Sequim Farmers Market

July 2, July 9

Open Saturdays 9 a.m.-3 p.m. through October

Downtown Sequim at Sequim Avenue, Washington Street

Contacts: www.sequimmarket.com; manager@sequimmarket.com; 460-2668

We are fortunate to have the dedicated dog trainer Vicki Swann new at the Farmers Market this season. Her business is Canine Connected and her products keep you connected to your canine, as she designs and makes dog leashes, leads, collars and more.

Vicki used to be a service dog trainer. She would get dogs from shelters and rescue groups and she needed a way to evaluate them. Most often these were dogs that were untrained, often large and she was looking for a way to work with them. They were challenging to handle. She designed a hip lead (a leash that attaches at your waist) to be hands-free while she evaluated the dogs. She sewed these hip leads on her 1951 Singer sewing machine — that was in 2013.

Vicki used to work for the Coastal Fisheries in Texas, for the parks and wildlife department as a data analyst and is a biologist by degree she says. She always has been an animal lover.

After retiring, Vicki moved here with her partner.

“We chose to live here because it felt like the right place and we knew it was meant to be when we found our house,” she says.

They used to do dog shows and when they came here, they were awestruck by what a dog-friendly community it is.

“All over the peninsula people are dog-friendly and dog lovers,” Vicki says.

When she started sewing hip leads, she was making leashes and leads for large dogs. Now Vicki makes all sizes and colors.

She also has professed her recent enthusiasm/obsession with ribbon, adding additional character to her collars with colorful or patterned ribbons.

Vicki is a little embarrassed by her ribbon fancy, so be sure to make that a resource when designing your custom collar at her booth.

Aside from the hip leads, which people started requesting of her when they saw her working with rescue dogs, she has come up with other practical variations on dog leashes based on customer feedback. She has harnesses and leashes for double or multiple dogs and a traffic leash which has a bungee component. She says that one also is appreciated by owners of small donkeys and horses.

Vicki also said that in the booth it is a hands-on business and customers are encouraged to try things on.

When I asked her what she enjoys about the market she says, “Sequim Farmers Market, I enjoy everything, the other vendors, we have a great time, love the location, I can’t think of anything I don’t like about it.” She added she really enjoys the camaraderie.

You can take a look at her wares on www.canineconnected.com.

Buck Ellard will be playing his sweet tunes from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. July 2. Go to www.sequimmarket.com to see our live music calendar.

See you at the market!