Corgis in Costumes, Rocks in the Creek, and a Sketch on the Wall
- Alex Reynolds
- Jul 29, 2025
- 11 min read
Updated: Sep 21, 2025
A Parade of Corgis
Every fall in Fort Collins, something strange and wonderful happens: the streets of Old Town fill with corgis. Not just any corgis, costumed corgis. Astronaut corgis. Superhero corgis. Corgis dressed like tacos, dragons, and Victorian ladies. It’s called the Tour de Corgi, and I used to watch it roll by from my shop window when I worked downtown. Well, actually I would run outside to the sidewalk, taking a break from work, to get closer to the action. I didn’t realize how much those moments had stuck with me until much later.
I wasn’t in the dog industry. I wasn’t making dog jewelry. But year after year, I’d find myself grinning as those stumpy-legged, proud little dogs marched by in their finest cosplay. It was pure joy, silly, devoted, and full of heart.
I didn’t know it at the time, but those corgis were planting a seed. And recently, that seed has started to grow into something much bigger: a full jewelry project dedicated to celebrating dogs, starting with the breed that first stole the spotlight.
Table of Contents
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A Whisper Becomes a Howl
As I’ve been growing my business, I make a point to connect with other makers, artists, and entrepreneurs whenever I can. Over time, I noticed a pattern: the more I networked, the more I ran into people obsessed with dogs, people who work with dogs, design for dogs, or just plain nerd out about them. And more than a few of them told me the same thing: “You need to make dog jewelry.”
It sounded like a fun idea, but at the time, it wasn’t high on my priority list. That changed after a conversation with Monique, founder of Silver Paw Studio. She and I met up to talk shop, and what started as a friendly chat quickly turned into a crash course on just how big the dog world is here in Northern Colorado.
She told me about the number of national-level dog events that come through the area. She talked about the booming demand for services like grooming and how even those are booked up for weeks. But the moment that really clicked with me was when she brought up the Tour de Corgi. That same corgi parade I used to watch from the sidewalk? Turns out it’s not just cute, it’s part of a much larger, passionate community of dog lovers who are always on the lookout for something unique and meaningful to celebrate the dogs they adore. And as it turns out, this it’s not just a local event. People fly in from all over the country to take part in the Tour de Corgi.
By the end of that meeting, I could feel things shifting. Dog jewelry wasn’t just a fun idea anymore, it needed to move to the top of my list.
Corgis: The First Leap
After that conversation, I knew I needed to make dog jewelry, but not just any dog jewelry. Monique had made a great point during our meeting: there’s already a lot of generic pet jewelry out there. Paw prints. Bones. They’re cute, sure, but they don’t speak to the connection people have with their dog. It’s often just one-size-fits-all, and for many dog lovers, that’s getting old.
I wanted to create something more personal, something that would make someone pause and say, “That’s my dog.” That meant digging deeper, and starting smaller. Instead of trying to design something universal, I decided to start specific.
That’s how I landed on corgis.
They’re instantly recognizable, packed with personality, and have one of the most passionate fan bases I’ve ever seen. Even people who don’t own corgis tend to have strong opinions about them, and if you do love corgis, you really love corgis. They're the kind of breed people plan their tattoos around. The kind of breed that shows up on socks, stationery, sweaters, and calendars.
They also made a natural starting point for another reason: my wife has a soft spot for them. They’re not her favorite breed, but their big personalities in little bodies always get a smile out of her. And for me? My most memorable corgi connection might come from anime. One of my favorite shows, Cowboy Bebop, features a genetically enhanced corgi named Ein. He’s loyal, smart, and just a little weird. He’s part of the crew, not just a pet. Watching that show left an impression on me, and Ein has stuck with me ever since as one of my favorite characters of the show.
So between the local corgi parade, the national fan-base, and a few gentle nudges from the people around me, the decision became obvious: if I was going to design dog jewelry that felt personal and specific, corgis were the perfect place to start.
