Ultra Paws® (formerly Free Spirit Outfitter)

Ultra Paws® is a family owned business that dates back to 1972, when Pat and Bob Lugo bought a five-year-old business to feed their passion for sled dogs, which was a new-found hobby for the Minnesota couple. With as many as 50 dogs in the kennel at any one time, the Lugos needed a lot of equipment, mainly harnesses.

Rather than purchase gear for that many dogs, the Lugos made their own with the help of their four kids who also helped their dad run the dogs. Bob was an avid racer who competed throughout the winter. And when he and his kids weren’t racing their dogs, they used them for skijoring on nearby trails.

Every weekend throughout the winter, the Lugos traveled to sled dog races, selling their hand-crafted dog equipment from the back of their truck. What started as a business that primarily focused on manufacturing harnesses evolved into the production and national sales and distribution of a full range of dog equipment for recreational dog owners.

Ultra Paws® is now owned and operated by the Lugos’ daughter, Lisa. Their motto, “quality without compromise,” applies to every facet of their products and customer service. The manufacturing and distribution center is in Brainerd, Minnesota, about 2.5 hours north of the Twin Cities. Although Ultra Paws® has no retail store front, it provides a variety of photographs and detailed information about each product through this Web site.

You’ll see photographs of our dogs throughout the Web site. Each one, like children, has a unique personality and an interesting story.