Canine comfort and the people behind the services that care for them
By Teri Kinne
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 9/4/24 – This summer I dug into Hollywood dog culture—beyond cute fur cuts and outfits—to the heart of dog care right now: food, health, community, and giving back.
Like some of you, I spend a significant part of my time and income feeding, housing, exercising, and entertaining my pets. I want them to be close to me, happy and healthy. As I searched for quality dog food to support my Chocolate Labrador into his senior years, I came across five new, high-quality dog services and products.
Kibble with a Mission (and Celebs)
Chrissy Teigen, model, TV personality and her husband, Grammy winning singer songwriter producer John Legend are dog people. Teigen even admits,” we’re a little dog obsessed”. They’ve created a beautiful family of kids and dogs together. Then they collaborated on their first business project together.
When I got the announcement that they launched a nutritious and price-accessible dog food brand this year, I was intrigued. The fact that they collaborated with Dr. Kwane Stewart, a veterinarian I admire for his work with Project Street Vet, made this news even more compelling. Learning they were hosting the monthly member mingle at DOG PPL, a private dog park I wanted to experience, it felt like it was all meant to be—just like the name of their brand, Kismet. Here’s what I discovered.
A Team of Experts with Heart
During the concept and development, Teigen and Legend reached out to veterinarian Dr. Kwane Stewart. I had been following Dr. Kwane for his impactful work through Project Street Vet, a nonprofit he founded that provides free veterinary care to pets of people experiencing homelessness. With 27 years of experience as a veterinarian, Dr. Kwane has dedicated much of his career to delivering non-judgmental medical care to these vulnerable pet families.
Dr. Kwane’s involvement with Kismet for dogs goes beyond advisory—he became a founding team member and serves as the brand’s Chief Veterinary Officer. His role at Kismet allows him to extend the mission of Project Street Vet by ensuring that the brand’s dog food not only nourishes pets but also supports broader animal welfare initiatives. Proceeds from Kismet contribute to keeping dog food pantries stocked for those in need.
Kismet recipes are developed by board-certified vet nutritionists. It contains natural ingredients, pre and probiotics. They incorporated merchandise and lifestyle elements to the brand (check out the Great Dane Sweatshirt I want). Proven operations and finance leader Mathé Young Mosny heads up the company as CEO.
The Hollywood Times Sent Me Out to Learn More
I met my media contact and the principals of the kismet brand at their colorful step-and-repeat entrance to DOG PPL. I brought my dog Mole’ (pronounced Mōlāy – like the Mexican chocolate sauce) along.
I’d come early to interview Dr. Kwane and to get to know Kismet for Dogs. I didn’t want to be distracted by the exciting atmosphere of DOG PPL so, I led us directly to a quiet bench to talk. I struggled to ignore the colorful dots of dogs and people orbiting us but I focused on Dr. Kwane. As I sat with this veteran veterinarian and charismatic entrepreneur that I admired, I sensed that he was as sincere, confident and experienced as I had hoped. It was an honor to be in his presence.
I asked how the brand was born. he said, “When Chrissy, John and I sat down, we talked about what we wanted to do. It was so simple: We wanted to create the best dog food on the market and also provide welfare for some of the neediest pets out there. And we’re doing just that”.
He said that part of the mission he was most drawn to was that nutrition is important.
Kwane added, “John & Chrissy could throw their money and name around anything and make money but it’s not about the money, it’s something they are both passionate about”.
Dr. Kwane let me know he’s been approached by many brands over the years and he’s declined. But he said yes to Kismet because he believes in it, and it supports his mission too.
A New Breed of Dog Park
When the interview wrapped up, I allowed myself to look around. Here was DOG PPL.
It felt like a Shangri la of pets and their people. We were on a baseball field-sized area of green artificial turf dotted with palm trees, and shade umbrellas. The arena was enclosed by a wood fence, with plenty of wood picnic tables, high tops, and Adirondack chairs. There was a lot of activity and a variety of breeds and people. I saw mixes and doddles, rescues and standard breeds. The was a bulldog in pink pearls and a Great Dane in what looked like crocs on his paws. Small dogs have their own yead but are welcome in the big dog field.
It was their monthly member mingle night, so the park was active, and a DJ spun upbeat summer sounds. A catering crew were making pizza, and the smell of dough baking made the dogs and I salivate.
That night, Kismet hosted the pizza bar and non-alcohol mixed drinks and three impressive photo ops. DOG PPL also offers a standard no-host bar, coffee and café’.
While I was there, the dog water bowls were refreshed often. Less important but a nice touch were the stations of self-serve lint brushes, canine cologne, and hand sanitizer.
I was surprised to see cleaning attendants quickly scooping dog droppings and another crew sanitizing those areas with (what I learned later, was) nontoxic disinfectant spray.
Occasionally there was a canine scuffle, and trained pros swooped into the mix like baseball players sliding into home. They wrangled the tussling dogs with bear hugs and pulled them away. I watched two situations successfully diffused that night.
I saw attendants scooping droppings and sanitizing crew spraying the area with (what I learned later) was nontoxic disinfectant. When there was a scuffle, a separate set of attendants swooped in like baseball players sliding into home, wrangling the dogs with bear hugs and pulling them away. They successfully diffused the two situations I observed that night.
This lot we were on had previously been 20,000 square feet of parking lot. But Co-founders Alexander Esguerra and Liam Underwood saw a vision and fulfilled it. DOG PPL is Los Angeles’ first canine social club. DOG PPL is a park, café, bar, and lounge, all in one. As they describe it, the park fuses the comfort and safety of a private members club with the community spirit of your favorite dog park. Membership is currently $120/month. Dogs need to verify all vaccinations and pass a behavior test to complete membership.
