ABOUT US
Schön A. Gross,
Ashburn, Virginia
Founder of Phoenix Animal Solutions
Spring 2012 – Founded Phoenix Animal Solutions
Fall 1999 – Founded DogLeggs, Reston, Virginia
What Happened to DogLeggs?
In 1999, I founded DogLeggs after inventing a breakthrough solution for treating hygromas in dogs—a condition that had frustrated veterinarians and pet owners for years. My background in design and sewing, combined with a lifelong passion for animals, led to the development of a custom elbow covering for our Rottweiler, Greif. His condition resolved within days. Encouraged by his veterinarian to patent the design, I did just that. The product went on to change the way veterinary professionals treat a wide range of conditions, from hygromas to post-surgical needs.
For over a decade, I designed every DogLeggs product by hand—drawing patterns, refining prototypes, and building solutions one animal at a time. The company I built served thousands of dogs and other species around the world, including horses, cats, deer, and even an elephant in Botswana.
In 2010, we brought in a business partner to help secure funding for DogLeggs. But in October 2011, in a devastating and hostile move, that partner changed the locks on the doors of the company I had created. When I arrived to work that morning, I was prevented from entering. I did not walk away from DogLeggs. It was taken from me—along with the name, the website, and the company I had nurtured since 1999.
What couldn’t be taken, however, were my designs, my knowledge, or the relationships I had built over the years. Soon after, longtime clients began reaching out to ask if I could still help. The answer was yes. A dear friend gifted me an industrial sewing machine, and with the original designs still in my mind and my hands, I began again—quietly and carefully—doing the work I was known for.
That is how Phoenix Animal Solutions was born. Phoenix represents resilience, rebirth, and the continuation of a mission I never chose to end. Though I no longer have the name DogLeggs, I remain the creator behind those original solutions, and I continue to innovate custom therapeutic products for animals in need—just as I have since Greif’s first diagnosis.
I had a long and successful career in design as well as sewing and designing clothes for myself and my family. My design background and passion for animals led me to create my first veterinary solution for Greif, our Rottweiler.
I created the solution the same day Greif was diagnosed with a hygroma. His veterinarian told me we’d be treating the condition for the rest of his life. I went home and sculpted the first prototype that afternoon. At Greif’s recheck five days later, the hygroma was gone. The veterinary team said, "Patent those NOW—no one has ever figured out how to design a solution that dogs will tolerate."
I created a bandaging solution that had long challenged veterinarians and owners alike. It was effective, comfortable, and well-tolerated by dogs. The original design and its subsequent updates have since been used to treat tens of thousands of dogs—and even other species—diagnosed with hygroma, decubital ulcers, arthritis, elbow dysplasia, medial shoulder instability, or in need of post-surgical coverage.
Two months after Greif’s recovery, the solution I designed was filed as a U.S. patent application. In Spring 2001, it was awarded.
Greif’s legacy continues today. His original elbow protection hangs in my workroom as a daily reminder of the purpose behind my work.
My passion for animal health and functional design continues to change the landscape of veterinary medicine. Through Phoenix Animal Solutions, I collaborate with veterinary professionals at prestigious universities, specialty clinics, and general practices worldwide—solving challenging cases and redefining what's possible in animal care.
I’ve designed and produced thousands of custom bandaging solutions since 1999. These solutions have supported not only dogs, but also cats, rabbits, llamas, horses, goats, pigs, a ferret, a moose, several deer, and even a 25-year-old African bull elephant on a preserve in Botswana.
My Mission and Goals Remain the Same as They Were in 1999:
1. Solve bandaging and coverage challenges for any animal—regardless of species—when an owner or veterinary professional contacts us with a need.
2. Ensure every product is financially accessible.
3. Educate the next generation of veterinary professionals by integrating my solutions into university programs, textbooks, and clinical protocols.
