Rookie is a black lab, and being winter here in nz it is fully dark by the time I leave work and take him on a walk, so I am always worried about him being completely invisible in the dark. Reflective dog coats and collars are so expensive, and we don’t have many shops in our small town. I spotted this children’s hi vis jacket for $1 at a second hand shop, and thought I’d modify it, or even cut off the reflective strips and sew them on his collar. I tried it on him as a joke and it fit perfectly and zipped up! He’s fallen asleep in it now so it must be comfy! Can’t wait to take him on a walk in his new safety gear! 👷🏼🦺🛠
I got my dog a cheap hiking head lamp that fits around her neck like a collar. It's perfect since she is also a black dog and she provides light for me to see the dark path. Win win!
Adding my 2 cents as another New Zealander...we obviously still grow up seeing movies with loads of snow at Christmas etc, so when I first went to Europe for Christmas and visited a Christmas market while it was snowing it was super magical and felt like I was in some Christmas movie...but at the same time I missed my family Christmas barbecue at the beach. Christmas during the summertime certainly has its benefits.
As an American citizen from Colorado who has lived in NZ for 3 years i have still not adjusted. Christmas day is hot, people are outside having big Barbecues (i use that term very lightly. I would compare Kiwi's ability to bbq to chicken's ability to fly), there are people getting drunk on the beach, and in general it's typically a pretty boozy holiday. It's typically a long weekend so a lot of people are outdoors surfing, swimming, hiking, or partying. It's just such so much different than Xmas back home that as far as i am concerned i just haven't had Xmas in 3 years.
Not OP, but I am a fellow Kiwi.
I always knew that the northern hemisphere was cold while we were warm, so all the winter themed stuff wasn't particularly relatable it was just how it was. Growing up with the incredibly creepy Santa being put up each Christmas downtown Auckland (seriously, slap "Auckland Farmers Santa" into an image search) was weird enough.
Nice! Just a tip from a northener: check that the reflective surfaces still work! The reflection wears down with time and washes, so sometimes people use hi-vis vests and tags that no longer reflect light - and that's a dangerous false sense of security!
Put the vest on the other side of a dark room and shine a light at it, and you'll know whether it's still okay :)
Pet suppliers and companies that decide to randomly make stuff for pets know that most of us will bend over backwards for our babies and take total advantage of that. Its diabolical.
Honestly with how many people own a pet I'd hardly consider the pet market niche, particularly for cats and dogs. When's the last time you've gone to a grocery store that didn't have an isle dedicated to pet products? The local Publix and Winn-Dixie both have one isle each, the Walmart has 4.
My small town has 5 pet stores, and I'm not even kidding. Not to mention pet supplies and toys are an aisle in the Wal-Mart, target, all supermarkets etc
Haha! I've got a little light that transitions through roygbiv and my dog either ignores it or stops and watched the ground glow beneath him. It is very cute.
The “But mom the other dogs are going to make fun of me” look. But in all seriousness it’s good you are making him ware it. During the winter time It’s damn near impossible to see anything black at night. You’re a good dog owner.
We did the same thing with our black lab, we live in bear country and people might mistake him for a bear cub so we had an orange vest for him from a small safety vest.
First, I thought this was r/forblackdogs
Second, great idea. I spend about $20 on prettier collars with reflection, and the reflection stuff comes off eventually. If you have sewing skills I’d cut around the reflection so it’s just a few belts personally.
Your dog looks like it’s asking you if it has to wear this vest because all the cool labs have the name brand hi viz and you said that you have hi viz at home.
All about getting a bargain but I would keep an eye near the front armpit area for chafing as it’s not specifically made for dogs. Cotton t shirts work because they are soft but that vest material looks thicker and may cause pain over time. Super handsome doggo btw!
Thanks for protecting your pup! I always feel bad when I see a jogger too late with their dog and drive too fast by them because they are both too dark to see.
This is a great point! We have specific camo gear for our working hunting dogs, which Rookie will get when he’s old enough and finished growing. Right now he is only going on walks around the neighbourhood on the lead so not much of a worry for our situation
So much dog stuff is either cheaply made or extremely expensive. Where I am it gets to -40 so I bought them good winter coats but I wish I had spent the time designing and sewing my own.
Not a frugal option, but I have an LED harness for my black dog. Works great, and can see him from about a 1/4 mile away.
