Are you looking for a unique holiday gift for the dog owners on your list? Or perhaps something for your own dog(s)? Well, especially for those of us who are already experiencing the cooler weather and chilly nights, look no further. Pajamas for Pit Bulls has what you need. Don’t have a pit bull? No worries there. Pajamas for Pit bulls has something for every breed and every size dog from 5 to 150 pounds.
I had the chance to chat a bit with founder and owner Stephanie Karr and learn more about her, how she got started and how she uses her business as a platform to portray bully breeds in a more positive light.
Photo credits Stephanie Karr
I had the chance to chat a bit with founder and owner Stephanie Karr and learn more about her, how she got started and how she uses her business as a platform to portray bully breeds in a more positive light.
Photo credits Stephanie Karr
Q. Stephanie, tell us a little bit about yourself.
A. I live in Calgary, Alberta Canada with my husband Art Collins and our two canine buddies Thor, an American Staffordshire and Zeus, an American Pit Bull Terrier who is a rescue from California. We also have Mister Mookie, our feline friend, a Veiled Chameleon named Tattoo, a Brazilian Bird-eater tarantula like spider Grizilda and a King Snake we call Phoenix. In addition, we have an indoor aquarium and outdoor Koi pond.
Besides my business, I also work a full time job in inside sales/customer service. When I am not creating onesies or hanging out in my "zoo" I like to enjoy the outdoors; hiking, camping and spending time with my family.
I have two adult children and I am new Grandma ...so that super fun and exciting.
A. I live in Calgary, Alberta Canada with my husband Art Collins and our two canine buddies Thor, an American Staffordshire and Zeus, an American Pit Bull Terrier who is a rescue from California. We also have Mister Mookie, our feline friend, a Veiled Chameleon named Tattoo, a Brazilian Bird-eater tarantula like spider Grizilda and a King Snake we call Phoenix. In addition, we have an indoor aquarium and outdoor Koi pond.
Besides my business, I also work a full time job in inside sales/customer service. When I am not creating onesies or hanging out in my "zoo" I like to enjoy the outdoors; hiking, camping and spending time with my family.
I have two adult children and I am new Grandma ...so that super fun and exciting.
Q. Where did the idea for Pajamas for Pit Bulls come from?
A. I have always owned pitties. I have been a pit bull mom for over thirty years. I always made my dogs warm coats but more recently our boy Thor, who is very thin coated, wasn’t loving the cold Canada -30 C (-22F) winters and refused to go outside without being forced. Dog park and day walks were out of the question. Having sewn my whole life, one day I designed a four legged whole body suit "onesie", open belly and bum opening that allowed both boys and girls to do their outside business with no worry or mess so the jammies can be worn indoors or out.
I made the first prototype in November 2013, By the second pair I had the basic design I wanted. Sizing was my next big challenge, as all dogs come in different shapes and sizes.
At first I made only Large and Extra Large sizes as I was catering to one particular rescue and breed; the group we adopted Zeus from. I shared photos with the group and response was overwhelming. Everyone wanted one. Pajamas for Pit Bulls was born.
My design is always under review for improvements for size and fit based on what my customers want.
A. I have always owned pitties. I have been a pit bull mom for over thirty years. I always made my dogs warm coats but more recently our boy Thor, who is very thin coated, wasn’t loving the cold Canada -30 C (-22F) winters and refused to go outside without being forced. Dog park and day walks were out of the question. Having sewn my whole life, one day I designed a four legged whole body suit "onesie", open belly and bum opening that allowed both boys and girls to do their outside business with no worry or mess so the jammies can be worn indoors or out.
I made the first prototype in November 2013, By the second pair I had the basic design I wanted. Sizing was my next big challenge, as all dogs come in different shapes and sizes.
At first I made only Large and Extra Large sizes as I was catering to one particular rescue and breed; the group we adopted Zeus from. I shared photos with the group and response was overwhelming. Everyone wanted one. Pajamas for Pit Bulls was born.
My design is always under review for improvements for size and fit based on what my customers want.
