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| Morgan, Gini, Bill and Betsy |
When Bill and I adopted Betsy in April, 2000, life changed in
so many ways! Betsy needed coats, and I decided to make them for her. I used what I knew about clothing construction
from many years of making things for myself, combined with the fashion design courses I had taken, to create Betsy's wardrobe.
Going into the greyhound coat business was irresistible. After many, many years in the financial services industry,
it was time to do something more entrepreneurial. I had always loved fabric, enjoyed designing clothes, and was crazy
about the dogs. With Betsy as my inspiration, Gini's Greyhound Fashions was born in 2001. Morgan joined our
family later that year and immediately started lending his help as an additional product tester, model and advisor.
My goal is to make fantastic apparel that is functional and fashionable. To do that, I use the highest quality fabrics,
with the performance characteristics necessary for outerwear -- warm, waterproof, windproof, washable, able to stand hard
wear. Performance fleece and outerwear fabrics ensure weather-defying coats that have proven themselves in Chicago's
worst conditions. The coats are designed for comfort too, and for ease in putting on and taking off. And
the dogs must look and feel great! We love it when people stop and admire the dogs on our walks; we frequently
have a chance to talk about what wonderful family members greyhounds are.
Morgan was the inspiration
for the bug coat, a poufy coat made of fine mesh netting that keeps mosquitoes, deer flies, and other insect attackers away.
And the raincoat made all the difference in getting Betsy to go out for walks and stay on schedule on rainy days. Great
ideas have come from our customers -- like pajamas, which are a loose coat style designed for indoor wear. I am always
happy to hear feedback and ideas from people. I am also happy to be able to donate a portion of sales to greyhound rescue.
Enjoy the coats!
Gini Member, Association of Sewing and Design Professionals
 Sadly, we lost Betsy to liver cancer in March, 2008.
She was almost 13 years old and had taught us so much in the 8 years we were together. Betsy was a very special girl
to us -- smart, affectionate and loving; always ready for a tummy rub or to curl up with you on the couch; and of course a
statuesque and gorgeous model. We miss our sweet girl.
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Our Custom Designed Coats |
- Warm winter coats
- Versatile fleece coats
- Waterproof raincoats
- Cozy pajamas
- Protective bug coats
- Fleece and rain hoods
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