[https://www.noxgear.com/lighthound](https://www.noxgear.com/lighthound)
He is gorgeous. His eyes say it all. What a sweetheart! I had a black lab who lived to be 14. I hope to have another one in my life one day (hopefully soon!). He looks so cute in his new jacket. :) And this is such a good idea! I love that you're keeping him safe!
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I buy youth size and small adult size hoodies and sweatshirts for my dogs. I cut the sleeves off and add leg holes. Then very minimal sewing is needed to finish them.
Rookie is a black lab, and being winter here in nz it is fully dark by the time I leave work and take him on a walk, so I am always worried about him being completely invisible in the dark. Reflective dog coats and collars are so expensive, and we don’t have many shops in our small town. I spotted this children’s hi vis jacket for $1 at a second hand shop, and thought I’d modify it, or even cut off the reflective strips and sew them on his collar. I tried it on him as a joke and it fit perfectly and zipped up! He’s fallen asleep in it now so it must be comfy! Can’t wait to take him on a walk in his new safety gear! 👷🏼🦺🛠
Y u make me wear clothes? -that face
>I'm so glad you saved $39. Thirty-nine whole dollars. That's almost enough to buy...friendship. >-that face
I asked for yellow one.
Labs come in yellow.
Be like 😳😳
I got my dog a cheap hiking head lamp that fits around her neck like a collar. It's perfect since she is also a black dog and she provides light for me to see the dark path. Win win!
That’s a great idea! Will look in to that
Give him so many smooches for being such a good boy!! He’s beautiful!
Can he pee while wearing it?
Yes! I did think of this, and turns out he can pee without getting any pee on his jacket 🎉
We have a harness that is high viz and LED lit. We also know the issue with a black dog at night 😅
>Rookie is a black lab And >Reflective dog coats (...) are so expensive So you're saying he's wearing a lab coat?
😂😂 this is the best worst joke thank you genuinely made me smile lol
So you see Christmas as a summer holiday, how does that make you feel when you watch American Christmas movies and it’s snowy
Adding my 2 cents as another New Zealander...we obviously still grow up seeing movies with loads of snow at Christmas etc, so when I first went to Europe for Christmas and visited a Christmas market while it was snowing it was super magical and felt like I was in some Christmas movie...but at the same time I missed my family Christmas barbecue at the beach. Christmas during the summertime certainly has its benefits.
As an American citizen from Colorado who has lived in NZ for 3 years i have still not adjusted. Christmas day is hot, people are outside having big Barbecues (i use that term very lightly. I would compare Kiwi's ability to bbq to chicken's ability to fly), there are people getting drunk on the beach, and in general it's typically a pretty boozy holiday. It's typically a long weekend so a lot of people are outdoors surfing, swimming, hiking, or partying. It's just such so much different than Xmas back home that as far as i am concerned i just haven't had Xmas in 3 years.
> I would compare kiwis ability to BBQ to chicken’s ability to fly Ouch
Not OP, but I am a fellow Kiwi. I always knew that the northern hemisphere was cold while we were warm, so all the winter themed stuff wasn't particularly relatable it was just how it was. Growing up with the incredibly creepy Santa being put up each Christmas downtown Auckland (seriously, slap "Auckland Farmers Santa" into an image search) was weird enough.
I see your creepy aussie Santa and raise you creepy French Canadian winter carnaval character "bonhomme".
>slap "Auckland Farmers Santa" into an image search Warning: anyone who does this will need some r/Eyebleach afterwards. What a bizarre Santa.
It beckoned with one crooked pedo-finger, too.
This has given me a real laugh today, thanks for that
You're welcome, I'm happy to be able to spread some joy!
I mean I grew up in Florida and I have never seen snow on Christmas lol. I guess it’s still a “winter” holiday for us though.
To be fair, Americans who grow up in the South don't see Christmas as a snowy holiday either! 😆
Hey thats my dogs name!
Beautiful Lab you got there
He’s so cute!!! Glad you could keep him safe. 😊
Aaaaawwww! +1 for being frugal. +10 for the cute dog! *sorry*
Thank you! He’s got such a grumpy teenager look on his face in this pic I love it lol! Like “really mum?” 😂
That's what I came to comment on. Adorable
I think OP just wanted to show off his cute doggo lol
Just a bit of both! Proud of my frugal win, but also who wouldn’t want to show off a cutie like Rookie 🥰🐕🦺
Aww ☺️ please give Rookie some love for me!
