HARRIS, Sask. – Hunched over two aging sewing machines in a living room cramped by piles of fleece and nylon, Faye and Allen Wingert prepare for an upcoming trade show.
The goal is to make as much inventory as they can squeeze into their minivan.
Their Husky Pups line of harnesses, leads, halters, boots, bags, coats, bedding and accessories has grown from supplying their own dogs’ needs to catering to all kinds of dogs, from racers to couch potatoes.
The Wingerts spend up to 14 hours a day on their acreage near Harris preparing for the dozen shows they attend each year. They also sell their wares in pet supply stores in Saskatoon and Edmonton.
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Sporting a sweatshirt featuring the Siberian Huskies that the Wingerts once raised, Faye explained how the high price of dog food led them to their current dogless state.
She entertains thoughts of pets in her near future, albeit smaller ones.
“We love animals,” said Faye.
Allen said it was a love of working with dogs that launched their home-based business two decades ago.
“I like working with animals and designing stuff for them,” said Allen, who tests all their designs on long distance sled racing dogs.
The gear, which includes sleds and related paraphernalia, is intended for dog sledders and racers. Other products, such as single and multiple line leashes and halters, are available for dogs, donkeys, alpacas and horses.
Sales are slow but stable. They would like to create a website for on-line sales but such an initiative is hampered by slow dial-up internet service.
Marketing is limited to pamphlets, trade shows and word of mouth. One of their two adult daughters also sells their products from her home.
The Wingerts, who once dabbled in dog sled racing, enjoy trade shows and the opportunity to meet people. They also take a mobile store to races at Prince Albert, Sask., and Hafford, Sask., each year.
“We make enough to make it pay,” Allen said.
The business benefits from the lower overhead of working at home in a rural area, where they both prefer to live.
Their product line has mushroomed from their early days and now includes specialty items such as pull toys, dog carriers and saddlebags.
Fleece boots, outfitted with elasticized Velcro straps and costing $10 to $18 for a set of four, are among their biggest sellers. Allen, who works at a graphics shop, uses printer’s ink to create a traction pad that protects feet from road salt and adds extra miles of wear in dog sled races.
The Wingerts say markets for companion animals are strong.
“People look after their pets like their kids,” Allen said. “Pets are pampered a lot more than they used to be.”
Spencer Early of Early’s Farm and Garden Centre in Saskatoon said more people are buying products for their pets each year.
“It’s definitely true. The whole market is a growth market.”
He said his store sells harnesses mainly to families training their dogs to pull children and toboggans, but added boots and coats are increasingly popular in the cold prairie winter.
