It was around this time last year that I saw a posting for a small business called Grateful Pawz. I learned that this owner/entrepreneur makes coats for pets and uses a portion of the proceeds from sales to make beautiful handmade coats for dogs in local shelters. Not only do the coats keep the dogs warm, but they also help to make the dogs look more attractive in pictures that are seen by potential adopters.
When I heard about Grateful Pawz, I decided to order a coat for Mickey. He had never had a coat and I was not sure how he would like it but, I believed in the mission of Grateful Pawz and wanted to show my support. I emailed the business owner, Lisa Luperella and asked about the ordering process. She gave me a list of measurements to take, which I did. When I told her the size and weight of my dog and sent a picture of him, Lisa immediately knew that I had measured the length incorrectly. When I measured again, I discovered she was absolutely right. I was very impressed, not only with Lisa’s expertise, but her dedication and desire to get things right.
I then selected a material that I liked and placed my order. What I received was a beautiful, warm, custom made coat, intricately hand-crafted and even reversible! One side was a fashionable camouflage and the other side plain brown. Not only was the workmanship beautiful, but putting it on was a snap – just two Velcro tabs to attach. Easy breezy!! During last year’s very cold and seemingly endless winter, Mickey stayed nice and warm and really enjoyed his coat.
I met Lisa, the woman behind the Grateful Pawz sewing machine, a few weeks ago and was interested in learning more about her business. Lisa was more than happy to answer a few questions about her background and her business.
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 | Lisa started sewing coats for the puppies in need at the shelters around Connecticut and New York City. She made a few for her (now four) pit bulls at home, and soon her local pet store started carrying them on the shelves in Trumbull, CT. |  |
Back in May, 2009, Lisa began volunteering as a dog walker for the Westport, CT Humane Society. At the time, the Humane Society had this to say:
“We would like to take this opportunity to honor Westport volunteer Lisa Luperella for her meaningful contribution to the care and welfare of our animals. Lisa decided to start dedicating her spare time to serving animals for two reasons. She was mourning the recent loss of her 14-year-old dog and she had also gone through an orthopedic surgery. Volunteering in our dog program would give her the opportunity to share her love with many dogs and provide moderate exercise for continuing rehabilitation purposes. She began serving as a dog walker in May 2009 and has rapidly become a valued member of our team. She visits as often as she can in order to give all the dogs a good walk and some playtime in the fenced dog park. She also makes warm, fleece jackets for some of our special dogs. Lisa is hoping to expand her service to the community in the future by exploring pet facilitated therapy work and search and rescue work. She and her husband have 4 wonderful children and 3 awesome dogs. In her spare time, Lisa enjoys riding her motorcycle, camping, traveling, music and spending time with family and friends. One of her favorite activities is joining her husband, and the dogs, for a walk at Seaside Park. The "canine kids" just love chasing the seagulls! Thank you Lisa for all your hard work, dedication and compassion.”
“We would like to take this opportunity to honor Westport volunteer Lisa Luperella for her meaningful contribution to the care and welfare of our animals. Lisa decided to start dedicating her spare time to serving animals for two reasons. She was mourning the recent loss of her 14-year-old dog and she had also gone through an orthopedic surgery. Volunteering in our dog program would give her the opportunity to share her love with many dogs and provide moderate exercise for continuing rehabilitation purposes. She began serving as a dog walker in May 2009 and has rapidly become a valued member of our team. She visits as often as she can in order to give all the dogs a good walk and some playtime in the fenced dog park. She also makes warm, fleece jackets for some of our special dogs. Lisa is hoping to expand her service to the community in the future by exploring pet facilitated therapy work and search and rescue work. She and her husband have 4 wonderful children and 3 awesome dogs. In her spare time, Lisa enjoys riding her motorcycle, camping, traveling, music and spending time with family and friends. One of her favorite activities is joining her husband, and the dogs, for a walk at Seaside Park. The "canine kids" just love chasing the seagulls! Thank you Lisa for all your hard work, dedication and compassion.”
Now Lisa uses her skills as a seamstress to make coats for any dog, anywhere. Lisa states, “The best way to order a coat from me is to message me on Facebook through Grateful Pawz or email me at gratefulpawz@charter.net and I will let you know what I have available after you give me your dog’s measurements. (I am trying to post a video on how to measure on my Facebook page). I need neck measurements, length which is just below collar in between shoulder blades to beginning of tail and girth, I also need sex so I know where to place the under tabs. I would also like a picture of your fur friend.”
Lisa makes coats for pigs, goats and cats, also.
She is currently a vegetarian but also owned a fish restaurant in her past life and still loves to cook.
Lisa and her husband will be at Celebrate Shelton in the Conte Building on Howe Avenue in downtown Shelton, CT on November 29th, December 6th and December 20th. In addition to making coats, Lisa and her husband run a CATV construction business. She is also a realtor and has four children ranging in age from 20 to 26. They have four dogs Boss-Chick who is 14, Elvis who is 7, Letta-Bugg who is 7 and failed foster Daizy Dotz who is around 4.
If you need a winter coat for your best friend, I am most happy to recommend Lisa Luperella and Grateful Pawz. Not only will you be keeping your pet warm, you will be performing a valuable service, helping shelter dogs to brave the winter cold and look good in the process.
If you need a winter coat for your best friend, I am most happy to recommend Lisa Luperella and Grateful Pawz. Not only will you be keeping your pet warm, you will be performing a valuable service, helping shelter dogs to brave the winter cold and look good in the process.
Thank you Lisa for all you do. Mickey and I are proud to support Grateful Pawz.
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