It surprised me when I realized I haven’t put a lot of thought into how my dog’s collar and leash fit him. It makes me wonder what else I take for granted… I have a 12-year-old Maltese named Pip (PIP – Pretty Important Puppy). He was supposed to be my daughter’s dog, but ended up mine, and I totally love the little guy. He is usually pretty content to stay right beside me when we walk. He never pulled on the leash, but as he has gotten older, the collar and leash seem a little more challenging.
I was introduced to UDogU last month, and I have fallen in love with this adorable little company as well! I learned from them about the importance of using a harness on a small dog. A collar can be harmful as it may damage a small dog’s trachea and make it difficult to breathe. A harness protects the delicate structure of your little dog’s throat by moving the pressure to the chest. I was also blown away by the quality of the UDogU products.
Bill and Sherry Merrill began the UdogU journey about 25 years ago, when they were newly married and still learning about each other’s unique talents and passions. Sherry was an excellent seamstress who had worked in the bridal industry, but as passionate as she was about creating bridal fashions, she also had a deep and abiding passion for dogs. While Bill’s experience with dogs was limited to the family pet of his youth, Sherry broadened his appreciation of dogs from “family pet” to “canine companion.”
Mindi, a Yorkie, sporting a UDogU Red Hearts Hat and Harness.
Bill and Sherry searched far and wide for products for their Yorkie Tiffany without finding any suitable options. They say, “We must confess that we were demanding customers — only the best would do for our Tiffy! So we decided to design our own.” This decision led not only to their proprietary “Easy-On” harness design but also to the use of fun and high fashion fabrics, resulting in some of the most stylish dog products on the market.
For 25 years Bill and Sherry traveled the eastern United States to exhibit at juried craft shows. To be accepted as a vendor in a juried craft show, you must demonstrate that you are the designer and maker of the hand-crafted items that you intend to sell. The UDogU booth was often the most popular because the Merrills used their own dogs to model their fashions. How could people resist well behaved dogs wearing fancy harnesses and matching hats and leashes?
Bill recounts, “Once in a while we would hear a passerby’s shocked reaction when he or she realized that our dogs were alive and not stuffed, and I would invite them into our booth for personal introductions to each of our dogs. Over the years there have been those who shared with us tears of joy and sadness when they saw the image of their beloved companion in one of our models.”
The UDogU name is perfect for the product line — clearly for dogs, with just a little doggie attitude. They call their harness the Easy-On Dog Harness because there are just two simple steps to putting it on. First, over the head. Then fasten the side-release buckle behind the front legs. That’s it! There is plenty of room for your dog’s head and neck. And unlike a step-in harness, there is no need to pull those delicate front legs through straps or leg openings. They offer 9 sizes for dogs weighing as little as 3 lbs (teacup size) to about 45 lbs (large size), and each size adjusts for perfect fit.
I look forward to many more walks with Pip in his UDogU harness that is safer and more comfortable for him. I hope you will check out their website at UDogU.com and enjoy reading health and safety tips and tricks from UDogU in future issues.
Mocha and Morgan in Red and Pink Hearts Ruffle Harnesses.
