I started LilyPilly, mostly out of frustration. My person (I call her Momma) couldn't find cute collars and leashes for a small dog like me: a svelte, four-pound Papillon. Oh sure, there's plenty of choice for those larger dogs. You know, the 20+ lb. bruisers. But it seemed as if classic, discriminating taste like mine was being discriminated against! The selection was poor, to say the least, for my 10 lbs. and under category. And not much in the way of jewels or stones. Why, without colorful jewels, what's the point of being collared?

So off I drove in my (person's) car, to see what we could come up with. Momma's not real "handy" but I had some great ideas and, with my help, she was able to put together some beautiful things. Pink, natch, is my favorite color, so we designed a little number with fuchsia and pink "gems" that was simply to DIE for. I couldn't wait to show it off.

The next day on my walk the buzz on the block began to grow. Dogs and humans alike were going on and on about how great my new leash was. I was the queen of my street. Inspired by all the excitement, I urged Momma to decorate another one for me, you know, something for the weekends. We went with purple this time, coupled with a fresh pink collar. And let me tell you, ALL of my friends took notice. It's not uncommon for this girl to be the center of attention, but it simply became more than they could bear. My friends all told their people to call my Momma, and she started getting calls asking if she would please make collars and leashes for them. The kitty next door asked for a safety collar. And a friend of mine in Coeur d'Alene wanted a leash sent to her. Even a local store asked if she'd make some for them TOO. And, of course, times being what they were, the internet was soon to follow. And that's how my website was born.

Of course, this girl didn't want to hog ALL the attention, so I thought I'd share my fashion secrets with others. And now, Momma and I have created a place where you and yours can design your very own LilyPilly. I know you'll be as thrilled with your LilyPilly collar or leash as much as I am with mine, but be prepared, friends: the extra attention you're sure to get in your new LilyPilly can be a bit overwhelming. Some people haven't realized that pinching a cute little thing's cheeks is something that should be reserved for people babies only. ;-)

Actually, a "LilyPilly" doesn't exist. It's a contrived name inspired by the "lilly pilly" (Eugenia smithii), a type of small shrub, bush or tree native to Queensland, Australia and other subtropical rainforest areas.

The lilly pilly has small (1 cm) pink-white berries with a very mild, watery taste. The fruit is occasionally made into jams, jellies, or drinks, but the tree is usually planted for ornamental purposes, or to attract birds.

The lilly pilly is fairly hardy and needs only a subtropical climate to flourish. Protection should be given from long or hard freezes. Plants enjoy profuse amounts of water but will grow in drier areas, and grow best in areas of light sun or shade. Flowers are small and fluffy, with a creamy white color. Flowering is generally in Spring, and is followed by large bunches of the fruit which ripen a couple of months later. Fruits attract many kinds of birds.