The Buzz: Industry News

PetEdge Salon Giveaway
BEVERLY, Mass.—PetEdge is running a special “Holiday Giveaway” from Oct. 27 – Dec. 19, 2008. The first prize is a complete grooming salon worth more than $2,500. One hundred second-prize winners 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 this package could help a new groomer to set up shop, or aid an established groomer in adding onto or replacing key equipment. The first-prize “Complete Grooming Salon” package includes:

• Master Equipment Stainless Steel Tub
• Master Equipment Overhead Tub Cabinet
• Master Equipment Blue Force 1.8hp Dryer
• Master Equipment Electric Grooming Table with Remote Control Lift (Blue)
• Set of Three Stackable ProSelect Professional Modular Cage Banks
• Master Equipment Spray Hose
• Master Equipment Pro Bather Bathing System
• Master Equipment Grooming Table (Blue)
• Master Equipment Contoured Stool (Blue)
• Master Equipment Rolling Cart (Blue)
• Master Equipment Small Pet Grooming Table (Blue)
• Master Grooming Tools Groomer’s Value 5200 Series Shears Kit
• Business Builders LED Pet Spa Sign
• Four gallons of assorted Top Performance Shampoos

For more information, visit www.petedge.com/grooming.



Jorge Joins Stainless Steel
OMAHA, Neb.—Celebrity Dog Groomer and Animal Planet’s “Groomer Has It” star Jorge Bendersky has joined the Forever Stainless Steel staff. Jorge will offer creative input and make personal appearances on behalf of the company, while remaining based in New York City.

Jorge’s first official appearance with Forever Stainless Steel was during Pet Fashion Week NY 2008, where Jorge fans were greeted by the popular NY personality. Jorge spent two days taking pictures and signing autographs.

For more information, visit www.foreverstainlesssteel.com.



Paragon May Be Forced to Close It’s Doors
JENISON, Mich.—The Paragon School of Pet Grooming may be forced to close due to a recent change in enforcement of a Michigan state law.

Paragon first learned they may not be in compliance with the law, which declares trade schools cannot collect revenue from goods or services created by students, in April of this year when they received their annual state renewal package.

The school itself has not shut down. However, the hands-on training portion of the school has been closed. By eliminating the revenue produced by the students, the Paragon School would be forced to double the tuition, in turn making the training unaffordable and unmarketable to prospective students. This would ultimately force The Paragon School to close permanently in the state of Michigan.

The school has worked to have the law amended through state legislation. Bill #5995 is currently before the Michigan House of Representatives on behalf of all schools active in hands-on training. However, the proposed bill does not meet the financial objectives required to operate The Paragon School of Pet Grooming.

For more information, visit www.paragonpetschool.com.



2008 NDGAA Carolina Groomfest
COLUMBIA, S.C.—Held this past June, the 7th annual NDGAA Carolina Groomfest hosted a variety of educational seminars and competitions, including the Oster Career Start contest for new groomers and the Andis Poodle Tournament. The Liz Paul Best Scissored Poodle Award was presented at the event and went to Ms. Lindsey Berry of NCMG Wag’n Splash in Longwood, Fla. NDGAA will host another show, “Fun in the Sun,” in Orlando, Fla. Oct. 24-26.

For more information, visit www.nationaldoggroomers.com.



Happytails Turns to Stone
LOS ANGELES—Happytails Canine Spa Line, Inc. has ‘gone green’ with it’s recent move to carbon-neutral status through Carbonfund.org, and has converted almost it’s entire line to more eco-friendly packaging, including labels made from FiberStone, a tree-free, low carbon footprint material made from natural chalk.

One ton of FiberStone, which is made from calcium carbonate (natural chalk), saves 16,000 gallons of water, 9,000 BTU’s of energy and 20 trees. FiberStone papers can also be used for labels, tags, unit cartons, boxes, brochures, catalogs, banners and many other printed products.

For more information, visit www.happytailsspa.com.



Andis Goes Green
RACINE, Wis.—Andis now permits only recyclable packaging on its hair-styling equipment, and the company has introduced a powder coating finish for a selection of clippers that eliminates hazardous waste as a by-product of the finishing process. In addition, the formulas for the Andis line of oil and blade care products have been altered to derive their oleaginous properties from natural sources rather than petroleum products.

