Design is going to the dogs, literally, thanks to Petite French & Co, a company devoted to giving dogs the very best in lifestyle products.
Capetonian Gill Taylor has a strong emotional connection to her pets, and for many years she’d wanted to start a business that encouraged the bond between owner and dog. Then 18 months ago, things fell into place and her online company Petite French & Co. was born.
The inspiration came from Gill’s 8-year- old French bulldog Sophie, hence the name. “When I was looking for things such as collars and bowls for her, I couldn’t find anything I was happy with. There were beautiful items available overseas, but nothing made locally and this motivated me to produce my own.”
Gill’s focus is on those who want the very best for their dogs. “These days millennials, empty nesters and city dwellers take their dogs everywhere and not just for walks. They take them to the beach, to restaurants and coffee shops and they want their dogs to look cool and stylish in keeping with their lifestyle.”
As it’s important to keep dogs hydrated, her range includes a beautifully designed, collapsible dog bowl that can be popped into a tote or handbag. “It has a bone-shaped clip so you can attach it to a bag or leash so you don’t forget it at home,” says Gill.
There’s also an elegant, very versatile car seat, made from top quality, durable upholstery fabric, which has seat belt clips to secure it. This converts into a comfortable carrier for small and medium size dogs. It can be laid flat to form a stylish bed and has memory foam for additional comfort, plus the cushions are removeable for easy cleaning. The clips also allow you to attach it to a chair at a restaurant to keep your pet safely contained.
To encourage dog owners to have fun outdoors with their canine companions, Gill introduced a comfortable life jacket available in different sizes and a choice of trim colours. “It has SABS approved buoyancy foam, adjustable Velcro straps and buckles to keep your dog safe whether you’re boating or just enjoying a dip,” says Gill. Coming soon for winter are gorgeous blankets and puffer jackets and dog treats made from human-grade ingredients and organic produce.
“We pride ourselves on the quality of our products,” says Gill. “We use the best fabrics, trims and memory foam. We also focus on beautiful packaging. We want to make buying our products just as much of a treat for the owner as it is for the dog.”
Gill believes that dogs are not just pets. They are friends and companions and the heart of the household and, as such, deserve the best. “Nothing in the world makes me happier than a dog,” she says.
