Why we chose this
- Hand-woven by small population of Mayan women in Guatemala
- Helps support Mayan community by creating an opportunity to earn income
- 10% of gross proceeds from sales donated to the ASPCA
- Machine washable, colorfast
- Durable nylon backing
Product overview
Our Best Friend design celebrates our four legged pals. The paw print symbolizes our love for our dogs and the ribbon represents the fight against animal abuse. Best of all, it supports the fight to prevent animal cruelty, as 10% of our gross proceeds from the sale of every Best Friend collar and leash will be donated to the ASPCA
a tail we could wag was founded in 1988 by Wendel Wirth, who has loved dogs and the outdoors for as long as she can remember. She rescued her first dog during college. She named the dog Aiko and they became inseparable. The day after college she and Aiko moved to Ketchum, Idaho (better known as Sun Valley), a dog friendly ski town. In 1988, she turned her favorite belt, made from a colorful, hand-woven Guatemalan sash, into a collar for Aiko. People who saw Wendel and Aiko around town took notice of the colorful collar. Based on comments like "you should make some for sale" Wendel decided to embark upon a venture to create a tail we could wag.
With a lot of hard work and entrepreneurial initiative, the business began to thrive. From selling collars over the counter at a local bar where she worked to traveling to New York City with a backpack full of collars, Wendel was encouraged by the response. As the collars took off she added other products such as leashes and belts. We now have distribution throughout the country in specialty retailers and catalogs, as well as our internet storefront.
In 2007 we acquired the business from Wendel and we continue in the spirit in which a tail we could wag was founded; making fun products for people and pets! We hope that when you see our products, you too will wish you had a tail you could wag.
-Joe and Laurie Ryan
A Handwoven Partnership with Mayan Artisans
a tail we could wag creates fun fashion accessories for pets and the people who love them. It is a spirit and appeal developed by combining a passion for the great outdoors, a relaxed lifestyle and the artistry of the Mayan people. Together, we have created a look and feel that is not only unique but supports a small population of Mayan artists living in the highlands of Guatemala.
The Mayan people of Guatemala suffered great losses during the most recent civil war. Many women were left to raise families on their own in a country already depressed. These artisans had few skills outside of their unique style of weaving that is passed on from generation to generation. Our partnership with them creates an opportunity for them to earn an income from their weaving skills while building community development and helping to increase self confidence and hope for themselves, their children, their families and their villages. They are the true heroes and the ones that make this all possible. We are only a portion of their success. As we work together we inspire each other, thus increasing business and the economic well being of the Mayan people.