Who or what is Nellie?

Nellie was hunting companion, and more importantly she was my friend. She was also a dog, and while in her prime she was accidentally and mistakenly shot by someone in my hunting party while we were 'spotlighting' at night.

As you might expect, I did not take this very well, and in an effort to prevent anyone else who hunts with a friend, or a family pet, I have developed this site and product range.

What's all this about a tie?

Nellie never wore a collar with me, -its just the way it was. This was due to several reasons, one of which was her solid chest and neck overpowered what appeared to a head that was out of proportion. With a collar this was accentuated.

When Nellie came into my life she wore a chain around her neck. As chains conjure up images of gang-dogs, when we moved back to the city I soon replaced this with a bandanna. The problem with bandanna's is that when worn loosely they tend to come off. Nellie would always bring hers to me to have it put back on (she had a vain streak), but sometimes it was simply lost. As bandanna's became passe, I decided in a burst of inspiration to use one of my old ties.

This use of old ties became a regular thing, as was a great way of breaking down barriers. When one was worn out, I'd fish another tie from the back of the wardrobe and tie it so that it would not slip, trim off any extra, and attach her registration tags. This would see her right for the next three months or so.

Why did you develop these vests?

Because through an honest and foolish mistake, I lost a friend, a fine hunting dog, a pet. The grieving was not an experience I would wish on anyone, and in an attempt to spare anyone else that we have developed these vests.

Does your new dog/s use one?

Damn right! After Nellie died it was a condition of being 'allowed' to take any dog out!

Do they impede the dogs movement?

In short, no. The dog can even swim while wearing one.

What about overheating?

The loose weave enables them to breathe, thereby minimising the effect of adding to running around with what amounts to a fur coat on.

What trials have they undertaken?

I hunt ducks, swan, geese, rabbits, hares, deer, pigs, pheasants, quail, ..... and while I don't use the vest when I am calling in ducks in my maimai , I do use it on all upland, pest destruction, and night work.

I belong to two hunting clubs, and the fellow members of these clubs have all had helpful comments and input into the development of the vests. Some of them use them.

To date I have no complaints about poor performance, only a couple of suggestions for improvements which were acted on.

What are the vests made from?

They are made from the same materials (100% polyester vest, with reflective tape) that the Hi-Vis vests of road workers, linesmen, truck-drivers are , right down to the trim, the buckles, and the reflective tape. If its good enough for OSH, its good enough for ones dog.

Both the vest material and the reflective tape conform to AS/NZS 1904 1997 retrofelective materials standard.

Where are they made?

About 8km from where I live, by a company that makes industrial protection clothing for forestry, farming, construction crews, ..... It is in Auckland, New Zealand.

What are the care instructions?

Wash in warm water, and do not use bleach. Dry and store out of direct sun and heat. The vests are dry-cleanable.

Do you take credit cards?

Nelliedog will accept payments either by 'Paypal' or a NZ bank cheque. Details are on the 'Ordering Info' page.

Can I trust you?

Yes.

I am not doing this for the money, I am doing it to save your dogs life, and to save you and your family the grief that I suffered. If I wanted to rip people off for a few bucks I'd simply mug them, - or sell used cars.