Ellen Warren

Tribune senior correspondent

April 29, 2010 

"Pets have become the first child," says pet industry analyst R.J. Hottovy, explaining why even in tough economic times, spending on our animals continues to climb.

Instead of investing in a human baby (and his college education), we're getting started with dogs, cats, birds, fish.

Look around. That photo in your neighbor's cubicle. It's her Chihuahua — wearing sunglasses. You know who I'm talking about.

"It's the trend of humanizing pets," says Morningstar's Hottovy. It's one reason we're spending more on our animals — even in a recession.

 "People are cutting back in other areas to make sure they can still take care of Fluffy and Spike," explains Bob Vetere, president of the American Pet Products Association. And he's not just talking about the basics, like food and rabies shots.

Last year was awful for virtually every retail segment of the economy. But APPA figures show pet spending in 2009 grew 5.4 percent — to $45.5 billion — even as the rest of the retail world was cratering. Sure the lousy economy might have slowed the growth of pet spending. But the arrow is still pointing up.

In fact, the recession might be a blessing for people who make their living from pets. The worse we feel, the more we cherish (and spend on) our animals.

"People are really looking to their pets for comfort," says Vetere. "It's the one place you can turn to for unconditional love."

No matter how lousy your day, they're happy when you walk in the door. "They'll lick your face!" says Vetere. And, in return for a little tail wagging and doggy slobber, "we reward them not in animal terms but human terms."

In other words, we buy them stuff, like the items arrayed here.

These range from the luxurious to the hilarious. There are real wood nonskid steps to help your dog jump on the couch or the bed ($220, petsstop.com) and home-baked PupCakes for treat time ($9.95, luckypawsonline.com).

Tony Deitch, who makes pet beds that resemble Crocs shoes, says, "It's a very inexpensive way to make a feel-good purchase when there's so much going wrong in the world."

OK, maybe a new place for your pet to nap won't bring world peace, but Deitch says he has solved the problems of most dog beds that get "ratty, hairy and smelly."

Michele Levan, creator of the $12 rubber ball that makes your dog look as if he's wearing a cartoon mustache, says her sales are soaring.

"I think people could use a good laugh right now. My stuff is a really inexpensive, funny thing to give you some relief from your economic blues."

Vetere says empty nesters, too, are contributing to the pet-spending trend. Their kids are grown and gone, and "they're looking for something new to hover over, so they're turning to pets in a big way."

For his part, Vetere has resisted major spending on pet toys and gimmicks for his golden retriever, Dakota, who "just loves to fetch." For that, Dakota settles for old tennis balls

by Brigitt Hauck
April 22, 2010

Pets can help you green the earth too. Make your own pet toys and select eco-friendly products to clean up after them, for instance. Follow these tips to help pets live a healthier, happier life and help the environment at the same time.

1. Clean it up

Animal waste is bad for the environment and may contain bacteria that can contaminate water supply, said Kelsie Dolezal, a certified veterinary technician at The Chicago Center for Veterinary Medicine. Always clean up your pup’s waste. Flushing a dog’s waste down the toilet is the best option, but biodegradable or compostable bags can be used when flushing isn’t an option. Cat waste can be difficult to dispose of if cats have toxoplasmosis, an infection caused by a parasite, which can pose a health threat to humans, she said. Put those pesky, old newspaper sleeves to use as gloves when cleaning up after your kitty and seal their litter in bags too.

2. Recycle and reuse

If your pet has a lot of toys, think twice before buying a new one. “Put half of them away and then switch them out and all of the sudden your pet has a new toy again,” Dolezal said. Many household items can be easily transformed into fun toys that mirror those sold in stores. For pups, make a tug of war toy by stretching an old sock over a tennis ball and tie two knots, one on each end. For kittens, turn an old box upside down, cut holes in the top and put food inside. Another creative trick she recommends is to put food in an empty plastic bottle. Your pet will knock the bottle around to get the treat.

Pet bedding can also be re-stuffed with old pillows and blankets laying around the house. Even making the choice to donate old leashes, collars, bedding and towels to a shelter instead of throwing them out is a step towards being greener.

