Thursday November 22, 2007 Featured in the Kitchener Record Animal ottomans sewn by hand, made of leather. Found: Moose ottoman Found by: Carla McLennan for the Record There is a nice family story behind these charming ottomans that begins with a man named Reiner, who designed and manufactured leather clothing and accessories. At the time of Expo '67 in Montreal, he made fur Ookpics (are you okd enought to remember them?) and in the late '70s he made his first ottoman - a small pig in honour of his beloved pet and constant companion Wilber. In Reiner's memory, his sons expanded the business and now you can choose from eight animals (pigs, of course, hippos, rhinos, bulldogs, cows, elephants, bears and their newest, the moose) available in eight colours of leather - either solid colour or patchwork. All are made from durable leather treated in a way that any spots or stains can be removed with water. And all are individually designed, hand cut, hand sewn and hand stuffed, all in Waterloo. Ther are very sturdy, measure a generous 30 inches long by 18 inches hight, and sell for $260. If I were willing to move my feet, I know the children in my family would fall in love with any of these. Reiner's Originals has for five years been part of The One of a Kind Christmas Show and Sale that opens today and runs until Dec. 2 in Toronto. Closer to home, you can see them at International Home Interiors, 1373 Victoria St. N., Kitchener; Leather by Mann, at 4553 King St. E., near Sportsworld Drive in Kitchener; Futon Fashions, 191 Highland Rd,. Kitchener; or the Futon Shop, 49 King St. N., Waterloo.