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As a pet owner, this is one of your biggest fears. What happens when your best friend wanders off? You start thinking they will return in a few minutes. Then they don’t! When this happens, your mind starts to overwork with many negative thoughts that creep in. How will they survive at night? Will they get hit by a car? Then you start thinking, will I ever get to hug my puppy again? Surely, this only happens to “someone else” and not me—until it happens to you. Well, this happened to us, six years ago today.
Six years ago today, in the rolling mountains of North Carolina, a lab/retriever puppy named Delilah found herself lost in the vast wilderness. She was small but mighty, her red fur shimmering like the autumn leaves around her. She had wandered away from our hiking spot (2 hours plus from Charlotte), and though many searched for her, days turned into weeks, and hope began to dwindle.
This is a Hallmark story waiting to happen, one that involves thousands of people who helped bring her home safely after 62 days in the cold North Carolina Mountains. This was not a typical lost dog story; it was a story about humanity. It was a story about perseverance, dedication, and a desire to bring her home safely.
As the search and rescue continued, the sub-stories really brought the Delilah Home story to life. Delilah’s journey touched thousands—with some people finding God, others going through a divorce and searching for hope in something, and even old elementary school friends being reunited, all over a stranger’s dog. And it all started after I dropped the hard plastic retractable leash, which spooked Delilah. She was like Forrest Gump—she ran, and ran, and ran. She ran so fast that the leash broke off in the parking lot, and she was on her journey.
But Delilah was no ordinary one-year-old pup. She was strong, resilient, and full of heart. She found shelter under thick pine trees, lapped fresh mountain streams, and braved the chilly nights and 150 mph winds at Grandfather Mountain, determined to survive. Her spirit never wavered, even as hunger gnawed at her belly and the days stretched on.
Word of Delilah’s disappearance spread throughout the towns of Blowing Rock and Boone, and soon, a community of animal lovers, hikers, and neighbors banded together, tirelessly searching for the lost pup. Flyers were posted, calls were made, and volunteers scoured the mountains, their voices calling her name in the crisp air.
Sixty-two days after she had gone missing, a miracle happened. Delilah was trapped, tired but alive, her spirit unbroken. She had braved the wilderness and survived against all odds. Her story became one of hope, perseverance, and the kindness of a community that refused to give up on her.
Today is Delilah’s second Gotcha Day. Her first was when we rescued her as a puppy from an abusive South Carolina home. I remember that day—I was in a Bed Bath & Beyond meeting in New Jersey when my girls called me, just as the meeting was starting, to tell me about our new family member. At first, I thought, "We already have two rescued dogs, but now a third?" Little did we know, Delilah would change our lives forever.
Inspired by her incredible journey, we decided to create something meaningful in her honor. We founded Delilah Home, a brand dedicated to crafting sustainable, organic home textiles that reflect the very qualities Delilah embodied—strength, comfort, and a deep connection to nature. Not only are our Delilah Home products good for the environment, good for the people who produce them, and good for people to use (without ANY hidden toxic chemicals), we give up to 10% of our profit back to the community we serve. The only way to pay back all the countless hours searching for Delilah is to pay it forward. If you cannot pay it back, you pay it forward—that is our mantra. www.delilahhome.com
Just as Delilah was given a second chance, Delilah Home gives people the opportunity to fill their homes with ethically made, environmentally friendly products. Every cozy organic cotton bed sheet, every soft, luxurious towel, is a tribute to the pup who proved that resilience and love can overcome any challenge.
And so, Delilah’s legacy lives on—not just in the wag of her happy tail, but in the warmth and comfort she continues to bring into people’s homes, one thread at a time.
If you have time, please watch this video on her rescue.
As the Delilah Home story comes, Delilah is thriving and the best puppy ever. One thing is certain, she is grounded for life!!!! Thank you for reading our story!
