People and pets dress for a cause

Help the world and have your pet look good doing it. This is one of the phrases Socially Conscious Companion uses in trying to make the world a better place.

SOCOCO, founded by Hattie Cope Elliot, sells pet products and donates 10 percent of the gross revenue from every product sold to an AIDS orphanage in Cape Town, South Africa.
Local artisans from Cape Town create dog charms, which are then sold to help raise money for AIDS.

Elliot credits the boom in the pet industry and her French bulldog Gilles as inspirations for deciding on pet charms for the product.
"People express themselves through what they wear, why not pets?" said Elliot. "It made sense to create a product that is a constant visual reminder of this important cause. And these charms can be worn all the time on your pooch's collar as this reminder."

After visiting South Africa on a high school exchange trip, Elliot fell in love with the country. She liked it enough to decide to move there when she turned 18 to attend college.

"My time spent living in South Africa has been one of the largest influences in the woman I am today," said Elliot. "AIDS is tearing at the social fabric of South Africa and some of the worst affected are children, so it was a natural choice to me to reach out to them and help in any way possible."

Elliot moved back to the States two years ago, and quickly realized that many pet owners treat their animals like kids, spending big money on their pets. Thus, SOCOCO was born in September 2005.

"It has been truly amazing to support the local craftsmen who make the charms and help children suffering from AIDS in South Africa through my pooch and the wonderful people who buy our product," Elliot said.
The company is planning to introduce their new line of designer doggy duds including polo shirts, sweats, collars and other accessories for dogs and owners. According to Elliot, all of the products will be ethically produced in South Africa and proceeds will benefit the orphanage.

In February, SOCOCO is launching a website, mysococo.com which will be an interactive online network.
Elliot is hoping the company continues its popularity. SOCOCO is aiming to develop a strong enough brand identity so their products are immediately recognized, and people know they are for a good cause.

"Many of us in the United States do not recognize the severity of the AIDS situation worldwide, but especially in Africa," said Elliot. "In some rural provinces in South Africa, there is an HIV infection rate in pregnant women that exceeds 40 percent. I feel as citizens of the world, it is our duty to recognize this, but go further and help, even if it is buying a charm or donating money to a local clinic or education center. Every gesture helps."