Johnny the Shiba Inu with a variegated Rubber Tree — the inspiration behind Mossy Paws

Manchester, Connecticut

Started with
a Monstera.

Rare and tropical plants, grown with the same precision that guides everything Michael does. Named for a Shiba Inu who can't keep his paws out of the collection.

Mossy Paws is owned by Michael Mayo, a lover of dogs and proud dad to four — two Shiba Inus and two Akitas. The logo pays tribute to the pointy ears and curly tail that define both breeds, because honestly, it could be any one of them.

Johnny, our youngest Shiba, has made it his personal mission to eat and play with every plant in the house. His paws are perpetually mossy, the dog version of a green thumb. The name was never really a question.

Michael is a cardiothoracic physician assistant and educator, spending his days training the next generation of providers. Rare plants are where those same careful hands come to decompress. His first Monstera hooked him and he has been propagating ever since. Along the way he discovered a real talent for bringing tissue cultures to life, something his science background made feel surprisingly natural.

He found his passion. Johnny approves, in his own way.

4
Dogs at home
150+
Cultivars sourced
CT
Based in Manchester

The quality control team

The Pack

🐕
Franklin
Shiba Inu · Leader of the Pack
🐕
Johnny
Shiba Inu · The Inspector
🐕
Bella
Akita · Beauty & the Brawn
🐕
Leonardo
Akita · The Good Boy

Ready to add something rare to your collection? Ships nationwide from Manchester, CT — or pick up locally by appointment.

Shop the collection