Core77

We usually highlight storytelling for design success, but sometimes innovative thinking can be found in the most unexpected places, like the vet's office. Instead of taking out loans or hiding in a cave, Sonia Zjawinski conjured up a genius plan to raise $10,000 after being slammed by heavy vet bills for her dog Lulu's amputation and chemo procedures for bone cancer. She teamed up with a designer friend to bring the joy of "tripods" into our hearts and onto our shirts. Earnings for "I Heart Tripods" t-shirts have already reached over $12,000, so Zjawinski has set up a DIY charity that aids similar pet owners who struggle with unmanageable vet debt. And to top off these positive turn of events, a new cat version of "I Heart Tripods" is available for sale, designed by LA-based artist Amanda Vissel, who made contact with Zjawinski via her site and who's dog went through the same ordeal as Lulu. Now if we could only finance dental bills with "I Heart Root Canals" shirts...