Hartz to Donate $3 Million of Pet Products

The Hartz Mountain Corporation has agreed to donate $3 million worth of Hartz pet supplies to animal shelters in the U.S. and Canada. $2 million has already been donated, but they are still accepting nominations for shelters that will benefit from the additional $1 million worth of Hartz pet supplies.

The economic downturn has had a profound effect on the financial welfare of families, many of whom have been forced to surrender their beloved pets to shelters. However, those same shelters report that donations are down by as much as 30%. The Hartz Shelter Program, which offers a range of pet supplies such as dog biscuits and bones, meat treats, and rawhide, etc., will help shelters feed and care for abandoned animals and enable at-risk families to keep their pets safe at home.

Consumers who know of a shelter that has a need and the capacity for 2,FFF pet supply products can nominate them by emailing hartzshelterheroes@hartz.com. Emails should include both contact information for the “Hero Sponsor” and the shelter’s name, address and telephone number. Hartz will contact them both about next steps for the donation.

New Pet Category Marketing Company

Bronx, NY – Bulldog Marketing & Sales, Inc. (BMS) is a new company formed to allow start-ups, entrepreneurs, and smaller organizations in the pet category access to top-level marketing talent without the salary and benefits overhead. 
BMS specializes in marketing strategy, brand creation, product positioning, new product development, advertising & promotion (on almost any budget) as well as getting sales appointments at major retailers.
www.bulldogms.com

Evanger’s Announces 2010 Calendar Pin Up Pets

Wheeling, Ill. – Evanger’s Dog & Cat Food Company has announced winners of its annual pet photo calendar competition. This year over 2FFF dog and cat owners from all over the world competed for one of 12 coveted feature photos in the 2010 Evanger’s calendar.
The 12-month full-color calendar, which highlights champion show dogs, service pets, and shelter pets, will be offered free to retailers nationwide through their distributors. 
www.evangersdogfood.com

APPA & GPE Providing Marketing Package

Greenwich, CT—The American Pet Products Association (APPA) and Global Pet Expo have joined with marketing consultant Steve Miller to provide members and buyers a free “Marketing Stimulus Package.”
The package consists of a marketing know-how series of webcasts and valuable tips that can re-energize marketing strategies and engage customers during these tough economic times. It includes seven free videos, each less than 10 minutes long, discussing Miller’s “Seven Foundational Concepts for a Successful Marketing Strategy.” Participants also receive weekly emails for 12 weeks with links to valuable marketing tips, tactics, or tools designed to help generate more prospects and more customers.
www.americanpetproducts.org or www.globalpetexpo.org

Company to Fund Cancer Research

Hollywood, Calif. - Collars for Cures offers eye-catching Pet Collars and t-shirts to raise awareness of and help fund cancer research. The company donates half of all proceeds to the American Association for Cancer Research Foundation (AACR).
The collars are available in five adjustable lengths and can accommodate pets ranging in size from a cat or chihuahua to a great Dane. The collars are made from a durable, 100-percent nylon material with a chrome buckle and an embroidered, white logo.
www.collarsforcures.com

PDF Grant Builds Canine Recreation Area For GED

Portland, ME - Last Fall, The Planet Dog Foundation (PDF), Planet Dog's non-profit arm, awarded a $38,FFF grant to Guiding Eyes, the internationally accredited, non-profit guide dog school, to build the Planet Dog Canine Recreation Area at their campus in Yorktown Heights, NY. The new recreation area for Guiding Eyes for the Blind (GED) has been completed. For over 50 years, Guiding Eyes for the Blind has been providing the blind and visually impaired with superior Guiding Eyes dogs, training and lifetime support services.
www.planetdogfoundation.org

PetEdge To Give Away Complete Grooming Salon

Beverly, MA— Once again PetEdge is running a special “Holiday Giveaway” until Dec. 24, 2009. First prize is a Complete Grooming Salon worth more than $2,500. One hundred second prizewinners will receive a $25 PetEdge merchandise coupon. PetEdge customers will be automatically entered to win every time they place an order during the Giveaway time period. The equipment and supplies in the winning package were selected to give new or established groomers the “edge” they’ll need to stay competitive and profitable.
www.petedge.com

The Dublin Dog Exceeds Fundraising Goals

Charlotte N.C. - The Dublin Dog Foundation, the non-profit branch of Dublin Dog Co., Inc., which helps foster the therapeutic and service roles of dogs in the development, support, and inspiration they provide to their human companions, successfully completed the 2009 Let Freedom Bark Ride fundraising initiative and exceeded the fundraising goal of $20,FFF in an effort to sponsor the life of a service dog for an individual in need.
The Dublin Dog Foundation teamed up with Canine Assistants to select Winston-Salem, N.C., resident Terry Montgomery, who has Cerebral Palsy, to receive the sponsored service dog, Butterball. The funds raised covered all the costs associated with the training, graduation, food and medical bills for Butterball's lifetime.
www.dublindog.com