3. Chow time

“It’s the same way as it is with us—you are what you eat,” Dolezal said. Feed your pets natural, organic foods that are minimally processed and exclude harsh ingredients like pesticides, antibiotics and artificial ingredients and preservatives. Begin paying attention to the labels on pet food, said Brenda Lang, owner of Green Dog Inc, an eco-friendly canine care service. “More than just being preventative against the negative effects of non-environmentally-friendly products, the benefits of a diet with high-quality, organic ingredients are seen in the long run, with fewer trips to the veterinarian and a better quality of life,” she said.

“Many local and organic foods are readily available, and it’s not difficult to make your own food,” she said. But, always check with your veterinarian before changing your pet’s diet.

4. Be conscious of cleaning products

Home care products can be toxic to pets. If a pet ingests most commercial cleaners, lawn care chemicals or pest control pesticides, it could be fatal, Lang said. For indoor and outdoor maintenance, consider using non-toxic products which are also pet-friendly. In the winter, there are eco-friendly de-icers are gentler on pups paws, she said. Even environmentally conscious shampoos and flea control products are available for pets. Many pet-safe and non-toxic products sold in stores can easily be made for less than the cost of commercial cleaners, so being green won’t break the bank. 

Pup-Pee Solutions are committed to developing innovative pet waste management products and the introduction of their latest development; the Pee-Pod is a true example of that.

Click here to see it in action

Pee-Pods have been developed to kill harmful airborne bacteria contained in pet waste. The innovative Pee-Pod is a biodegradable container that fits neatly inside the catchment jug of your Pet Loo, on contact the Wee Sponge (powder) acts like a magnet rapidly absorbing the liquid waste turning it into a solidified gel.

The result significantly reduces bacteria and airborne odours, further increasing the performance of your Pets Loo. A TRUE REVOLUTION!!!!!

Pee-Pods have been scientifically formulated using patented technology to blend nature and science – creating a product that uses natural materials to give supernatural results.

With the Wee Sponge in the Pee-Pod, The Pet Loo’s catchment jug is able to hold at least 100 times its weight in liquid and binds odours in a way like no other.

The Pee-Pod and the Wee Sponge are completely safe to humans and pets, and have been engineered using biodegradable materials, further reducing the carbon footprint of pet waste.

With a lifespan of up to 3 days per Pee-Pod, once full simply replace with a fresh one!

One Size fits all sized Pet Loo*

Follow Pup-Pee on Twitter: www.twitter.com/PetLoo

Official Press Release: Click Here

*Version 3 

Hi, All you animal lovers!

This is pretty simple…. Please ask ten friends to each ask a further ten today!

The Animal Rescue Site is having trouble getting enough people to click on it daily so they can meet their quota of getting FREE FOOD donated every day to abused and neglected animals.

It takes less than a minute (about 15 seconds) to go to their site and click on the purple box 'fund food for animals for free'. This doesn't cost you a thing.

Their corporate sponsors/advertisers use the number of daily visits to donate food to abandoned/neglected animals in exchange for advertising.

Here's the web site! 
http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/

Please pass it along to people you know.

Michal Czerwonka for The New York Times

INTERACTION Tommy Conforti, a cancer patient, and Lady, a therapy dog.

When Chad, a yellow Labrador retriever, moved in with Claire Vaccaro’s family in Manhattan last spring, he already had an important role. As an autism service dog, he was joining the family to help protect Ms. Vaccaro’s 11-year-old son, Milo — especially in public, where he often had tantrums or tried to run away.

“Within, I would say, a week, I noticed enormous changes,” Ms. Vaccaro said of Milo, whose autism impairs his ability to communicate and form social bonds. “More and more changes have happened over the months as their bond has grown. He’s much calmer. He can concentrate for much longer periods of time. It’s almost like a cloud has lifted.”

Dr. Melissa A. Nishawala, clinical director of the autism-spectrum service at the Child Study Center at New York University, said she saw “a prominent and noticeable change” in Milo, even though the dog just sat quietly in the room. “He started to give me narratives in a way he never did,” she said, adding that most of them were about the dog.

The changes have been so profound that Ms. Vaccaro and Dr. Nishawala are starting to talk about weaning Milo from some of his medication.

Anecdotes abound on the benefits of companion animals — whether service and therapy animals or family pets — on human health. But in-depth studies have been rare. Now the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, part of the National Institutes of Health, is embarking on an effort to study whether these animals can have a tangible effect on children’s well-being.