Textbooks
Tobias, Johnson: Veterinary Surgery, Small Animal Chapter 45, Orthopedic Coaptation Devices and Small Animal Prosthetics (pgs. 634, 636, 637, 639)
Guest Lecturer & Presenter
- North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine
- Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine
- University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine
- University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine
- University of Tennessee Certificate Program in Canine Physical Rehabilitation
- University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine
- American College of Veterinary Surgeons Conferences
- American Veterinary Medical Association (exhibitor & lecturer)
- District of Columbia Veterinary Academy
- North American Veterinary Conference
- British Veterinary Medical Association Conference
Product Design History
Each product below was originally developed to meet the needs of a specific animal or case, and went on to become part of my continually expanding catalog of therapeutic solutions. All designs are handmade, custom-sized, and typically ship within just a few days of consultation.
My mission and goals remain the same as they were in 1999:
First: Solve coverage and bandaging design challenges for animals...not just dogs, for any animal whose owner/caregiver or veterinarian contacts us with a need
Second: ALL products must be financially accessible to all
Third: Bring the knowledge of my products to the veterinary university programs, making them a part of the curriculum and textbooks as well as a part of protocols for a wide variety of diagnosis.
Textbooks:
Tobias, Johnson Veterinary Surgery, Small Animal
Chapter 45, Orthopedic Coaptation Devices and Small Animal Prosthetics pgs 634, 626, 637, 639
Guest Lecturer:
Participation in veterinary conferences, lectures and presentations
North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine
Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine
University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine
University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine
University of Tennessee Certificate Program in Canine Physical Rehabilitation
University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine
American College of Veterinary Surgeons Conferences
American Veterinary Medical Association, exhibitor and lecturer
District of Columbia Veterinary Academy
North American Veterinary Conference
British Veterinary Medical Association Conference
Auburn University School of Veterinary Medicine
PRODUCT DESIGN HISTORY
The products listed below were often designed for a specific client, and then became a part of the ever-growing library of solutions that I created. Each solution has a turn-around time of a few days or less from initial contact with the client or veterinary professional to shipment of the product. My multi-species experience, graphic design and sewing backgrounds, provide the tools needed to produce well designed solutions for a wide range of animals.
PRODUCT DESIGN TIMELINE:
October 1999
DogLeggs/Leggings
First product for Greif, our Rottweiler
Design updated 2003
Custom-size therapeutic coverage for the front legs for animals, not limited to dogs.
Over 150,000 shipped worldwide since 1999.
Original Design Patented 2001
March 2000
BuddyBags
Safe warming and cooling device for animals. Developed at the request of Dr. Wm Swartz, Clocktower Animal Hospital, Herndon, VA.
April 2001
Hock Sock and Tarsal Support for Animals
Coverage/support for tarsus (hock) of animals, not limited to dogs. Custom milled textiles, custom-sized.
May 2001
Solution for Forelimb Amputees
Amputee Vest. Coverage and protection for elbow after amputation of a forelimb. Allows animal to adapt to new gait and movement. Not limited to dogs.
March 2003
Redesign of Original DogLeggs/Leggings
Unique application of Polartec PowerStretch RX in a Product or Garment
May 2003
Apex Design Award from Malden Mills/Polartec for Unique use of PowerStretch RX
February 2003
Front Leg Wrap
Front Leg Wrap. Coverage for the front leg of animals, custom sized and designed as part of the protocol for acral lick granulomas. Breathable and washable.
August 2003
Carpal Support
Redesigned: February, 2012, 2018
Carpal support with unique design characteristics, conforms to the anatomical structures of animals, and it is not limited to dogs.
February 2003
“Made in USA” Production Established
Established relationships with textile manufacturers and mills. Established relationship with US based sewing production company. Maintained the integrity of the products while creating inventory. Reduced the wait time for customers
September 2004
The Swim Snood
Swim Snood for animals receiving water therapy or animals who swim a frequent water-based conditioning. Comfortable, keeps ears covered, stops head shaking, easy on and off, multiple sizes for all animals.
May 2006
Holter Monitoring Vest and Case
Redesigned: February, 2018
Vest for multiple uses, initially used to hold a Holter monitoring device comfortably both at clinic and at home. The same Vest became the foundation garment for multiple add-ons, such as The Ehmer Sling. Not limited to dogs.
