Chic Spotlight: Aurora Cassidy, Founder of Stella’s Closet

Aurora Cassidy, founder of Stella’s Closet, and her furry friend, Stella

Cincy Chic: Tell us about Stella’s Closet!
Aurora Cassidy, Founder of Stella’s Closet: The purpose of Stella’s Closet is to give recently adopted rescue dogs in the Northern Kentucky/Cincinnati area a warm start to the next chapter of their lives. I took my personal experience with my dog Stella and used it as inspiration to become an advocate for rescue dogs and a resource for similar families going through the rescue dog adoption process. We do this by putting together care packages to welcome these dogs into their new families, and by assisting in their transition to “The Good Life.”

Cincy Chic: Who’s behind the business?
Cassidy: I founded Stella’s Closet after I had to relinquish a senior dog I’d been fostering and missed that companionship when I relocated to Northern Kentucky for work. I found Stella at an Ohio rescue organization who was listed as a number/no name puppy-mill rescue and we’ve been inseparable ever since.

Cincy Chic: What inspired you to open Stella’s Closet?
Cassidy: Stella’s story is a testament to the power of rescue dogs and what just a little love can do. I faced challenges most adoptions don’t tell you about … like the fact that Stella had never been out of a cage or socialized for more than 5 years, had never walked on grass or wagged her tail. Treats and toys were non-existent to the Pomeranian-mix that I refer to as my “Muttigree.” It’s the experiences I learned from that inspired me to start Stella’s Closet to encourage others who adopt the dog victims of bad situations to stick it out through the adjusting period of their new pet. Stella now loves life, is full of smiles and has even walked the runway at Cincy Chic events!

Cincy Chic: What can interested participants expect from Stella’s Closet?
Cassidy: Stella’s Closet provides a resource for questions and problems that may arise for those bringing home a new four-legged family member from a rescue adoption organization and also provides understanding with empathy. Anyone can hand new families a packet of what to expect with a new dog, but every dog and their prior history is unique. And, of course, each family receives a custom “Welcome to The Good Life” basket which symbolizes the fresh and fun start each rescue dog is about to undergo with their new homes and lives!

Cincy Chic: What makes Stella’s Closet unique from other similar businesses?
Cassidy: Stella’s Closet is a 100 percent donation based non-profit, which collects various new or gently used dog items such as blankets, beds, toys, treats, leashes and collars and makes custom gift baskets to give to newly adopted rescue dogs. We are also there to help them socialize and stay connected for as long as an adjustment process the new family would like.

Cincy Chic: How many participants do you serve annually?
Cassidy: Stella’s Closet is still in its inaugural start-up year. However, we’ve already assisted several families in the Tri-State with their newly adopted four-legged family members and are excited for what’s to come!

Cincy Chic: Is there anything new on the horizon for Stella’s Closet?
Cassidy: We would love to continue to build awareness about making donations to us and expand our partnerships with additional Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati rescues. To-date, we have partnered with Recycled Doggies and LuvFurrMutts Rescue, who have both been instrumental in getting our information out at their adoption events.

Cincy Chic: Where can readers go to learn more?
Cassidy: For more information please visit our Facebook Page or email us at stellasclosetcharity@gmail.com. Additionally, if you’d like to pamper a pooch who is already part of your family while supporting our cause, use code STELLABBX1 on www.barkbox.com, and a portion of the sales from your purchase will be donated to Stella’s Closet.