For more information, visit www.andis.com.



Juno’s Garden Forms New Partnerships
PACIFICA, Calif.—Juno’s Garden has new distribution and sales rep partnerships nationwide.

Miami-based First Choice Pet Products, currently distributes Juno’s Garden products in Florida, Georgia and Alabama. In the Northern Illinois, Chicago and southern Wisconsin, Middle West Distributors carries Juno’s Garden. North Carolina-based Nature’s Rules, Inc. recently began distribution of Juno’s Garden products to stores in North and South Carolina and Southern Virginia. And Mid-Atlantic distributor Best Friend Products is now distributing the Juno’s Garden line to stores in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey.

In addition, the company proudly welcomes new sales representatives, Jim Honen & Associates and The Pet Team. Jim Honen represents Juno’s Garden to boutiques and pet stores from Connecticut to Maine, including New York City. The California-based sales group The Pet Team calls on stores in Arizona, California, Nevada, Colorado and Tennessee.

For more information, visit www.paldog.com.



Pets & People Getting Healthy Together
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.—The Power of Paws effort brings together a variety of pet partners to educate consumers about the pet/human bond and encourage pets and pet parents to get active, reduce stress and live healthier together. The Power of Paws initiative is a joint partnership of Animal Friends, Animal Medical Center, Bergin University of Canine Studies, Canine Assistants, Milk-Bone, Meow Mix, Pup-Peroni, Kibbles ‘n Bits and Snausages brands.

For more information, visit www.powerofpaws.com.



WebVet.com Launches
CHICAGO, Ill.—WebVet.com, which launched in August, is dedicated to giving pet owners “all the news they can use.” The site hosts the latest news, and advice on topics from pet weight loss to acupuncture for ferrets. The site also provides a variety of partnership opportunities, targeting different demographics among WebVet users.

For more information, visit www.webvet.com.



Groomer Has It Winner Joins Wag’n Tails
LOS ANGELES—Artist Knox, winner of the “Groomer Has It” TV show, was recently presented with the keys to his own Wag’n Tails Pet Stylist Elite mobile grooming vehicle by Dina Perry, Wag’n Tails founder and the Cardinal Crystal Awards’ “Groomer of the Century.” The company helped Knox develop an exterior graphics package to form his own unique brand.

For more information, visit www.wagntails.com.



PETaPOTTY at Westminster
LOS ANGELES—PETaPOTTY has been chosen to be the provider of the bio-break room at the 2009 Westminster Dog Show in New York. Since 2002, PETaPOTTY has been called upon to provide potty solutions for indoor and outdoor dog-friendly events.

PETaPOTTY has also worked past events including Superzoo and Pet Fashion Week NY.

For more information visit www.petapotty.com.



Luxury Pet Pavilion 2008 “Best of Best” Winners
ATLANTA, Ga.—The Luxury Pet Pavilion has announced the winners of their 2008 Fall Show “Best of Best” awards, including best dressed dog, best booth design, best new product and “Take Me Home” grooming competition winners.

Winners of the 2008 Take Me Home Atlanta grooming competition are: groomer Cindy Beauman of Oxford, Ala., in first with Calvin, a chow mix; groomer Debi Hilley of Albany, Ga., in second with Max, a German shepherd; groomer Kellie Taylor of Rockmart, Ga., in third with Simba, a pomeranian. Groomer Branda Mitchell of Barnesville, Ga. won most difficult to groom with Chloe, a terrier mix; and groomer Lisa Oglesby of Blackshear, Ga. won most changed in appearance with Ella, a shih tzu.

Magnolia, a daschund owned by the Davis family and dressed by Emma Rose Design, won best dressed dog. Magnolia will serve as the official model and spokesdog for the 2009 Luxury Pet Pavilion Spring Show in Los Angeles. Best booth design was given to Cat Livin for the clean-lined, modern appeal of Cat Livin’s cat furniture line, unveiled throughout their display. The booth was designed by company founders Jeremy and Angela Moser. Best new product went to Doody Duffle, invented by Sylvia Carlson, is an alternative to carrying unattractive, see-through bags of dog waste.

The next Luxury Pet Pavilion will be in Los Angeles, Calif., March 7-8, 2009 at the Westin Bonadventure Hotel.

For more information, visit www.luxurypetpavilion.com.