(PRLEAP.COM) After struggling to cram an aging arthritic dog into a traditional sweater because her vet said he needed to keep his joints warm after hip surgery, Penny decided there had to be a better way. Dog jackets with tummy straps were easier to put on and take off, but they were also too heavy for indoor use and for the dog to sleep in at night. She could not find colors she liked either. If she could not find the perfect garment, she thought other people must have the same problem.

So Penny began searching for at least one good pattern style for dog apparel that is appropriate for aging, arthritic, or handicapped animals. Her patterns have to meet specific requirements. They must be available in many sizes, easy to get on and off, appropriate for male or female animals, suitable for canines or felines, and easy to adjust for hard-to-fit breeds or special situations. She found a basic pattern that seems to answer those needs. Additional patterns will be added next year to offer more style options while still meeting her requirements.

After struggling to cram an aging arthritic dog into a traditional sweater because her vet said he needed to keep his joints warm after hip surgery, Penny decided there had to be a better way. Dog jackets with tummy straps were easier to put on and take off, but they were also too heavy for indoor use and for the dog to sleep in at night. She could not find colors she liked either. If she could not find the perfect garment, she thought other people must have the same problem.

So Penny began searching for at least one good pattern style for dog apparel that is appropriate for aging, arthritic, or handicapped animals. Her patterns have to meet specific requirements. They must be available in many sizes, easy to get on and off, appropriate for male or female animals, suitable for canines or felines, and easy to adjust for hard-to-fit breeds or special situations. She found a basic pattern that seems to answer those needs. Additional patterns will be added next year to offer more style options while still meeting her requirements.

As people saw the doggy sweater-jackets, Penny began to receive inquiries. Why does a dog need a sweater-jacket? Some dogs are very elderly and, like people, may be anemic or have poor circulation. Unlike people, they spend a lot of time on the floor where it is coldest. Short hair breeds need extra protection in cold climates and when people travel to climates they are not used to. Dogs on medication may also need more protection from the weather. If you need a coat, even a healthy dog, will not be overdressed in a sweater.

Can you make it in team colors? Yes. Can you make a ski hat to match for when my husband goes jogging with Fido? Yes. Will it be too feminine for Rocky? No. Is it washable? Yes. The standard yarns are machine wash and dry for easy care. Can you make it extra long for a Basset Hound or Dachshund? Yes. My dog is overweight? The tummy strap can be lengthened. Measuring instructions are provided on our boutique pages. Extra matching flowers for barrettes can even be requested for girl dogs with long hair.

Do you make other pet products. Yes. Custom crate pads and ferret hammocks are available to match your decor. Also, a variety of blankets are offered that are easy care and useful for everything from doggy strollers to covering your car seat. The blankets are custom made, although a few patterns are in stock and ready to ship for pet and baby showers. One special blanket pattern is especially masculine, for people who want a stadium blanket or a floor blanket for a larger dog in team colors. A pet greeting card line is due to be online within the next month too.

Pets By Penny’s Online Boutique is designed to serve customers who want products made just for their pet that allow them to choose colors and other options to create a custom handmade product. All custom orders are handmade in the USA. So stop by and check out these new products at http://www.reiki4paws.com/boutique.