Dogswell Raises Money for Friends of Animals Foundation

Los Angeles, Calif. – Dogswell’s first annual Dogswell Homeward Hound Hike was held October 17, 2009 with great success. With the help of over 200 community attendees and all Dogswell Employees from throughout the the country, the natural pet food and treat manufacturer raised over $5500 for Friends of Animals Foundation, a non-profit no-kill animal shelter.
Shelter dogs were on the scene offering free test-walks for potential owners and several dogs have already been adopted. Dogswell has also committed to be the sole food and treat provider for the shelter, donating over 1100 pounds of food each month. Each local Dogswell employee will also donate an hour of his or her time at the shelter.
www.dogswell.com

Mochi & Jolie Enters Luxury Pet Fashion Industry

Los Angeles, Calif. – Mochi & Jolie is a new luxury pet fashion company striving to deliver unique and fresh designs coupled with superior quality craftsmanship to pet apparel market. This new company, which officially debuted at Pet Fashion Week New York 2009, will burst into Spring 2010 with a fresh new collection.
Inspired by the beautiful graphic prints with a hint of French flair, the new collection captures the essence of the modern city lifestyle. Every piece in the collection is constructed from the highest quality fabrics and tailored with signature cuts. All the collection pieces are made in the US.
www.mochiandjolie.com

Petmell Comes To North America

Brazil – This year, after two successful years in the South American Market, Petmell introduced their products to North America. Petmell, based in southern Brazil, brings Brazil’s tradition of innovative fashion trends and high quality leather craftsmanship to the luxury pet category. 
Unique designs for collars, leashes, harnesses and sterling jewelry are included the newly launched second collection. All products are handcrafted. The latest addition to this year’s product line is the “Partners” collection, dog collars that come with matching bracelets for pet owners.
www.petmell.com

Kane and Couture Debuts 

Kane & Couture is an urban, edgy collection of clothes, collars, harnesses, leashes, and home designs for the privileged pups of stylish owners. “From our signature lace-lined ‘HBIC’ Collection to our canopy beds with satin pillows, we focus on translating your style into doggy style,” says President Amber Lee. The company’s new line offers genuine Italian leathers, sparkling Swarovski crystals, pearls and even custom designs for fashionable dogs.
www.KaneandCouture.com

Specialty Store’s Ongoing Success

Columbus, Ohio– Moochie & Co., a Columbus, Ohio based specialty retailer providing upscale products for dogs, cats, their owners, and their homes, announces its expansion in the Indianapolis market.

Driven by the popularity and success of its store at Castleton Square Mall along with three stores in Columbus, two in Cleveland, and stores in Cincinnati, Dayton, Canton, and Akron, Moochie & Co. is proud to announce its newest store Grand Opening at Greenwood Park Mall in Greenwood, Indiana. The new store will open on Friday, October 30th.

According to the American Pet Product Manufacturers Association, approximately $45 billion will be spent this year on our pets in the U.S, up 5% from 2008 spending.  Fifty-three percent of pet owners are spending more on their pets than they did three years ago, as reported by a separate survey conducted by the American Animal Hospital Association.  Inspired by such trends, it was in 2004 that Mike Dagne founded Moochie & Co., which is now co-owned by CEO Al Bell.

 “Everything in the store is cool, sophisticated and fun, but none of it is completely frivolous or overly pricey. Our product mix emphasizes style, quality and function,” said Mike Dagne, president and founder of Moochie & Co.  From gifts, toys, accessories and apparel to all-natural treats, the product line is tailored to meet the needs of adoring pet owners.

“There’s a little Moochie in every pet,” Dagne said about the fictional namesake of the company. “We believe that we’ve captured that playful personality, and it permeates every aspect of our store and brand. It’s also a lot of fun for people to buy gifts for their beloved dogs and cats!”