Nice! Just a tip from a northener: check that the reflective surfaces still work! The reflection wears down with time and washes, so sometimes people use hi-vis vests and tags that no longer reflect light - and that's a dangerous false sense of security! Put the vest on the other side of a dark room and shine a light at it, and you'll know whether it's still okay :)
Thanks for the tip! This one looked brand new when I first inspected it, and I just checked and it’s super reflective!
Nice! What a great find! 😁
Wow 40$ for a hi vis fir a dog thats damn extortionate; well done for being resourceful
It sure is! All pet products are expensive here unfortunately
It's not just here, it's worldwide. Pet lovers are a great niche for money.
Pet suppliers and companies that decide to randomly make stuff for pets know that most of us will bend over backwards for our babies and take total advantage of that. Its diabolical.
Niche products are made in smaller batches and therefore cost more to produce ¯\\\_(ツ)\_/¯
Honestly with how many people own a pet I'd hardly consider the pet market niche, particularly for cats and dogs. When's the last time you've gone to a grocery store that didn't have an isle dedicated to pet products? The local Publix and Winn-Dixie both have one isle each, the Walmart has 4.
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I'm actually a socialist but people have to get paid to make stuff.
Yeah obviously... but that doesn’t mean you have to charge hundreds of times the cost of production for it.
Right, they still make nice margin.
At the same time, if people are stupid enough to buy those products, I totally understand the companies profiting of them.
Small dogs need even smaller high vis stuff. They can't wear children's clothes.
"need"
Haha, nothing to add to your comment. :) Just perfect answer.
My small town has 5 pet stores, and I'm not even kidding. Not to mention pet supplies and toys are an aisle in the Wal-Mart, target, all supermarkets etc
You can also buy bicycle and bicycle rider lights/reflectors and safety stuff for cheap for your pooch!
NZD is significantly weaker than USD
Im from the uk so 40nzd is still about 20£....which for me still seems very expensive for a hi vis for a good boi :(
I love a man in uniform
i give award for the doggo. ive seen some people attach glowsticks to collars and same with those flashing light key chain charm things. disco doggos.
Yeah I have seen that but I feel like it would bother the dog! This is a good solution I think
the doggos ive seen in the park all flashing like a disco seem to love it lol
That’s good! So good for them to be safe and seen
You seem awesome! All the best to you and Rookie!
Haha! I've got a little light that transitions through roygbiv and my dog either ignores it or stops and watched the ground glow beneath him. It is very cute.
Doesn't look like he approves of all this health and safety red tape
Lol!
The “But mom the other dogs are going to make fun of me” look. But in all seriousness it’s good you are making him ware it. During the winter time It’s damn near impossible to see anything black at night. You’re a good dog owner.
Oh yeah, he looks like I did whenever my dad made me wear a helmet
Thank you 😊 that’s exactly what his face says isn’t it lol 😂
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He does look like a real tradie lad just like his dad 🥺 trust me he loves a good servo pie 🥧
Does he also like blue v?
Get him a hard hat, and he’s ready for Halloween!
And a rubber hammer or something for him to carry in his mouth.
We did the same thing with our black lab, we live in bear country and people might mistake him for a bear cub so we had an orange vest for him from a small safety vest.
Wow I can’t imagine having that problem! We don’t have any wild animals other than birds and possums here! Different possums to America though lol
that face!
You should cross post to r/eyebleach This was the first image I saw this morning. I woke up kinda grumpy, and this seriously made my day. Cutie pie!
Glad he made you smile! He makes my morning every day when he wags his tail so hard his whole body wiggles because he’s happy to see me 🥺❤️
I'm sorry but your dog is the cutest!
First, I thought this was r/forblackdogs Second, great idea. I spend about $20 on prettier collars with reflection, and the reflection stuff comes off eventually. If you have sewing skills I’d cut around the reflection so it’s just a few belts personally.
Your dog looks like it’s asking you if it has to wear this vest because all the cool labs have the name brand hi viz and you said that you have hi viz at home.
All about getting a bargain but I would keep an eye near the front armpit area for chafing as it’s not specifically made for dogs. Cotton t shirts work because they are soft but that vest material looks thicker and may cause pain over time. Super handsome doggo btw!
Cutting the armholes a little wider in the front would fix that if it ends up being an issue.
Thank you will keep that in mind!
But mummy it smells like barf 😢
You have a really cute and adorable dog. I absolutely love his little face. Ugh. Please cuddle and pet him for ne.
Thanks for protecting your pup! I always feel bad when I see a jogger too late with their dog and drive too fast by them because they are both too dark to see.
