There have been so many lovely stories of dogs who’ve been helped by the dog boot pattern I scribbled out and posted when I had to make a quick set of winter boots for my greyhound, Casey — it’s really pretty heartwarming.
Old dogs who slip on the ice…
Dogs with injured paws in need of protection…
Dogs with tender toes who are sensitive to cold…
Outdoor sporting dogs who need a little extra warmth and traction…
Like this GSD beauty, Storm, who lives in Canada’s cold far north:
photo: YKStorm
Pat‘s daughter took her German Shepherd dog out on a rescue mission — looking for a lost Corgi pup who’d bolted in a panic when he got scared on a trail. The pup was found and brought safely home — “fine and much more obedient after 3 days out in -40″ — but Storm lost one of her boots in the snow.
Pat used my pattern to make new doggie booties for her: a beautiful blue colour, extra tall for use in deep snow, with reflective patches for safety.
photo credit: YKStorm
Pat’s one of a growing number of clever and caring dog lovers who have improved on my simple pattern to suit their own dogs’ needs — by adding extra length or a stretchy cuff, experimenting with different non-slip materials on the soles of the boots, and sewing up waterproof versions of the fleece original.
Best yet, these dog lovers are very generous in sharing their ideas with others through their comments.
But that’s not the end of the good puppy karma. Some people — with Casey’s full blessings — are now making these dog booties for sale to help other dogs who have non-sewing owners, dogs in foster homes, and even as a fundraiser to help a greyhound adoption group! You know, I said that it’s heartwarming, all this sewing and creative adaptation… but it’s the sharing that really brightens up a dark winter day and gives hope that, even in tough times, we self-involved human beings can learn to be as giving and caring as our dogs.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Thanks so much for the boot pattern. I’m not a person who uses my dog as a fashon accssory but I do like to protect them from the lements. Our economy has necessitated cutbacks in every area but our dogs are one place where we do not cut back. This pattern has been a creative and thrifty way of getting what we need. Your generosity is very much appreciated. Keep up the good work.
When you have a dog as small as mine – you never find the size you need. The nice thing about your pattern is if you can find a person to make them (I can not) you can figure out the right size and – it is like tailor making a set just for your own little one. In my case – a paw width of less than 1 inch! So thank you.