Lakefield Herald Special Report

Styles for well dressed dogs

by Anita Locke

“Function and fashion” are two adjectives that Lelsey Blayney and Robin Eeclo use to describe the unique and innovative dog wear and accessories they create.

Their company is named ModDog; it offers hip styling and a sense of playfulness that turns heads and unleashes smiles.

The women established the company in March 2006 and create the fashions at their home located at Big Cedar north of Lakefield.

Lesley’s background is in interior decorating, but she also designs unique one-of-a-kind jewellery and paints. Robyn’s background is in film production and props.

Their eco-friendly and innovative products utilize mod fabrics, recycled (or “up-cycled”) textiles, fun embellishments and vintage buttons, and “each creation is designed and handcrafted by us with love,” say Lesley and Robin.

Especially popular are the dogpatch sweaters and ruffnecks, and most of the fashions are one-of-a-kind.

The line includes sweaters – one of a kind made from recycled vintage knits and handknit sweaters in a variety of colours, green tees – made from recycled t-shirts, ruff necks – made from recycled sweaters and embellished with vintage buttons, coats and raincoats, and accessories such as bandanas, “scARFs” and other items.

They predominantly market their products via online shopping and have customers around the world, although they also display at the Lakefield Jazz Festival and local Christmas shows.

Haa-Choo, located in Apsley, also carries their product.

ModDog also donates $1 of every sale to LAWS to help support this important charity.

ModDog fashions and accessories are available by calling Lesley and Robin at (705) 654-3699, email them at info@moddog.ca or visit their website at www.moddog.ca/shop/.

More recently, the women have also embarked on another project – “Guest Confessions” – a guestbook “with a twist”, they say.

Perfect for the cottage, the guestbook offers a fun and interesting way to get to know your family, friends, acquaintances and even yourself.

The book features 50 intriguing questions and invites people to reveal little known facts about themselves, such as favorite junk food, favorite childhood toy, greatest thrill and even the style of underwear you wear.

The inspiration for Guest Confessions came after discovering a well-worn guestbook in the family dating from the late 1800s.

The original guestbook posed a series of questions to be answered by visitors. The women say, “We became captivated reading the guestbook entries written by our ancestors and their friends nearly a century ago.

“Their answers revealed not only their individual personalities but also reflected the thoughts and attitudes of the era.”

Guest Confessions provides an interesting and enjoyable way to learn about friends, family and visitors.

“We also hope it will be- come a cherished family heirloom to be enjoyed by future generations for its sentimental and historical value.”

The 125 page, coil-bound hard cover book is available at HappenStance (Lakefield), Lockside Trading (Young’s Point), Garden Style (Bridgenorth) and Tin Shed (Bancroft).

The book is also available online. Visit http://www.camp-hobachee.com/ for more information, or call (705) 654-3699.

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