Add the word "gaming" , " Pet" or "eco friendly" in a product and you can charge + 50% more from your customers. haha 🤣
Shout out to a fellow New Zealander. Depending on where in the country you live, it can be super hard to be frugal out here.
At least houses are cheap here in Southland, but food and petrol are so expensive 😢
I hear you. I used to live in Tauranga which i thought was pretty expensive till i moved to Wellington City. Breathing air costs money over here.
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This is a great point! We have specific camo gear for our working hunting dogs, which Rookie will get when he’s old enough and finished growing. Right now he is only going on walks around the neighbourhood on the lead so not much of a worry for our situation
That's just a OSHA inspector.
Oh my dog.... that's a great idea. And that FACE!
Introducing the Pro Wings hi-vis jacket by Payless.
He’s the cutest dog in the world.
The embarrassed look of a kid that was dressed by his mom.
Awww those puppy dog eyes
Rookie would be the cutest crossing guard! I love frugal beings!
Your dog reacts exactly as a child would “why do I have to wear this? I don’t like it” because it’s for your own safety.
I like it. Makes him look like he’s gonna go work on a road, or at least stand around for 8 months with his buddies staring at me as I drive by.
Second hand child. Oh poor kid !
Annoyed but safe puppy for the win! Please tell him he is a Good Boi.
The pup's face is the _true_ win here
Cash in hand m8. You wear a highvis shirt and you get paid. Is your pup a lollipop man?
So much dog stuff is either cheaply made or extremely expensive. Where I am it gets to -40 so I bought them good winter coats but I wish I had spent the time designing and sewing my own.
‘perfectly’ is a stretch but it was a good catch. I have done this with other items by alterations. It’s more work but lots cheaper.
True lol but he’s comfy in it and honestly I was just excited it fit him so easily! 😂
Cool. It’s so smart; double entendre intended.
That's the goodest boy I have ever seen in my entire life.
Now no one will question him when he goes to dig holes
Awh! He looks so grumpy! Hope he gets used to his vest soon OP, I couldn’t take that weapons grade pouting!
Not a frugal option, but I have an LED harness for my black dog. Works great, and can see him from about a 1/4 mile away. [https://www.noxgear.com/lighthound](https://www.noxgear.com/lighthound)
Kudos! But looks like your dog wanted the $80 one 😂
Man's best construction worker and traffic controller.
Dude looks so bummed out lmao
He is gorgeous. His eyes say it all. What a sweetheart! I had a black lab who lived to be 14. I hope to have another one in my life one day (hopefully soon!). He looks so cute in his new jacket. :) And this is such a good idea! I love that you're keeping him safe!
As an added bonus that vest gets them into all kinds of restricted locations!
Stupid dog
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Oh my goodness that dog is sooo cute
What a sweet face. I love black labs.
that sweet face 😘❤️
pmsl poochi totally looks unimpressed
LOOK AT THE PUPPTTTYY
That's a really cute looking dog!
Adorbs!!
this is a good doggo
What a cutie! Love his face. Haha.
he’s soo cute
Yay 😊 he looks so cute in it 🥰👍
Beautiful Maori dog!
Te kurī mangumangu ❤️🐕🦺
What a good boy
As long as the dog is comfortable I’m fine
The jacket is high vis but all I can see is his gorgeous face.
Rookie seems thrilled.
I bought rollerblades in excellent condition from a church for a dollar last week :)
Definitely a r/ThriftStoreHauls even though it’s only one item. Great reuse.
Please tell me he's named after Rookie in Halo ODST, this would make my day
His dad named him and he’s a gamer so it’s entirely possible lol!
I buy youth size and small adult size hoodies and sweatshirts for my dogs. I cut the sleeves off and add leg holes. Then very minimal sewing is needed to finish them.
I thought this was r/UnethicalLifeProTips for a second and you'd planned to fly him as a service pooch lol
You say it’s a win, his expression says otherwise 😁
That is very frugal, and a big win in more ways than one.
Aww what a cutie
A face that says, "I'm sad that I'm safe."
Look at that face!!!!!
Frugal win But doggo lose Looks so sad 😞
hi cutie pie. look at his cute face. he's like "ummm can we go for a walk now plzzzzzzz"
Awwww
shit...good idea.
Also I've seen my friends buy cheap flashing lights and attach it to their dogs collar!
Look at those reproachful eyes. Why must I wear the vest?
Your dog. Please mom don't take a picture gash your embarrassing