About ORIG

My name is Caitlin and welcome to Sparkles and Sunshine Blog! I am a happy, enthusiastic rescue dog mom and equestrian who created this lifestyle blog about three years ago in hopes to connect and share with fellow dog moms and horse lovers.

I have always had a special place in my heart for big dogs (and large animals in general!). My family used to breed Labrador Retrievers and so my life was always surrounded by puppies, obedience training classes and more. Fast forward many years later to when my boyfriend Chandler and I rescued our own pride and joy, Diesel and as of 2020, our second rescue dog Annie. 

I created the Life with Diesel section on my blog to help dog owners of all sizes, and specifically extra-large dogs find fun new dog toys, dog tips and advice, dog-friendly travel locations and more! You can also check out my Puppy 101 section for tons of puppy training tips including how to potty train your puppy, how to crate train, first puppy essentials, and much more!

Switching to my other favorite large animal, a few years ago, my dream of learning to ride horses finally came true after Chandler surprised me with lessons for Christmas! As I started riding I learned that there is a LOT that goes into horses. From dietary needs and supplements, to proper fitting tack and boots, I honestly had no idea what was involved.

As a beginner amateur rider, I had a lot of questions and many times, I didn’t know what to ask at all. I created the Equestrian Life section on my blog as a way to share everything that I am learning and experiencing, including: learning how to horseback ride as an adult, equestrian product reviews, horseback riding outfits, equestrian lifestyle and more. 

Thanks for taking the time to stop by my blog! I hope you find something you love! J

P.S. Don’t forget to meet the team below!

Meet Diesel (CBO)

Chief Barketing Officer

Diesel is a three year old brindle rescue dog who stole our hearts at two months old. Diesel had actually arrived at a shelter in Jacksonville, Florida only the day before and we honestly had no idea he was going to be there. Ever since that day, Chandler and I’s lives were changed. 

Diesel is the loudest, biggest, and most extra dog I’ve ever met and I love all of it. He’s makes me smile everyday and I honestly don’t know what I would do without him!

Meet Benz (CFO)

Chief Food Officer

Benz is a 14 year old equitation unicorn that I started leasing in May of 2020. Benz is every equestrian’s dream horse in my opinion. He’s patient, kind, understanding and really tries his best in everything that he does. I truly feel like he just wants to make you happy and I don’t think there’s much more you could want in a partner.

He has been the perfect match for me in building my confidence as a rider and for showing me what I didn’t even know I was capable of. 

Meet Annie

Branch Manager

Annie, my German Shorthaired Pointer Mix puppy is the newest edition to the family! We adopted Annie in March of 2020 at 10 weeks old from a rescue in Destin, FL! Annie is incredibly smart, super sassy and loves to wrestle with her big brother Diesel.

She loves to go to the dog park, play in the dirt as much as possible, find the biggest sticks out there and visit her fur-family at her grandparents house. 

Meet Felix

Purrresident

Last but not least is Mr. Felix, my 15 year old domestic short hair cat. I have had Felix since he was a few months old and we have been through basically everything together! Middle school, high school, college, my first apartment, first job, first serious relationship, the list goes on!

Felix has always grown up with large dogs and puppies and I actually think he thinks he’s a dog. From time to time he will show his cat tendencies (aka every morning when he demands his breakfast haha), but for the most part, he’s sitting right next to his big brother Diesel, begging for my breakfast, lunch and dinner everyday! 

Felix is currently in remission from diabetes and I’m always so excited to share that. If you have a diabetic cat and ever have questions, never hesitate to reach out!I

Questions? Media kit requests? Email me at [email protected]