For the first 10 years of Slipper's life, I searched for a Dog Coat. Slipper was a little guy, but broad-chested, thanks to his mixed breed (Maltese/Lhasa Apso) heritage. When I found a coat that would fit around his chest, it hung way over his tail-end. If a coat was the right length, it wouldn't go 'round his chest. Worse, it wouldn't protect his chest from the snowballs that this little dog could collect as he travelled close to the ground. Even more disturbing were the coats that looked OK, but did not have any actual benefits for the dog. The primary function of a dog coat is to insulate & protect the dog's vital organs (heart, lungs, etc.) and everything else (a clean, dry dog!) is a bonus benefit. A dog coat without an effective insulation material will not keep the dog warm. It seemed to me that there was a "need" out there...I couldn't possibly be the only frustrated and desperate (Slipper had a great wardrobe of handknitted sweaters...cute but not waterproof!) dog owner.

About this time, I was working with leading Canadian designers & retailers (for people!) to develop new products & resource the production facilities to manufacture them. It was while visiting one of these factories that I saw the most wonderful collection of skiwear being created, using state-of-the-art materials & equipment. Skiwear is a demanding product; the machinery needed to produce top-of-the-line goods costs thousands of dollars, but is the only way to work with multiple layers of hard-to-handle fabrics. The process also requires the most skilled & experienced machine operators. Our dog coats have three layers -- the protective waterproof nylon outer shell, a premium insulation material that we buy in Germany, and a cuddly Sherpa fleece lining. These three layers are sewn together with a bias-cut trim. As the trim is sewn on, the different layers are trimmed by the machinery, ensuring that these are garments that will last for years, machine-washing & drying back to their original shape, and withstand the rough-and-tumble treatment doggies give them.

I have also personally visited the facilities that produce our coats to ensure that RVRG coats are produced under internationally mandated working & safety conditions. These factories are regularly monitored to maintain their high human rights rating, and the managers are justly proud of their good reputation, as well as their ability to attract & keep the most highly-skilled, experienced workers.

You can be assured that your RVRG dog coat is of the highest quality materials & workmanship.