In partnership with the Waltham Center for Pet Nutrition in England (part of the Mars candy and pet food company), the child health institute is seeking proposals that “focus on the interaction between humans and animals.” In particular, it is looking for studies on how these interactions affect typical development and health, and whether they have therapeutic and public-health benefits. It also invites applications for studies that “address why relationships with pets are more important to some children than to others” and that “explore the quality of child-pet relationships, noting variability of human-animal relationships within a family.”

The national institutes’ interest in this type of research goes back at least two decades. Valerie Maholmes, who directs research on child development and behavior at the children’s health institute, said that at a broad-ranging meeting in 1987 on the health benefits of pets, the N.I.H. “concluded that there needed to be much more research,” especially on child development.

Other sessions confirmed the need for research, but most studies focused on negative interactions, like the ways pets could spread disease, said James A. Griffin, the institute’s deputy chief of child development and behavior.

Meanwhile, the Waltham Center was expanding its own research to do some small studies about human-animal interaction, said Catherine E. Woteki, global director of scientific affairs for Mars Inc. “We are a pet food company and pet care company,” Dr. Woteki said, “and we’re interested in seeing that that relationship stays a strong one.”

Reviews of the Waltham research program indicated that larger studies over longer terms with appropriate control groups were needed. When Mars became aware of the institutes’ interest in this type of research, a public-private partnership was established, with the company committing more than $2 million. The National Institute of Nursing is also providing money.

Peggy McCardle, chief of the institutes’ child development and behavior branch, said the money from Mars helped jump-start the efforts. Dr. McCardle added that the N.I.H. had established protocols for public-private partnerships and that all proposals got two levels of review before being approved.

People working with animals expect the research to back up their observations. At Children’s Hospital of Orange County in Southern California, for instance, dozens of volunteers regularly take their dogs to visit patients. Children being treated for serious illnesses often have the blues, anxiety or depression. “The dogs brighten them up,” said Emily Grankowski, who oversees the pet therapy program at the hospital.

Some patients who have refused to speak will talk to the dogs, she said, and others who have refused to move often reach for the dogs so they can pet them. So the animals become part of the therapeutic program, especially in the areas involving speech and movement.

“The human-animal bond bypasses the intellect and goes straight to the heart and emotions and nurtures us in ways that nothing else can,” said Karin Winegar, whose book “Saved: Rescued Animals and the Lives They Transform” (Da Capo, 2008) chronicles human-animal interactions. “We’ve seen this from coast to coast, whether it’s disabled children at a riding center in California or a nursing home in Minnesota, where a woman with Alzheimer’s could not recognize her husband but she could recognize their beloved dog.”

Such observations are not new at Autism Service Dogs of America, which brought Milo and Chad together. “Many children with autism can’t relate to a human,” said its director, Pris Taylor, “but they can relate to a dog.”

How a dog in the workplace can help lower stress levels

By Tricia Phillips

Eddie the dog really loves his day job.

If he’s not lounging on his own personal bean bag by his owner’s desk he’s up on top of it overseeing Jane Preston’s work or accepting cuddles and offers of walks from adoring colleagues.

“Having him there really helps me de-stress and brings me pleasure every day,” says Jane, who works for internet giant Google at its Central London HQ.

“The office is always more energised when Eddie is around!”

Experts, including 82% of GPs, agree with Jane, saying that pets at work can help employees relax, reduce stress and heart rate and even lower blood pressure.

“Even my 45-minute commute during rush hour is a pleasure with Eddie around – people smile and even talk to me,” says Jane, 43.

The benefits of doggy power – particularly in these troubled economic times – is being celebrated next Wednesday with Take Your Dog To Work Day.

It’s hoped that thousands of dog-lovers will take their pet pooches into the workplace.

“I can’t encourage people enough,” says Jane. “If your dog is well-trained then persuade your company to let you do it. You won’t regret it.”

Research by The Blue Cross pet charity – which is backing the event – supports Jane’s view.

A survey has shown that more than 90% of employers which allowed dogs in noticed a positive change in the working environment. Half even found that there was a decrease in absenteeism, while two-thirds said it improved staff morale.

