Harpo (my kiddoggo) and I live in Denver, Colorado. We takes lots of walks through the city, over trails, and lots of other places.

A few years ago, we learned that some of our neighbor’s doggos became ill when they picked up certain types of drugs on their paws. Then we learned this was happening in other cities, too.

I wanted to protect Harpo’s paws and spent a small fortune on all ‘the best’ dog booties and footwear. They were all struggle to get on and at least one or two would fall off. Plus, Harpo detested wearing them and was miserable.

I decided to create the perfect dog bootie. I designed and ordered samples, I redesigned and ordered more samples. I re-redesigned and … well, you get the picture. Nothing was easy or comfortable.

Then, in August 2024, Harpo’s front left paw became severely infected. At first it started as a bump. Then it evolved and left a deep and gaping wound on the paw that migrated a bit up his leg.

At one point, amputation became a consideration. He was bandaged for nearly two months. He was a tripod for nearly two months, not putting any weight on that front paw.From August to October, Harpo walked on three legs, was on different medication regimens, had x-rays, biopsies, tests—everything. We could not figure out what was afflicting him since all the tests were inconclusive.

I asked Harpo’s doctor if he’d seen anything like this before and he had. Then I asked, “Just on city dogs?” and the answer was “Yes.”

Eventually, under the care of his rock star veterinarian, we avoided amputation, the wound healed, and I continued in my quest to create the perfect bootie.

Then it occurred to me: I was thinking about it all wrong. Rather than a bootie, I needed to create a microbial barrier that would protect the paw on city streets—not a Sherman tank. (Yes, booties are still necessary on summer hot and winter icy streets, but most of the year, we don’t need the tank.)

I started looking for safe, organic products specially formulated for dogs’ paws that would help repel or at least mitigate the onslaught of germs and other yucky stuff on our city sidewalks. I found dog balms, paw cleansers, paw moisturizers, anti-itch elixirs, and that was about it.

None of these products addressed pre-walk paw care . . . trying to prevent nasty organisms and substances from sticking to paws in the first place …and even afterwards.

I wanted a paw-protector product for Harpo, for his health—and mine. Not only do those paws track into your home those uninvited guests, but if you’re like me, those paws are next to you on the sofa, on your bed, in your car… everywhere.

I didn’t want balms, goops or ointments because that leaves greasy paw prints on your floors, furniture and car seats. They also can cake into the delicate skin of the paw after prolonged use, which is unhealthy and unhygienic.

Instead, I wanted something more like an invisible shoe… something you could spray on those paws that would repel or terminate some of the microbials that dogs are going to invariably pick up on those beautiful paws.

After lots of research and collaborating with vets, scientists, and doggos, I created CityPaws™ especially for our urban kiddoggos. CityPaws™ is a unique blend of organic ingredients including apple cider vinegar, aloe, witch hazel, organic argan oil, and other botanicals that are safe for topical use on your doggo’s paws.

And while it’s not a Sherman tank, CityPaws™ is an innovative product that gives your dog an extra layer of protection against potentially harmful bacteria and other germs that can hurt your dog.

So where are we now?

We are in the process of manufacturing and getting the product ready for distribution. Phew! Lots of work but we are super excited.

CityPaws™ is a game-changer. Instead of struggling with boots, this gentle, non-toxic spray is a cinch. Just spray on each paw before a walk or run. That's it.

And because your doggo is part of the family, we want you to be a part of the journey. Sign-up with your email to be among the first to add this revolutionary new product to your doggo's regular health maintenance and we’ll make sure to put you top of the list when the product is released.

See you on the street!