Created by two dog-lovers and friends, this collection of leashes, collars, and other accessories is all about comfort and durability — as well as promoting animal rescue and adoption.
Bethany Obrecht and Anna Conway are best friends and business partners who’ve spent more than a decade saving dogs throughout the country from being euthanized in shelters, and it all started with a chance encounter while out for a walk. Obrecht and Conway crossed paths while walking their dogs and got to talking when the pups — both Chihuahua rescues and both, it turned out, named Walter — took interest in one another. Their meeting seemed serendipitous, and after becoming fast friends, they came up with the idea for Found My Animal, a line of handmade leashes and pet accessories to support and promote animal rescue.
While Conway is no longer directly involved with the business, the founders’ friendship remains strong, as does their company’s commitment to its mission. “Found My Animal promotes animal adoption in a very direct way,” says customer service representative Courtney Rendinaro. “Let your pet wear your values. By encouraging rescue over purchase, we support animal welfare by asking pets and their owners to help deliver our simple, important message. We also fund a vehicle that a rescue group uses monthly to pull dogs from kill shelters and puppy mills in the South and drive them up north for a second chance at life.” In addition, they use social media for the cause, raising awareness through its community of supporters and promoting animals who need homes in online posts.
Found My Animal promotes animal adoption in a very direct way. Let your pet wear your values. —Courtney Rendinaro, customer service representative
Helping save lives, one pup at a time, Found My Animal’s collection includes colorful collars, beds, and up-cycled bandannas ($20 each). But the most popular piece is its signature leash (from $54). Handcrafted with marine-grade rope, brass hardware, and waxed canvas, it’s hand-spliced and whipped to withstand hundreds of pounds of pull and features an individually numbered stamped tag that, Rendinaro says, “reminds [you] of the uniqueness of [your] animal, and allows us to keep track of the number of animals we have helped so far.”
SHOP OUR FAVORITES:
Tan rope and leather collar ($56), black and white rope leash ($54), olive canvas harness ($68)
Canvas collapsible water bowl ($36), waxed canvas dog bed ($175), waxed canvas carrier ($160)
Buffalo plaid check wool collar ($48), rope and wool leash ($62), wool and denim bandana ($20)
Featured in C&I's February/March 2019 issue.