Dog Days of Childhood
While I’ve never owned a corgi myself, my love for dogs runs deep, and it goes way back. I spent a lot of time as a kid at my grandmother’s house, which sat on the edge of town, where the driveways turned to gravel and the properties opened up into fields. She always had a whole pack of dogs running around the place. At any given time, there were at least a few, some older, some younger, but all of them were family.
There was one in particular, a fox terrier, born right around the same time I was. We grew up side by side, chasing each other around the yard, playing fetch, and keeping each other company. He wasn’t the kind of dog who read your mind or sat quietly at your feet, he was the kind who lit up the second you stepped outside. Every visit, he’d race over like I’d been gone a year, tail wagging, ready to run and play. My grandmother always said the dogs missed us while we were away, and honestly, I believed her.
And then there was the odd family tradition that made our pack even more unique: these dogs didn’t chase sticks, they chased rocks. That behavior started with one dog who passed away before I was born, but apparently they had a thing for rocks. Big ones, little ones, the kind that made a good kerplunk when you tossed them into the creek. That dog trained the others, and they kept the tradition going, passing it down from one generation to the next. So there I was, growing up in this little corner of the world, throwing rocks into the creek for a group of dogs who thought that was the height of fun.
I didn’t realize it then, but those early experiences, being surrounded by dogs, learning to read their personalities, playing, watching, connecting, taught me something important. It taught me to notice the little quirks that make a dog unforgettable. And those are the same kinds of details I’m trying to capture now in my sketches. Not just “a corgi,” but that corgi. The one who tilts her head when she hears your voice. The one who thinks she’s bigger than the whole world.
This project might have started with a parade and a few conversations, but when I sit down to draw, it’s those rock-chasing, water-splashing dogs from my childhood who show up with me.
When Ideas Spark Collaboration
After that meeting with Monique, I couldn’t stop thinking about all the possibilities. I knew I wanted to start sketching, but I also knew I didn’t want to create in isolation. So I reached out to Sheri Lauren.
Sheri Lauren and I have worked on several creative projects together over the last year or so, and she’s someone I deeply admire as both an artist and a collaborator. When we met up, I told her everything, about the corgi parade, the growing dog-focused community in Northern Colorado, and the need for something more heartfelt than another paw print charm. She lit up right away.
Within minutes, we were bouncing ideas around. She suggested we take one of our monthly Art Walk events and make it dog-themed, then follow it with a cat-inspired one the next month. It was the kind of idea that felt right the moment it landed. Not long after that, she told me she was curating a gallery exhibit at the Museum of Art Fort Collins, centered around dogs and cats, and she invited me to be part of it.
I didn’t hesitate. This wasn’t the kind of opportunity I’d let my insecurities erode. We brainstormed together to make sure the sketches would fit well with the overall vision for the exhibit, and I got to work preparing my pieces for display.
Internally, I was feeling all the nerves you might expect from someone about to have their work included in a museum show for the first time. But on the outside, I did my best to keep it cool. Not sure how successful I was, but I was proud to be included, and determined to rise to the occasion.
A First for Me, And a Peek for You
This is my first time being included in an art gallery. And not just any gallery, the Museum of Art Fort Collins. That’s still a little surreal to say out loud.
For some artists, showing early sketches might feel risky. But for me, it’s second nature. I was trained in design school to share rough work early and often, before the lines are clean, before the ideas are fully formed, because that’s where the richest feedback comes from. And I still believe that. It doesn’t make the nerves disappear, but I’ve learned to push through them. Sharing the messy parts has become a core part of how I work, and it’s deeply baked into my brand. I even post videos of my sketching process online as a way to invite people into the journey.
So when I was invited to participate in the exhibit, I didn’t show up with a polished product. I brought the beginning.
The pieces on display are concept sketches for my corgi-inspired jewelry line. They’ve been refined a bit, tightened and cleaned up so they pop on the gallery wall, but I’ve left the hand-written notes right where they belong. You’ll see details like measurements, material choices, and finish plans, things like where a surface should be polished to catch the light or left satin-smooth for softness and contrast.
