About Me

If you had asked me years ago whether I could see myself making handcrafted dog leashes for a living, my answer would have been: no way.

And yet—here I am.

My path to designing dog equipment didn’t start with a business plan... it started with dogs.

I’ve been volunteering with animal shelters for over 10 years, currently serving on the Behavior Support team, where I work one-on-one with dogs often labeled as “exuberant learners.”

These are dogs who need more support than the easy-going, immediately adoptable ones. "Exuberant Learners" are dogs who may be jumpy, mouthy, dog reactive, or just learning how to navigate the scary world. 

I also previously worked as a dog walker specializing in caring for reactive dogs, and I share my life with my own Exceptional Dog, Rowan.

Together, these experiences gave me a very clear perspective: equipment matters! Especially for dogs who don’t fit neatly into the “easy dog” category.

A sweetheart of a mastiff and one of the largest shelter dogs that I've ever walked!

 

Over the years, I grew increasingly frustrated with the tools I was expected to rely on to keep dogs safe.

I experienced leashes unclipping unexpectedly, collars slipping off, and equipment outright failing under pressure, like the time Rowan broke my waist leash and took off in hot pursuit of a coyote.

Just as frustrating was the insistence at my previous shelter that I “had to” use aversive tools such as prong collars or other restrictive equipment—“just to be safe.”

That never sat right with me. There had to be a better way.

So I decided to solve the problem myself.

I didn’t want to make just another standard leash. I wanted equipment that was strong enough for large, powerful dogs, designed to stay secure even in real-world chaos, and most importantly, comfortable and humane for the dogs wearing it.

I believe dogs deserve equipment that supports clear communication and positive reinforcement, not fear or pain.

Through countless hours of brainstorming, testing, and tweaking, along with feedback from friends, family, fellow dog guardians, and product testers, I developed equipment that I trust completely. These are the same leashes and tools I use with my own dog Rowan.

If I wouldn’t use it on my own dog, I wouldn't ask you to use it on yours.

 

I opened my first shop on Etsy in 2019. Since then, I’ve completed over 3,500 sales on Etsy and earned 1,000+ five-star reviews there.

As the business grew, I launched my own website so I could offer a wider range of made-to-order, hands-free dog leashes and thoughtfully designed equipment tailored to real dogs and real lives.

Now, dog guardians like you can choose features that fit your needs, while I can feel confident knowing your Exceptional Dog is supported with gear designed from lived experience, not theory.

 

As a creative reset from time in my shop, I also create soft pastel pet portraits.

You can view a gallery of Exceptional Dog portraits. Each one inspired by dogs who leave a lasting mark on our lives.