Accessories for the extremely petite dog

[Michelle]

Those who own small dogs know how hard it can be to find accessories to accommodate them. Because of health and size issues, normal-sized pet products typically don’t work for small K-9s.
Robin Landgrebe of Hughesville, seamstress and owner of the Web site [Only Registered Users Can See Links. Click Here To Register], took the inspiration from her small Yorkie, Toby, and began designing and creating accessories for smaller breeds of dogs.
“It was hard finding items that fit Toby. He’s a small dog and small dog items don’t really fit right,” Landgrebe said. “The only collar I could find that fit was a cat collar ... Yorkies are susceptible to collapsed trachea and they need harnesses.”
With Toby as her guinea pig, Landgrebe began creating items that she hoped would fit small pets better.
Her pet accessory business soon grew to include dog and cat fleece beds, custom-made car seats, travel crates, custom-made dog pens, Berber dog bone pillows, personalized Berber dog bed with squeaker, dog coats and raincoats, fabric dog and cat collars, adjustable identification collars, dog and cat personalized placemats with embroidery, an adjustable double-dog leash (not on the Web site yet) and several catnip toys.
All dog accessories created by Landgrebe are handmade and custom-fit to each specific dog. Although she said most items are made with Toby in mind, custom-fitting other pets is part of the challenge.
“It’s hard sometimes to fit small dogs and large dogs, so I have built my business around Toby,” Landgrebe said. “But, I custom-fit dogs. They come into my home and I measure the dogs — just like I do for my people customers.”
Landgrebe puts a lot of time into her pet accessories, sometimes making a few attempts at getting each item right. She enjoys her hobby and business, however, and sees the payoff through Toby, along with the customers who challenge her to come up with new products.
“I love seeing Toby enjoy it ... and he looks so cute when the clothing fits right,” Landgrebe said. “I also love when a customer comes to me with an idea. Their dog has a special need and I work with them to fill it.”
One of Landgrebe’s customers came to her with a specific problem, saying they had a hard time holding two leashes. The customer asked Landgrebe if she could make a lead that would fit two dogs on one leash.
“I then came up with the double-dog lead that can accommodate two dogs on one leash,” she said. “I made it adjustable, too, in case the dogs’ heights were different.”
Landgrebe’s pet accessories have reached across the country as far as California and even worldwide to South Africa, all through her Web site. On the site, several sizes are given and the customer must provide specific measurements of the pet to ensure that each accessory fits that specific animal.
Landgrebe said that she’s heard a lot of positive feedback from many of her customers who are enjoying her pet products.
“Elaine, from New York, said, ‘I know that when Abbey Mia tosses her ‘Toby Tuggers’ in the air and it hits me, I can appreciate it’s softness. I love how durable it is. It is definitely one of her favorite toys,’ ” Landgrebe said.
With the success of her business growing, creating custom-made pet products is a trade that Landgrebe hopes to participate in for a long time.
“This is something I love doing,” she said. “I enjoy creating items that other dog owners will love as much as I do.”
Landgrebe also is expanding her accessories to accommodate female dogs, as well. Although Landgrebe said that Toby loves to model the products, she’s afraid he might feel a little emasculated modeling the female dog products.
“Toby loves to have his picture taken, but he is looking for a girlfriend,” Landgrebe said. “This way he doesn’t have to model doggie dresses.”
Landgrebe may be contacted through her Web site or by phone at 584-5008.