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OUR STORY

A perspective shaped by decades of cold-weather living

Why Winter Wear, from Arizona?

It’s a fair question, and one I understand.

I spent over 40 years living in the Northeast part of the United States, experiencing long, cold winters firsthand. Snow, wind, and freezing temperatures weren’t occasional, they were part of daily life. Later, time spent in Colorado offered a different perspective, where winter wasn’t just endured, but enjoyed, often alongside dogs who were very much part of the experience.

Those years shaped how I think about cold weather and what it means for dogs. Warmth isn’t just about comfort, it’s about allowing them to move, explore, and be part of everyday life, even in the cold.

That understanding is the foundation behind every piece I create today.

How the Foundation was Shaped

Where it Began

Dogs have always been part of my life, but my understanding of what they truly need began to take shape with a retired Greyhound named Cruzer.

We brought him home around Christmas in 2004. Like many sighthounds, he wasn’t built for harsh winters, and it quickly became clear that standard fleece wasn’t enough. He needed better coverage, warmer materials, and thoughtful design. That experience was one of the first times I began to notice the gap between what was available and what dogs actually needed to stay comfortable.

Through him, I learned a great deal about sighthounds, their sensitivities, their quirks, and how important proper fit and function really are.

The one who changed everything

Lupita

In 2010, Lupita came into my life . A tiny Chihuahua from Arkansas who would go on to shape everything that followed.

She had a presence that can’t be taught. When she modeled, she didn’t need direction , she simply was. There was an intensity and awareness in the way she looked into the camera that made every piece come to life.

At home, she had her own opinions. One afternoon, while we were watching TV, she became fixated on a rhinestone headband sitting on the coffee table. Glancing between it and my daughter as if she had every intention of claiming it for herself. It was impossible not to laugh.

Lupita wasn’t just a model, she was part of the process. She went with me to drop off orders, sitting in the front seat like she had an important role to play in making sure everything got to the post office on time.

Bath time had its own routine. Afterward, I would wrap her up snug in a towel and tell her she was my little baby burrito all wrapped up warm and cozy, without spilling the "beans". It was a small, spa day moment, but it stayed with me. Over time, it became the name behind Burrito Wrap Dog Co. and the classic coat that followed.

What started as a small idea under a different name eventually grew into Burrito Wrap Dog Co. --> a name that felt more aligned with the comfort, warmth, and personality behind the pieces.

Lupita turned 16 this January (2026) and has long since retired from modeling. These days, she lives exactly as she should- as the princess she has always been.

Moments Along the Way

Dog sitting in a car with a red blanket, looking out the window at a snowy landscape.
Dog wearing a light blue green sweater standing in a field with trees in the background.
Three dogs wearing dark coats against a light brick wall.
Three dogs wearing dark coats against a light brick wall.

Behind every finished piece is a process of trial, adjustment, and understanding.

Learning through experience

Not every dog approaches clothing or modeling the same way.

After Lupita, I worked with George and Coco, and quickly realized that what comes naturally to one dog doesn’t always translate to another. Some dogs are expressive and comfortable in front of the camera, while others have very different preferences.

That experience changed how I approached design.

It became less about how something looked, and more about how it felt and how a dog moves in it, how it fits, and whether they’re truly comfortable wearing it. This is one of the reasons I moved away from designing and creating Halloween costumes

Today, Henreigh-Etta, my Chihuahua, continues to help guide that process. As she’s gotten older, her needs have changed, and that perspective has been just as important, especially when designing for smaller dogs where comfort and ease matter most.

Sometimes stepping away brings clarity

Finding my way back

Over time, life shifted in ways I hadn’t expected, and my work was set aside for a while.

But the foundation never left.

Working with dogs has always been a constant. A steady, grounding presence through every season. That connection shaped not only how I design, but how I returned to the work itself.

In 2022, we welcomed Wrigley, and soon after, Birdy. Two Italian Greyhounds who brought fresh boundless energy and focus back into my daily routine.

They’ve become part of the process in the most natural way. Early mornings, real-life wear, and quiet observation continue to guide how each piece is designed, especially for sighthounds, where fit and cozy comfort matter so much.

Dog wearing a black sweater on a white background
Dog wearing a gray sweater in an autumn park setting

Thoughtfully designed for real life

What I create today

Burrito Wrap Dog Co. is built on the idea that dogs deserve clothing that truly fits, not just in size, but in comfort, movement, and purpose.

Each piece is made with careful attention to materials, construction, and real-world wear. This is not fast fashion. It’s thoughtful, small-batch work designed to support dogs in the environments they actually live in.

Materials chosen with care and purpose

Designed With Intention

Textiles and material choices matter, both for comfort and for the world we live in.

I carefully select fabrics based on how they perform, how they feel, and how they support the dog wearing them. Warmth, durability, and ease of care are always part of that decision.

While there are many conversations today around sustainability and sourcing, I believe in taking a balanced, thoughtful approach. My goal is to create pieces that are made well, worn often, and truly valued, not disposable.

In a world of huge quantities of low-quality, our collections focus on intentional small quantities crafted with the highest quality possible with longevity in mind. Each piece is designed to be part of a dog’s life for seasons to come.

🡼 A look at the textures and materials that inspire my work