Product offerings also benefit dogs and cats that do not have caring guardians. Moochie & Co. donates $.25 from the sale of each bag of Moochie treats to local animal shelters, humane societies and pet rescues. The company will be exploring creative ways to partner with such Indianapolis groups following the store’s opening.
www.moochieandco.com

Fish4Dogs Now Available in US Market

U.K. - Sold in more than 30 countries, Fish4Dogs is now available in the U.S. Fish4Dogs won the coveted Pet Product Retail Association  
(PPRA) award for Best New Product for 2009, a major industry accolade. The award was given for Star Treats for CATS, a high quality nutritional treat product packed with Omega 3, Salmon Oil and Taurine.  The star-shaped cat treats contain no additives, preservatives or colourings and are gluten free. 
www.f4dna.com

Up Country Partners with RISPCA to Give Back

East Providence, R.I.  – Up Country Inc. has partnered with the RISPCA. Up Country will donate a collar and lead set to every dog adopted from the shelter throughout 2009, partially in celebration of the company’s 25th Anniversary.
Adoptive pet parents will be given an Up Country gift certificate in their adoption packets that will allow them to choose a free collar and lead from neighboring Up Country. Over 450 dogs were adopted from the shelter last year at an 88 percent adoption rate.
“Up Country is two doors down from the RISPCA which is the oldest humane organization in Rhode Island and the third oldest in the country. By donating a new collar and lead set to every newly adopted dog, we hope to bring some extra joy and fun to the adoption experience.” said Alice Nichols, “Plus, we wanted to give away presents for our birthday.”
www.upcountryinc.com

Happytails Signs Distribution

Los Angeles, Calif. – Happytails Canine Spa Line has signed Frisky Pets to cover New Zealand. Frisky Pets Distribution of Waitakere, New Zealand is a new distributor focusing on all natural and holistic hard and soft goods. It was chosen for its commitment to independent pet stores, natural and organic products and for quality service. 
www.HappytailsSpa.com

Susan Lanci Designs Special Guest At Chateau de Puppy

Palm Beach Island, Fl. – Demi Dombrose, owner of Chateau de Puppy, a three-year-old dog boutique located on Palm Beach Island, Florida held its annual party earlier this year featuring an Italian Grand Buffet and champagne. The event was attended by 150+ loyal customers, many of whom brought their dogs to the pet-friendly event. To help create an intimate atmosphere, designer lounge furniture was brought in from New York, a DJ provided music and a dog walking service was provided. Chateau de Puppy created numerous displays featuring the Susan Lanci Collection, located throughout the lounge area. As the special guest, Susan Lanci of Susan Lanci Designs was there to not only meet customers but sign harnesses, help with fitting, show some tricks for applying hair bows and talk about design. To highlight the event, Susan created a special Swarovski crystal harness, leash and hair bow for Christen’s Yorkie, Coco.
Christen Clayton & Coco, Susan Lanci, Demi Dombrose are pictured here at the event.
www.susanlancidesigns.com

PoopBags Launches the Pack and Alpha Pack Program

Chicago, Ill– PoopBags, Inc., manufacturer of 100-percent biodegradable dog waste bags, has launched its loyalty program for retailers nationwide, called the PoopBags Pack and Alpha Pack Program.
“We believe that purchasing power and businesses – such as yours and ours – are fundamental drivers to achieve the world’s sustainability goals, “said Paul Cannella, PoopBags’ President and Founder. “You have the ability to make a huge impact by influencing many others to use 100-percent biodegradable dog waste bags, so we want to help you help others.”
The program, consisting of two levels, has many benefits to suit retailers’ needs, including extended billing options, free retail merchandising displays that can easily fit on any shelf or counter, free samples to jumpstart sales, as well as various discounts and coupons throughout the year.
www.PoopBags.com

Website Relaunched

Westlake Village, CA – Charming Pet Products has re-launched its website at www.charmingpetproducts.com. The website was spearheaded by Dana Herkelrath, a former Disney executive, who now heads her own marketing and design firm.  The website features Charming’s fun new look and all of its wacky new toys.   Check it out – it’s squawking good fun!
www.charmingpetproducts.com

Complete Natural Nutrition New Packaging

Marshalltown, Iowa – Complete Natural Nutrition Inc. updated its packaging for its line of freeze dried, “Just One Ingredient” Real Food Toppers. The toppers are premium selections of 100 percent whole, U.S. human grade meat, that are gently freeze-dried using the same techniques as NASA to assure nutritional value and freshness. The new packaging provides a built- in sticker that informs customers that the product is ideal for dogs and cats of all ages that are finicky or have food sensitivities. In addition, the packaging highlights that the products are made from “Just One Ingredient.” Complete Natural Nutrition also revised the packaging to be esthetically co-ordinated with its other products, Cheese Please and Terrabone. Real Food Toppers come in four flavors including Pure Chicken Breast, Pure Wild Salmon, Pure Beef Sirloin, and Pure Beef Liver.
www.completenaturalnutrition.com

New Luxury Brand

BERKSHIRE, UK – Waifs & Strays is a new pet luxury brand. The company currently has a classically designed range of feeding bowls and collars and leads finished with handcrafted solid brass hardware and made of genuine top grade leather. The brand has launched simultaneously in Europe and Japan, soon coming to America.
www.waifs-and-strays.com.

