Buddy Bleu

Buddy Bleu, LLC By Krystal Creviston

In the fall of 2021, life changed for one Granite Bay local in the most heartwarming way — with the arrival of a “little” English black lab puppy named Bleu. After losing her parents, a dear friend encouraged Stacey Weinthaler to get a dog, and that decision brought joy and healing in ways she never could have imagined. For those who know the bond between human and dog, it’s more than companionship — it’s family. Bleu quickly became part of every morning walk, dog park run, and even late-night sporting event on TV.

Bleu’s name carries deep meaning. A proud University of Michigan alum and former collegiate swimmer, Stacey wanted to honor her late father, Ed, who was also a Michigan graduate and a passionate sports fan. The phrase “Go Blue!” — a rallying cry for Wolverine fans since the 1950s — embodies loyalty, pride, and connection. Naming her dog Bleu was a way to keep her father’s spirit and their shared love for sports close to her heart.

From that love came the inspiration for Buddy Bleu LLC, a business that celebrates the joy of pets, sports, and the communities that bring them together. Officially incorporated in spring 2025, Buddy Bleu has quickly gained traction through local farmers markets, community fundraisers, and events designed to share the “Buddy Spirit.” This past summer, the company launched its website and Instagram presence, and now it’s taking the show on the road — literally — with a “Buddy Bleu Road Trip” that will bring NCAA licensed collegiate pet gear to tailgates across the country in states like Texas, Kentucky, Georgia, Michigan, and Illinois.

Buddy Bleu offers so much more than pet collars and leashes. Buddy Bleu gives a sense of a shared identity with your furry pet through sports, lifestyle and your daily lives. Even Buddy Bleu’s Trucker Pup Lids are a hot seller which comes in many colors and has matching Adult Truckers so you and your furry pet can strut together on walks, coffee and sporting events.. Customers can outfit their dogs in NCAA licensed collegiate jerseys, sweaters, puffer coats, and leashes representing teams from the Big Ten, SEC, ACC, and more. Parents can personalize backpacks and lunch bags with embroidered logos so kids can keep their “best buddy” close, even at school. There are stylish accessories for humans, too, including trucker hats, sport totes, and Buddy Bleu bundles — gift packages perfect for pet lovers.

What sets Buddy Bleu apart is its mission to create community and a shared connection with your furry friend. The company is committed to offering its products as fun, sporty, and full of personality, but it also wants to bring people together through events, races, and non-profit collaborations. It’s not just about buying gear — it’s about sharing an experience and showing off your team pride with your four-legged best friend by your side.

The support Buddy Bleu has received so far has been overwhelming. Friends, neighbors, and customers have encouraged and participated in the journey from day one. Customer testimonials rave about the quality and thoughtfulness of the products, from NCAA licensed collegiate pet jerseys that are soft and breathable to personalized backpacks that make perfect gifts. One family loved the firecracker bandanas and portable water carriers they used for their rescue dogs on July 4th hikes, calling them clever and convenient.

Looking ahead, Buddy Bleu has big plans. The goal is to expand beyond NCAA licensed collegiate pet gear into other sports markets while continuing to build brand awareness and deepen its connection with pet lovers everywhere.

For Stacey, the business is more than a company — it’s a tribute to her father, a celebration of her Michigan roots, and a way to share the joy she found with Bleu. As she puts it, Buddy Bleu is about getting the Buddy Spirit, sharing the Buddy Spirit, and being the Best Buddy.

To join the movement, shop NCAA licensed collegiate pet gear, or follow the Buddy Bleu Road Trip, visit www.buddybleu.com or follow @buddy.bleu on Instagram. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the Wolverines, Wildcats, Bulldogs, or Buckeyes, Buddy Bleu makes it easy to show off your team spirit — and look good doing it — side by side with your best furry friend.