The dog who started it all —
and the purpose that followed.
Every brand has an origin. Ours has four legs, a nickname, and a reason to keep going.
Meet Axel
Axel's story starts like so many other dogs in the shelters. He was found with his siblings in rural Kentucky and brought to an open intake shelter, where he and his litter of siblings were pulled by an Illinois-based rescue that placed them in foster homes spread across the Chicagoland area. In September of 2013, my family was looking to get a puppy, as we had only ever rescued adult dogs before. We went on Petfinder and found the most beautiful Labrador mix puppy. We contacted the rescue, who got us in touch with his foster family, and we went to meet him. We instantly fell in love with this sweet puppy, who was anxious but excited to meet who would end up becoming his forever family. The second we brought him home, we knew he would be a wonderful addition to our family. During his puppy stage we lost many shoes, towels, and toys — true to his retriever breed, the second we would walk in the door he had to bring us something.
Axee developed a personality of his own, which involved cuddling with us on the couch, playing with toys, spending time outside, and watching birds and squirrels. As he got older, he never lost his puppy energy. As an adult, he loved early mornings and his walks — he'd get so excited because he got to be outside and see the world. He was the friendliest dog you'd ever meet, with a very strict routine of walks, food, treats, and pets. The second the clock struck 5pm he knew it was dinnertime, and would bring his bowl if he hadn't been fed yet. He was incredibly patient and loved children. As a senior, he enjoyed sitting on the deck watching his birds, and naps on his many beds and couches.
From goodbye to a purpose
On August 9th, 2025, we unfortunately had to say goodbye to our beloved family member Axel. After losing Axee, I didn't want his story to end, so The Axee Bear Company was born. This company is a way to help other dogs have the life that Axee had — he knew nothing but love and a home to call his own, which is what I want for all dogs.
The Axee Bear Company is meant to rescue dogs like Axee, advocate for those in a shelter who have not been rescued, and inspire stories like Axee's for so many dogs in shelters across the country and the world. We hope you will stick around and help us better the lives of animals in shelters everywhere.
Why this site is built the way it is
Tell the harder stories
Puppy mills, ethical breeding, shelter overcrowding, and equine welfare rarely get mainstream attention. We use the Blog and Spotlight to change that.
Give consistently, not performatively
10% of every order's net profit goes to our rescue partners every month — a quiet, ongoing commitment rather than a one-time headline.
Make room for other voices
Rescue organizations, volunteers, and adopters carry this work every day. The Rescue Spotlight exists to put their stories, not ours, at the center.
See exactly how the giving works
10% of every order's net profit, split between A.D.O.P.T. Pet Shelter and Best Friends Animal Society — every month, without exception.
Our Mission & Giving