We're making some changes!

Made by De is loading up for the big dog show.  We're headed to Greeley, Colorado for the Greeley Kennel Club Dog Show that runs from Thursday to Sunday, August 13 to 16.  Come on by to check out my latest creations if you're in the area.

My business blog is changing web addresses.  You can still stay up to date with Made by De at 

http://coatsmadebyde.com/blog

Dogs need coats that fit!

Here is a video of a mini dachshund running in one of my fleece coats.  Because this jacket was made just for him, he can move really well in it without getting all tangled up.

Many dog breeds, like dachshunds, Italian greyhounds, pugs, greyhounds, .......... the list is very long, have unique builds that are perfect for their breeds but not perfect for most ready made coats.

Dachshunds are long bodied with short legs.

Italian greyhounds are very slender but also deep chested.

Pugs are short backed but stocky.

If the coat is not long enough, it doesn't cover very much of the dog. If it is too long, it can interfere with movement.

If it goes too far down, the legs can get bound up and make moving and running difficult.

If it isn't built for a broad dog, it can also bind, or just not go on at all.

If a dog isn't comfortable in something, he or she is likely to resist wearing it or tear/chew it off.  If something feels good or solves a problem (like stopping the shivering from the cold), it is much more likely to be left alone.  

The point of putting a coat on a dog is to help keep him or her comfortable. Making sure the coat is a good fit will go a long ways toward that goal and keep your best friend happy!

Cool Coat Review from Ownedbyahusky.ca. Check it out!

Jenna Drady of ownedbyahusky.ca did an informal review of my cool coats with her gorgeous dogs! 

Aren't her dogs cool!  (pun intended, LOL)

Check out her review here

http://www.ownedbyahusky.ca/2015/07/cooling-jackets-for-dogs-keeping-it.html?showComment=1437660489302#c4625755393350010665

And she made this really fun video channeling her inner Ferris Beuller. 

Thanks Jenna!

Lure coursing.....What the heck is that?

And what is this outfit for?

This borzoi is wearing a lure coursing vest.  These vests typically come in 3 colors; yellow, blue and pink.  They are worn so the judge can see from a distance which dog is doing what in the competition.  

What is lure coursing, you may ask? 

Lure coursing is a competition in which dogs chase an artificial lure across a field, following a pattern that is meant to simulate chasing prey. Sighthounds are especially noted for their skill at lure coursing since it is instinctual to the group. 

Watch this video for an idea of what lure coursing is. Judging by this video, it looks like the dogs have alot of fun.  

De Hufford

Made by De

www.coatsmadebyde.com

Heartwarming moment!

A tribute to Maggie!

This is a client that got a coat from me several years ago.  

I got this note today and it absolutely made my day!!!

Name withheld..........

I just wanted to send you a note about the hot pink jacket you made for my beloved Lab/Pit mix, Maggie, back in December of 2011. I had just moved to Bend, Oregon with my dog pack, and poor Maggie was freezing to death, so I ordered a jacket from you. She LOVED that jacket so much! During the cold weather, she would wait by the door to have me put it on before going out. She wore it everywhere, and she loved all the attention she got while wearing it -- everyone would ooh and ahh over her, and crack up laughing about how pleased she seemed with herself in that jacket. It really was like a security blanket for her -- she just seemed to be so confident when she wore it, and so cozy warm. I lost Maggie recently, at the age of 16, and then her much-loved companion a month later. When I took her to the vet to have her put to sleep, she wore her pink jacket -- and she was wearing it when she was cremated. It was so hard to let her go, but she was ready, and I could tell that wearing her jacket helped to calm her in those last difficult moments. I never got to meet Maggie and hadn't really thought of her in quite a while.  But something like this?..............This is what makes what I do worthwhile.  I have to admit, I read the  note with tears welling in my eyes.   These are the kind of memories that keep you warm when the world feels just a little cold, a little hard.  Thank you!!!!!! De Hufford Made by De

What I learn when working with dogs

One of the interesting and cool dog breeds that I get to work with.  I love learning about all the various breeds and what they are intended to do, what their needs are and what their particular gifts are to us people.

This is the Kooikerhondje, a small Dutch waterfowl dog, wearing one of my cool coats because she does agility with her person.

This is what a Kooikerhondje looks like without stuff on.  Kooikers, as they are called, were bred to lure ducks into traps for the duck hunters back in the 16th century, as well as hunt vermin.  They almost disappeared after World War II but have made a comeback.  Kooikers are not yet recognized by the AKC but will join in the sporting group when they do.

These dogs are described as lively, cheerful, good natured and moderately active.  They are said to be slow to warm up to people they don't know but more than willing to please their person.

De Hufford

Made by De

www.coatsmadebyde.com

Attitude!

Do you ever feel like this?

A little girl has no worries about going outside.  In her jammies.  And her bright red boots.

I love the way she grins into the wind, totally unafraid and confident in herself.

This is one of the things I love about what I do.  I work.  I enjoy my family, kids, grandkids.  I spend time with my animals.  I do go on the back porch in my jammies on occasion.  But I do NOT have any bright red boots.  

Maybe I should get some.  It might be liberating.

De Hufford

Made by De

www.coatsmadebyde.com