Our Story

The Story Behind Dog Bear Wellness

In 2025, during a major life shift, I chose to turn challenge into comfort, finding calm in small, intentional moments when life felt anything but simple. That intention became Dog Bear Wellness, a space rooted in nature, warmth, and mindful living.

The name Dog Bear comes from the heart of it all: Gillian, affectionately known as Gilly Bear. He's my sweet, silly, and smart Norwegian Elkhound mix. Noisy yet gentle, endlessly lovable, and always full of joy, Gillian has a way of grounding even the hardest days. Whether it's his goofy grin, bear-like fluff, or calming presence, he reminds me daily that rough moments can still end with warmth and a wagging tail. 🐾

That same sense of comfort and calm is what inspired Dog Bear Candles, the original spark behind the brand and still the heart of everything we do. Each candle is hand-poured by me with care in West Virginia, using thoughtfully sourced ingredients from small businesses across the USA, clean-burning EcoOlive wax, an organic hemp wick, and premium fragrance oils, with no shortcuts and no synthetic fillers.

Alongside the candles, Dog Bear Wellness also offers a curated collection of home goods, chosen the same way I choose everything for this brand: intentionally, and from small independent businesses whenever possible. Who makes something matters just as much as what it is. While some ingredients and materials may be sourced globally, the hands, hearts, and businesses behind what you'll find here are rooted right here at home.

Thank you for being part of this journey as Dog Bear grows from a single spark into a broader path of wellness. The candles are here, and the light is just getting started.

With warmth,
Candace and Gilly Bear 🐾🌿