The Cat is out of the Bag; New Social Media Website Launches for Pets & Pet Owners
Just over one year ago entrepreneurs Jason Andrews and Matthew Tautt launched the event creation, promotion and social discovery website MyShindigs.com. Now in March of 2013 the two social media mavericks are back at it once again, this time to unveil an innovative social network for pets and pet owners, PetSociale.com.
A few short months ago the PetSociale co-founders caught up one evening with long time friends; a married couple that had been living in Spain. The couple shared some photos of a family trip along with Zeus, the family dog. Zeus would travel along with the happy couple all across Europe at times posing in front of famous landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower in Paris and Buckingham Palace in London. The couple mentioned that it would be wonderful to share these experiences with other animal lovers and pet owners.
It was this evening that led Matthew and Jason to realize that there was currently no significant unifying social platform for animal lovers and pet owners to engage with like-minded folks and share information on a wide array of topics as it pertained to animals. There needed to be a medium where the pets themselves took center stage through entertaining videos, adorable pictures or memorable moments in addition to better informed diet and health information and so forth. It was at this point that we focussed our energy into the development of PetSociale. Say Jason Andrews and Matthew Tautt. Topics include nutrition, health, availability of local services, activity meet ups and a place where relevant conversations could be exchanged between pet owners, veterinarians, breeders, service providers, retailers and manufacturers of pet related products.
PetSociale brings the animal and human worlds closer together for the common good. On PetSociale people have the option to take on the identity of their pets as opposed to themselves if they so choose. We built our own platform to provide a comprehensive, useful and in-depth experience that is for anyone and everyone that has ever owned or wanted a pet, loves animals or has been involved in the care, health, nutrition and overall well-being of animals. Add the site co-founders.
The new social networking website focuses on people connecting with those that share similar ideals and interests but may be outside of regular social circles. This new site seems to mirror MyShindigs in that it empowers the users of the site and provides the online tools to interact freely online. Most of all; the website is free to all.
As former Facebook President Sean Parker stated in a recent Airtime interview; Facebook puts groups of friends into silos and enables the sharing of information between friends within those confines, but one of the next online evolutions is about making new, relevant connections based on true shared interests. We believe once a company tries to become everything to everyone then it really becomes less meaningful and diluted on a direct personal level. Our focus is on creating online worlds for people interested in social discovery along the lines of specific and well-defined interests. We still tie in some of the key features to other social platforms so the value of including existing friends in that social discovery process is not ignored. Say Jason and Matthew.
PetSociale allows members to interact through on-site messaging, event creation, posting articles, posts and videos that others may find helpful or entertaining. We love animals and are excited to see how the website will evolve and be shaped by members and those who serve the pet community. Conclude Jason and Matthew.
About PetSociale
PetSociale is a social discovery site for pet owners and their pets. It is a place online for pet owners to connect and share information with others who are passionate about pet ownership as well as those who service the pet community such as vets, breeders, service providers, retailers and manufacturers of food and related products. For more information, go to www.petsociale.com and register today for free.
Giving Fido Healthy and Tasty Treats Helps Homeless Pets Too
The High Hopes for Pets Company, LLC, is doing more than offering tasty, all-natural dog treats and cupcakes this holiday season: it is doubling its donation to help homeless pets. During November and December, High Hopes? is donating 7% from every sale, every day to The High Hopes for Pets Foundation(SM) a separate, not-for-profit organization that in turn donates to animal shelters and pet rescue groups across the country.
These days, Fido is not just a pet, he is part of the family, said Paula Etchison, High Hopes? founder and CEO, and Fido is always on the gift list when it comes to the holiday season. This year, pet lovers can make sure their faithful pooch enjoys his favorite tasty pet treats while doing something to help homeless pets at the same time.
Doubling its donation to 7% is just icing on the cake or cupcake as the case may be for a company that already donates 3.5% (up to 15% of the companys profits) from every sale every day. By taking advantage of the heightened gift giving season, the Foundation can provide an even greater amount of funding to shelter and rescue groups whose programs range from providing food and housing, to more elaborate programs like training to make animals more adoptable, said Etchison.
High Hopes? dog treats are known for their whimsical nature and high nutritional value. All the treats (Birthday and Celebration Cupcakes, Mity Meaty Bites; and Peanut Butter Cookies) contain very high quality protein sources, are all-natural, oven-baked, made in small batches, and contain the same superior quality of ingredients as used in human food. Additionally, High Hopes? dog treats are researched and developed in conjunction with a renowned pet nutritionist to ensure exceptional nourishment. Our Dr. Tom Willard gets a four-paw stamp of approval for making High Hopes? treats as nutritious as they are delicious, said Etchison.
According to the Humane Society, each year animal shelters care for an estimated 6-8 million dogs and cats in the US, of which 3-4 million are euthanized. Through the establishment of the independent and not-for-profit The High Hopes for Pets Foundation(SM), Etchison discovered a way to directly link purchases of its all-natural dog treats to the help and support of pets less fortunate, year-round. The contributions to the Foundation are regular and documented people can see where the donations are going. We are a small company of pet lovers who care about doing the right thing and doing good for the community, too, said Etchison. Since September 2011, 12 grants have been awarded to deserving organizations.