PS, On Sunday, we lost our best friend, Beth Smith, to cancer. Beth was an amazing friend and strong dog advocate. We were staying at her mountain house when Delilah decided to take her 62-day sabbatical. Beth's house was our bootcamp for the rescue mission. If you believe in prayer, please say a prayer for her. No one was ever a stranger to her.
PSS, thank you for Epic Search and Rescue, Michelle, Nancy, Leslie, JC, Virgina, Beth, Anna, and many many others. Without you, we would not have found Delilah!
Michael C. Twer
Founder and CEO, Delilah Home LLC
Chairman (retired), Organic Trade Association Fiber Council
Email: michael@delilahhome.com <mailto:michael@delilahhome.com>
www.delilahhome.com <http://www.delilahhome.com>
The Story of Delilah Home: Where Sustainability Meets Comfort
Delilah Home began with a mission to redefine what it means to live sustainably and luxuriously. Founded by Michael Twer, the company is dedicated to creating high-quality, eco-friendly home goods that are safe for people, pets, and the planet. From organic cotton bed sheets to performance towels, Delilah Home is committed to blending comfort, sustainability, and care in every product.
A Brand Inspired by Resilience and Community: The heart of Delilah Home’s story is deeply personal. The company is named after Delilah, a golden retriever puppy who captured the hearts of many after surviving an extraordinary 62 days alone in the North Carolina mountains. Delilah’s incredible spirit of survival and resilience became the symbol of strength and community, inspiring Michael Twer and his family. Delilah’s story of triumph over adversity is what drives the company’s commitment to sustainability, compassion, and community-centered values.
A Commitment to Sustainability: From the beginning, Delilah Home has been committed to environmental responsibility. Recognizing the growing need for eco-friendly products that do not sacrifice quality, Delilah Home creates luxurious home goods using only 100% organic cotton and hemp, free from harmful chemicals, allergens, and toxins. All products are certified organic, vegan-friendly, and made in ethical factories in Portugal, known for their adherence to sustainable practices and fair labor standards.
Delilah Home’s products are not just about comfort; they are about making choices that contribute to a healthier planet. The brand’s dedication to sustainability has led to innovative product developments, such as the Drytek High Performance Towels, made from 100% recycled plastic bottles. This line has set a new standard for eco-friendly home goods, offering a luxurious yet sustainable option for consumers who value both quality and the environment.
Growth Through Partnerships: Delilah Home’s journey has been one of persistence and growth. After facing significant challenges in the early years, the company turned the tide through Michael’s determination and the unwavering support of the Rotary and local communities. As the brand grew, so did its reach, securing partnerships with major retailers such as Target, Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, Perigold, and Amazon.
These partnerships have allowed Delilah Home to bring its eco-conscious mission to a broader audience, offering consumers the chance to enjoy sustainable luxury in their everyday lives. From organic bed linens to high-performance towels, Delilah Home continues to expand its offerings while staying true to its core values of quality, sustainability, and ethical production.
Innovation with Purpose: Delilah Home is constantly evolving, driven by a desire to push the boundaries of sustainable home goods. The introduction of the Drytek towel collection – including towels for pets, sports, beach, and camping – reflects the brand’s innovation and forward-thinking approach. These towels are not only high-performance but are made from 100% recycled materials, quick-drying, antimicrobial, and sand-resistant.
Moreover, Delilah Home’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond the products themselves. The brand launched North America's first-ever Take Back Program for towels, encouraging customers to return their Drytek towels after one year for repair, donation, or recycling, further promoting a circular economy.
Looking to the Future: As Delilah Home continues to grow, the company remains focused on its mission to create products that are both luxurious and sustainable. The brand is gearing up to expand its offerings, including the upcoming launch of Drytek Pet Towels, designed for pet owners who want to care for their furry friends with eco-friendly products.
Through all its achievements, Delilah Home stays grounded in the values that started it all: community, sustainability, and quality. With every product, the brand seeks to inspire a better, more conscious way of living, one where luxury and sustainability go hand in hand.