The Sacks family car is always stocked with food, leashes, blankets, and a cat carrier, just in case we come across an animal in need. I guess we have been an informal “rescue group” for many years. Before our children were born, my husband, Robert, and I were constantly making room in our small apartment for any furry friend in need. This fostering environment continued as our kids grew up, and caring for pets was part of daily life. From the beginning, my daughter, Amy, showed a very strong interest in animals and their welfare. After retiring as president of Ann Sacks Tile and Stone, I was able to start a company that combined my passion for good business, great design, animals, and family. Fetch Eyewear reflects my belief that fashion is nothing without compassion.

Based in Portland, Oregon, Fetch Eyewear donates all profits to the Pixie Project, a 501C(3) nonprofit animal rescue organization focused on finding forever homes for pets who might otherwise not get a chance. I admit, human eyewear that supports rescue animals doesn’t seem like the most intuitive business model, but I’ve never been a person beholden to the predictable or the ordinary.

When I started to depend on reading glasses, it seemed they were available in one of two ways: Either you purchased expensive lenses and frames at an optical store, or you bought over-the-counter drugstore “cheaters” that, while affordable, are usually ill-fitting, unattractive and quick to break. I finally took the plunge and invested in my first pair of real reading glasses from a local shop to the tune of $300. Two days later they were lost, never to be seen again. Needless to say, I was pissed.

Driven by curiosity as well as frustration, I began researching the business of eyeglass production and discovered it would be possible to manufacture beautiful, durable frames, including high-quality lenses, for a fraction of the price paid at most retailers.

At the same time, Amy returned from college anxious to continue the animal rescue work that she had started at school. She had been volunteering for the county animal team and took on helping homeless youth in the area to vaccinate and spay or neuter their pets. She created alliances with local vets, negotiated discounted rates, and helped transport animals to and from their appointments. Her goal was to build on these ideas and establish a new kind of animal rescue in her hometown of Portland.

The organization was named for Amy’s first adoption success story, a shy Terrier mix named Pixie who had been rescued in 2000. My husband and I were the lucky new pet parents who welcomed Pixie into our home and hearts the moment we met.

The world of eyeglasses and animals began to merge as Amy and I discussed our goals and ideas. We decided to establish Fetch specifically as a long-term funding source for the Pixie Project, and thus the union was complete.

Just this year, Pixie expanded its headquarters from 1,500 to 5,000 square feet to accommodate more adoptable cats and dogs as well as an in-house veterinary clinic. The Pixie Project partners with Portland-area shelters, as well as those in remote rural areas, to reduce overcrowding. They also provide accessible veterinary care, including free spay and neuter services, to pets of homeless and low-income people. To date, Pixie Project has completed more than 1,500 successful animal adoptions in the Portland metro area.

Originally called Amy Sacks Eyewear, the company underwent a major rebranding in September 2012. We changed its name to Fetch Eyewear to better reflect its charitable intent. Fetch Eyewear provides stylish prescription glasses, sunglasses, and reading glasses for all ages that are guaranteed with a lifetime frame warranty. We contribute all the profits from the retail and wholesale sales of Fetch to animal rescue.

Through the website you can consult our “find your fit” guide to figure out your perfect eyeglass shape and color, and you can try on frames in the comfort of your own home for free. Our frames stand on their own based on high-quality optical materials, but they also appeal to the socially conscious consumer who wants to get involved and give back. The Fetch line is inspired by classic shapes and refined to perfectly complement many different faces.

My goal has been to design glasses that fit amazingly on people, not just amazing glasses that people fit into. Color is also a huge focus of the Fetch line; we strive to produce frames with fun and unexpected colors while always keeping an eye on flattering a variety complexions. With bright, fun sunglasses, petite, refined reading glasses, and bold, angular prescription glasses, Fetch has something for everybody. I believe that buying eyewear should make you look good, feel good, and do good.

In addition to Pixie, my husband and I have also adopted a Lab mix named Clara, who became Pixie’s best friend and protector, and a cat named Minnie from the Pixie Project. Not to mention the Fetch Eyewear office cat, Georgie. I can’t imagine life without these four-legged members of my family.

I am proud to support the Pixie Project as it works tirelessly to find forever homes for animals in need and strives to improve the lives of animals everywhere. As Fetch grows, so will the reach of the efforts of the Pixie Project.

Whether you wear sunglasses or prescription glasses, Fetch is an opportunity to directly affect the welfare of our beloved animals. Give us a try and sport your support for animal rescue.