Mighty little packages

I was recently asked where the name “Huahua Crafting” came from. Why did I choose that as my business name? With the added comment of all the possibilities, I chose that, it did not make sense.

Those dear to my heart and close to me would know instantaneously the origin of this name and the reason why I chose it. For those others, I will gladly enlighten you. It could easily be questionable till you get to know me and why.

It comes from my little Four-legged Boy, Cooper, who is a Chihuahua. Cooper came into my life almost 7 years back, very unexpectedly, but I wouldn’t want it any other way. At that time, I really did not look for a pet. I did, however, respond to a Facebook post a couple of months earlier about re-homing a dog and without going into too much detail I did not get to be the new dog parent at that time. And then suddenly on a Saturday in late July 2016, I received a message about his availability, and the rest is history.

Now before Huahua Crafting came to light, I had done a few local markets as “The Purple Berry”. My favorite color, if I had to choose only one, and I had a violet-purple strip in my hair. If I could, I would color my whole head that color. One day…As I love it so much.

So, 5 years back, I was applying to be a design team member for a local craft shop. As per requirement, a social media presence was needed, which I had, however, I had posted so many of my Pup’s photos that it truly was impossible to see my artwork. The change of focus was definitely needed. Yet I did not act on it and made a new Instagram at the time.

Fast forward to 2021. Needless to say, my dear Friend urged me on and also pointed out it needs to be a craft-only account. The question then arose of what my logo will be, my “business” name, my emblem, all of those business-like questions. I was struggling to find something I really loved. Too many ideas popped up in my mind. But nothing really spoke to me. I tried numerous ideas and discarded them soon. All good and beautiful ideas, but nothing that really made an impression that I could agree on. Time was running out as she had me on a timer.

I made a Steampunk-inspired mixed-media canvas with a photo of Cooper. Finally, it dawned on me and by November 2021 Huahua Crafting was born, with my little Four-Legged Boy as my emblem and business name. He is my truest craft buddy and literally almost attached to my hip.

That was the best decision to use him as my “business name” and emblem as he is my love, my life, and my joy. He is constantly by my side and my crafting buddy. And those fluffy ears and big innocent eyes, not to talk about those satellite-dish ears. My life would be poorer without him. He brings so much joy and gives so much love.

This makes me think about what the benefits are of having a pet. Is there something special? Do they influence our psychological or mental health?

Indeed, research had proven over and over that pets have a tremendous impact on mental health. In some instances, the physical health of patients had improved due to the companionship of a beloved pet or a companion animal. Interaction with animals (in the absence of fear or phobias) has shown to decrease the levels of the ever-growing present hormone cortisol or the stress hormone which causes havoc in the body. It can also decrease blood pressure, and anxiety, but more so the feeling of isolation and loneliness, being misunderstood, counteracting rumination and lethargy.

Pets are such good listeners, non-judgmental (maybe not cats, saying this jokingly), offer unconditional love and true companionship, ease anxiety and depression, suppress self-loathing, boost mood in general and lift spirits.

Animals can increase general feelings of social support and curb loneliness, through unlimited affection and companionship, which in turn can help or boost self-confidence and give a person a sense of worthiness as they tend to the physical needs of their pet too. Their effect reaches further than just this. There are instances where an animal saved a person with diabetes, cancer, or epileptic fits by either smelling it and the person then

medical help or tend to their owner while in an unconscious state and called for help on their behalf.

Worldwide 33% of households own a pet. If you are one of those lucky ones to own a pet, be grateful as they do have an impact on our mental health through their unconditional love and companionship, the hours of joy they give, and the laughter we share.

Much like my little Man, he weighs only 2,365kg, which is not a whole lot of Chihuahua, in fact, just a sample of a dog but has such a big personality and truly gives me much pleasure with his antics. So much love for him, my Huahua, whose little paws are as big as my thumbs, yet he filled my heart completely.