June 2006
Shoulder Stabilization System
Shoulder Stabilization System. Created with Sherman Canapp DVM, VOSM. The product is used pre/post-surgery for medial shoulder instability and non-surgical candidates. Use of this product is not limited to dogs...successfully used on a ferret at the University of Tennessee.
November 2006
Rear Leg Hobbles
Redesigned: August, 2019
Rear Leg Hobbles. Innovative, comfortable design for restricting rear legs range of motion.
May 2007
Vest for Shoulder Instability and Scapular Support
Redesigned: 2014, 2016, 2020
Garment with forelimb coverage for treatment of severe shoulder instability, post-surgical support, long-term therapeutic wear. Custom-sized for animal, not limited to dogs. For use in veterinary physical therapy, pre/post shoulder surgery. Custom compression accomplished with fixed and/or adjustable internal padding. The Vest is breathable, washable, and conforms to anatomy. Includes single leg or bilateral forelimb hobble system.
July 2007
Surgi-Sox Bandage System
Surgi-Sox Compression Garments. After purchasing the company, I redesigned the product line, adding products with the same properties of compression. Researched and coordinated the US manufacture of a specialized textile for compression, comfortable for animal's skin and coat. Washable, anti-bacterial, will not stick to wounds.
August 2007
Velpeau Sling
Redesigned June 2022
Velpeau sling. Innovative redesign of traditional style of Velpeau Sling. Well tolerated by animals, without the side effects of traditional Velpeau.. Breathable, washable.
February 2008
Aural Compression Bandage - Aural Hematoma Bandage Solution
Redesign January, 2017
Designed as a bandaging solution for acute or recurring ear hematoma in dogs. The product has been used on multiple species besides dogs, including goats and cats.
April 2008
The Ehmer Sling
Redesigned June 2022
Ehmer Sling. Innovative redesign replaces the traditional tape version of the Ehmer Sling. Works in conjunction with the Holter Monitor Vest. The Vest provides the stability and comfort for the Ehmer Sling. Used on multiple species. May, 2008, Used for 3 month old Moose Baby Bella at the Wisconsin Zoo
September 2011
Stifle Support for animals - adjustable, breathable, washable, compression
Redesign 2015
May 2012
Amputee Vest for Shoulder Instability and Scapular Support
Garment with forelimb coverage for treatment of severe shoulder instability, post-surgical support, long-term therapeutic wear. Custom-sized for animal, not limited to dogs. For use in veterinary physical therapy, pre/post shoulder surgery. Custom compression accomplished with fixed and/or adjustable internal padding. The Vest is breathable, washable, and conforms to anatomy. Includes single leg or bilateral forelimb hobble system.
May 2012
Single Leg Hobble Strap to be used with Shoulder Stabilization Vest and Amputee Vest for
Shoulder Instability and Scapular Support
Can be used for, lateral and medial for single leg or both front legs.
HUMAN PRODUCTS
May 2002
Shoulder Brace for Women
December 2012
Arm Guard.
Protective covering for forearms, padded, abrasion resistant, breathable, washable, comfortable. Hook and Loop adjustment. Protects forearms from cuts, abrasions and bruising experienced during daily activities and while unloading boxes from conveyor and carrying boxes and inventory, restocking shelves. Available for both men and women.
February 2013
CPAP Headgear
PATENTS
Protective Garment for Pets
United States 6,240,882
Schon A Gross, Inventor
Issued June 5, 2001
Protective garment for pets
Exercise/conditioning bodysuit for animals
United States 7,665,425
Schon A Gross, Inventor
Issued February 23, 2010
PROVISIONAL PATENTS
November, 2011
Leg Brace for Dog - Stifle Support with VEST
United States Provisional Patent - Patent Pending
Schon A Gross, Inventor
A rear leg brace for animals, incorporating elastic straps for fit, accommodates patella.
December 2012
Protective Garment for Forearms of Humans
United States Provisional Patent - Patent Pending
Schon A Gross, Inventor, Owner
June 2016
Dorsi Flexion Assistive Device For Animals
United States Provisional Patent - Patent Pending
Schon A Gross, Inventor, Owner
