ABOUT US

Schön A. Gross,

Founder of Phoenix Animal Solutions

Fall 1999
Founded DogLeggs, Reston Virginia

I had a long and successful career in design as well as sewing and designing my and my families’ clothes for years. My design background and my passion for animals lead me to create my first veterinary solution for our Rottweiler, Greif.

I created the solution the same day Greif was diagnosed with a hygroma his veterinarian told me we would be treating this the rest of his life. I went home and sculpted the solution for Greif that afternoon. At Greif ’s recheck 5 days later, the hygroma was gone! The veterinary staff told me “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 challenged veterinarians and owners alike. The solution was effective, comfortable and well tolerated by dogs. The initial design and subsequent redesigns have been used to treat tens of thousands of dogs and even some other species diagnosed with hygroma, decubital ulcers, arthritis, elbow dysplasia, medial shoulder instability or are in need of post-surgical coverage.

Two months after Greif’s recheck success, the solution I designed was US Patent Pending. In Spring of 2001, it was awarded a US Patent.

Greif, our Rottweiler, is the reason 22 years ago I created my first veterinary product and a new company.

Greif's legacy continues today. His elbow protection solution hangs in my workroom as an inspiration for each new challenge that I am asked to solve.

My passion for both animal health and great design has combined to change veterinary medical treatment for a wide range of diagnoses. My leadership in the field of veterinary bandaging and coverage solutions has resulted in my regular collaboration with veterinary health leaders at prestigious universities, specialty clinics and general practices throughout the world, solving challenging cases and pushing the boundaries of what is possible.

I have designed and produced thousands of custom bandaging solutions since 1999, solutions for dogs, cats, rabbits, llama, horses, goats, pigs and hogs, a ferret, a moose (really), several deer, a 25-year-old African Bull Elephant on a preserve in Botswana and more.

Why Phoenix Animal Solutions?

Just as “Faulks” the Fire Phoenix of the Harry Potter book series, I rose from the ashes of my loss of DogLeggs in 2012 and founded Phoenix Animal Solutions. In the years since, I have continued to design and produce the type of products I became known for when I established DogLeggs.

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 100,000 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.

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
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
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

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