Few rescue dogs live the life Frank does. He travels frequently between New York City and Los Angeles, hangs out with rock stars, and even serves as inspiration for a line of doggie T-shirts and dresses. To say the Dachshund mix found a fabulous forever home would be an understatement.
Fashion designer Hanna Rochelle provides him with such a lifestyle. The creator of Lyric Culture — which partners with musicians to put memorable song lyrics on items including T-shirts and throw pillows — adopted Frank in 2006 from a Los Angeles shelter, just hours before his euthanasia date.
She meant for Frank to spend his days at the company’s offices in a converted mansion off the Sunset Strip, and then head home with one of a select group of employees each night. Rochelle soon realized her plan was not healthy for the rescue pup.
“At the time, I thought my schedule was too crazy to commit to an animal living full time with me,” she recalls. “But when I saw him park himself at the door every day around six, not knowing who he would go home with, it just broke my heart. I needed to give him stability. Frank truly became mine, and now he travels with me everywhere. He’s happy as long as he’s with mommy.”
Frank regularly tags along with Rochelle to meetings with musicians. He hung out with Aerosmith in the recording studio last year and also got love from INXS right before they played Beacon Theatre in New York City.
“They were all wearing black suits, and Frank sheds like crazy. He got dog hair all over them,” she says with an embarrassed laugh.
Back at the office, Frank contributes to the Lyric Culture creative process with his mere presence. The idea for a line of doggie clothing, available at PetSmart, came from his own stylish wardrobe and outgoing personality.
“I am always putting Frank in the cutest outfits,” Rochelle says. “So, I began thinking of cute lyrics that relate to dogs for T-shirts. Every dog has a different personality, one that often reflects the owner’s personality. I thought, what a great combo. People can show their love of music and their animals.”
The collection features phrases from nine much-loved songs: “Can’t Touch This,” “Bad to the Bone,” “Who Let the Dogs Out,” “All You Need Is Love,” “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,” “Walking On Sunshine,” “Yellow Submarine,” “Material Girl,” and “Maneater.”
Rochelle created the “Who Let the Dogs Out” T-shirt specifically to fit Frank’s personality. The little dog sparks ideas for other shirts all the time.
“There are so many more to do. ‘You just call out my name,’ by James Taylor, and Jay Z’s ’99 problems but a bitch ain’t one.’ We’re working on a holiday collection next,” she says, “with ‘Walking in a Winter Wonderland’ and ‘All I Want for Christmas Is You’ on T-shirts.”
Rochelle and Frank also represent Lyric Culture at charity events for animal organizations. Just this week, they appeared at the Makeover for Mutts benefit for Much Love Animal Shelter in Los Angeles, and PetSmart provided T-shirts from the Lyric Culture line for the event’s gift bags. Rochelle likes to support local rescue groups as much as possible.
“Rescue dogs appreciate you so much,” she explained. “They know you saved them. They are so loyal.”
PetSmart also has a Lyric Culture T-shirt or dress for five lucky Dogster readers! If you would like to win one for your pup, follow the instructions below.
HOW TO WIN
Would you like the chance to win a Lyric Culture T-shirt or dress? If so, please do the following:
- Create a Disqus account, if you haven’t already, and include a valid email. It takes just a minute and allows you to better participate in Dogster’s community of people who are passionate about dogs. If you already have a Disqus account, check it to ensure the account includes a valid email.
- Comment below using your Disqus account, telling us which T-shirt or dress you want and why the lyric fits your dog. See all nine designs at PetSmart.com. Bonus points for photos! Our favorite comments win.
- Check your email for a “You’ve Won!” message from us after noon, PST, on Wednesday, March 20. We’ll give the winners two days to respond before moving on to our next favorite comments.
Good luck!
