Miranda Miller says people often recognize her dogs when walking around Anchorage; they are what some may call local celebrities.
Miller has two Brittany Spaniels, named Arya and Mazy. She adopted Arya at 10 weeks; not long after Miller and Arya started on the journey of being a therapy dog.
Arya Bear’s Closet was born: Indigenous-made dog gear, from doggie collars to qaspeqs.
“Arya has her own bedroom in our house,” Miller said. “She has her own closet full of clothes that she uses for her therapy dog visits ranging from work vests, dresses, outdoor gear, holiday outfits, and accessories.”
Miller grew up in western rural Alaska, where there are few trained working dogs, she says. She believes that therapy dogs would brighten up the hospitals for both employees and patients.
“My grandma taught me everything,” Miller said. “We used to always do projects together, we learned how to make kuspuks together.
Arya is part of the National Crisis Response Canines program, which takes a year to become certified. It consists mostly of trainings, Miller says, including dog and human first-aid classes, suicide prevention and psychological classes.
She focuses her work at the Alaska Native Medical Center, Covenant House, and assisted living facilities, and will soon be able to visit people on base.
“We visit every single floor, every single section, basically,” Miller said.
“The most unique thing we have to offer is the kuspuk dog bandana. I created it because I didn’t see anything like it in the market and I know seeing a dog in a kuspuk would make people smile at ANMC … As far as I know there aren’t any other dog kuspuk bandanas available,” Miller said. “We may be the first to design and sell them.”
Miller says that Arya Bear’s Closet has been a hit with dogs not only in Alaska but also downstates.
“The Brittany community is very supportive,” she said.
As someone with working dogs of her own, Miller has incorporated those needs into the gear she makes.
“The working dog leash we sell has a retractable urban leash that can be used for closer control, which is perfect for therapy dog visits or public spaces,” Miller said. “When it’s not needed it extends the leash for adventures. Other working dog needs I don’t see often in other gear are velcro for adding awareness patches and also extra D rings to attach awareness accessories.”
She recently donated over $900 worth of dog gear to Alaska SPCA Adoption Center, bringing her total donations to date over $1,900.
This fall, Miller was nominated for a Daily Point of Light award for her service work with Covenant House of Alaska; she said she asked to include Arya and Mazy on the award certificate, and wonders if it’s the first time they have been asked for that kind of request.
Sam Davenport is a writer residing in Anchorage. She's a leo and a plant-person, and loves spending quality time with her dog, Aspen. She is a Real Housewives fan and has been called a Bravo historian.
