PRESS KIT - MOSS DOGS BY MOSS BAGS
Moss Dogs: The Leather Scrap That Became Moss Bags’ Bestselling Product
What began as an effort to reduce leather waste in the Moss Bags studio became an unexpected bestseller. Moss Dogs quickly resonated with customers who connected to their tribute to service, rescue, and working dogs - proving that sustainability and emotional storytelling can drive product success.
BRAND OVERVIEW
Moss Bags is a small-batch leather goods studio based in Bellingham, Washington, founded by designer Julie Simon. Known for thoughtful craftsmanship and intentional design, Moss Bags creates leather pieces meant to be used and loved.
Moss Dogs & Cats represent a meaningful extension of the brand - small handcrafted leather animals created from reclaimed leather offcuts. What began as a simple waste-reduction idea quickly became the most loved and best-selling part of the Moss Bags collection.
MOSS DOGS & CATS AT A GLANCE
Moss Dogs & Cats are handcrafted leather keychains designed to celebrate the animals we love while giving back to a greater purpose. Each piece is made from full-grain leather remnants, transforming leftover materials into meaningful everyday accessories.
A portion of profits supports organizations that train and care for guide and service dogs.
QUICK FACTS
Brand: Moss Bags - Moss Dogs & Cats
Founder: Julie Simon
Location: Bellingham, Washington, USA
Products: Handmade leather dog and cat keychains
Materials: Full-grain leather remnants, solid brass or silver hardware
Size: Approx. 3.5-1.25 inches
Price Point: Giftable, under $20
Mission: Reduce waste while creating meaningful, pet-inspired pieces
Made In: USA, small-batch production
WHY IT RESONATES
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Made from reclaimed leather scraps to reduce waste
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Handmade in small batches in the USA
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Emotional connection for dog and cat lovers
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Popular as gifts, stocking stuffers, and everyday keepsakes
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Supports guide and service dog organizations
Customers describe Moss Dogs & Cats as:
“Super cute, soft leather, and beautifully made.”
“A perfect little gift - adorable, high quality!”
PRODUCT OVERVIEW
Moss Dogs & Cats are designed as small but meaningful pieces - equal parts accessory and keepsake. Each leather dog or cat can be used as a keychain or bag charm and is crafted with the same attention to detail as Moss Bags’ larger leather goods.
Inspired by real pets and customer stories, the collection has grown into a signature part of the brand - blending craftsmanship, sustainability, and emotional storytelling.
FOUNDER STORY
Julie Simon spent more than a decade working as a graphic and web designer before teaching herself to sew late one night in 2013. What began as a creative shift grew into Moss Bags - a business rooted in craftsmanship, intention, and heart.
Moss Dogs were born from the smallest pieces of leather left behind in the studio. Today, they symbolize connection, memory, and giving back - proving that even the smallest creations can carry deep meaning.
GIVING BACK
A portion of profits from every Moss Dog and Cat keychain is donated to organizations supporting the training and care of guide and service dogs.
Small items. Meaningful impact.
LINKS FOR EDITORS
Moss Dogs Collection:
https://www.mossbags.com/pages/moss-dogs
Origin Story Blog Post:
https://www.mossbags.com/blogs/news/from-leather-scraps-to-bestsellers-how-moss-dogs-became-the-heart-of-mossbags
About / Founder Story:
https://www.mossbags.com/pages/my-story
IMAGES
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/14eBta8zmyIuZD0UzKoIOrekTE0lyrMCu?usp=sharing
CONTACT
Julie Simon
Founder, Moss Bags
Bellingham, Washington
https://www.mossbags.com