OUR STORY
“GEORGE has taken the debate over the ethical treatment of animals to a whole new level.” – San Francisco Magazine
On an early spring day in 1987, as the first cherry and apple blossoms were bursting forth from the bare, winter-stripped branches, a wire hair fox terrier was born in the Bronx. (No, not exactly Bethlehem, but what do you want?) A couple of months later, the lucky puppy was lovingly adopted by Bobby Wise and Lyndon Lambert (themselves natives of the Lone Star State), whisked off to Manhattan, and named George, in roughly that order. Soon thereafter, the three of them did what folks have been doing since the Gold Rush, they moved to San Francisco.
Fast forward four years. Bobby and Lyndon are deeply in love with their dog, and vice-versa, but find the range of available pet products madly uninspiring – and actually rather grating to their aesthetic sensibilities not to mention the décor of their very cute apartment. Hence, the epiphany. What would happen (they mused) if you designed goods that were as pleasing to look at and live with as they were to chew, sleep on, wear, and eat out of? Four years after the birth of George the dog, George the company was born.
With their fox terrier as both inspiration and focus group, and a couple of very cool designers as co-conspirators, Bobby and Lyndon went to work. (Oh, and let’s not forget the cadre of bossy, feline-fancying friends who acted as consultants). Pretty soon, there was an entire line of eye-catching accessories and baked-from-scratch treats for all manner of quadrupeds and natty gear for those who walk upright. Oh happy pet owners! And don’t think it all passed without notice from the press. No way! Glossy rags from Metropolitan Home to House & Garden, In Style, and Lucky have also been charmed by the products. And pets seem mad about them too. Oh, and in case you were wondering, absolutely everything has been tested on humans for animal consumption*.
Today, George offers its ever-expanding collection at four shops in San Francisco’s Pacific Heights , Berkeley’s Fourth Street, the Marin Country Mart in Larkspur, the Montecito Country Mart in Santa Barbara, and right here at this online store. Thanks for stopping by. Now isn’t it time for a walk?
*George was a proud founding (and still sole) member of PATA: People for the Aesthetic Treatment of Animals