Pet-Related Franchises; More Bark Than Bite?

Are there more pets? Do pet owners have more disposable income to spend on their pets? What gives?

According to the American Pet Products Association;

• 62% of U.S. households own a pet, which equates to 71.4 millions homes

• $45.4 billion will be spent on our pets in the U.S.

• $3.4 billion of that figure will be spent on grooming & boarding

The pet industry is obviously huge. This category is getting so popular that some major brands that have typically sold their products to humans are starting to get involved in it.

Paul Mitchell, Omaha Steaks, Origins, Harley Davidson and Old Navy are now offering lines of pet products ranging from dog shampoo, pet attire, and name-brand toys to high-end gourmet treats and food.

The franchise industry has certainly jumped into this market with vigor, and the short list of young franchise concepts below demonstrates this fact;

• Preppy Pet Suites - Pet daycare and boarding
• All American Pet Resorts - Hotel, restaurant, and workout facility for pets
• Pet Depot - Retail pet franchise
• Hey Buddy! - Pet supply and vending
• Hydro-Groom - Mobile pet wash
• Interquest Detection Canines - Contraband and drug detection
• Lil’ Pals Pet Photography - Mobile photography
• The Pet Food Courier - Pet food delivery services
• Hounds Mounds - Pooper scooper services

If you are a pet owner, would you use these services? If these services were able to save you time, or add value in some other way, could you find the money in your budget to use them?

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Pet-Related Franchises; More Bark Than Bite?

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How to Travel with Your Pet - As Seen on FOX News

As Seen on FOX News By Paul Eisenberg...

Apricot had never been to Hawaii.

But like anyone, man or beast, who has ever visited the islands, the poodle sensed there was something very special about the place the moment his plane landed.

In this case, that special something was that he wasn’t supposed to be there.

Turns out the airline messed up and Apricot was never loaded onto a nonstop flight from Miami to New York’s JFK Airport, where his anguished owner, writer and lifetime traveler Lea Lane watched the luggage carousel lazily spin without her dog. Hours passed until a 3 a.m. phone call alerted her that the poodle was back in New York after the Hawaii detour. Once home, Apricot stared blankly and wouldn’t respond for hours. Lane never put him on a plane again.

This horror story took place about 25 years ago, and while airlines are more accountable today for the handling and tracking of pets checked as baggage or cargo, stuff still happens, and there’s a lot you can do to ensure your pet has a safer and happier experience if you decide to travel together.

Read the FULL Article at:
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,528545,00.html

The World’s Ten Smartest Dogs - As Seen ON DivineCaroline.com

PetMD came up a list of the top ten smartest canine breeds in the world. See if your dog’s breed makes the grade.

#10 Australian Cattle Dog
Yes, that Australian Cattle Dog from Down Under. A working dog that is traditionally occupied with controlling and herding cattle, its qualities are exceptional intelligence, alertness, resourcefulness, and a fiercely protective loyalty over its property and people. They are agile, strong, active dogs, both physically and mentally, which revel in new experiences. The flip side is that they bore easily and will unintentionally find trouble while looking for activities to occupy themselves with. The Cattle Dog is very organized; many are known for putting their own toys away after playing.

#9 Rottweiler
Another herding dog, the Rottweiler began in Germany as a true work companion. They are still primarily used for work as guard dogs and as police dogs. They are well known for their stoicism, keen perception, courage, and unflagging loyalty. They make an excellent addition to the family.

#8 Papillon
This deceptively cute, butterfly-eared dog is smarter, tougher, and stronger than it appears (it’s like the bionic dog). Often described as big dogs in little bodies, they have the athletic stamina to keep up on long walks, and the bravura of a canine ten times its size. The Papillon is a true companion and watchdog. Although they can be ferociously protective over what belongs to them, their keen intelligence makes it possible to take them anywhere. Let’s not forget they can be litter trained, a big plus.

#7 Labrador Retriever
The Lab, as it is affectionately called, is the most popular breed chosen by families. Another member of the working class of dogs, the Lab is best known for its intelligence, affection, patience, and gentility, making them perfect companions for households with kids. They are easily trained, and, in fact, are one of the top dogs chosen for search and rescue, assisting the disabled, and police work. They are also known to self-train, observing behaviors in humans and repeating them—a great asset in emergency situations.

#6 Shetland Sheepdog
Another herding dog, the Shetland takes this ability into the home, showing the same commitment and protectiveness over its human “herd” as the farm raised version does. Highly intelligent, the Sheltie handles life with great efficiency and diligence, learning new commands with little repetition, and making sure that all of the family is safe, sound, and in place. They show great devotion to their families, and are happy to live just about anywhere.

#5 Doberman Pinscher
Due to an inborn fearlessness and deep stamina, the Doberman is one of the most popular of guard dogs. Smart and assertive, they can easily be trained for dominance or docility. Because of their past as war and police dogs, they may appear fearsome, but they are actually quite gentle. Their loyalty and acuity make Doberman’s great additions to the family.