Then Chrissy and John Showed Up
These two are a compelling couple. He wore silky, athletic-style lounge jersey and shorts ensemble. She wore black heeled boots, cutoff jean shorts and a gauzy leopard print shrug. They brought my favorite dog of theirs, Pearl, a caramel and cream basset hound. Pearl wore a non-descript collar and a cheery demeaner. No dog pearls, thank goodness, but damn that would be cute on Peal.
They said hello to clusters of people and dogs, did a few on-camera interviews and took photos with us dog people.
I didn’t get to speak with them that night, but they’d previously told PEOPLE magazine, “We love dogs, we love food, we love the culture and community around dogs and being a pet parent,” And we thought, why not? Let’s create our own dog food and create a brand that celebrates dog culture and community and connects pet parents around the country.”
I appreciated the celebrity couple attending. It gave me the impression that they’re personally invested in the product and its impact on health and community.
It was sunset when we left the park. Both well-fed, well-socialized, and grateful for the experience. Mole’ scored Kismet treats to go and a cool kerchief in snappy Kismet brand colors.
Kismet for dogs is available in nine pound or 19-pound bags and can be ordered individually or through easy subscription at a reduced rate. Snacks, treats, kerchiefs and more are available too.
Pearls for Pets
I had to know more about those dog pearls. I looked at several versions online. Digging deeper than the cheap and fast plastic made overseas, I was happy to find Hypnotic Dog accessories. They’re a small husband & wife business in Southern California who create “A collar as unique as your dog”.
The website describes beads ranging from wooden to ceramic to semi-precious gemstone beads. They’re hand strung on aircraft-grade steel wire and securely crimped on each end. The collars are fully functional, leash friendly and can withstand 380 pounds of breaking strength.
An added beauty – Hypnotic Dog regularly donates 10% of profits to rescues and shelters.
Ok, What About Those “Crocs” for Dogs?
When I researched that, the closest thing to Crocs that I found were these Wagwellies. In my search, they consistently were referred to as Crocs for dogs. They seem to be the most legitimate company. I found other versions on Amazon and Walmart. But the Wagwear Wagwellies seemed to be the gold standard. I read that creator Amy Harlow was looking for functional and fun footwear for her active dogs. He had an education in fashion and a career in modeling, so Amy brought her expertise to the dog park. In 1998 the Wagwear brand was born. It offers chic, utilitarian and modern design paw shoes, leashes and coats. Easy for your dog to trot on the beaches of LA and the streets of Hollywood the same weekend.
Overheard at the Park: Canine Massage
I’d heard about canine massage at the dog park and wanted to investigate. I set up an interview with my friend’s husband who specializes in this dog wellness service. Gene Rukavina is the owner of Dancing Dog Massage. I met with him at a park in the valley to learn more about this unique niche. I brought my dog Mole’ hoping we’d get a demonstration.
Rukavina had just come from a massage session. As we strolled the park, I tried to get a sense of who books a massage for their dog without asking the question directly. I’d only seen a parody of the concept on Instagram – think fluffy doodle in a spa towel and eye mask.
My conversation with Rukavina went something like this.
Me: Wow, I’m impressed that you’re in professional med scrubs.
R: Oh Yea, I’ve been in the veterinary field for 29 years as an RVT (Registered Vet Tech). This is what we wear. I just came from a regular client’s home.
Me: People get regular massages for their dog? Does the dog have health issues or are they a senior? Is this client rich? What breed is their dog?
R: Yes, some get weekly or monthly massages. This one was a terrier mix. Nothing wrong with the dog’s health, she’s about five years old and I’d say the owner is about an average earner for LA.
Me: So why does the client do it?
“Just for the dog. He says that afterward, she is more energetic and happier” Gene replied, smiling. “That’s why I called my work Dancing Dog Massage—it makes your dog feel like a puppy again.”
I was surprised but happy to hear it. I asked how he got started in this work.
Rukavina explained that he’d been working in the veterinary field for years when he met his then girlfriend, now wife, who encouraged him to make this dream a reality. So, in 2015, he became a Certified Canine Massage Therapist (CCMT) because, as he put it, “I wanted to do more.” He already had a deep understanding of canine behavior, anatomy, and physiology. His massage business took off right away after being spotted by Channel 5 News who highlighted his work. Now he practices both professions, Certified Vet Tech and Certified Canine Massage Therapist.
We settled down in the shade to see his work in action. Mole’ who is friendly and eager for affection, sat down with his paws stretched out in front. Rukavina first petted then kneaded my dog’s fur and muscles. He went on gently manipulating my dog’s leg joints, running his fingers down his spine and rubbing into his shoulder bones. Mole’ began to relax. His whole body softened, eventually lying down on his side then rolling onto his back with a big smile on his face. It was heartwarming to witness the effect Rukavina’s work.
Mole’ was almost asleep when our sample session finished. A basic (no frills) full massage for a dog Mole’s size (Labrador) runs about 50 minutes and costs $60. Small to medium dogs range from $40-$50 for a half hour to forty minutes.
Rukavina summed up his passion simply: “I love dogs with all my heart and want to improve their quality of life.”
Always More to Discover in Hollywood Dog Culture
This is just a handful of current quality products and services serving our pet pals. From healthy and easy food that helps others to luxury accessories and specialized wellness treatments, L.A.’s dogs are living the good life.
Oh, and I did indulge a little and ordered a lustrous, ivory-colored pearl collar for Mole’. Now he’s healthy, happy and oh so Hollywood.
