I wanted something that I couldn't find in pet stores or online- a high quality sweater for my French Bulldog, Abby, that fit her, that was comfortable, well-made, durable and cozy. Something that would last for years and would not only fit her active lifestyle but would also be perfect for wearing around the house. No itchy velcro, buttons, zippers or pokey parts, something that she could enjoy being in.
Over the course of several months, I worked with a tailor to create the perfect sweater for her. Taking into consideration that Frenchies/Pugs/Bostons/Bulldogs are similar in shape and come in different sizes, we made various size patterns and the business began in the Fall of 2016, catering to small to mid-size dogs.
I like that Polartec holds it's shape after repeated laundering, doesn't pill, has stretch, and is the highest quality fleece available. It is made in America and is recyclable and recycled, primarily from recycled water bottles. Polartec fleece is breathable, and dries quickly. The construction creates air pockets that trap air and retain body heat. Unlike less expensive fleece fabrics, Polartec products maintain their insulating ability and non-pilling appearance after repeated laundering.
Every sweater comes with a harness opening. If you use a collar, simply fold down the collar, and attach the leash as you normally would. I have different neck sizes, depending on whether you want the neck to be snugger or looser. If you tell me your dog's weight, and send a pic, I can tell you which size neck is best. Some sweaters have a heart on the back, some don't. The only difference between male and female is that the male has been cut up 1"-1.5" on the underside.
My sweaters come in Polartec 100, Polartec 200 and Polartec 300. I find it hard to generalize about what weight Polartec is right for every dog, given that every dog is unique in lifestyle, age, health, preference and location, but here's my best descriptions of each weight:
Polartec 100 is a thin, light-weight fleece. It is highly breathable and ideal for a light layer on a cool summer night, perfect as pajamas, or if your dog needs a bit of warmth or some protection from the sun or wind. Maybe they like the feel and protection of wearing something but don't need a lot of warmth.
Polartec 200 is a mid-weight fleece, versatile and perfect for the indoors and outdoors. This is a sweater that we used after the bath in the winter, on walks, car rides, etc. As my French bulldog aged, I noticed she got colder easier and the Polartec 200 sweater was great for her to wear indoors just as much as outdoors. Maybe you've noticed your dog getting chilly when out walking, and a sweater would help them be outdoors longer.
Polartec 300 is a heavy-weight fleece for colder temps, it has more water resistant properties and is thicker and more densely woven. Good for being outside on a precipitous day to stay dry for a period of time. If you want the warmth of a jacket, this is it.
I also make light-weight printed shirts. These are made out of fabric thats a polyester blend and are light and breathable and have lots of stretch. The material is called "Performance Pique" and will stay true to color and not fade, after repeated laundering. I've heard customers say they soak theirs in cold water and use it as a cooling shirt in hot weather.
Question- Do you accept returns/size exchanges?
Answer- As a general rule, no I do not. Once your sweaters has been tried on, I won't re-sell it. Unless I made a mistake and sent you the wrong size or color, its hard for me to accept returns/exchanges. Anything that comes back is donated. If you're unsure of what size to order, message me and we'll figure it out together :) I will ask for your dog's weight and a picture.
Question- Does my package come with tracking info?
Answer- Yes. Every domestic package sent by USPS comes with tracking info. First Class, Priority, Overnight. When you get the email notification that your package is on its way to you, you will be able to follow it with the tracking # provided. If your package shows that it has been "delivered" and you can't find it, contact your local USPS to try to see where it could have been delivered. Every International order will show tracking info up until the time it leaves the US. After that, its in your country's hands and I don't reimburse for or re-send lost packages for Domestic or International Orders. As of September 2023, an $11 handling/conversion fee will be added to each international order. Also, sometimes when your items are being packaged and weighed, shipping changes from Priority shipping to First Class based on final weigh-in.
Question- How should I wash my shirt/sweater/jacket?
Answer- To preserve the integrity of your clothes, wash with warm water, no fabric softener, hang to dry.
Question- How do I reach you and what are your hours of operation?
Answer- You can email me at: Sophie@wagthenub.com You can also text me, send me an email, or reach out on Instagram or Facebook. Typically I'll respond between the hours of 8 am and 8 pm EST.
Question- Do you take custom orders and can you add a heart to a sweater for me?
Answer- No, I do not take any custom orders and I wont be adding hearts to any sweaters. What you see online is what's available :)