The Story Behind Our Logo

The Story Behind the Afghan Hound

It’s time to share more of the story—how we came to The Marian Collection, and why an afghan hound graces our logo.

Some of you have asked about the dog. Why that particular breed? Do we have one? The answer is no—we’ve never had a pet afghan hound. (Though it’s a dream for the future!) This dog lives in our memory, not our home.

Growing up, our grandmother Marian had a life-size statue of an afghan hound in her apartment. It wasn’t just decor—it was iconic. My clearest memory of it comes from when she lived in one of the most unique communities I’ve ever seen, even to this day. It was called “The Atrium,” tucked somewhere in western Kentucky.

The name says it all. The apartment complex was enclosed by a built-in atrium—lush with plants, staggered levels, and interconnecting staircases that led you to your friends. It felt magical. And that was before you even stepped into Marian’s apartment.

Her space wasn’t fancy, but to a young boy’s eyes, it was enchanting. Rich colors. Unusual furniture. Sparkling glassware. Plants everywhere. And that dog—tall, elegant, and mysterious. Maybe I loved it because I wasn’t allowed to have a dog. Or maybe it was something deeper.

Marian had a bold personal style. She was vibrant in both aesthetic and personality. Who else, in the middle of rural Kentucky in the 1980s, decorated like that? I know one woman who did: Marian Miller Adams.

That afghan hound statue stayed with me. Not physically—it’s long gone—but emotionally. It became a symbol of her spirit. Of beauty, eccentricity, and unapologetic individuality.

So when it came time to build The Marian Collection, that dog had to be part of it. Not because we had one. But because we remember one.

Because we remember her.