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

  • Made from reclaimed leather scraps to reduce waste

  • Handmade in small batches in the USA

  • Emotional connection for dog and cat lovers

  • Popular as gifts, stocking stuffers, and everyday keepsakes

  • 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

Find the one that reminds you of yours ♡

Handcrafted leather keepsakes made from the offcuts left behind while making our bags.
A thoughtful little gift for dog lovers with big hearts.

  • HANDCRAFTED

    Made by hand in Bellingham, Washington.

  • MADE WITH PURPOSE

    Created from our leather offcuts to give beautiful scraps a second life.

  • GIVING BACK

    A portion of profits supports service & mountain rescue dogs.

  • BUY 2, GET 1 FREE

    Mix + match any Moss Dogs + Cats. Add 3 to your cart for discount.
SHOP ALL MOSS DOGS

It started with a pile of beautiful leather scraps.

When making leather bags, there are always pieces left behind - too beautiful to throw away, but too small to become another bag.

So we started turning them into dogs + cats.

What began as a simple way to give our leather offcuts a second life became of our most-loved collections.

Moss Dogs are made from three pieces of leather, with a little movement in the tail that gives each pup extra personality.

Small keepsake. Big heart.

Which One Looks Like Yours?

Moss Dogs come in a playful mix of leather colors and textures - pebbled, smooth, even hair-on-hides. Some feel a little doodle-like, others bring Labs and retrievers to mind, and each one has a personality all its own.

Shop Moss Dogs + Cats

Choose your favorite leather, find the one that feels like yours - or mix + match any three and get one on us. ♡

View all

  • This key ring is adorable! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    "The size is perfect and the leather is really nice quality.
    I am so happy with it!"

  • Such nice quality leather! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    "I love how the parts of the dog move separately. The color, size and shape are perfect. Highly recommend."

  • Even cuter than the photos! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    "And when I purchased it, I had no idea that some of the profits went to service dogs! My Guide Dogs of America facility dog is very grateful!"

1 3

Small Dog. Big Heart

Moss Dogs are made to tag along - clipped to your keys, handbag, tote, or wherever you could use a little reminder of your favorite four-legged friend.

They also happen to make the sweetest little gifts. Tuck one into a college care package for someone missing the pup back home, add one to a kiddo’s backpack, thank your dog sitter who always comes through, or bring one along as a tiny housewarming surprise for your favorite dog person.

A bag charm. A backpack buddy. A thoughtful little gift with a whole lot of heart.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Moss Dogs + Cats?

Moss Dogs & Cats are handcrafted leather keychains or bag charm inspired by the four-legged friends we love. Each one is made by hand in Bellingham, Washington and designed to be a tiny keepsake you can clip to your keys, handbag, backpack or tote.

What are Moss Dogs made from?

Moss Dogs are created from the leather offcuts left behind while making our leather bags. Using these smaller pieces helps us reduce waste in our studio, while spreading a little love.

Do you make different dog breeds?

We make Moss Dogs in a variety of leather and colors inspired by different kinds of dogs. They're not intended to be and exact breed replica - the fun is finding the one that reminds you of your favorite four-legged friend.

Do Moss Dogs support organizations?

Yes! A portion of profits from Moss Dogs supports service and mountain rescue dogs. Giving back is part of what makes this little collection so meaningful.

How does Buy 2, Get 1 Free work?

Simply add any three Moss Dogs or Cats to your cart. Mix and match your favorites, and the discount is applied automatically at checkout.