What do you do to make a difference?

January 24, 2021|Dog situations

Even though they are homeless, they are family. These coats help keep families together.

Making a difference for dogs

Helping dogs.  That's what I do. 

It's important to make a difference in the world in one way or another.  If you pay attention, you hear many people talking about doing all kinds of different things because they want to help.  Most of their causes, I believe, have merit.  I may not participate because, honestly, participating in each one of these great causes would be overwhelming.  

But I have found something that I can help with.  It's not going to change the world, but that's ok.  As the saying by Karen Davison goes, "Saving one dog will not change the world, but surely for that one dog, the world will change forever.” I like that.

Coats distributed to homeless people with dogs in need.

What I do at Made by De.

My one thing is to use my extra fabric and spare moments to make coats for dogs that need them, free of charge.  I started doing this shortly after my business started when I met a lady named Pam Dickerson of Colorado Citizens for Canine Welfare. 

One of the many things that Pam does is meet up with homeless people and have dogs. Most of these people have nothing else but their dogs and absolutely refuse to give them up.  Even though it makes their own lives harder, they do it because they love their dogs.  

One of the situations that get really difficult for them is getting into a shelter on a cold night.  Most shelters won't allow dogs to come in, so these dog lovers choose to stay outside with their canine family, even in the harshest of conditions.  

People on the streets have enough to worry about. Keeping their canine family warm doesn't always have to be one of them.

Giving dog coats to homeless dogs helps keep them with their people.

When that happens, their dogs need help staying warm, and my coats can help. They do whatever they can to stay warm, including using cardboard or wrapping their dogs in old pieces of fabric that they've found while scrounging.  Pam gets my coats to these people and their dogs so that they have one less thing to worry about.  

It makes my heart happy to know just how much this small thing I do gives them happiness. What do you do to make a difference?  Tell me about it in the comments below.

If you're interested in helping me give these needy dogs coats, please check out this listing.

 

 

How to keep your dog warm

November 15, 2020|Dog coats

Keep your dog warmer by keeping them dry too!

Keeping your dog warm.  

If your dog is cold, you put a coat on them, right?  Maybe you bring them inside.  It's pretty simple.  However, not all coats are the same.  Here's why.

A coat is NOT just a coat.

If you've ever felt a dog coat before, maybe you noticed that some of them seem to be thinner than others.  Some fabrics have a different feel.  You know that there are differences, but what does that mean to your dog?

Being warm AND dry

Temperature isn't the only thing that affects whether your dog is warm or not.  It's a good place to start, but there's more to it.  However, 32 degrees and dry doesn't feel the same as 32 degrees and wet or 32 degrees in the wind.  Both water and wind affect the way your dog's body can regulate its internal temperature.  

Water evaporates, which has been proven to decrease the immediate area's temperature by a few degrees. Wind decreases the temperature by blowing away the warmer air that's around your dog. Either of these can make 32 degrees feel much colder, and when they're combined, they really make a difference. And whenever the temperature is decreased, your dog's body has to work harder to stay warm.

Read this post from WebMD about keeping dogs warm in the winter.

A smaller dog has different needs. That's why they need custom dog coats too!

Getting the right coat for your dog's needs

If you have decided to get your dog a coat, it's helpful to consider the conditions your dog will be spending time in.  If they spend time in the rain, snow, or other wet conditions, you'll want to make sure the product is waterproof or at least water-resistant.  And if the wind is a factor, make sure to address that too.  

Even though there are some adorable and/or fashionable coats available,  they aren't all going to help your dog in the same way.  If your purpose is to truly keep your dog warm, be sure to select a product that will be the most helpful. Take a look at Made by De for more info.

When you go to my website, don't forget to sign up for my insider group here. You'll save 20% on all your orders from Made by De!     

A custom dog coat can cover the right amount of dog without adding too much bulk. And whether they are big or little, dogs need the right coverage to keep them dry as well as warm.

A fleece dog coat like this one can help keep your dog warm by itself or layered under another coat for added warmth.