Merry Christmas 2021 From Ridgebag

To our lovely customers and canine friends,

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Nadolig Llawen a Blwyddyn Newydd Dda!

We hope that you are looking forward to winding down and raising a toast to another year. Christmas can have a tendency to highlight what or who is missing in our lives. Indeed, it can be a difficult time for many, and now more than ever. However, it is also a time to express gratitude for what we do have. And if you’re reading this, it’s because you, like all of us, have your dearest companion right by your side. For all that we don’t have this year, they are everything.

Some of you may have noticed we’ve been a bit quiet lately. Two thirds of the Ridgebag team work other jobs in other industries and this year has been in a constant state of flux and exceptionally consuming. Not to mention the addition of our little whirlwind, Sula! But we’ve made it to the other end and, forgetting about everything going on in the world just for a second, it has been a good year. We have increased our turnover and met our goal of going international. Our bags have made it to Austria, Germany, Netherlands, Slovakia, Hong Kong, USA and Australia. None of this would have been possible without your support, so a huge THANK YOU from us.

Sula “helping” in the workshop

Ways in which we’re giving back

As a company as well as individuals we feel that we have a responsibility to help others and the environment where we can. Here are some ways in which we’re giving back:

Local Community

  • We have recently had our first extra pair of hands join us. She is a local tailor and absolutely brilliant at her craft. We are proud to be able to employ locally from the wealth of talent in our community, and maintain our handmade, Wales-made ethos.

Environment

  • Selling internationally comes at a cost to the environment. It is important to us to do as much as we can to reduce our carbon footprint, a responsibility we take seriously as business owners and human beings. Our packaging is made from recyclable or reusable materials and we use a low-emission courier who are making a transition to electric vehicles. In terms of the bags themselves, they are built for durability; we stand against disposable fashion. We offer a repairs service and we also sell seconds at discounted prices, so rarely is material wasted.

Charities

  • Llaima is now a registered dog walker for the local dog shelter, Cardiff Dogs Home. It is upsetting seeing dogs without homes, but the joy on the dogs’ faces out in the fresh air far outweighs that. Exercise and regular, positive interactions with people prepare them for their new homes and make the wait more bearable. Santi was adopted from the home 2 years ago this Christmas and this year, instead of gifts to each other, we will be donating to their fundraiser for new kennels, of which they are in dire need. We will also make an end of year donation as a company. If you feel you can donate, you can do so here: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/therescuehotel

Llaima-and-Santi-the-day-they-decided-to-rescue-each-other

Llaima and Santi the day they decided to rescue each other

If you’re still looking for a small gift for someone, everyone loves a calendar! Here are some of our favourites:

Our dogs giving back

  • Raffi and Layla have been working hard this year as stooge dogs for unconfident and reactive dogs. Layla herself is dog-reactive, as well as Santi, so we know all too well how stressful and lonely it can be. It means a lot to us to be able to help other dog owners on their training journey. We are particularly proud of Layla, who is going against all odds helping other dogs just like her.

Layla being very patient with George who doesn’t know his size!

Layla being very patient with George who doesn’t know his size! Photograph: WalkWagPlay

Looking ahead to next year, we feel cautiously excited. Our biggest challenge will be expanding production to sustain our stock. We are fighting against mass-produced, factory-made equivalents. But we will continue to fight and stand by our ethics. You, our customers, are proof that stubbornness pays off. We also plan to produce new designs, specifically focusing on more challenging hikes and trips away.

In the meantime, we will rest, walk, laugh, and we hope you will do the same. Cheers!

Poli, Llaima, Cadi, Raffi, Mina, Layla, Santi & Sula x

In Loving Memory Of Our Dear Friend, Kai. 22/03/09 - 20/12/21

Good friends Kai and Raffi having a friendly walk

Kai and Raffi

Llaima