2nd Watch Wood Works is a family tradition rooted in discipline and care. From Rusty’s Retreat dog beds to Jenny Mae’s quilts, every piece is handcrafted one at a time, delivered locally, and built to last.
When we first adopted Rusty, our 90‑pound bloodhound, we went out and bought him a premade bed from a big‑box store. But Rusty wanted nothing to do with it—the bed slid and shifted every time he climbed in or jumped out. Rusty loves to sleep, but he’s quick to leap up at the sound of the doorbell or a squirrel in the yard. That flimsy bed couldn’t give him the peace or security he needed.
So I built him something better: a solid, heavy‑duty bed that doesn’t move. Rusty finally had a place where he could rest comfortably and feel secure. That became the inspiration for Second Watch Wood Works.
I believe these beds provide the same comfort for every dog—whether it’s a 12‑pound pup like my son’s or a 90‑pound hound like Rusty or Duke. Each one is built heavy on purpose, steady for life, and crafted to give dogs the security they deserve.
Our Story
Robert Abbott is a lifelong public servant, retired Coast Guard veteran, federal investigator, and hands‑on craftsman based in Jacksonville, Florida. His record of service began at age 17, when he joined the Illinois Army National Guard while still in high school. That early commitment to discipline and duty set the foundation for more than 20 years of Coast Guard service and a career dedicated to protecting others.
Today, Robert brings the same integrity and pride to woodworking that defined his public service. His workshop is a sanctuary of resilience, where every piece is built with purpose—and often from repurposed wood. Each creation reflects durability, authenticity, and the belief that furniture should serve both function and family.
Robert lives with his husband, Tony, and their two rescue dogs, Rusty and Duke. Rusty joined the family at 9 months old after being passed from shelter to shelter and rescued from euthanasia at the pound. Three years later, Duke arrived—also at 9 months old—after spending nearly his entire young life confined to a small pen with a cement floor. Both dogs adapted quickly, becoming loyal, loving, and spoiled members of the household.
Rusty and Duke are more than companions—they are the inspiration behind every bed Robert builds. Each design is tested by them, shaped by real dogs in real homes, and crafted to last. They travel with the family on adventures, from the Everglades to the Great Smoky Mountains, to future camping trips, because wherever Robert and Tony go, Rusty and Duke go too.
These aren’t decorative novelties; they are true furniture pieces—built with resilience, designed to blend seamlessly into the home, and inspired by the loyalty of two dogs who embody second chances.
Our Mission
We believe pets deserve more than mass-produced furniture. Our elevated beds are designed to:
- Support rescue-friendly values by spotlighting adoption stories.
- Blend durability with comfort, crafted from solid wood and artisan care.
- Build trust through transparency—showcasing unfinished pieces so customers see the craftsmanship firsthand.
Why “2nd Watch”?
The name honors Robert’s Coast Guard service, where standing watch meant protecting others with vigilance and integrity. Today, that same spirit guides our work—building furniture that protects, comforts, and celebrates the pets who stand watch over us.