Our Story: Where it all began

Sometimes, the best things begin completely by accident.

Doggie Discounts didn’t start with a big business plan, a shop, or a website. It started during lockdown, with two creative women sitting at home, trying to do something useful during a really uncertain time.

At first, Denise and Sue were making fabric face masks and putting them out on the garden wall for free, so that anyone who needed one could take one. It was a small gesture, but it came from the heart — and really, that is where the story began.

They had always been creative. Over the years, they had run different businesses, including a wedding dress boutique, and had always loved making things by hand. So when their current business was sadly forced to close due to Covid restrictions, they found themselves with time to pick up those creative ventures again.

They had always made their own dog collars and leads, and during lockdown, they started making more and more. What began as a hobby slowly grew into something bigger.

When they realised people might actually want to buy them, they decided to give it a proper go. They packed up their handmade collars and leads and spent hours driving around the South West, attending different markets and selling their creations face to face.

It was hard work, but it was also the start of something special.

People loved the quality, the personal touch, and the fact that each item had been made with real care. As word began to spread, requests grew — especially for personalised, bespoke dog coats. And from there, their little venture officially began under the name Bespoke Dog Coats by D&S — Denise and Sue, the mother-and-daughter duo behind it all.

What started with a sewing machine, a few handmade collars, and market stalls around the South West became something they truly believed in.

After Covid, life changed again. They were forced to sell their original business and decided to take a huge leap of faith. They moved to North Devon, where they knew no one, but they knew they wanted to carry on building what they had started.

At the time, the business was making a little bit of pocket money, but it had grown enough for them to see its potential. So they put all of their savings together, bought a warehouse unit, and turned it into a shop.

It was a brave step. A risky step. But it was also the beginning of something very special.

Their dream was to create a place where they could sell their personalised handmade work, but they also knew something else: owning a pet can be expensive. Really expensive.

So Doggie Discounts became more than just bespoke coats, collars, and leads. Denise and Sue wanted to stock everything they possibly could for dogs — from treats, food, toys and interactive brain games, to pushchairs, accessories, coats, collars, leads and everyday essentials — all at genuinely discounted prices.

Their aim was simple: To help more people afford quality products for the pets they love.

That is still at the heart of Doggie Discounts today.

Every product is chosen with care. Every handmade item is made with pride. Every customer who walks through the door means something. This is not a big chain or a faceless company — it is a small family business built from hard work, creativity, determination, and a genuine love for dogs.

And now, Doggie Discounts has taken another big step.

A few months ago, the website journey began. With no technical background and a lot of learning along the way, we created an online platform so that Doggie Discounts could reach people beyond North Devon. We know many of our customers visit us while on holiday, fall in love with the shop, and then wish they could still order when they return home.

Now they can.

The website means our discounted products, handmade items, and dog-loving service can reach customers all across the UK — giving people more flexibility to shop in store or online.

For us, this is more than just a website.

It is another step towards making quality pet products more accessible, more affordable, and easier to buy.

Doggie Discounts started accidentally, grew through difficult times, and became what it is today because of people who chose to support small, shop local, and believe in a family-run business.

So whether you have been with us from the beginning, found us in North Devon, visited us on holiday, or discovered us online — thank you.

Every order, every visit, every share, and every kind word helps support the dream that started with two women, a sewing machine, market stalls, and a love for dogs.

From our family to yours, thank you for supporting Doggie Discounts. 🐾❤️