[nagdu] winter coats, one more try

[Ann Edie]

Hi, Julie,

I hesitate to suggest this, but it might be worth a try--
You might want to look at turn-out blankets made for miniature horses. I have one for Panda which meets most of your criteria: it covers the body, including the chest and tummy; it is water resistant and warm; it doesn't cover the neck, but I'm sure a little hood could be added, although that might interfere with the collar. I put Panda's harness on over the coat rather than under. There is enough play in the belly strap of her harness to allow the harness to fit over the coat, and I don't find that it interferes with the feel through the harness. But I use her coat mostly for really cold winter nights when she's in her house, rather than for active working. She really doesn't get cold when we're working even in cold weather, but if it's snowing and I want to keep her dry, then I use it and it works well. Panda wears a size 36", which means that the measurement from the middle of her chest to the middle of her tail is 36". I don't know if they come any smaller than that, standard made, but they might be able to make smaller sizes for you. The body girth measurement would definitely need to be smaller, but you could probably make that adjustment yourself.

Good luck, and let us know if you find anything.

Ann

-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Julie J. via nagdu
Sent: Tuesday, September 15, 2015 10:57 AM
To: the National Association of Guide Dog Users NAGDU Mailing List
Cc: Julie J.
Subject: [nagdu] winter coats, one more try

I know we’ve discussed this before, but there are some new folks and I’m really hoping someone will be able to offer some ideas this time.

I need a coat for my Doberman guide.  The coat has to be warm, water resistant and go on over the harness.  It needs to cover her belly and her neck and front chest area.  I do not want anything meant to look cute.  this is a purely functional piece of apparel.  

The lady I got Monty’s coat from is apparently out of business.  Monty’s coat does not fit Jetta.  Her coat from last year also doesn’t fit her.  It didn’t fit very well last year and now that she’s filled out, it really doesn’t fit.

I have some skill at sewing, but would strongly prefer a coat already made.   I bought an off the rack coat for Jetta last year and modified it to go on over the harness.  It turned out to be a much bigger project than I thought.  

I have Googled everything I can think of.  I’ve had a few leads, but either the person is not currently taking orders, they won’t do a coat to go over a harness or the web site is so unprofessional I am nervous about doing business with them.  I have found no coats available for immediate purchase in the exact criteria I need.  I am quite happy to work with a seamstress to make me a custom coat.  If anyone knows anyone who makes dog coats or is a skilled seamstress that could do this for me, I’d be very appreciative.  I can take any measurements needed as well as providing pictures of the dog in harness.

thanks in advance for any leads!
Julie 
Courage to Dare: A Blind Woman's Quest to Train her Own Guide Dog is now available! Get the book here:
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