Puppy Power

Local designers launch new line to give homeless pups a new leash on life

Robert Cavalli, Juicy Couture and Ralph Lauren have doggy wear.

But doggone it, most of us can barely afford those brands ourselves.

When it comes to Fido’s ensembles, Pet Supermarket’s sale racks are more like it.

That is until local dog apparel company, TORU launched its Rescue Wear line.

Aside from being pawfectly cute for you and your furry BFF, the line donates 15 percent of its proceeds to helping homeless pooches find forever homes.

The Rescue Wear line consists of dog tanks, raglan shirts and matching tees for owners.

The line is simple in style yet powerful with its inscriptions of words such as spay, adopt and rescue across the center. Each shirt is stamped with a large paw print.

“They make a great statement,” said Christina Schneeman, a buyer for Dog Bar boutique in Coral Gables and South Beach. “We sell a lot on our dog adoption days.”

Childhood buds Susan Levine and Vanessa Rossman are the owners and designers for TORU.

“We decided to do the line because we want to help find new homes for homeless dogs," said TORU co-owner Susan Levine. "We also want to raise awareness for animal rescue groups nationwide as well as spay and neuter programs."

The money from the rescue wear line is being donated to Miami’s nonprofit organization Paws 4 U, which rescues pups from Miami Dade Animal Services that would otherwise be euthanized.

So pamper your pooch with a new tee or yourself and do something good for man's best friend.


Annie Vazquez is a Miami-based journalist and shop-a-holic. Email her with any fashion tips, boutique openings, events, sales and bargains at anniecvazquez@yahoo.com

Contact Us