Charming Pet’s Pig Joins the Barn

Westlake Village, Calif. – In the Fall of 2008, Charming Pet Products held a contest at the SuperZoo and H.H. Backer trade shows to name their newest pig toy in the Charming barnyard for a chance to win $500!  The winner was Jodi Dixon of Bosco’s Biscuits in Carefree, AZ, who dubbed the pig rocker “Buddy Hogley”.
All of Charming’s new toys are now available.  Jodi Dixon and Bosco’s Biscuits’ owner, Alison Ballai, recently showed off Buddy Hogley at their store.
www.charmingpetproducts.com

New Products Gifted to Obamas

CZECH REPUBLIC – Lillibed has launched a new line of beds and bowls. Manufactured in the Czech Republic, the bowls are made from Carlsbad porcelain and the beds feature all natural materials. In celebration of the new line’s launch, the company presented the Obamas with a set of bowls and a new bed for their new dog. The bowl gifted to the Obamas is gilt and coated with Swarovski Crystals, and the bed is made from hypoallergenic materials.
www.firstdogbowl.com.

South African Style Enters Pet Industry

SOUTH AFRICA – Pet Afrique is a new company focused on crafting products for pets with a South African style and adorned with beadwork crafted by South African bead workers. Its current product offering includes collars and leads, harnesses, bandanas, coats, bedding, brushes and bowls.  The company’s aim is twofold; in addition to creating and selling pet products, it works to give back to its community by creating employment opportunities in South Africa and by donating a percentage of its sales to animal welfare organizations. It focuses on both local and international trade and plans to build its brand in both markets according to fair trade principles and guidelines.
www.petafrique.com.

5,FFF “KISSES” Given Away

Baltimore— Stella & Chewy’s, a natural, raw pet food company that’s serious about dog nutrition, donated 5,FFF “kisses” – namely, 5,FFF Carnivore Kisses dog treats – to Baltimore’s own Animal Rescue, Inc. at the recent H.H. Backer Spring Show.
Animal Rescue Inc. receives animals in need from Baltimore, Maryland to New York, and Pennsylvania. The organization has two locations including a 25-acre farm on the Maryland/Pennsylvania line.
www.stellaandchewys.com

"Leading the Way” 

CANADA —The Wag INC., a Canadian retailer and wholesaler of leather accessories for dogs, recently launched “Leading the Way,” a year-long campaign to help support service dogs in North America.
For every item THE WAG INC. sells online at www.thewagcanada.com, the Ontario-based company will donate two dollars each to Canada’s National Service Dogs and the United States’ Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation.
THE WAG INC. President Tibor Hattayer, who has worked with autistic individuals for more than 20 years, said National Service Dogs recently lost a major contract with the Banyan Tree Foundation after the Toronto-based foundation had its charitable status revoked. Under the contract, National Service Dogs was to receive $190,FFF each year for 25 years. That represented one quarter of the organization’s funding, according to National Service Dogs.
Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, based in Bloomfield, Conn., has trained German Shepherd Dogs as guide dogs for the blind since 1960. The organization is an accredited member of the International Guide Dog Federation and pioneered the “In-community Placement” process, which sends instructor-trainers to clients’ homes and place of employment to work with families and develop the dog-client relationship.
Hattayer said he will likely make “Leading the Way” an ongoing campaign, but did not know specifically how that would work at this point in time.
www.thewagcanada.com

Isla Represents

Orlando, Fla. —Isla International, LLC announced that it will be representing the unique line of harnesses from Hip Doggie that won Best in Show at the Global Pet Expo 2009 in Orlando.
Isla International, LLC strives to offer the finest natural pet products and feed as well as top fashions for pet and home.
Its goal is to provide the highest level of customer service to retailers, and to accelerate sales and improve end user customer satisfaction. www.islaintl.com

2009 Luxury Pet Pavilion

Sleepypod Crash Tested

Los Angeles — Sleepypod tested its namesake product in simulated crash tests. The company hired JARI, Japan Automobile Research institute, to test the crashworthiness of its award-winning Sleepypod and Sleepypod Mini mobile pet carriers. Current Sleepypod and Sleepypod Mini models withstood crashes of speeds up to 25 m.p.h. Videos of the simulated crash tests conducted on Sleepypod and Sleepypod Mini can be viewed on the company’s website. Tests were implemented in crashes at speeds of 20 m.p.h., 25 m.p.h., and 30 m.p.h. Currently, there is no legal standard for crash-worthiness of carriers or car restraint systems for pets.
In April, Sleepypod plans to introduce models of their Sleepypod and Sleepypod Mini updated to withstand crashes greater than 25 m.p.h. The goal is to achieve the same standards of safety set for crashworthiness of child safety seats. “Pets are important members of the family and that is why we want to make a safe product even safer by making its safety standard comply with a standard set for the most precious cargo known—a child,” says Melony Lee, one of Sleepypod’s three co-owners and product designers.
www.sleepypod.com/safety

