As I walked our dog Abbott yesterday, I pondered what on earth I was going to write about for my next Agenda article. My boss, Ted, was breathing down my neck…(not really, but that would be funny), and I don’t like to disappoint people (true and not so funny), so I really needed to get it together.

As we turned toward home, Abbott spotted a squirrel in the distance and immediately lunged for it. The leash in my hand went taut, I looked down, and that’s when inspiration struck.

Dublin Dog is a Charlotte-based company which specializes in products “Made for Real Dogs. Made for Real Life.” My husband, Pat, and I first learned about them when our former landlord, a cool Plaza Midwooder who always seems to be “in the know,” was wearing a hat with their logo on it four years ago. At the time, we didn’t have a dog, but our landlord said they were a cool company that sold reasonably priced dog leashes and collars, made right here in Charlotte.

Flash forward a year and a half: Pat and I brought Abbott into our home, and in no time at all we were hunting for a leash and collar that were stylish, economical, and sturdy. We remembered Dublin Dog, checked it out, and we were sold.

What We Know:

Dublin Dog is not a warehouse brand boasting thousands of different kinds of accessories that will fit any dog-owner’s style. Instead, they are a small-ish shop that can be found at a few locally-owned businesses around Charlotte and around the country (or ordered online), who specialize in dog gear that is functional, long-lasting, comfortable, and stylish.

What We Recommend:

EcoLucks Collars & Leashes (and really anything else, but these are our favorite.)

Why We Love EcoLucks*:
(*Just to clarify, we’re talking collar/leash sets)

(1) They’re lightweight. This makes them enjoyable for both owner and dog while walking and hanging out. (We have discussed this with Abbott and she’s on board with our speaking for her, so just go with it.)

(2) The comfy hand grip on the leash. Abbott is a tugger. Not all the time, but when she’s “gotta go,” or when she sees a squirrel, there’s almost no holding her back. Prior to our Dublin Dog purchases, that meant leash burn on our hands. And unhappy hands = unhappy owners. The comfy grip on the EcoLucks leash prevents the burn of the leash material while also remaining durable.

(3) They’re environmentally friendly. According to the Dublin Dog website, the EcoLucks collars and leashes are “made from 100% recycled, locally made materials.” We’re big into being environmentally friendly, so this just makes sense for us.

(4) They’re stylish. I mean, I don’t feel the need to dress my dog up, but I do appreciate a little color to compliment her flowing black & white locks. The bright, playful patterns offered in the EcoLucks series are a perfect match, and Abbott and I both feel cuter when she’s geared up.

(5) They’re easy to clean. Abbott likes to swim. And by swim, I mean Abbott likes to get wet – in a muddy puddle on a rainy day, in an oversized dog bowl at the dog park, or in a funky old bird bath full of funky water. (All of these have happened, and we have the pictures to prove it.) No matter where Abbott goes swimming, however, we never have trouble freshening up her collar and leash with a little soap and water. They dry quickly and don’t carry stinky dog odors.

Final Thoughts:

There are a host of other styles and items made by the Dublin Dog folks, so if you have a dog, and you have a need for something for that dog, take a moment and check ‘em out. We think you’ll like what you find in this Charlotte-based company. We sure do.

Follow Dublin Dog on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.