How We Started
Back in 2011 there were few Greyhound coats on the market that inspired us, and with two gorgeous adopted hounds, we had to come up with something. So, we designed some. We wanted smart but also functional, rather than just rugs over their bodies.
Because of the tender thin skins and sensitive disposition of greyhounds, we knew how much they appreciated being kept warm in the winter, cool in summer and dry when its raining, not to mention cosy and snug on the sofa (!) on cold winter nights when the heating goes off, and we humans are tucked up in bed under the covers.
We also wanted those bare bald chests covered. Getting that to work initially was a challenge, but we overcame it in the end. We were probably the first to design greyhound coats with chest covers. This is a huge plus, as now, most dog coats on the market have some sort of chest cover.
Lily Peeps greyhound and Whippet coats are hand made in our small workshop in Staffordshire. The average lined hound coat takes a full hour to cut out and another full hour to sew up and finish.
Update December 2024 and beyond
As with most businesses, things change, people leave for health or other reasons, and we evolve.
We have had to make hard decisions. Our once very popular fleece and cotton lined raincoats, our double fleece coats of the same shape and fit, and the twin top versions likewise, have been put to pasture, or discontinued,if you will. They will not be available for the foreseeable future. They were also incredibly time consuming to produce by hand. So the decision to halt production was made.
Instead we are focussing on our Greyhound & Whippet Raincoats (aka Shower Macs) Summer Coats and our range of winter vests. We will be adding other items to our product inventory over the coming weeks & months.
Whippets
Though never having owned whippets ourselves, back in 2013 we were approached by a lady with four whippets. She wanted raincoats for each of them. We set to work using the lady’s dogs as a templates. From then we began making whippets coats too. Now, we make at least an equal number of whippet coats and vests to greyhound coats & vests.
We are really grateful to all our customers, past and present, many of whom come back year after year for new coats for their existing or newly acquired greyhounds & whippets, and for their kind and generous comments – often accompanied by photographs – which are shared here on our gallery page and also our Facebook page.
Thank you for reading.