Hello Dog Fans.

How does an idea begin? It is said that most creative ideas and entrepreneurial endeavors begin during time of economic unrest. If that is the case, there should be several entrepreneurs beginning their efforts right now. If you have an idea, a dream, a concept, or a service that you feel you can provide that will serve the common good; I encourage you to run with your dreams. I hope that my stories help your journey. Entrepreneurialism is the backbone of America.

How did my idea begin? Rather innocently and by total accident. I am a sports fan. I could not help but hear about the stories in the news regarding a certain National Football League figure that was arrested for animal abuse. Now, I am also a pet lover just as much as a sports fan. I remember thinking at the time that another public figure being arrested for doing something stupid is unfortunately not exactly, “breaking news”. As I arrived at home that night I remember reading the details regarding the incident involving an National Football League QB. It was then that I realized this was not a, “normal”, case. As I read through the stories I was absolutely shocked and disturbed by what was reported. This was by far more serious than I would have ever thought when a passer by briefly mentioned the story to me.

By nature I believe that I am a, “do something”, individual. When I see situations I tend to ask myself the question, “What can I do to add value or make a difference?”. I prefer to take this approach rather than sitting back and criticizing or complaining. This approach has offered me unique opportunities and experiences that I would not have benefited from had I just remained on the sidelines. This has been the case in my experience with sports and in real life. For example, when our team was down or needed a big play, I wanted the ball. When our neighborhood needed assistance with our Community Association, I stepped up and became the President of our Association. I tell you this not to glamorize or set myself on a pedestal, but rather to give you some insight as to how the Official Vick Dog Chew Toy came to life. I will also tell you that sometimes trying to get to involved can lead to more pain than good. So my character trait has also lead me to challenges I did not foresee.

After reading the details of the animal abuse, I remember finding it hard to fall asleep that night. I could not believe and maybe tried not to believe that any human would willingly treat a defenseless animal in the ways described. As I woke the next morning I found even further evidence that was proof that the allegations were not assumptions and speculation, but rather fact. I kicked in to gear at that point.

I remember making the following comment several times to various individuals: “why doesn’t someone make a dog chew toy that resembles this individual so that animals can get revenge”? I wanted to raise the awareness of these atrocities. I was so worried at the time that our cynical nature would quickly sweep this story under the proverbial rug and the public would forget about these awful actions. We see this play out so often, especially when there is a ton of media attention given in a very short period of time. I was determined to do something so that people would not forget and do something that would remind others that animal abuse is real and a tragic story that plays out everyday.

I did not get much reaction to my idea of a vick dog chew toy other than, “hey, that’s a good idea”. My idea was a good one, or so I thought, but did not get the reaction that I thought it would or should. Finally, I mentioned the idea to a few individuals that thought it was a very good marketing idea. After insisting that this remain as an awareness endeavor and a way to give back to local organizations that share our same efforts. Missions that you will find are consistent and have held true in all my communication for almost two years now. After receiving buy in that my idea would be used to support our mission, we needed a plan. We also needed a name for this dog chew toy.

You will find that information and more in my next entry.

I appreciate your interest in my story. Stay tuned.