Frequently Asked Questions

    What makes our plush replicas so special?

    Any pet lover will tell you--their pets have very unique personalities. They are individuals!

    I don't simply look at a photo and make a stuffed animal that has the same spots or general shape. I focus on the look in your fur kid's eyes, their joyful (or goofy, or grumpy or mischievous) expression, the magical spark that just makes them who they are. And I incorporate what YOU tell me you love most about them. There are other pet replicas out there, but they often come across as generic, stiff and lifeless. As an artist with a background in character design, I strive to create a piece of plush art that will always make you smile and feel like your buddy is right there in the room with you. 

    Do you make animals other than cats and dogs?

    Sure do! Bunnies, horses, squirrels, skunks--I've even made a wombat! You can check out the Other Animals section of the Gallery to see examples. If you have a pet other than a dog or cat, simply email me for a quote!

    How are the custom plush made?

    YOU are a big part of the process! Your email, with details about your pet, is so important. I love hearing your stories; the funny quirks about your pet, your favorite features, and what your relationship is like. You have input all along the way, and I will happily share my progress with you! 

    Then, using your photos and stories, I carefully gather the right materials and begin working on your custom plush. For the customs, I am no longer using socks as the primary material (unless requested) and am now using high end faux fur and other fabrics to create stunningly lifelike and adorable replicas.

    Each plush is handmade by me in Kansas, USA.

    How big are the custom pet replicas?

    Most measure from about 12-15" from head to bottom of paws. Perfect for holding, cuddling and showing off!

    Custom Stuffed Animal Dog Pet, Husky Custom Pet

    How big are custom Mini Pets?

    Minis are about 4 inches tall. They are truly "palm-sized" pets!

    How do I do this custom ordering thing? 

    It's super easy...really! Just go to the listing that best suits your needs, upload your photos and information and purchase! I will email you within 24 hours of your purchase to confirm that I received your order and answer any questions you may have.

    How much does a custom replica cost?

    $189. A very reasonable price for a truly handmade, one-of-a-kind custom art piece. A great deal of time, love and care is put into each custom, and I am available to you via email, messenger or text (see Contact Page) throughout the process. If you like, I can share photos of my progress with you. Your custom will not be shipped to you until YOU give final approval, after seeing photos of your finished custom. It's SO important to me that you are happy with your custom!

    ​How much are the custom Mini Pets?

    Minis are $125 each. And like the larger size replicas, you will receive photos upon completion of your custom to approve before anything is shipped to you.

    Do you ship internationally?

    Yes! Our custom plush replicas and Mini Pets have found homes all around the world! I love sending them off to places I've never been (but hope to go, one day)!

    Will I get to see the custom before you ship it?

    YES! I will email you with a number of photos of your custom before shipping it, to make sure you are happy with it! If you feel anything needs to be changed, just let me know. 

    Remember, I work directly from YOUR photos and information, so be sure that what you are sending me is carefully selected. One round of changes is included in the price. A complete redo would be considered a new order and priced accordingly. 

    What's your return policy?

    Before your custom is shipped, you will receive photos of the custom via email. I will not ship until you have approved the final piece. If for some reason you receive your custom and are not satisfied, I will work with you to determine next steps. Please remember that a great deal of time goes into each custom and I work very hard to make sure you are happy before sending it to you. I want you to always be delighted!

    Can I send you my pet's ashes or a tuft of fur to include inside the stuffed replica?

    Yes. I am happy to incorporate these precious things into your custom. Ashes must be sent in a small, sealed container, and fur tufts can simply be placed in a sealed plastic bag. I will sew a special soft fabric pouch and gently place it inside the stuffing. (It is not removable.) All materials you send to be included are handled with the utmost care and respect. You can mail them to me at the address below.

    Can I mail my photos to you instead of emailing?

    Absolutely! You can send them to:
    Original Sock Dogs                                                                                                 PO Box 861201
    Shawnee, KS 66286-1201
    Photos will be returned to you with your custom plush.

    Why is there wait time for these?

    Because Original Sock Dogs is truly just me and each custom really is handmade, there's a little more wait time than you'd experience with an "assembly line" type company. The good news is that your custom gets my full attention, is crafted with care and a special focus on detail. You can also email me anytime with questions or thoughts about your order and I will get back to you quickly!

    Making a custom stuffed pet replica, handmade, artist made

    I'm a mom of two human kids, a dog and a cat, as well as a frequent dog and cat foster mom.
    I understand the love you have for your pet and how important it is that the replica you order does them justice. I know sometimes it's the littlest things--a tiny spot on your dog's tongue, a unique stripe on your cat's back or that certain look in their eyes--that makes them even more adorable and special to you. It's my job to capture those things. Just like you, your pet is an individual, and I want their plush to be uniquely them.

    OK, but I really want my order now. Can you do it now?

    In addition to Normal Delivery (approx 5weeks to completion) I also offer a Rush (1-2 weeks to completion) option.  Please know, there is nothing "rushed" about the making of your custom when you choose this option. The same time and care is taken to create a special piece for you! 

    Do you really donate $10 of every custom order to a rescue group?

    YES! I am a longtime shelter volunteer, and support Meowy Matchmakers. I donate $10 of each custom plush sale along with a percentage of t-shirt sale profits to help MM care for all of the kittens and cats they take in.

    If I have a different rescue group that I'd like to direct the donation to, is that possible?

    YES again! If you want the $10 to go to a rescue of your choosing, just let me know after you make your purchase and I will see that they get it! I will email you the donation receipt.

    My rescue group is having a fundraiser. Would you be willing to donate something to us?

    If you can verify that you are part of the organization, I will consider it! I donate to animal rescue groups on a regular basis for things like silent auctions and fundraising events, and I'm happy to do it when I can. That said, I usually receive several requests per week, so I can't accept every invitation.

    My child has a drawing that I would like turned into a stuffed animal. Can you do this?

    My focus is truly on making replicas of actual pets. While I am always open to seeing an original character you would like turned into a plush doll, I may or may not be able to take on your request.

    ​My company would like to order a large quantity of plush designed after our mascot. Is this something you can do?

    At present, Original Sock Dogs is a one-person show, and I am not set up to produce plush in large quantities. Other items (ie mugs, t-shirts, pendants, etc) are available in larger quantities, however.

    More questions? 

    Just email stacey@sockdogs.com or use the Chat Box to the right. I'm happy to help!