PETS “Our grandfather started several business ventures. All his children had their own businesses. Our parents have run several successful businesses together down in south Florida. Needless to say, we inherited that gene.” So why wouldn’t they decide to create their own boots? The process, however, wasn’t always successful. “It was hilarious,” they say. “We started out using whatever materials we had available. We took apart an old ski glove once and attached it to a baby sock. But Joey was always a patient model.” Eventually, through trial and error, they created a prototype that actually worked. Result! “When we first put them on Joey he was totally confused. He walked funny for about ten seconds and then realized he could move naturally in them. After wearing them outside it took him only two walks to realize exactly what they were for. He waits by the door and raises his paws to help you put them on. I think any dog would prefer to go without boots naturally, but when they realize that it helps in the winter conditions, they quickly get used to it.” Needless to say, he was a hit at the dog park. They created their first line of Joey Boots and since then have been enjoying working with their favorite clientele: dogs. They now have customers nationwide, and recently started getting requests from Canada and Europe. “We even have a client in Florida who re-carpeted her whole house then found out the dog was allergic to some of the carpeting.” Now, we know what you’re thinking: there are already plenty of doggy boots on the market. But, say Christy and Tess: “Our Joey Boots have an attached legging and is fleece-lined throughout, keeping the paws and legs toasty. The bottom is waterproof and has a flexible material that allows the dog to walk more naturally in them. They also come in four fashion-forward patterns giving the owner, and their pup, the opportunity to put a personal stamp on their style.” The result not only keeps the dog’s paws warm and keeps out the dirt from our city streets, it also stops our pets ingesting all kinds of grime from the sidewalks. “The salt they use to clear the sidewalks is toxic,” say the girls. “It is spread in small pellets that can get embedded into the paws and cause sores and burns that are painful. The dogs then lick their irritated
We even have a client in Florida who re-carpeted her whole house then found out the dog was allergic to some of the carpeting.”
Above: Bandanas and boots – essential parts of your pup’s winter wardrobe, right?
paws and ingest the salt, which is very harmful and usually ends up with them getting sick.” The boots have been so successful, they’ve branched out into bandanas, and created some very special Broadwaythemed ones for the Broadway Barks charity. “We had several Broadway shows generously donate costume fabric remnants. We then made one-of-a-kind dog bandanas that represented each show. They were a hit! The Wicked Elphaba ribbon bandana was a hot seller, as well as the Phantom of the Opera bandana.” Next on the design list is dog jackets – “something that people can pair with the boots. “We love working together. It just seemed like a natural process for us,” they say. “We never thought we would be in this particular business but honestly couldn’t be anymore grateful for life’s surprises.” www.houndandtail.com
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