SuperZoo 2016 Day 3: Wonderful Wool

by Amy Tokic

Published: August 4th, 2016

Looking for unique, eco- and socially-conscious pet products that are baaaaad to the bone? Wool abounds at this year’s SuperZoo – here are a few of my faves.

Wandering the aisles of SuperZoo 2016, one of the standout trends this year is the use of wool. From sweaters and collars, to beds, toys and mats, the wool is being pulled over my eyes – and I don’t mind!

I love the small dog and cat beds and mats from Dharma Dog Karma Cat. I got a chance to meet one of the founders, Jamyang Lodoe, at his booth, and he gave me a personal tour of his unique creations. He and his wife (and partner), Jennifer Neufeld, partner with women’s collectives, socially conscious artisans and family run businesses throughout Tibet, India and Nepal. The dynamic due only work with groups that pay higher than average wages, and preferentially employ handicapped and socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. The results are colorful, delightful creations that fuse contemporary design, eco-friendly materials and production, traditional handcrafting, and accessible pricing. Because they develop the fibers, the company is able to use techniques that are eco-friendly and forgo the chemical treatments that are commonly used with this type of material. Plus, look how adorable their stuff is!

For clothes and accessories, Chews Happiness has just launched Happiness Hugs, a new line of dog that’s individually woven from luxurious, cruelty-free yak down, that’s durable, beautiful and truly one-of-a-kind. Using yak down that’s luxuriously soft, silky, and warm. Happiness Hugs garments are consciously handcrafted by women artisans from Bhutan to Boulder, Colorado and celebrate the connection between dogs and their people. The cruelty-free, fairly-traded apparel for dogs and their moms are uniquely designed to spread Happiness vibes from Bhutan, the Land of Happiness. Each features traditional and spiritually meaningful Bhutanese motifs and represent ideals such as long life, stability, wisdom and the interconnectedness of all beings.

On top of all the eco benefits of wool, it’s also hypoallergenic, regulates body temperature, boasts antibacterial properties, and won’t retain any of that pet smell that you might be nose-blind to.

Amy Tokic

Amy Tokic, Editor of PetGuide.com, is a passionate animal lover and proud pet parent of Oscar, a Shih Tzu/Chihuahua cross, and Zed, a Japanese Chin. Her love of animals began in kindergarten, when she brought her stuffed dog Snoopy into class with her every day. Now, she writes about her adventures in pet ownership and tirelessly researches products, news and health related issues she can share with other animal enthusiasts. In her free time, Amy loves perusing used book and record stores, obsessing over the latest pet products available and chasing squirrels with wild abandon (a habit attributed to spending too much time with her pooches).

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