View the TOP 5 Smartest Dogs at: www.divinecaroline.com

Schnoodle of the Month Recommends: "Dogfessions" By Nikki Moustaki...

Schnoodle of the Month is highly recommending a really great Dog Book called: "Dogfessions" By Nikki Moustaki...

You're shamelessly in love with your dog. And his adoration for you would eclipse the moon. But is love all there is to your relationship? When you come home to find the trash can toppled and a few "surprises" on your rug, what then? Behind your best friend's doting gaze, ever wonder what's he's really thinking?

Here's your chance to find out. Based on the website www.dogfessions.com, this full color collection contains hundreds of handmade postcards that reveal the deepest confessions from dogs and their owners. From unabashed admissions ("Yes, I made that puddle 5 minutes ago") to thoughtful revelations ("I think I kiss the dogs more than I kiss my husband") to self-affirmations ("I do this deliberately to look cute"), you'll steal a glimpse into the lives of dogs and their dearest devotees.

Read Full Book Description at: http://www.harpercollins.com

Meet "Rudy" from Pasadena, California - January 2009 Schnoodle of the Month!

Meet "Rudy" 5 1/2 Year Old Schnoodle Dog from Pasadena California. What a Sweetheart Rudy is...

"Rudy's" Profile:
Name: Rudy
Nicknames: Rudalah, Rudyberto, Rudyboy, Shadow Man
Home: Pasadena, California
Gender: Male
Age: 5 1/2 Years Old
DOB: June 22, 2003
Personality: Live to Play, Play to Live, he is so Loving!! Would never hurt a fly. Major People Person.
Occupation: Loves to Eat. Major watch dog… Very protective in a good good way! Loves to toss his Rope toy in the air for hours at a time!

Favorite toys: Stuffed toy called "Baby," Pink Ball, Glow Ball, Rope Toy, Peppermint Stick Rubber Chew Toy and Stuffed Blue Bone!
Favorite season: Spring and Summer Time, he loves to play in water!

Submitted by: Marci R, from Southern California

Thank You Marci R. For Submitting "Rudy" to Our Blog!

--> Click Here to Share "Rudy" with Your Friends, Family and Colleagues!

--> To Submit YOUR Schnoodle for Next Month, Email us your Schnoodle's Bio/Profile and (jpg) Photo to: Info.SchnoodleLover@gmail.com

Meet "Mosley" 7 Week Old Schnoodle Puppy from Sharon, CT.

Meet "Mosley" 7 week old Schnoodle Puppy from Sharon, CT. Born on Halloween...

Mosley's Profile:
Name: Mosley
Nickname: Mose
Home: Sharon, CT
Gender: Male
Age: 7 weeks (born on Halloween)
Personality: Snuggle bug, spunky and playful Occupation: Sock Stealing!
Favorite Toys: Socks and a squeaky ball that is as big as him
Morning routine: Attacking his big brother's (an 80 pound coonhound mix) ears and tail until he gives in and plays with him.

Submitted by: Amanda L. Sharon, CT

Thank you Amanda L. for submitting "Mosley" to Schnoodle of the Month!

> Click Here to Share"Mosley" with Your Friends, Family and Colleagues!

> To Submit YOUR Schnoodle for Next Month, Email us your Schnoodle's Bio/Profile and (jpg) Photo to: Info.SchnoodleLover@gmail.com

SchnoodleLover Recommending The Woof Report for Dog Lovers from WoofReport.com

The Woof Report for Dog Lovers...

The Woof Report sniffs out the top dog blogs, websites, newsletters, magazines and pet stores to bring you and your fur family the best of the best. Handpicked pup-perfect ideas, dog care tips products, and more -- get a dose of doggie delight, delivered fresh to your inbox each weekday.

Daily emails feature a tip from one of the categories below and all content is then added to the Tip Archives on the woofreport.com website for easy access.

• Dog People's Choice - The best in dog-themed gifts
• K9 Care - Dog care tips, products and services for a happy and healthy pet
• More Bones to Chew On - Fun dog facts, finds, insider tips and more
• Pup-Perfect Toys & Beyond - Tail-wagging products for fun and play
• Doggie Style - The best in canine couture and accessories
• Feasts & Treats - Products and recipes from the dog culinary world
• Have Dog, Will Travel - Dog-friendly road trips
• Tails of the City - City-specific dog-friendly events and dining, hiking spots and more

Each daily email features a "Best in Show" dog chosen from reader submissions, and the website spotlights a new "Top Dog of the Week" every Monday. The site also features a Woof Report Friends page with dog photos submitted by readers. Woof Report recently launched a blog and a Dog Owner Tools feature on their website, offering free downloadable documents including a Dog Health Record Keeper and a Pet Sitter Instruction List.

Sources:

• WoofReport.com
• PRWeb.com