It’s still fall, but winter is coming. I’ve just weeded through Chloe’s modest wardrobe, and discovered that her current harness won’t work with her fabulous new Wagwear quilted, “sheepskin”-lined jacket. Argh! I was counting on that jacket, since it’s perfect for Seattle winter weather. A dog with a thinner or shorter coat, however, might want something warmer, and even Chloe, in a New York City winter storm last year, could have upgraded. During that storm I saw a couple of Cocker Spaniels wearing down jackets, and I recently found one that I like.

Joy Pet Products sells a dog coat that’s made of real goose down. It’s reversible (one side is flannel, and the other is a water-resistant nylon) and, reportedly, washable/dryable. The XS, S and M sizes have a slit on the back for a regular harness, but the jacket sits low enough below the neck that Chloe’s front-fastening Gentle Leader harness will also work. It’s a nice-looking, well-made product with sensible Velcro fastenings. An alternative is nylon on both sides and comes with a removable poly-fill hood — super cute, I have to admit, but Chloe is annoyed by hoods.