Pet’s Place: Pillow-Loving Pooch Rarely Misses a Photo Op
See how Penda the dog makes her way into almost all of her owner’s interior design work
Penda’s owner hasn’t been in the interior design business too long, but this dog is already a pro at posing for interior design photos. When she’s not modeling, you’ll find her begging for a car ride or playing with her two human siblings.
On the job: Kristin is an interior designer, blogger and pillow maker, and Penda likes to inject herself into Kristin’s work. “She often poses in my interior shots,” Kristin says. “In fact, it’s hard to get shots without her because she follows me everywhere!”
When not holding a pose for the camera, Penda curls up next to Kristin as she works from home all day.
When not holding a pose for the camera, Penda curls up next to Kristin as she works from home all day.
Favorite part of the workday: It’s not uncommon to see Penda lying next to or even on some of Kristin’s pillow creations, such as the five on the sofa behind her here. Kristin has been selling the pillows since September 2016. She makes them herself and finds most of the vintage fabrics at local flea markets. Penda always wants to go along on any road trips for work. She also gets to tag along when Kristin picks up the kids at school.
Payment method: Lots of hugs and kisses, especially from the kids.
After hours: Penda loves to sleep all around the house, especially sprawled out in the sunshine at the bottom of the couple’s bed.
After hours: Penda loves to sleep all around the house, especially sprawled out in the sunshine at the bottom of the couple’s bed.
Human siblings: Penda was 2 when Kristin and Brandon’s son was born. “She wasn’t sure what to think,” Kristin says. “She was a bit jealous.” Then, a few years later, Penda got another human sibling. Over time, she became super sweet with the kids, even allowing herself to be pushed around in the stroller by them.
“She will always be our first baby,” Kristin says. “We love her enormously and she taught us how to be parents.”
Read more stories about pets at home
“She will always be our first baby,” Kristin says. “We love her enormously and she taught us how to be parents.”
Read more stories about pets at home
Pet at a Glance
Pet: Penda, a Cavachon
Age: 9
Location: Venice, California
Owners: Kristin and Brandon Dion
Meet Penda: This Southern California dog joined the family shortly after Kristin and Brandon Dion got married 10 years ago. They had just returned from a volunteer honeymoon in Africa and decided on a name that’s the Swahili word for love.