The origin of Dog Mocs is a simple one, born from necessity and the love between a dog and its owner. Morgan, Colorado, Mark found his buddy, Storm…an 8-week-old German Shepherd ball of fur. They have been constant companions ever since. Not only does Storm accompany Mark to work, they spend many hours walking, hiking, camping and fishing, (Storm enjoys trying to take the fish right off the line!). Mark has always been committed to giving Storm the exercise and the freedom he needs and deserves, so they walk an average of 8-10 miles per day. But about a year ago, Mark noticed some discomfort when Storm ran. A few vet visits later, Storm was diagnosed with a spinal condition that narrows the lower portion of the spine and causes some pressure on the nerves. This condition affects Storm’s walking and running gait, causing him to sometimes drag his back paws along the ground. The vet recommended some sort of paw protection to keep the nails from wearing down, causing further discomfort and bleeding. Mark began the search for something Storm would not only like, but would hold up to the active lifestyle he was used to, and still greatly enjoyed. Mark went to stores, including online retailers, to find anything that would work. A couple hundred dollars later and full of frustration, Mark had only a wastebasket full of torn booties and “shoes” Storm simply didn’t like, to show for the effort. Surely that would be comfortable for Storm, yet durable enough to last more than two days! So Mark found some large leather scraps at a local flea market and began crafting the first sets of moccasins. A few design prototypes later and Storm finally had something he enjoyed wearing and would last walk-after-walk…day-after-day….through the rivers and in any terrain. Well that was that for Mark… or so he thought. Throughout his many walks, dog owners repeatedly commented on the moccasins. They all loved them and Mark learned they all shared the same frustration with dog shoes and booties as he experienced. “You should sell them!” they all urged. And Mark realized he had created something that could help other caring dog owners, everywhere… and Dog Mocs was born.
