Our Story

​How It All Began

My husband and I began fostering puppies and dogs in Malaysia in January 2019. Each one left a little pawprint on our hearts - but one small puppy touched us more deeply than we ever expected.

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In June 2019, a three-month-old male puppy came to stay with us. Sweet, gentle, and overwhelmingly loving, he became part of our family the moment he arrived. We named him Harper.

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Harper lived with us for around six weeks while we searched for a family he could call his own. Sadly, like many dogs struggling to survive on the streets in Malaysia, Harper became seriously ill. He spent a week at a local vet where they tried everything they could, but his condition continued to decline. With worsening seizures and no sign of recovery, we had to make the heartbreaking decision to let him go.

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We were devastated. Harper’s ashes were laid to rest in our garden in Malaysia, beside a hibiscus plant — a beautiful way to remember him every day.

 

Creating Harper-Bandanas

To honour Harper’s memory and to continue helping dogs in need, Harper-Bandanas was created in August 2020.

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Our Journey

Life has taken my little sewing project across the world:

• Johor, Malaysia (2020–2022) - where Harper-Bandanas began, inspired by the dogs we fostered

• Saigon, Vietnam (Aug 2022–Dec 2023) - where we continued fostering and supporting local dog welfare

• London, UK (Jan 2024–present) - where Harper-Bandanas now calls home

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Wherever life takes us, we continue supporting dogs in need. We also carry with us a deep connection to the wonderful dogs we helped during our time in Malaysia and Vietnam.

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Our own dogs - Zeek (German Shepherd), Finn (Labrador), and Splash (Malaysian rescue) - travelled every step of this journey with us.
We sadly lost our beloved Zeek in March 2023 while living in Vietnam. Finn and Splash remain with us today and continue to bring joy, comfort, and inspiration.

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Why I Sew

I learned to sew in high school and did a little throughout my twenties, but it was Harper who brought me back to it. Creating Harper-Bandanas I rediscovered my love for sewing which is now something I thoroughly enjoy.

Every bandana is:

• handmade with love,

• reversible (two bandanas in one),

• made to order,

• and custom-sewn using the fabric and colours chosen by each customer.

 

While I sew, I remember little Harper.

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What Your Purchase Supports

When someone buys a Harper-Bandana, I want them to feel joy - the simple happiness of seeing their dog looking adorable in something made just for them.
But I also want them to know that their purchase helps Dogs In Need.

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I include a small card with every order sharing Harper’s story, because he is the reason this little project exists. Through him, we learned how many dogs simply need a chance - a chance to be healthy, safe, and loved.

 

Thanks to the support of our customers, we donate to organisations that care for dogs in need in the places we live, as well as those we have stayed connected to along the way. (You can see a list of all the groups we’ve supported on our Giving Back page.)

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Harper’s Legacy

Harper may have only been with us for a short time, but his impact is lifelong.
Through Harper-Bandanas, his love continues to shine - helping dogs across countries, bringing joy to families, and keeping his memory alive with every stitch.