On average Eddie, a terrier/whippet cross rescued from Battersea Dogs Home nine years ago, commutes in at least twice a week from Jane’s home in Carshalton Beeches, Surrey.

“He always manages to make space for himself – usually under the seat behind my legs,” says Jane, who works as a facilities manager running Google’s various buildings.

“The vast  majority of fellow travellers love having him around.”

From the station it’s a short walk to the office where Eddie settles down on his bean bag.

“Google, where I’ve worked for more than six years, has an official ‘dog policy’ in all of its offices worldwide.

“Well-behaved dogs are welcome so long as nearby colleagues have no objections, allergies or fears.”

And in Jane’s office, everyone simply adores Eddie.

“At times there can be a line of people waiting for a cuddle.

“Taking him for a walk is never a problem, no matter how busy I may get, so many people love to take him out. One colleague runs at lunchtime and will often take him with her.”

When Jane’s day is getting manic she loves nothing more than to give Eddie a pat. “I instantly feel myself calming down. He has the same effect on everyone else.”

Eddie even has an international following. “When I’m doing video conferences he’s there and everyone calls out to see how he’s doing. He makes people smile which can only be a good thing.”

In fact Eddie’s now so famous in the office that he’s even had a colour printer named after him.

“He’s quite a star and even goes down well with celebrities,” says Jane proudly.

“One day David Hasselhoff came in for a chat with the team. While a group of adoring fans surrounded him, Eddie decided to see what all the fuss was about.

“The Hoff instantly fell in love with him. There were some jealous glares that day!”

Eddie, who is about 10, is house-trained, so unfortunate accidents are never an issue.

“Otherwise there could be mayhem. If there were any high jinks Eddie would be on the first train home,” adds Jane.

sit and stay..be the boss

1TAKE a bed, water bowl and a few favourite toys.

2LET your dog explore the  office.

3INTRODUCE them to your workmates.

4LET people know if you’re leaving the office, so they can keep an eye on your dog.

5CONSIDER getting a dog pen.

1A pet in the workplace can help reduce stress levels and heart rates. The simple action of stroking can actually lower blood pressure.

2Dogs are great ice-breakers with both clients and colleagues.

3Dogs create a feel-good factor among staff.

4You’ve always got a friend near by no matter how bad things get

5It will help you get out for some fresh air at lunch.

More… Click Here

 As Featured on PetMD

The Pet Loo  Your Backyard in a Box

Your Backyard in a Box …

The Pet Loo is a great alternative to middle of the night "piddles" and other house breaking drama that can come with the arrival of a new fur baby!

Hygienic, convenient, simple, and environmentally-friendly, this new and innovative lawn toilet is made of synthetic grass, which offers a familiar surface for your pet(s). This synthetic material also ensures that your Pet Loo will be able to solve your dog's potty problems time and time again.

The Pet Loo's unique draining system places the urine in an easy-to-clean compartment, which is effective for dogs of all sizes — finally solving the toilet training headaches most pet owners deal with every day. It is easy to use and great for apartments, condos, balconies, patios, even RVs.

The Haute or Not? testers have not yet had the opportunity to use The Pet Loo, but we have seen and felt the synthetic grass, and are sure that most dogs, young or old, would be quite comfortable using it. So rest easy and enjoy having a pet in your life, while The Pet Loo takes care of the toilet problems for you.

Learn more @ www.thepetloo.com/us

Register your vote at: Petmd.com

“People support what they help create,” says Jerry Lynch from GMP Friction Products. And that’s exactly what we feel at Pup-Pee Solutions.

Our products were created out of necessity for pet owners and their pets. Every step of the creation process we constantly raised the question “what do people want?” And once we had all practical bases perfected and manufactured we were able to look at the product image. 

Our enzyme range of cleaning solutions; Wee Care, Whiff Off and Liquid Ate were launched over a year ago and are selling incredibly well. With the release of three sister products just last month; Pup Care, Critter Care and Kitty Care, we felt it was time to set our Marketing Gurus loose on creating a more uniformed and attractive look and feel.

“There is no way to mistake the ubiquitous trademarked Coca-Cola bottle with any of their competitors.” [1] Our aim was to create a look that would “pop”. An image that was highly recognizable no matter where it was positioned on the retailer’s shelf, or in which country it was being sold. The same notion applied to the naming of our new products.