Q. Who is your market?
A. At the beginning I made pajamas mainly for bullies but soon I realized that everyone wanted them, so now I make pajamas for every dog breed from 5-150 pounds. The standard design is easily adapted to fit all. I also do custom modification for those special breeds with odd body shapes or tripawds
Q. Why do you think people find them so cute?
A,The pajamas assist in demystifying the “bad dog” image – people don’t see a pit bull but instead they just see a cute dog in jammies.
Q. What are your plans for world domination in the dog pajama market?
A. I hope to increase exposure and increase sales along with marketing and promotional opportunities through a Kickstarter Project.
I have plans for expanding my fabric offering to include cotton prints to better serve my customers who live in warmer climates and don't require warm fleece but want jammies for cooler nights or sun protection. This would also provide more of a year-round offering.
If I had my way there would be a pair of my pajamas on every dog on the planet. Realistically though, if I could provide pajamas for just a fraction of the millions of the dogs in shelters or rescues in North America it would be a step in the right direction.
Q. What do you want people to know about pit bulls and how do your pajamas change the image that people generally have about the bully breeds?
A. I want people to know they are commonly misunderstood and not the vicious dogs the media portrays. They are very affectionate companions, they know when you are happy or sad and they are more than happy to snuggle or play. They are also very loyal and smart. They can be stubborn but once you let them know who is boss it’s a happy life for all.
Usually when one is out and about with a pit bull, people see them as the media has portrayed them - as vicious dogs, and walk around them or avoid them. But while when out with their pajamas on, people see the pajamas first. By then the dog has made contact via kisses and more kisses and butt wiggling and tail wagging. The ice is broken and people can see that pit bulls are just dogs.
A. At the beginning I made pajamas mainly for bullies but soon I realized that everyone wanted them, so now I make pajamas for every dog breed from 5-150 pounds. The standard design is easily adapted to fit all. I also do custom modification for those special breeds with odd body shapes or tripawds
Q. Why do you think people find them so cute?
A,The pajamas assist in demystifying the “bad dog” image – people don’t see a pit bull but instead they just see a cute dog in jammies.
Q. What are your plans for world domination in the dog pajama market?
A. I hope to increase exposure and increase sales along with marketing and promotional opportunities through a Kickstarter Project.
I have plans for expanding my fabric offering to include cotton prints to better serve my customers who live in warmer climates and don't require warm fleece but want jammies for cooler nights or sun protection. This would also provide more of a year-round offering.
If I had my way there would be a pair of my pajamas on every dog on the planet. Realistically though, if I could provide pajamas for just a fraction of the millions of the dogs in shelters or rescues in North America it would be a step in the right direction.
Q. What do you want people to know about pit bulls and how do your pajamas change the image that people generally have about the bully breeds?
A. I want people to know they are commonly misunderstood and not the vicious dogs the media portrays. They are very affectionate companions, they know when you are happy or sad and they are more than happy to snuggle or play. They are also very loyal and smart. They can be stubborn but once you let them know who is boss it’s a happy life for all.
Usually when one is out and about with a pit bull, people see them as the media has portrayed them - as vicious dogs, and walk around them or avoid them. But while when out with their pajamas on, people see the pajamas first. By then the dog has made contact via kisses and more kisses and butt wiggling and tail wagging. The ice is broken and people can see that pit bulls are just dogs.
As you can see, Pajamas for Pit Bulls is more than just a business. It is a way to help our misunderstood friends find acceptance and friendship in a world that tries to stigmatize them.
What a fun and awesome way to make a difference!
You can read more about Pajamas for Pit Bulls here.
Best of all, Pajamas for Pit Bulls is celebrating its first birthday and now through November 16th all pajamas are $5.00 off per pair and shipping is half price. Only a few days are left to take advantage of this special offer so don't delay. Order yours today by visiting pajamas4pitbulls.com.
Thank you for visiting, Stephanie. We wish you much success!
What a fun and awesome way to make a difference!
You can read more about Pajamas for Pit Bulls here.
Best of all, Pajamas for Pit Bulls is celebrating its first birthday and now through November 16th all pajamas are $5.00 off per pair and shipping is half price. Only a few days are left to take advantage of this special offer so don't delay. Order yours today by visiting pajamas4pitbulls.com.
Thank you for visiting, Stephanie. We wish you much success!
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