The Shop Dogs
Joel Liebman Furniture has been home to four full-time Shop Dogs, each bringing their own charm and companionship to the workspace.
The first was Jasmine, a dark red Golden Retriever who came into my life at just six weeks old. For many years, Jasmine was simply a beloved pet, but after I completed the Genoa School of Furniture Design, he officially became the first Shop Dog. Lucky for him, he didn’t have to spend his days stuck at home on the couch. Jasmine lived a long and happy life, reaching the age of 15.
Next came Avery, another Golden Retriever. Avery joined me and the shop at the age of four, after his previous owners—sad to see him left alone too often—sought a better home for him. He found not only a new family but also a new role as Shop Dog #2.
Some years later, I met my future wife Sami, who had a Husky mix named Ginger. She joined Avery in the shop, giving us two Shop Dogs. While Ginger wasn’t as fond of the noisy machines, she adapted well. After Avery passed at 12, Ginger became the sole Shop Dog—until the arrival of Blue.
Blue, an eight-week-old Golden Retriever, left his littermates to step into the world of fun and games as our next Shop Dog. Ginger had to adjust to this rambunctious pup, especially his habit of tail-pulling. She made sure to set him straight, and eventually, they found their rhythm. Ginger lived to 13, and Blue passed at 15
Next up is Kobe. The 5th shop dog and my 4th Golden male but this time Kobe is an English Creme Golden. He will stay on the white side. He entered our world also at 8 weeks in June of 2025. He has a lot to learn about being SHOP DOG but I have full confidence he is up to the task.
Before my official Shop Dogs, there were my childhood companions—Dandy, a sweet little Pug, and Samson and Gabriel, two Black Lab mixes. Though they never set foot in the shop, they deserve the honorary title of “Pre-Shop Dogs.” They lived wonderful lives as cherished family members, earning their place in the legacy of beloved canine companions.
The Shop just wouldn’t be the same without
“The Shop Dog”
KOBE #5
Jasmine #1
A man with curly hair and a beard holding a golden retriever puppy outdoors.
Golden retriever lying on the floor in front of a white bench with a wooden accent.
A golden retriever puppy standing in a shallow stream with water and rocks.
A man with curly hair and a beard smiling, sitting on rocks outdoors, holding a golden retriever puppy.
A cute golden retriever puppy lying on a colorful cushion on the floor inside a home.
A brown dog lying on a concrete ledge outside a building with beige and gray walls and a window.
Avery & Ginger #2-3
Golden retriever dog sitting on grass in a park with cars and trees in the background.
Two dogs lying on a blanket under a wooden table. One is a golden retriever and the other a black and white dog. There is a white bottle and other items nearby.
Two dogs standing at a front door looking inside, with a handwritten sign that says 'Come in' with a paw print.
Two dogs sitting behind a baby gate in an indoor room with large windows and various pictures on the wall.
Sign for Avery & Ginger Apprentice Petting Zoo showing two animals, likely a dog and a pig, inside a room.
Man with glasses and a beard smiling between two dogs in front of an ornate wooden pipe organ.
Two dogs sitting on the floor inside a woodworking shop with woodworking clamps against a wooden piece of furniture and various tools and supplies around.
Dog lying flat on the floor with its head resting between front paws, indoors.
Blue #4
A collage of five photos featuring a golden retriever puppy. The top left shows the puppy lying on the grass behind a wire fence, chewing a stick. The top right has two images: one of the puppy lying on its side with another puppy, and another of the puppy standing near a white bowl. The bottom left shows a man with curly hair holding the puppy, standing outside a house. The bottom right is a close-up of the puppy's face being held by a person wearing a colorful shirt, with a part of a blue sign visible.
Four puppies peeking over a threshold.
A fluffy golden retriever puppy sitting on a colorful blanket indoors.
A golden retriever dog sitting in a woodworking workshop or garage with a wooden workbench and tools in the background.
A golden retriever wearing black eyeglasses.
Golden retriever puppy lying on a gray rug yawning in a woodworking workshop, with wooden workbenches and tools in the background.
A man with a beard and long hair sitting next to a golden retriever in a room with a vintage wooden cabinet in the background.
A large, golden retriever laying on a wooden floor, reflected in a stack of three large, rectangular mirrors with wooden frames leaning against a light-colored wall.
Wet dog with tongue out sitting in a wooded area with leaves, small green plants, and a tree.
Honorary Shop Dogs
SAMSON & GABRIEL
Close-up black and white photo of a dog's face, with shiny nose and soulful eyes.
Two black dogs sitting on a blue carpet near a window with sunlight, next to a blue chair.
Child smiling and holding two black puppies outdoors on a sunny day.
Close-up black and white photo of a black Labrador Retriever with a chain collar.
DANDY
Two boys sitting on the steps with a dog between them, all smiling for the camera.
Three young children sitting together, with one holding a small puppy, in a vintage indoor setting.
A pug lying on the floor, resting its head on crumpled paper in front of a wooden door.
A young boy sitting on the floor, holding a small dog with its mouth open.
WOOF
I need to give credit to an incredible local woodworker… In the woods behind my house