Sioux Falls Boutique | Love Marlow | Behind the Scenes
If you've shopped with us at Love Marlow in Sioux Falls, you already know our store isn't just racks of plus size and mid size fashion — it's an experience. And a big part of that experience has always had four legs, a wagging tail, and an uncanny ability to know exactly who needs a cuddle. That's Blaze, our beloved shop dog. But this past week, our little Love Marlow family grew by one — and we want to tell you about it.
Welcoming Willow: An Emergency Foster Placement
On Friday, August 21, 2026, Leslie and Stacey, the owners of Love Marlow, welcomed Willow, a French Bulldog, into their home as an emergency foster. Willow came to them through B-Squad Dog Rescue, a Sioux Falls area rescue organization that had just pulled off an urgent, three-dog intake: Willow, along with fellow Frenchies Tank and Leinie, needed safe, immediate foster placement while they received emergency veterinary care.
It wasn't a simple transition. Willow experienced respiratory symptoms shortly after arriving and needed to be rushed to the emergency vet for monitoring and treatment before she could settle in. Thankfully, she's recovering and now she gets to do her healing surrounded by the same kind of love, structure, and boutique chaos that our own shop dog Blaze thrives on.
For Leslie and Stacey, saying yes to Willow wasn't a hard decision. When a local rescue puts out an urgent plea and you have the ability to help, you help. That's the same spirit that runs through everything at Love Marlow. From how we treat our customers to how we treat the animals in our community.
Why Love Marlow Has a Shop Dog in the First Place
Before there was Blaze, there was Dezi — our original shop dog and the one who started it all. Dezi passed away on February 17, 2026, but her presence at Love Marlow left a mark that will never fade. One of our customers once described her perfectly: she was "one of the girls." Dezi had a way of quietly slipping into the fitting rooms to check in on customers, making sure everyone was doing okay, and she brought an energy to our boutique that we still feel the absence of every single day. Dezi is the reason we know, without a doubt, how much a shop dog can mean to a small business — and to the people who walk through its doors.
People ask us all the time: "Why do you have a dog in a clothing boutique?" Honestly, once you meet Blaze, the question kind of answers itself.
At Love Marlow, we've always wanted shopping to feel less like a transaction and more like walking into Stacey and Leslie's own living room. Comfortable, warm, and unmistakably them. And nothing captures that homey, welcoming energy quite like having a dog greet you at the door.
Here's what Blaze brings to Love Marlow every single day:
🐾 Entertainment for the littles. Shopping trips with kids in tow can be a lot. Blaze gives little ones something fun to watch, pet, and giggle at while mom or grandma browses the new arrivals in peace.
🐾 The perfect distraction for significant others. We love our shopping partners who tag along but maybe aren't quite as excited about trying on the new fall arrivals. Blaze gives them a job, hang out, say hi to the dog, and suddenly waiting isn't so bad.
🐾 Real emotional support when shopping gets stressful. Whether it's a tough dressing room day or just a long, overwhelming week, there's something about a dog leaning into your leg that resets the whole mood. Blaze has a sixth sense for exactly who needs that extra bit of comfort.
🐾 An unmatched welcoming atmosphere. Boutique shopping should feel personal. A shop dog does that instantly. It signals that this isn't a big-box store, it's a small, family-run business where you're genuinely welcome to stay a while.
Simply put: Blaze isn't just a mascot. He's one of the best "employees" Love Marlow has ever had no paycheck required, 100% commission paid in belly rubs.
A Family Business, In Every Sense
Between Blaze holding down the fort at the boutique and Willow now recovering, this past week has been a good reminder of what Love Marlow is really about: family, community, and showing up for the ones who need us, whether they walk on two legs or four.
We'll be sharing more updates on Willow's recovery soon, and if you're local to Sioux Falls, keep an eye out, because if history is any indication, Willow may just have a future stopping by Love Marlow to get that great interaction that only you can teach her.
Until then, come see us (and Blaze) at Love Marlow, because a little tail-wagging (or butt-wagging) therapy is always included with your visit.
How to Help B-Squad Dog Rescue
Willow's emergency intake was just one part of a rough week for B-Squad Dog Rescue — Willow, Tank, and Leinie all needed urgent, costly veterinary care within the same 36 hours, and the bills add up fast. If Willow's story moved you even a little, B-Squad could really use the support:
- 💙 PayPal: bsquaddogrescue.com/donate
- 💙 Venmo: @bsquad (verification: 2718)
- 💙 Mail: B-Squad Dog Rescue, PO Box 583, Brandon, SD 57005
Every donation — even $5 or $10 — helps this small rescue keep saying yes to dogs like Willow when they need it most. And if you can't donate, sharing their story is free and helps just as much.
Love Marlow is a Sioux Falls boutique specializing in plus size and mid size fashion, known for its warm, family-first shopping experience — shop dog included.
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