“It may be true that a rose by any other name would smell as sweet, but would it sell as well? After all, no one ever named a child after the flossflower. So it goes with new products. However good it is, the name attached to it has to do its job, too.”[2]

Pup-Pee Solutions has gone beyond traditional approaches on branding to make what we hope to be an irresistible brand identity. 

Our enzyme range products are available now. Click here to find your nearest retailer.

[1] Bernd H. Schmitt and Alex Simonson, Marketing Aesthetics: The Strategic Management of Brands, Identity and Image.

[2] What’s In a Name – Creating a Corporate or Product Identity – Marketing, Robert Maynard.

May 28, 2009

Pet Loo Indoor Yard — Backyard in a Box

Want to eliminate those puddles and stains on your hardwood floors, tile and carpets? Say goodbye to those early morning or late night walks in the dark or frightful weather?

The Pet Loo Indoor Yard is a hygienic portable toilet for dogs and cats. Perfect for apartments, condos, balconies, patios, boats, RV's, trailers, the elderly, shut-ins, nursing homes, decks, motor homes, the office.

Made of high-quality synthetic grass that attracts your pet. Comes in two sizes at SmartHome and SkyMall.

Pup-Pee Solutions Australian Office

• $35K - $50K + Company Car + Super +Sales Commission Incentives
• Unique Products in the Australian Pet Industry
• Enormous Sales Opportunity with Unlimited Growth

Company:

Pup-Pee Solutions are the innovators, manufacturers and distributors of The Pet Loo www.thepetloo.com . We have a highly regarded name within the industry. Pup-Pee Solutions are seeking a Sales Representatives to join our team within: 

• Sydney & Greater NSW
• Melbourne & Greater VIC
• Metro Adelaide, SA
• Perth & Greater WA
• QLD (Brisbane, Sunshine Coast & Gold Coast) 

For a career in the business and booming pet industry! Pup-Pee is looking to recruit a sales professional that shows enthusiasm, motivation, and professionalism, must have exceptional people skills with a background in sales and preferably the pet industry. There are varying positions Nationwide with some country and interstate travel. You will be working on a weekly call cycle with established customers. 

Position:

Reporting to the General Manager, you will be designated a territory. The main focus for this position will be calling on existing clients along with developing new business amongst pet shops, animal hospitals, and veterinarian clinics. You will be working in a close knit environment; however you will be predominantly operate autonomously. Responsibilities include, but not limited to a daily reporting on the progress of your customers / territory and a weekly meeting with head office.

 RESPONSIBILITIES:

• To create and service a regular base of clients
• To have a winning can-do attitude
• To represent our company at the highest level
• Be willing to travel to see clients
• Be willing to learn more about this area of the pet industry

 ESSENTIAL SKILLS:

• Ability to make appointments on time
• Ability to create own source of clients
• Ability to generate B2B sales from cold calling
• Ability to present to clients face to face with confidence
• Ability to create sales opportunities
• Ability to close the sale
• Ability to complete weekly written reports. 

The position will be a trial period for the first 3 months. Pup-Pee Solutions requires across the board performance and weekly reporting to the General Manager.

Candidate:

To be successfully employed with Pup-Pee Solutions, you must have a minimum of 2 years business to business sales expertise. You will preferably have a strong knowledge in pet supplies and have a strong grasp on the industry. 

If you have existing contacts that can be utilised will be highly regarded. You must be new business focused and have demonstrated your ability to work autonomously.

If you are an excellent communicator with strong sales skills in closing deals, this position will be ideal for you. Please send in your resume in confidence (Please click here)

This is a wonderful opportunity to get in on the ground floor and establish yourself as a sales professional with Pup-Pee Solutions as we expand globally.

 If you feel you have the experience and integrity to be a part of a courageous sales team please do not hesitate to forward on your resume.

 Must be a full time resident within Australia and hold a tax file number

…………………………………………………………………………………….

Pup-Pee Solutions Australian Office
A: PO Box 141 Elwood Melbourne Victoria 3184 O: (Rear) 15-21 Derby St, Collingwood Victoria 3184
 P: + 61 (03) 9415.8599 W: www.thepetloo.com  F: +61(03) 9415.8419