Those notes might not look glamorous, but they’re where the real design decisions live.
Along the way, I’ve also had some incredibly helpful conversations that have already influenced the work. A local corgi owner and trainer generously let me photograph her dogs and gave me insights into the breed that only a true enthusiast would know. One detail she pointed out: floppy ears, while cute in a sketch, wouldn’t fly with serious corgi fans. Upright ears are a defining trait, and that kind of detail matters when you’re designing for people who know and love their breed.
So no, this isn’t a finished collection. But it is the heart of it. These sketches represent the early shape of something I believe in, and getting to share them in a museum feels like a powerful first step.
And this won’t be the last. I’ve been invited to participate in another gallery soon, and I’ll share more on that when the time is right.
Sketches, Dreams, and What’s Next
The concept sketches currently hanging in the gallery are just the start.
This project began as a way to explore something fun and niche, corgis, but the more I work on it, the more excited I get about where it could go. I already have ideas for expanding into other breeds, and I’m continuing to refine the designs so they’re not just beautiful, but wearable, meaningful, and lasting.
Every detail I draw is driven by personality. Not just “What does this breed look like?” but “What does this breed feel like to the people who love them?” That’s where the magic lives.
Right now, I’m still in the design phase, but production is on the horizon. I’ll be sharing updates as the pieces come to life, both here on the blog and over on social media. I also plan to keep posting behind-the-scenes content as I work through each breed and each new design.
If you’re a corgi lover, a dog person in general, or just someone who enjoys seeing how an idea evolves from sketch to reality, I’d love to have you along for the journey. You can sign up for my email list using the form at the bottom of this page. That’s the best way to be the first to hear about new sketches, updates, release dates, and opportunities to give feedback as the collection takes shape.
What started with a parade, a few conversations, and some scribbles in a sketchbook is turning into something real, and that’s just the beginning.
FAQ
Will the corgi jewelry be available for purchase?
Eventually, yes! Check the store to see if it’s available by the time you read this. As of this writing, the designs are still in development, and right now what’s on display are early concept sketches. Once the pieces are finalized and ready for production, I’ll share updates through the blog and email list, so if you haven’t already, be sure to scroll down and sign up.
What kinds of jewelry will be in the collection?
The current plan includes at least a pendant and earrings, but I’m exploring other possibilities like rings depending on how the designs evolve and the feedback I receive. Each piece is being designed with both character and craftsmanship in mind.
Can I request a custom piece based on my own dog?
Yes. At the time of writing I am accepting custom jobs. While this collection is meant to feel personal, even without customization, if you would like something you don’t see I’d be happy to help you create the perfect jewelry. Just let me know here.
Will you be making jewelry for other dog breeds?
Yes! Corgis are just the starting point. I chose them because they’re distinct, beloved, and full of personality, but I absolutely plan to expand the line to include more breeds in the future. If there’s a breed you’re hoping to see, feel free to reach out and let me know.
Where can I see the sketches in person?
The concept sketches are currently part of a special exhibit at the Museum of Art Fort Collins. When you visit the museum, come in through the main entrance. Walk down the hall till you see the stairs and elevator to your right. Take one of them up and you will see room 215 right in front of you. Enter the room, turn right, take the ramp down and turn around. The exhibit will be on the wall in front of you. If the door to the room is locked, be sure to let person manning the desk in the gift shop by the main entrance know, and tell them you are dying to see the upstairs exhibit. It’s a group show celebrating both dogs and cats through various creative media.
How can I follow along or support the project?
The best way to stay in the loop is by joining my email list, which you can do using the form at the bottom of this page. You’ll get behind-the-scenes updates, sneak peeks, and first access to new releases. You can also follow me on social media for more sketching videos and progress updates. The best way to support the project is to comment and share, and of course if you see a jewelry piece on the site that you just must have, place an order.
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