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The Wiggles and Whiskers Story

My name is Megan Despard, and I’m the Owner of Wiggles and Whiskers. I’m a Mom to Winnie, our black, polydactyl (she has 24 toes) rescue cat, also our Chief Toy Tester. I am also a Mom to Gavin (Age 9) and Wife to Lowell. We live in the great little community of St. Jacobs in South-Western Ontario. I thoroughly enjoy designing, making (including growing the catnip!) and testing all of the Wiggles and Whiskers handmade products. I also love meeting people and learning about their pet’s personalities, their quirks and even their habits. I believe that toys and accessories enhance the interactions between animals and their pet parents, in turn strengthening their bond.

I sustained a brain injury in 2015, which changed my life in ways I never could have imagined. Prior to my injury, I was a ‘Career Mom’ and I attempted to keep up my career life for a while, but in 2016, at the recommendation of my doctors and with the amazing support of my family, I resigned from my position.

Several years of life go by filled with different treatments, testing, rehab, counselling, medications, doctors, soul searching, and self-discovery. Over time, I grew to accept the chronic pain and cognitive challenges that have become my new normal. I had begun to see employment as not just a chance to contribute financially to our family, but also as an opportunity to learn new skills, relearn old skills, and interact with the community.

I’ve always had an interest in animals/pets, but after my injury, among other changes in my personality/interests, I noticed a bigger connection with animals and an increased sense of peace when I was around them. I already had some sewing skills so it made sense to combine these skills with this new love of animals. So, in March 2020, I started sewing and growing catnip indoors for Wiggles and Whiskers and a few months later I was selling my first products to pet parents in Ontario.