Brand stories
Little guides for a lovelier life together: what a puzzle toy does for a busy mind, how to choose a bed, a feeder or a harness, and the finds we think are worth a closer look. Written to be useful whether or not you buy anything.
Trixie Pet Products: The Brand Story and a Guide to Its Range
Trixie began in 1974 as a one-man pet supplies business in northern Germany. Here is its story, plus a guide to its cat furniture, dog strategy games and small pet homes.
Lupine Pet: The New Hampshire Story Behind Lupine Dog Collars
Lupine Pet began with one handmade dog collar in Conway, New Hampshire, in 1990. Here is its story, its Even if Chewed guarantee, and how to pick its collars, leashes and harnesses by dog size.
The Kaytee Story: From a Wisconsin Grain Elevator to Pet Homes
Kaytee began as a grain and feed business in Wisconsin in 1866 and grew into a small-pet and bird brand. Here is its story and how to choose from its habitats, tubes, wheels and bedding.
The Petstages Story: Toys for Every Stage, and How to Choose
Petstages, from Northbrook, Illinois, builds dog and cat toys around a pet's stage of life. Here is its story and how to pick chews, tracks and puzzles from its range.
Furhaven History: A Bellingham Pet Bed Maker and Its Range
Furhaven began in 2004 in Bellingham, Washington, to make soft pet beds at a price families can afford. Here is its story and how to choose from its range.
Catit History: A Cat-Only Brand and How to Pick From Its Range
Catit was founded in 1999 and makes things for cats only: fountains, play circuits, cat trees, litter boxes and smart feeders. Here is its story and how to choose from the range.
The Chuckit! Story: Chester, a Ball Claw and a Longer Fetch
Chuckit! began at Canine Hardware in Washington State, where a Chesapeake Bay Retriever named Chester tested every product and a plastic launcher let people throw a tennis ball far without bending down.
The Nylabone Story: 70 Years of Chew Toys Since 1955
Nylabone introduced its first nylon bone in 1955 and has spent 70 years on one question: why do dogs chew? Here is its story, and how its chew strengths help you choose.
The West Paw Story: A Montana Toy Maker and Its Recycling Loop
West Paw began in 1996 when Spencer Williams bought a small pet toy maker in Livingston, Montana. Here is its story, its Zogoflex material and its toys explained.
The Outward Hound Story: Nina Ottosson and the Dog Puzzle
Nina Ottosson began designing dog puzzles in 1990 to keep her two Bouviers busy indoors. In 2015 her company joined Outward Hound. Here is their story, and their toys explained.
The Benebone Story: How Real Flavor Shaped a Tough Dog Chew
Benebone began in New Jersey in 2012, when Peter Toolan and his father, Jim, set out to make a tough nylon chew with real food flavor, curved so dogs can hold it in their paws.
The Ruffwear Story: From a Collapsible Dog Bowl to Trail Gear
Ruffwear began in 1992 with a collapsible dog bowl Patrick Kruse made after a mountain bike ride. The company launched in 1994, moved to Bend, Oregon in 1998 and grew into boots, harnesses, jackets and life jackets.
The KONG Dog Toy Story: Fritz, a VW Bus Part and 50 Years
KONG dates its work to 1976, and its story starts with a German Shepherd named Fritz and a rubber axle stop from a VW bus. Here is how that became the KONG Classic, and how to choose and fill one today.