Daisy & Xena
In this edition of the Peony Celeste Ambassador Stories, Dannia shares what it means to build a life around the companions who have become her children, her greatest comfort, and the heart of her home. From rescue to road trips, quiet mornings to endless cuddles, her story is a beautiful reminder that family isn’t defined by blood, but by the unconditional love we choose every single day.
As a fellow small business owner and devoted dog mom, Dannia also shares why supporting thoughtfully made, woman-owned brands like Peony Celeste is meaningful to her. It’s a conversation about intentional living, quality that lasts, and celebrating every adventure, big or small, with the dogs who make life whole.
We hope Dannia, Daisy, and Xena’s story inspires you to slow down, cherish the ordinary, and remember that some of life’s greatest journeys happen with four paws walking beside us.
How has walking through life with both Daisy and Xena by your side changed you?
Daisy and Xena have changed me in so many ways. They have taught me to have more patience, to be more aware of what truly matters, and to appreciate the simple things in life. I consider them my children, and because of them I’ve learned what unconditional love really feels like.
They’ve made me a more compassionate person and have shown me that happiness doesn’t come from material things—it comes from the little moments we share every day. Whether it’s going on walks, cuddling at home, or simply watching them be themselves, they remind me to slow down and enjoy life. They have truly made me a better person.
What’s a moment when you truly felt how deeply bonded the three of you are?
The moment I first brought each of them home will always stay with me.
When I first met Daisy at the Downey Animal Shelter, I wasn’t even planning on adopting a dog. I remember seeing her hiding underneath a steel crate, scared and unsure. I reached my finger toward her, and she gently licked my hand. In that instant, I knew she was special. It felt like she had chosen me.
When I brought Xena home, she was only supposed to be a foster. But from the moment I met her, I knew in my heart that I couldn’t let her go. She was meant to be with us.
One of my favorite memories is lying down with both Daisy and Xena beside me. Looking at them together, I realized these were my babies, my family, and that our bond was something truly special. From that day forward, I knew we would always walk through life together.
In what ways do Daisy and Xena support and complete each other (and you) on this journey?
Daisy and Xena are truly one of a kind, and their personalities balance each other perfectly.
Daisy is patient, gentle, and a little shy. Xena is sassy, vocal, playful, and full of personality. Together they’re the perfect mix of calm and crazy. Like sisters, they have their little disagreements, but they love each other endlessly.
Seeing them cuddle together, fall asleep side by side, give each other kisses, and always look for one another fills my heart. Watching their bond reminds me how special sisterhood can be.
They also complete me. I don’t have children, so Daisy and Xena are my kids. Together with my husband, the four of us are a family. They are my home, my greatest comfort, and the heart of our little family.
Looking back, what’s one chapter of your life that feels more beautiful because they were walking beside you?
The most beautiful chapter of my life has been the memories we’ve created together through our family adventures.
We’ve traveled to San Diego, Las Vegas, Palm Springs, Santa Barbara, and so many other places together. Every trip has reminded me that it doesn’t matter where you go—what truly matters is who you’re with.
Those experiences have taught me to treasure quality time, to create memories, and to enjoy every chapter of life together. They have turned ordinary moments into unforgettable ones.
What does it mean to you to have these two souls as your constant companions?
Daisy and Xena are my whole world.
I work from home, so we’re together almost every day. I talk to them just like they’re my children. I tell them about my day, celebrate life’s little victories with them, and they are always there through every moment.
Life without them would feel empty. Life with them is filled with love, laughter, comfort, and happiness. They are my best friends, my babies, and my constant companions. I truly can’t imagine my life without them.
As a dog parent who values quality and intention, what does it mean to support a small woman-owned brand like Peony Celeste that creates thoughtful products for the journey you share with your pups?
As a dog mom and a small business owner myself, supporting another woman-owned business like Peony Celeste means so much to me. I know the passion, hard work, and heart that go into building a brand, and I love supporting businesses that genuinely care about the pets and families they serve.
I’m genuinely a huge fan of Peony Celeste’s products. The waste bags are one of my absolute favorites because they’re thick, durable, and eco-friendly. My husband usually picks up after Daisy and Xena, but we always keep rolls of the waste bags everywhere—in my purse, in the car, and at home—so we’re always prepared no matter where our adventures take us.
I’m also obsessed with their sprays. I keep one by my bedside, one in the car, and one near Daisy and Xena’s beds because they leave such a fresh, natural scent that makes our home feel clean and inviting.
As dog parents, we all want the very best for our fur babies. We want products that are safe, thoughtfully made, and created with love. That’s exactly what Peony Celeste represents, and we’re incredibly grateful to support such an amazing brand. I truly believe every dog parent should experience the care and quality that Peony Celeste puts into every product.
More Than a Portrait
I’m honored to create studio portraits for the dogs who have become the heart of our community. Each portrait celebrates their unique personality, love, and joy. These photographs are more than keepsakes—they’re a tribute to the bond that inspired Peony Celeste from the very beginning, and memories families can treasure for years to come.
Every ambassador has a story worth following. If you’d like to see more of their journey, visit @adoggynamedaisy on Instagram and say hello from the Peony Celeste family.
The Ambassador Portrait Project
This little project is my way of saying thank you to our incredible brand ambassadors and the humans who love them.
Every dog has a story. Some have helped their families through life’s hardest moments. Others have inspired new adventures, brought laughter back into a home, or simply made every day brighter. Those stories are the heart of Peony Celeste.
When I photograph your dog, I do my best to capture more than just how they look. I hope to preserve their personality, their spirit, and the little expressions that make them uniquely yours.
I truly believe these portraits are one of the most meaningful gifts I can give to our ambassadors. It’s my way of celebrating the bond you share and thanking you for being part of this community.
I feel incredibly grateful for every dog and every family I’ve had the privilege to photograph, and I can’t wait to create many more memories together.
— Misa, Founder of Peony Celeste & Creator of Pet Portraits
All photographs are presented by Peony Celeste LLC. © All rights reserved. Images may not be used for commercial purposes by any uninvolved brands or organizations.