Sometimes the best partnerships start in the most unexpected places. For us, it was a sunny morning at Swell Café in Jan Juc, where a bunch of Wet Dog leads happened to catch the eye of local artist Kat Tillman.
"I was instantly drawn to how unique they were," recalls Kat, examining the recycled materials and innovative design. Meanwhile, I (Nelly, founder of Wet Dog and Co) couldn't help noticing Kat's enthusiasm - and when I later discovered her incredible artwork, something just clicked.
From Coast to Canvas.
Meet Kat Tillman Growing up in Wollongong during the 90s, Kat's artistic journey is deeply rooted in coastal culture. "The laid-back beach lifestyle, vibrant sunsets, and natural beauty of the ocean were a constant source of inspiration," she shares. Those early years spent watching light dance across waves and dramatic cliffs towering over the sea have shaped her distinctive style - bold, playful, and full of movement.
Now based in Melbourne, visiting Jan juc whenever she can, Kat continues to draw inspiration from our stunning coastline, translating those magical moments when sun meets sea into vibrant works of art.
A Natural Fit.
What struck us immediately about Kat's work was how perfectly it aligned with Wet Dog and Co's mission. Her playful use of colour and celebration of coastal life captures exactly what we're about - making sustainable, adventure-ready gear that brings joy to every beach trip and walking trail.
The Ripple Collection: Where Art Meets Adventure The result of our collaboration is Ripple - a design that captures the dynamic energy of light playing on water. In stunning yellows, oranges and blues, it's a pattern that's as vibrant as your dog's personality and as dynamic as their adventures.
But it's not just about looks. Every piece in the Ripple collar and lead features:
- Recycled plastic bottle webbing (because adventures shouldn't cost the earth)
- Innovative TPU coating (waterproof, stink-proof, and built to last)
- Stainless steel hardware (no rusty bits here!)
- One-year warranty (we stand by our gear)
The Tech Behind the Beauty
While Kat's design makes these pieces beautiful, our innovative construction makes them bombproof:
- Waterproof and odour-resistant
- Easy to clean (just rinse and go)
- Strong enough for powerful pullers
- Kind to the planet
"Seeing my art transformed into functional pieces that will join people and their dogs on adventures - that's really special," says Kat. "It's about creating something that's both beautiful and purposeful."
What's Next?
Currently, the Ripple design features on our collars and leads, but who knows? If you love it as much as we do, we might just expand the collection. (Hint: hit that 'Notify Me' button on the product pages to be first to know what's coming!)
A Shared Vision
At Wet Dog and Co, we believe that sustainable doesn't have to mean boring, and functional doesn't have to mean plain. Our collaboration with Kat proves just that - it's gear that's kind to the planet, tough enough for any adventure, and beautiful enough to make you smile every time you reach for that collar or lead.
Want to be first in line when the Ripple Collection drops? Head to our product pages and hit the 'Notify Me' button. Trust us, these beauties won't hang around for long!
Check our Ripple Collars & Leads
Share Your Thoughts! We'd love to hear what you think about this collaboration. Drop a comment below or tag us in your adventure photos on Instagram using #WetDogAndCo #Wetdogadventures