I was living in Nassau, Bahamas and teaching art full-time when I decided to get a little companion to keep me company. In the summer of 1997, Buddy came into my life. Buddy, a miniature Daschund, was just over a year old at the time. Little did I know he was soon to become the star of and inspiration for BUDDY BELT.

Buddy had only a neck collar; because of the hound-dog in him he was stubborn and would pull. I had no idea that damage was being done to his neck and throat. He started having coughing spells and I assumed he had allergies. Each time Buddy went walking, he was constantly choking. This made me realize that we needed something other than a neck collar.

I searched for a solution but was unsuccessful. The harnesses available were difficult to use and did not always protect the neck. I then decided to design a harness for Buddy myself. The first prototype was made from a piece of tire rubber. I took the prototypes to two different leather-workers to create a more refined form. After working with a leather designer for a day, I learned how to create patterns and templates specifically for leather. I then invested in tools, equipment and materials needed to create my own harnesses.

I created a harness that is easy to use and that reduces stress on the neck. Essential to the design is a single buckle, like a traditional collar, except that this design is fastened between the shoulder blades instead of around the neck. The animal's front legs extended through the two holes underneath.

BUDDY BELT was officially launched at PET Expo in Toronto in October of 2001. At the time each Buddy Belt was hand-cut, sewn and assembled by me alone. In the spring of 2003, production moved from the home-basement enterprise to a space nearby. A clicker-die press, industrial sewing machine, many other tools, equipment and leather were moved to this location. On April 17, 2003, Buddy Belts were being cut by machine. Other than the cutting and sewing process, each Buddy Belt is completely handcrafted. Since then, multiples of thousands of Buddy Belts have been cut, sewn and assembled. This number keeps multiplying exponentially, as do sales.

BUDDY BELT was well received from the start and continues to be a product in demand. The Buddy Belt has come a long way from the hand-cut flimsy versions of early days to the high-quality, premium product that it is today. Buddy is a senior now. He continues to happily wear a Buddy Belt wherever he goes. His own personal Buddy Belt collection keeps growing.

BUDDY BELT has enhanced the lives of thousands of dogs and their owners. In many cases, it has actually saved lives. On behalf of all the Buddy Belt staff, I sincerely hope that your Buddy Belt will enhance you and your pet's lives as much as it has for so many others. - Roxanne Pettipas, President.