juggled work, life, and family, trying to make it all fit together. But this change made me question everything. Suddenly, I felt like the pieces of my life were scattered in ways I couldn’t control.
For weeks, I felt like I was in a fog, unsure of what my next step should be. I’ve always been passionate about dog health and well-being, especially after seeing how much joy and comfort our pups bring to our family. I’ve spent years learning about dog care—from nutrition to grooming to finding the right products that support their health. But turning that passion into a full-time career? That felt like a leap I wasn’t sure I could make.
But sometimes, when you’re at your lowest, that’s when the lightbulb moment hits. After some soul-searching (and lots of chats with Ryan, who has always believed in me), I realised that my passion for dogs and my drive to create a better life for our family could become something beautiful. So, here we are—Riva’s Pups was born out of a desire to not only help our own pups live their best lives but to share that with other dog-loving families too.
What We’re All About
Riva’s Pups isn’t just a business. It’s my heart, my dream, and my chance to create something for my family. Every product we offer has been tested and approved by Riva (our CEP), and we’ve made sure that everything we sell is made with the love and care that we would want for our own pups. We’re not just here to sell products—we’re here to share a piece of our family with you. We want every dog to feel as loved, spoiled, and cared for as our own little furballs do.
Thank you for visiting Riva’s Pups, and for being a part of our journey. From our family to yours, we’re so happy to have you along for the ride!
With love,
Lauren (and Riva, our CEP 🐾)
