If Nellie had had a bright, reflective vest like this, then she may still be with me today! Nellie died long before her time and I-for-one, do not want to relive the experience of losing a much-loved companion again, so unnecessarily.

A white dog in the day, and a black dog at night, both wearing the prototype vest. Changes incluse a second Hi-Vis refelective stripe and more hindquarter freedom.

Many dog owners spend years nurturing their dog with love, training and good nutrition, not too mention regular visits to the vet. They become so much a part of our lives that when we lose them we grieve as if losing a child, best friend or valued work-mate. With so much invested, it is always surprising just how easily or quickly they can be lost. Years of time, emotion and resources can be lost in seconds - I know from experience.

If the above is not good reason enough for putting your dog in a vest when out-and-about, then below are some further good points about the Nelliedog Hi-Vis Vest.

• The vest not only makes the dog visible and therefore more safe, it is also makes the person with the dog more visible. For those of us who are not so keen on decking ourselves out in high visibility gear, there is now the option of the Hi-Vis Vest for dogs.
• The vests are made from the same materials and to the same standards, as those required for people who work in hazardous situations. Like the people who build and repair our roads, or people in the fire service and law enforcement, and people on building sites. If it is good enough for people to help keep them safe, then it is good enough for our valued four-legged companions, to keep them safe.
• The vests are great for inner city walking or running. The vest's bright orange colour makes sure you stand out, and at night picks up light from street-lights and car-lights to make sure you and your dog get noticed.
• For people who live in more rural areas, the dangers of walking or running along roads is just as great. In daylight the bright orange vest stands out from a distance and at night it will pick up any moonlight and light from cars to make sure you are seen, before it is too late.
• The vests are designed to allow for maximum movement and comfort for the dog. The bright orange polyester material is lightweight, breathable and durable. This makes the vest particularly good for energetic dogs, and the working dog. There are no unnecessary bits that can get caught on anything and the vests sit close to the dog's body.
• If your dog loves to play with other dogs (like ours) and tends to dirty (like ours) then the vest may help to keep your dog a bit cleaner. I find the vest easier to wash than the dog, and it certainly dries quicker.

Lastly, a note to people who hunt with their dog. If camouflage is not an issue, make sure your dog does not become the casualty of the hunt. Dogs getting accidentally shot happens all too often.