Planet Dog Foundation Record Year Of Giving

Portland, ME — Planet Dog Foundation (PDF) is celebrating another year of giving with 14 grantees and more than $100,FFF donated to canine service programs nationwide. Through cash grants, sponsorships, special gifts and in-kind donations, PDF has donated to more than 100 non-profit organizations dedicated to improving the lives of people in need with the aid of highly skilled specialized dogs. An additional $107,000 worth of in-kind product donations provided auction items and prizes for scores of fundraisers at non-profits throughout the country.
The Planet Dog Foundation is the nonprofit grantmaking organization of Planet Dog. A percentage of every Planet Dog purchase goes directly to PDF to support the grantmaking program.  Since January, 2006, the Planet Dog Foundation has donated more than half a million dollars in cash grants and product donations to non-profit organizations across the country. 
www.planetdog.com
www.planetdogfoundation.org

Happytails Signs New Distribution

Los Angeles, Calif. – Happytails Canine Spa Line has signed Starfish Distribution to cover the state of Arizona, and Sweet Bay Inc. to cover the states of Illinois and Wisconsin. Both distributors focus on all natural and holistic hard and soft goods and were chosen for their commitment to independent pet stores, natural and organic products and for quality service. 
For more information, visit www.HappytailsSpa.com.

A Dog's Life Teams Up With New Distributor

Santa Monica, Calif. – A Dog's Life LLC has teamed up with Siemer Enterprises, a garden and pet products distributor in Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio. A Dog's Life manufactures natural dog treats featuring canine customers on its labels. Store owners can also customize the labels with their dog or customers' dogs.
For more information, visit www.adogslife.net

Planet Dog Earth Day Merchandising Challenge

Portland, ME – In celebration of Earth Day, Planet Dog is having an eco-display contest. The most creative and impactful earth-friendly display will receive $400 worth of Planet Dog's products.
To enter, retailers must purchase $250 worth of Planet Dog's earth-friendly products, set up a "green" display and submit a digital image by Friday, April 1st. The display must contain Planet Dog products, but other green products can also be used. Planet Dog will send each participant their 10” x 10” reduce. reuse. rewoof. easel-back sign for free.
For full rules and regulations, visit www.planetdogfoundation.org.

Scooter's Friends Honors 25 Most Stylish New Yorkers

New York – Scooter’s Friends participated in honoring the 25 Most Stylish New Yorkers at an event during the Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week held at Bryant Park. Scooter’s Friends’ fashions were on display to present the “canine side” of haute couture, by invitation of US Weekly Magazine.  Also featured were never-before-seen human fashions were featured from the new, hit TV series The Starter Wife, starring Debra Messing.
www.scootersfriends.com
www.usmagazine.com

Black Label Pet Designers Showroom

Dallas, TX – Black Label Pet Designers showroom launched in the World Trade Center in Dallas, TX. The launch included designers such as Manfred of Sweden, Emma Rose Design, Hunter of Germany, Poochie of Beverly Hills, Diamond Dogs, CeCe Kent, Timmy Woods of Beverly Hills, Italtrend, Funky YaYa and Heather Ford Custom Jewelry (diamonds for people who love their pets).
The showroom will feature unique designs from manufacturers all over the world. 
In speaking with Hope Plott, partner of the showroom, “it only makes sense for ready to wear to enter the pet industry, but only the true luxury lines for our upscale retailers. We are finding that more and more specialty and upscale ready to wear boutiques are adding pet sections to accommodate their clients. Dallas is the easiest market to fly to and the most economical to stay in. The buyers love it.” The World Trade Center hosts 4 gift shows a year and 5 ready to wear markets.  This gives the pet designers exposure throughout the year.”
www.blacklabelpetdesignersshowroom.com

Espree 20th Anniversary

Grapevine, Texas—Espree Animal Products Inc. is celebrating 20 years in production of natural and holistic grooming products for pets. Built upon a belief in effective, pesticide-free products with natural ingredients, the company remains committed to delivering the natural animal products that are safe and gentle for pets and people alike.
www.espree.com