Lost and ‘Found’

A chance meeting between two women with Chihuahuas named Walter let to a new pet products business, Found My Animal, that supports pet adoptions.

It all started with Walter — and his doppelgänger.

On a neighborhood walk in Brooklyn in 2006, Bethany Obrecht and her rescue dog — a handsome Chihuahua named Walter — crossed paths with Anna Conway and her pooch — you guessed it, another rescue Chihuahua named Walter.

With so much in common, the two “Walters” and their moms became fast friends and together they would change the lives of many more rescue animals.

With a penchant for crafts and inspiration from a fisherman in the family, the two designed and created their first leashes, made with marine-grade rope, brass and waxed canvas. 

The three-strand, hand-spliced, whipped-rope creations were an instant hit. Indeed, so many people stopped them in the street to admire their unique nautical leads that the women decided to share them with others and, within a short time, the new business Found My Animal, not based in Kingston, was born.

Unique to each leash is a simple, numbered brass tag that reads “FOUND” — a simple message that reflects the company’s mission to promote animal adoption in a direct way by letting your pet wear your values.  

To date, more than 110,000 of these numbered leashes have been sold. A whole line of pet products and accessories soon followed — collars, harnesses, beds, bowls and fashions for all your pets, including cats, dogs, horses and even goats.

Part of the proceeds from their sales goes to support animal welfare and rescue organizations, with a whole section of the website dedicated to helping facilitate direct pet adoptions.

Found My Animal — compassionate people making beautiful, meaningful products. And all thanks to Walter — and Walter.

For more, visit foundmyanimal.com.

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