Bits & Pieces for the Memorial Day Weekend

Congratulations to Taylor Kearns, one of our ten goodnewsforpets.com 10^th anniversary winners of an iPad & matching shelter donation. You can read Taylor’s column, “What Is It About Those Cats? Belle Remembered & More ” and his feature story, “Belle, the Wiley Little Thing.”  Also take a look at the Pawmetto Lifeline web site, the shelter he designated to receive his $500 donation. 

The Morris Animal Foundation (MAF) has announced David Haworth, formerly of Pfizer Animal Health, has joined MAF as the new president & CEO.

Last week, I presented a seminar: “Stay True to Your Brand: Tweet, Poke & Post, But Don’t Forget the Basics“ at the NYC Pet Show Retailer Summit. While other social media platforms were discussed, much of the question & answer session focused on use of Linked In and the subgroups.  If you haven’t joined the network, I encourage you to check these by joining Linked In.

Weight management continues to be a hot topic.  There’s still buzz about the NYC event we attended in Union Square with Alison Sweeny and the Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc. Million Pound Pledge.  And, goodnewsforpets.com columnist and veterinary surgeon Phil Zeltzman has his new book out, “Walk a Hound, Lose A Pound.”

Natural products in all shapes and sizes continue to be a growing trend.  We saw plenty of them at the NYC Pet Show.  Check out our “What’s New” featuring the Planet Petco line of new products.

The Kansas City Animal Health Corridor is gearing up for its August events.  A reminder the deadline for applications to the Investment Forum is June 24, 2011.

For more news, go to www.goodnewsforpets.com.  

It’s a short post this week as we head out for the holidays as well.  Have a great holiday weekend with your loved ones.

Shows, Events, Shows, Events — New York Style

Congratulations to Joe Canning, one of our goodnewsforpets.com 10^th anniversary winners.  You can read Joe’s column, “Cats & Kids — We Love Them All” and view his award-winning video.  Joe does some amazing work and is really lovin’ his iPad that he won as part of the contest.

Since Global Pet Expo, we’ve been busy, busy with shows and events, New York Style!  The Pet Socialite, pet trend, lifestyle expert, and consultant Charlotte Reed presented “Better Health and Wellness,” an exclusive Pet Showcase at the Intercontinental, New York Barclay.  The Pet Socialist does these events fairly frequently and it’s a chance for New York media, bloggers and celebrities to check out the latest in pet products in an elegant setting.  A reality celebrity star of the Bravo network’s New Jersey Housewives made an appearance and of course more traditional media.

The showcase was limited to 20 pet products companies — from organic foods to exercise equipment to special collars. Even Petco made a big splash with its new Planet Petco line.  It was interesting to see the array of products displayed including the Trimline™ Recovery Collar. This is an ‘oh so soft” collar that is much more comfortable than the traditional hard plastic ones.  I remember my Labrador Randy Jo having to wear that big ol’ “Elizabethan” plastic collar after a surgery.  She looked so sad and we heard a lot of wimpering.   This collar is absolutely better and they’ve got testimonials from veterinarians to prove it!

Next up was a show a bit off-topic, the Macy’s Flower Show.  (Although I did see quite a few pooches in the park median at Herald Square).   I am a native New Yorker but this was the very first time I had seen the show.  Now I will tell you it is a MUST SEE for pet owners and non-pet owners alike.  In fact, Macy’s hosts spring flower shows in New York, Philadelphia, Washington, DC, Chicago, Minneapolis and San Francisco.  The show actually began at the San Francisco store in 1946, but the biggest surprise is the “flower show,”  is actually a spectacular array of specialty gardens – antebellum, Japanese, Tropical, Hydrangea and a Desert Garden OVER the merchandise displays!  It may even give Harrod’s a run for the money (see earlier post).  Plan to visit New York for this one and of course, check out our lovely pets!

Finally, we attended an event in NYC’s Union Square featuring Alison Sweeny kicking off a Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc. Million Pound Pledge.  More on that next post…