Brian Plodizyn ’04 and his dog, Kaighn

A Little Revolutionary

Brian Plodizyn ’04

Brian Plodizyn ’04 wants people to learn that most of the dogs we fear—pit bulls in particular—are kind and friendly and just want to be loved. So he created Bully Bows, a bow-tie dog collar.

It’s a little bit of swag, he says, that helps dispel preconceived notions people might have of certain breeds or types of dogs but also brings a little whimsy to every canine who wears one.

How did you come up with the idea for Bully Bows?

I adopted a pit bull, Kaighn [pronounced “cane”], a couple of years ago, and I noticed that when I’d take him for a walk, people would see us and cross the street because they were afraid of him. They were right to be afraid—because he might smother them with kisses; he is so friendly.

Two years ago for St. Patrick’s Day, Wegmans was selling green bow ties. I bought one for Kaighn, and on our walks, instead of people avoiding us, they’d come up to tell me how cute Kaighn was, and they discovered how gentle and friendly he is. It gave me an opportunity to educate people that pit bulls are inherently kind and loving, not vicious.

Pit bulls are the most abused and most often euthanized dogs in the nation. Kaighn had been abused, and when I adopted him he was malnourished, scared, and shaking; now he is a happy, well-fed, fun-loving piece of mischief on four legs.

Where did the name Kaighn come from?

Kaighn Avenue in Camden. I cross it every day on my way to work at Campbell’s Soup Company, where I am a senior transportation analyst.

Tell us more about your products.

Bully Bows come in a variety of colors and designs, and they are made in a factory that makes neckwear for men. My company also offers other accessories, including harnesses and leashes. My goal has been to create products superior in quality and design to what you would find in a chain pet store but at better prices.

And part of your proceeds go to charity.

I donate a portion of my sales each month to a shelter or to a charity that addresses issues of dog abuse or rehabilitation of dogs that have been used in fights.

To learn more about Bully Bows, visit bullybows.com.