All dog owners have a general idea of what they need for their new furry family member when they arrive...collar, leash, bed, bowls, treats, toys...but until you get to know your new friend, you won't really know how to personalize everything for their taste and needs.  Living in Canada adds an extra step to consider when choosing essential doggy wear too. If you have a dog with a short coat or are worried about cold temperature throughout winter, then a variety of our wardrobe essentials are a must. For our dogs, we started out with 4 main items: boots, winter coat, sweater or hoodie and a snowsuit/overalls.

Snowsuits or overalls can be great for dogs with all types of fur. If you have a dog with longer fur, the belly and leg covering a snowsuit offers can eliminate the dreaded "snowball belly" Try our Canadian made Bawa overalls or the Icelandic Snowsuit for a heavier option when you want to be sure to keep you pup warm in the wind and snow of winter.


A sweater or hoodie can great for dogs in all 4 seasons. For dogs traveling around in a carrier, especially if traveling by plane as the temperatures in airplanes can fluctuate, a light sweater is a good essential to keep you pup comfortable. It is also great for fall/spring walks or mornings at the dog park when you want to keep your dog warm and dry, but don't require the full waterproofing of a winter jacket.  We enjoy spending evenings out by the fire at the cottage and our dogs always stay cozy in a wool sweater cuddled up as the summer evening cools off.


Winter dog jackets are an essential Canadian dog item when it comes to getting your dog to enjoy the outdoors, in any weather! Keeping their core warm is the most important part, so be sure that the coat fits properly around the chest, not too big to let the warm air out.  We have options with hoods for an added protection for your dogs ears with styles, sizes and features to suit any dog.


Lastly boots are very critical when it comes to walking your dog for any length of time in the winter. Ice and snow build up in-between their pads and freeze from the heat of their feet causing pain and even fur to rip out.  Another benefit of boots is that you don't have to worry that the ice melt your neighbors may use isn't pet friendly and can cause chemical burning of the pads of paws. Choose from our reusable and Eco friendly PAWZ boots to our fashionable and functional Houndstooth Hikers or neoprene boots.

Wow, when we first started fostering I never thought we'd get past the first one! It was so hard to say goodbye once they had snuggled their way into your hearts and your bed. From a weekend to 3 months we have had the same amount of love and sadness when each one of them has left. I think this time the major difference is that Skimper is the first time we have fostered since we adopted our Chi/Italian Greyhound, Corona. While Skimper is probably the easiest foster pup (potty trained, doesn't bark, likes our dogs, hasn't chewed or eaten anything), she has been a little bit easier to let go of, just knowing when she goes, Domo will have Corona and Corona will Domo and we will have them both!

And three dogs can be tough too! You only have two hands so you can only pet two dogs at a time...my guilt and their sad faces make me do this weird petting/neck scratching rotation thing to make sure they all get equal love!  Walking is quite the challenge, especially since they are all different sizes(from 18lbs-6lbs) and walking speeds, and sleeping in a queen sized bed with 2 people and 3 dogs is hot and squishy! Really though, all of those things don't really matter when it comes to the happy tail and smiling face I come home to everyday with Skimper while she spins in circles!

 I'll miss her and her excessive attachment to me, I know it's not healthy but I do love it!! I hope she can attach her tiny self to her new family and brighten their days like she did ours. All packed up with a new outfit, collar, some food and a letter explaining some of the things we learned about her, she is ready to got to her new family. Good luck my little Skimpy, our fifth and definitely not final foster!! :)