This Local Business Is Going to the Dogs

The economy may have gone to the dogs, but one New Hampshire business is a barking success.

Despite their financial ups and downs, people still love their pets, and want the best for them, says CritterGear owner Keith Kolapakka.

CritterGear, which is located in Concord, offers handmade and custom-made collars, leashes, catnip toys and other items, made in NH and available online at a fraction of the cost of similar items sold at national chain pet supply stores.

Collars with colorful images of dog bones, hearts, stripes, polka dotseven pigs, goldfish and skull-and-crossbonesare popular with owners who want their dogs and cats to make a fashion statement. Seasonal images are also popular.

CritterGear items are a lot of fun, and great conversation starters at the local dog park or vet office, says Kolapakka. They're also quality products, made to last and made locally, which is important to people who want to support local businesses.

Kolapakka has not only earned diehard NH fans, but has loyal customers nationwide. In fact, he spends weeks on the road, at trade shows and fairs, selling CritterGear items as well as managing booming online sales. And he'll be at the Made in NH Expo April 13, 14 and 15 in Manchester.

To mark the launch of the company's new site, www.crittergear.com the company is offering pet owners a 10 percent discount when they use the code "CGNew" when placing an order.

Animal lovers can also give back to their community through the CritterGear Cares program, which allows CritterGear customers to nominate local animal shelters and organizations to receive donated CritterGear items for dogs and cats awaiting adoption.

CritterGear was founded almost 10 years ago, when Kolapakka made the rounds of local pet supply stores looking for a collar for his Cocker Spaniel, Rylee. I wanted a unique collar, but all I found were products that were very ordinary or very expensive. So I took matters into my own hands and personally designed and crafted Rylee his own collar.
Kolapakka says.

More promotions can be found on Facebook www.facebook.com/pages/CritterGear/201188324238.