At the heart of Stray Dog Designs, alongside whimsical designs and handcrafted charm, you’ll find Billy Pritchard. As the co-founder of the brand and the self-proclaimed "Shipping Guru," Billy has worn many hats over the years—sometimes literally. With a background in poetry, an affinity for meaningful human connections, and a knack for storytelling, Billy brings a unique energy and perspective to Stray Dog Designs.
From navigating the backroads of Mexico in search of artisans to overseeing the transition to a completely online business, Billy’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. We sat down with him to chat about the Stray Dog story, his inspirations, and life outside the brand.
The Stray Dog Story: Billy’s Perspective
Billy describes the Stray Dog story as one with many parts: “It’s a relationship within a relationship.” He and Jane, his wife and co-founder, built the brand from the ground up. The journey, spanning 30 years, has been full of love, creativity, and challenges.
In the early days, Billy and Jane spent their time traveling Mexico’s backroads, relying on paper maps, discovering artisans, and welcoming their first “stray dogs,” Princessa and Carlotta, into their lives. Though they were just scraping by, the time was full of romance and adventure.
Billy admits, “I always thought I’d be the businessman, and Jane would be the artist. But I’m not suited to be a businessperson—I have a Master’s in poetry, so that says a lot.” Despite not fitting the traditional mold, Billy’s energy, warmth, and genuine connections with people helped lay the foundation for Stray Dog’s success.
The transition to an online-only business was a big leap, one that Billy didn’t initially foresee. “Oh, Lawdt did that scare me!” he jokes. But the relationships they had cultivated over decades carried them through, and the online model opened the brand to an even larger audience.
Stray Dog Highlights
The road hasn’t always been smooth, but Billy’s journey with Stray Dog is filled with moments he’ll never forget:
- The day they met Guadalupe Alvarez, the artisan who became a lifelong friend and helped bring Stray Dog to life.
- The 2003 New York Gift Fair, when the entire city lost power—an unforgettable experience in itself.
- And, as Billy humorously recalls, the time he left $10,000 in cash on an airplane.
A Glimpse Into Billy’s Childhood
Billy’s childhood could be described as one of exploration and mischief. Growing up with ADHD and a bit of a free-range lifestyle, he spent his days riding his bike, fishing, or exploring Chenault Farm on his pony. “As a kid, I just farted around a lot,” he laughs. “Not much has changed.”
What Inspires Billy?
Billy finds inspiration in small, beautiful moments:
- A well-crafted book, painting, or film.
- Mornings spent outside.
- The unconditional love of a dog.
He’s also deeply inspired by people who lift others up: educators, supporters, and, of course, Jane—“and all the mothers out there who seem to keep everything from flying apart.”
Life Outside of Work
When Billy isn’t working, you might find him:
- Reading (currently Savage Detectives by Roberto Bolaño).
- Swimming in the mornings.
- Doodling in the yard.
- Watching baseball or grocery shopping (yes, really).
Billy’s Favorite Things
- Favorite Stray Dog Piece: A plant tree/stand on the screen porch. “It comes to life when plants are added.”
- Favorite Recent Trip: Lake Michigan’s Leelanau Peninsula. “Most Southerners head to Florida or the Carolinas, but we had a family trip to Lake Michigan, and it was magical.”
- Current Reads: Claire Keegan’s Foster and Bolaño’s Savage Detectives.
Billy’s honesty, humor, and warmth are infused in every part of Stray Dog Designs, making him an essential part of the brand’s story. Whether he’s troubleshooting shipping issues or reminiscing about the company’s early days, Billy’s presence brings a sense of authenticity that keeps the brand rooted in its values of creativity, community, and heart.