High Hopes? offers grain-free Mity Meaty Bites bite-sized training treats which contain 35% fresh meat and are available in Beef, Organic Chicken, Organic Turkey, Lamb, and Salmon; Peanut Butter Cookies heart-shaped dog biscuits combined with real Pumpkin, Apple, or Banana, and the newest addition: Peanut Butter, Bacon and Cheddar the doggie trifecta of flavors!; and Birthday and Celebration Cupcake Kits easy and entertaining homemade dog cupcake mix and bake in 10 minutes kits, complete with frosting, decorating ideas and party tips. Were serious about our products and the Foundation, but like most pet owners, we like to have a little fun, too, said Etchison. The cupcakes are very popular for dog birthday parties, and other celebrations.
About The High Hopes for Pets Company, LLC
The High Hopes for Pets Company, LLC, is a privately held distributor of the all-natural dog Birthday and Celebration Cupcakes, Mity Meaty Bites, and Peanut Butter Cookies. The products are all-natural, tasty, healthy, high in protein, oven-baked, contain fresh organic meat, come in a variety of flavors, and are developed in conjunction with a renowned pet nutritionist, Dr. Tom Willard (PhD in Animal Nutrition, and degrees in Biochemistry, Animal Science and Agriculture Technical Engineering). To consistently help the homeless pet population, High Hopes? donates an unprecedented 3.5% of every sale (up to 15% of profits) annually to the independent, not-for-profit The High Hopes for Pets Foundation(SM). High Hopes? products can be purchased in pet supply stores and boutiques, and grocery stores in the Midwest, as well as on-line at http://www.highhopesforpets.com. Distribution continues to expand at a rapid pace. Headquartered in Chicago, IL, High Hopes? has been in business since 2010. For more information, contact Paula Etchison (773.251.5638), or email paula(at)highhopesforpets(dot)com.
About The High Hopes for Pets Foundation(SM)
The High Hopes for Pets Foundation(SM) is an independent, not-for-profit entity. The Foundation seeks to provide support for individuals and groups who are dedicated to the prevention of homelessness for pets through its partnerships with animal shelters and rescue groups across the country. Supported programs include urgent and immediate needs such as housing and food, and also more extensive programs such as training to make animals more adoptable, and education about the responsibility of owning pets. The Foundation has awarded 12 grants since September 2011. Organizations can apply for a grant at http://www.highhopesforpets.com/foundation. The next round of grants will be dispersed in January 2013, and the deadline for application is December 28, 2012. For more information, visit http://www.highhopesforpets.com/foundation.
Thundershirt Helps Anxiety-Ridden Pets During Hurricane Sandy
As Hurricane Sandy gains strength as it makes its way up the north coast, Thundershirt would like to remind pet parents their product is a simple and effective solution to combat weather-related pet anxiety.
Both dogs and cats become anxious and fearful before and during storms, explains Phil Blizzard, founder of Thundershirt. Thundershirt easily and effectively diminishes this anxiety that storms, like Hurricane Sandy, can cause in our pets. We hope it can bring aid, in even a small way, to the many households and families that will be affected by Hurricane Sandy.
Since 2009, the Thundershirt has been reducing anxiety among hundreds of thousands of dogs and cats around the world. The company has conducted extensive research on the prevalence and effects of pet anxiety, particularly related to storm season.
With its patent-pending design, Thundershirts gentle, constant pressure has a dramatic calming effect for dogs and cats if they are anxious or fearful. Anxiety experts believe that pressure has a calming effect on the nervous system and may release calming hormones like endorphins or oxytocins.
Pets are members of the family, Blizzard said. Naturally, its our instinct to make sure that everyone in the household is protected, calm and prepared should a hurricane hit, Thundershirt makes that possible for pets.
Thundershirt provides additional tips to keep in mind during this storm season.
? A permanent pet ID such as microchip is advised to help you locate your pet in case they get lost.
? Keep pets inside and monitor them when the go out for bathroom breaks, at times, storms can spook pets into running away.
? Photograph each pet and store these pictures with other important documents in sealed/waterproof plastic bags.
? Make sure that your pets are up-to-date on their vaccinations. If your pet needs to be boarded, kennels typically require proof of current vaccinations.
? During a storm, you can play pet-friendly, classical music, or even run a load of dishes or laundry. The calming or familiar noise may be relaxing to your pets.
? Also, have your pets favorite toy, blanket and/or bed nearby during a severe storm.
? Try not to scold a scare pet as it may confuse them and reinforce fearful behaviors.
For more information about the Thundershirt, or to request a product sample or interview with company founder, Phil Blizzard, please contact Kerry Sutherland at K. Sutherland PR, Kerry@ksutherlandpr.com or 949-328-4895.
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About Thundershirt
Founded in 2009 in Durham, N.C., Thundershirts mission is to bring relief to the millions of dogs, cats and their families struggling to cope with anxieties. The Thundershirt is designed to apply a constant, gentle pressure to a dog or cats torso creating a dramatic calming effect for most users. Thundershirt continues to investigate dog and cat anxiety and fear issues with scientific-based studies and surveys from recognized veterinarians and pet owners. Thundershirt has already helped hundreds of thousands of dogs across the country and around the world.
The company also donates thousands of Thundershirts and funding to rescue groups and shelters to help these organizations manage their anxiety cases and find permanent homes. Thundershirts are sold online at http://www.thundershirt.com and by retail stores, veterinarians, trainers and kennels across the country.
