ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 16 -- United States Patent no. 12,302,861, issued on May 20.
"Lightweight and flexible canine footwear" was invented by April Chester (Durham, N.C.).
According to the abstract* released by the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office: "The invention is generally directed to an improved dog shoe that can be easily and comfortably worn by a dog and is retained on the paw until the user removes it. The shoe includes a bottom sole that provides a support surface between the bottom of the dog's paw and the ground. The shoe further includes a heel portion positioned along the back side of the dog's paw, and a cuff that secures the shoe around the ankle portion of the dog's paw. A tongue extends over the front portion of the dog's pa...