Over Easter 2002 I lost my friend and companion, Nellie, in a tragic accident at the age of seven (picture right). She died because she wasn't seen. Never wanting to experience the grief of losing a dog in this way again, I decided that some type of high visibility jacket was needed so that our new dog, Sophie (below) would not be lost the same way.

I started the design of the jacket by using old towels that I cut to different shapes and draped over young Sophie (left). Trying to get a young dog to stand still long enough to do this was no small job. Nevertheless, the resulting shape is the vest you see in the photo of Sophie throughout this site. The next task was to find someone to make the vest.

I took the pattern to a manufacturer of high visibility people-wear in Auckland, New Zealand. With their help and encouragement I sifted through materials and fastenings before I settled on an orange polyester fabric, wide reflective strips and plastic snap shut clips.

I wanted a dog jacket that was more than just an accessory - the jacket is intended to help save dog's lives. I also wanted a vest that would go on easily, and that a dog could play in unhindered. For this reason I chose the light polyester fabric that would breath, was easy to wash and dried quickly. I chose the bright orange colour in the belief that it wasn't just at night that dogs and their handlers were at risk.

The NellieDog Vests are made of the same materials and to the same standards as those that are made for people. They are designed to cope with some tough use. Sophie is walked with her vest on at all times - day or night. She's even been swimming in it. As soon as she sees someone pick up her vest, she knows that she's going out somewhere and gets excited.

This web site serves two purposes. Firstly it is a tribute to my dear friend Nellie, who I still miss every day, and secondly it is also a place where you can find out about the NellieDog Vest and where to buy one from no matter where in the world you live.