Our Story

The Story Behind the Flame

In 2025, during a major life shift, I chose to turn challenge into comfort — because when life gives you lemons… you light a candle. That spark became Dog Bear Candles, a collection of handmade creations crafted with wellness, nature, and heart in mind, and now shared through dogbearwellness.com.

  At the center of it all is Gillian aka "Gilly Bear" — my sweet, silly, and smart Norwegian Elkhound mix. He’s noisy yet gentle, endlessly lovable, and always full of joy. Whether it’s his goofy grin or his calming presence, Gillian reminds me daily that even the roughest days can end with warmth — and a wagging tail.

What began with hand-poured candles has grown into Dog Bear Wellness, where I continue to make each candle with care while also offering a curated selection of wellness goods. While not crafted by me, these products are thoughtfully chosen to complement the same spirit that inspired my candles — bringing calm, comfort, and simple joy into your everyday life.

Proudly crafted in West Virginia with ingredients sourced from across the USA, every candle carries a piece of that light. Thank you for letting it shine in your home, and for being part of this journey as Dog Bear grows from a single flame into a broader path of wellness.

With warmth,

Candace Kayhoe
Founder, Dog Bear LLC
@DogBearWellness | www.dogbearwellness.com