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Longmeadow native pursues dream of doggie designs

Guernsey's shitzu, Yoda, models one of her original designs. Reminder submitted photo
By Natasha Clark

Reminder Assistant Editor



LONGMEADOW Joan Guernsey wants your pooch to look just as good as you. For the last three years she has been the mastermind and designer behind Tattletails, a line of original and innovative dog coats & jewelry.

From Nov. 25-28, Tattletails will be a part of the Thanksgiving Classic Dog Shows at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield.

A Longmeadow native, four years ago Guernsey said, "I know there's a way."

That way was a no-holds-barred approach to living out her passion and dream.

The result has been a high-quality animal line that boasts colorful, classic and custom-made coats that range from sizes 6-20. Fabrics include suede, faux fur, denim, vinyl, velcro, corduroy and sherpa.

"I try to design coats that are unique and different from others. I pay great attention to detail and quality," Guernsey said, adding that many places don't offer up to size 20.

She admitted that getting a business off the ground is not easy, but said she keeps her goal in sight. When talking about the road to a successful business, Guernsey noted that she's in the middle, what she described as a "gray area between the start and achieving that success."

In the four years since being a school bus driver, she has worked to make a success of her talents and interests.

"I was always into the arts," Guernsey shared over a cup of coffee in her Feeding Hills home. "After my second divorce I was just thinking, what can I do?"

What the mother of three did was push her passion for animals to the forefront. She was by no means a professional, she said, but she knew how to sew, and throughout the years had sewn costumes for her children.

"I began finding supplies and teaching myself how to make beads," she recalled, adding that it took a little over a year to perfect it.

Acclaimed journalist/producer of ABC's The View Barbara Walters has taken notice of the fruits of Guernsey's labor.

Guernsey managed to get the stylish jackets televised recognition after she was able to get the coats in the hands of Walters' daughter, who then gave them to Walters. The next thing Guernsey knew, the show got in touch with her and asked her to send her coats along to be featured on their Aug. 19 episode. Even Walters' hairdresser bought three necklaces from her collection. When it comes to jewelry, Guernsey said she uses the best sterling silver, beads, faux pearls and swarovski crystals.

To design, Guernsey uses her shitzu, Yoda, as a muse. He even models the coats for her catalog and website.

Guernsey has signed on to participate in the Thanksgiving Classic Dog Shows and at St. Mary's in Longmeadow for their Holiday Craft Fair on Dec. 3, from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

"When people think of Tattletails I want them to think of quality and style," she added.

To learn more about Tattletails log on to www.mytattletails.com or call 786-4680 for more information.

The Thanksgiving Classic Dog Show will take place at the Eastern States Exposition November 25-28 in the Better Living Center, Young Building and Mallary Arena (North), 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Admission to the four-day event is free.