In the heart of Oak Bluffs on Healey Square, Curio MV is a shop where you’ll find “Martha’s Vineyard coastal curiosities,” including housewares, beachwear, kites, Japanese lanterns and more. But not everything that Amelie Loyot and her husband, Robert, have stocked in the store can be popped in a shopping bag. In fact, two of the shop’s most endearing curiosities are large, furry, four-footed and frisky.That would be Cosmo, a bernedoodle, and Zephyr, a goldendoodle.

When I met these two, for some reason, I couldn’t help but imagine what they might share if they both had journals about life in the store. Maybe it’s because I’m a dog photographer whose company tagline is “Because Every Dog Has a Tale,” but I just had to give these guys a chance to tell a story. If you stop by the store during the holidays, give these two a high-five.

Zephyr’s Tale: 
A Special Connection Today

I was in my usual spot behind the counter when a little girl and her mom entered the store. I could sense something special about the girl as soon as she walked through the door. Her mom seemed a bit anxious, keeping a close eye on her as she explored all the goodies in our store. The girl seemed to sense me even before she saw me. When she found me behind the counter, her face lit up. She asked Rob and Amelie if she could pet me, and we both felt an instant connection.

As she stroked my fur, I could feel her energy shift — she relaxed, and her smile grew. She stayed with me for a long time while her mom shopped peacefully. When it was time to leave, her mom had to coax her away from me. I overheard her mom mention that her daughter was neurodivergent and that spending time with me had been the best thing for her.

They left with smiles, and I know we shared something special.

Cosmo’s Tale: 
Stealing a Kiss

I was in my favorite spot, standing on my hind legs and leaning on the counter, watching people shop. A woman leaned over to get a closer look at the jewelry display, and her face was so close to mine that I couldn’t resist — I gave her a little kiss! For a moment, time stood still. I knew I probably shouldn’t have done that. I glanced at Amelie — she looked shocked — and then at the woman, who looked startled too. I braced myself for trouble, but to my relief, the woman let out a belly laugh. Better still, she bought the jewelry!

She was still chuckling as she walked out the door. Crisis averted! I was pretty proud of myself for making her day, and she had a good story to tell too.

Mindy Dutka is a photographer, dog advocate, and founder of dogsimeet.com. All photos by Mindy Dutka.