THE BARKITURE STORY

Katherine Ortega-Ford and Richard Ford are the principals behind the Southern California based company, Barkiture. After adopting their dogs they discovered a lack of fine custom furniture for dogs to fit a modern, tastefully designed home.

Both educated in traditional furniture design and fabrication, Katherine also spent time in England to learn traditional and modern upholstery techniques. They spent over 20 years designing and building one-of-a kind furniture using natural wood and upholstery. Katherine’s furniture was inspired by fashion and feminine forms and Richard’s was inspired by animation and historical furniture references. Both have exhibited their work nationally and many of the pieces are housed in permanent collections, including the Renwick Gallery Museum at the Smithsonian, as well as other museums throughout the United States.

COAL’S STORY

Our first dog came to us from the ASPCA in Baltimore. He is probably the most demanding, neediest, thinks you’re his best friend if you look at him, knucklehead. Coal is a combination of equal parts energy and love.

ROCKET’S STORY

Fast-forward a year later and on the west coast, we decided Coal needed a friend to keep him company. Rocket Dog Rescue in San Francisco had so many to choose from, Coal ended up preferring a brother to the sister that we originally went to see. In honor of the rescue group, we named the second one Rocket. Rocket is the youngest, most well behaved and frequently acts like the old man on the porch shaking his fist at the other two. He’s the one everyone wants to take home.

GG’S STORY

Just when you think you’re done, you see a picture of a dog that just tugs at your heart. Our last addition, GG, which stands for Good Girl – not always applicable, came to us from a very sad pound outside of Los Banos (where?!). She’s a lovable little spitfire that occasionally acts like she doesn’t understand English and that the rules do not apply to her.

GIVING BACK IS IMPORTANT TO US!

Everyone has their own favorite cause to donate to, us included…we actually have several. Barkiture donates 5% of the proceeds from each bed sold. While that’s a good thing, here’s an even better thing – YOU get to choose where the donation goes to (we just ask that it’s to help other animals). Not sure who to donate to? We would be more than happy to select one for you.

START BUILDING!