LIHUE — When in Hawai‘i, nothing conveys affectionate thoughts and feelings toward someone like giving them a lei. But what if the lei is for a dog? Krystal Narusaki, owner of Lei Woof, a local company that makes handmade dog
LIHUE — When in Hawai‘i, nothing conveys affectionate thoughts and feelings toward someone like giving them a lei. But what if the lei is for a dog?
Krystal Narusaki, owner of Lei Woof, a local company that makes handmade dog lei, has the solution.
“I had been making doggie lei as gifts for family and friends for quite a while,” said Narusaki. “I realized a few months ago there are so many products for dogs and I thought, why not a dog lei company?”
Narusaki now lives on O‘ahu, but as she was born and raised on Kauai, with her family still living here, the canine lover considers her artistry a way to pay homage to the Garden Isle.
Each creation is individually handcrafted in Hawai‘i with an exquisite attention to detail, and each lei is fashioned after the most popular Hawaiian lei, such as those made from plumerias, tuberose, carnations, orchids, pikake, ferns, maile or ti leaves.
Lei making is a tradition that goes back a dozen centuries. Not only were flowers employed, lei makers also used leaves, shells, seeds, nuts, feathers, teeth and even — don’t tell Fido — bones, the most common ones being from fish.
Ancient Hawaiians relied on these garlands to add a touch of natural beauty to their image, and also as an identification symbol within a group. Usually the big, ornate, complex leis were worn by the most important islanders. Beyond the many forms of expression, identification and respect a lei conveyed, it also had sacred uses, and it was not uncommon between potentially dissenting chiefs to exchange lei as a peace offering.
According to Narusaki, her lei are very comfortable for dogs to wear.
“I always ensure there is no itchy or rough edges that could irritate the dog,” she said.
Her dog Beau is the official product tester.
All Lei Woof lei are created out of ribbon and yarn, and are available in six different styles ranging from yellow plumeria to pink lokelani.
They come in five sizes, from the extra-small, 10-inch lei to the extra-large, 18-inch version. And a 24-inch lei is available for any dog owner who wants to match their dog.
Prices range from $8 to $12. The human lei is $20.
“They are the perfect gift for weddings, graduation from dog training, holidays, memorials, and for just about occasion for a dog lover!” Narusaki said.
For more information, go to www.leihut.com/vendors/lei-woof.
