Pet Age

Who’s Smarter, Cat or Dog Owners?

A recent study by Carol University found that cat owners scored higher on an intelligence test than dog owners, which has started an internet war. After reading this study I told our assistant editor, Jason, that this study was ridiculous, there is no doubt that dog owners are smarter and that this study made no sense.

In response, I was given a quizzical look by Jason who claims that cats are smarter. This is his so called “argument” that just took place at our Pet Age office.

Jason: First off, there is no contest. Cats in general are smarter animals than dogs, thus, the knowledge of the cat transfers to its owner.

Oreo C. Collins, a cat from Macon, Ga., successfully earned a high school diploma from Jefferson High School Online. I am willing to bet that no dog, in the history of dogs, has ever received a high school diploma, or even a grade school diploma.

Also, computer engineer Wei Lu at the University of Michigan is developing the computer of the future and said he hopes to make it as smart as a cat.

“The cat brain sets a realistic goal because it is much simpler than a human brain but still extremely difficult to replicate in complexity and efficiency,” he said.

Even engineers from somewhat prestigious universities think cats are smarter.

Michelle: Seriously, is there even a question about this? Of course dog owners are smarter. Afterall, they decided to own a dog, which is a smart move right there.

As the study pointed out, we tend to be more social, which means we must have something to talk about, and of substance. Do you think all we do is just talk about our dogs? Plus, why would they call them man’s best friend if they didn’t have the intelligence of a best friend.

Dog owners are smarter, because they need to have the skill set to train their dog. They have to learn to read their body language, teach them basic commands and more.

Plus, they need to be more attentive to the needs of dogs. For example, in knowing when they have to go outside. Cat owners just need to change a litter box. They don’t have to pay attention to the little clues that dog owners need to learn.

Jason: Clues? Who needs clues. On the cat side we have memes. MEMES! The thing that has literally (figuratively) taken over the internet. A simple Google search shows the hundreds or thousands of cat memes that have delighted us all. We have grumpy cat … GRUMPY CAT! I am pretty sure grumpy cat could run for a political office and get elected, he is that popular.

So not only are cats smarter (and in turn makes their owners smarter), but they are more popular. Cats are like the cool kids at high school that everyone wishes they could be, and dogs are just the jealous kids in the front of the class.

Michelle: You know what, I did search cats on the internet, and you know what I found? Cats in boxes. That is what a cat does, it tries to fit into a box it obviously can’t fit into. Dogs you can play fetch with, you can sleep with, you can cuddle next to. They will help guard your house and your loved ones. They have police dogs! I have never seen a police cat. They are the loyal companion while you have a scaredy cat.

Dogs have memes by the way, we have the pun dog. Puns are the highest form of intelligent humor and only a dog owner would be able to think of some of those puns.

There has been research that dogs can smell different types of cancers. How you may ask? According to Larry Myers, an Auburn University veterinarian, dogs can smell multiple layers of chemicals. Cats can’t smell anything worth smelling.

Jason: Sorry I wasn’t paying attention, I was watching this cat try to fit in that box, but it can’t fit hahahaha.

Anyway, let me end this debate by saying the most important thing, my ace up my sleeve. It is obvious that cats are smarter than dogs becauasd;lfkj 9094jfieievf 09 9nndjk

As Jason went to finish his answer to me, he couldn’t, a cat jumped up on his keyboard

So we are now turning to you, help us end this argument and decide which owner is smarter, the dog owner or the cat owner.

Talking Dog Video Promotes Pet Ownership

Pets Add Life released this new video promoting multiple pet ownership.

Dog Rocks Retains Matrix Partners

Dog Rocks, makers of an all-natural Australian product that helps prevent burn marks caused by dog urine on lawns, selected Matrix Partners to help support their efforts in publicizing and marketing the brand in the United States.

“We are looking forward to helping Dog Rocks become an in-demand brand stocked by pet stores nationwide,” said Don Tomala, managing partner of Matrix Partners.

Working closely with Dog Rocks’ management team, Matrix Partners will be responsible for all public relations efforts to build pet owner awareness and entice them to try this very unique product.

Dog Rocks offer a safe, non-medicinal and chemical-free solution to stop burn marks and are stocked at pet stores, veterinary clinics and garden centers around the globe.

New Director of Sales at SynergyLabs

Howard London joined SynergyLabs as director of sales.

London, with more than 20 years of pet industry experience will be overseeing a sales team that covers worldwide distribution of SynergyLabs products including Dental Fresh, Shed-X, Fooey! and Richard’s Organics among others.

His background includes heading the sales/marketing pet division of a large human product manufacturer, successfully launching and growing new and existing brands to international recognition and owner of a pet industry consulting firm.

Petmate Helps Raise Money at Cinco de Mutto

Petmate and Operation Kindness, the largest no-kill animal shelter in North Texas, partnered for a special event, Cinco de Mutto, to kick off Cinco de Mayo and celebrate National Pet Month.

The event raised more than $1,000, and Petmate additionally donated more than $5,000 worth of products including collars, leashes, toys and waste management products to the shelter.

Held at Mutt’s Cantina in Dallas, Cinco de Mutto was an afternoon of fun for the whole family that promoted pet adoption and the love of pets.

Petmate Takes Top Honors at Edison Awards

Petmate won two Edison Awards categories, marking the first time the internationally renowned organization has honored a pet products company.

The company the Bronze Edison Green Award for its Spectrum resin compounding facility in Mansfield, Texas, and the Bronze Lifestyle Award in the consumer goods category for its See & Extend pet carrier.

“Petmate shares the Edison Awards’ commitment to innovation with a visionary, creative-yet-practical approach to pet products,” said Larry Baab, executive vice president of marketing and new product development, for Petmate. “We also take pride in helping to preserve the environment through sustainable manufacturing, and winning the Edison Green Award shows that we are succeeding in that mission.”

SENIOR LEADERSHIP TRANSITION AT PETMATE

Petmate’s Spectrum facility is designed top to bottom with the environment in mind, from its water recycling system to its energy-saving electrical production equipment. The facility purchases and consumes more than 40 million pounds of post-industrial/pre-consumer plastic waste per year to create viable injection-grade plastic for use in more than 50 percent of Petmate’s products.

They take recycling a step beyond by reusing all internal scrap, including foam from bedding, for future products, further reducing waste.

The Petmate See & Extend carrier was introduced in 2013 and offers all-in-one convenience, comfort and safety for pets and their families during travel. Developed from Petmate’s experience traveling thousands of miles with pets, the See & Extend features a side pop-out compartment to give dogs and cats room to stretch and mesh “windows” for ventilation and visibility.

PETMATE HELPS RAISE MONEY FOR TEXAS SHELTER

Being recognized with an Edison Award has become one of the highest accolades a company can receive in the name of innovation and business. The distinguished awards, inspired by Thomas Edison’s persistence and inventiveness, recognize innovation, creativity and ingenuity in the global economy.

“It’s exciting to see companies like Petmate continuing Thomas Edison’s legacy of challenging conventional thinking,” said Frank Bonafilia, Edison Awards executive director. “The Edison Awards recognize game-changing products and services, and the teams that brought them to consumers.”

Edison Award nominees are judged by more than 3,000 senior business executives and academics from across the nation whose votes acknowledge the finalists’ success in meeting the awards’ stringent quality criteria.

Senior Leadership Transition at Petmate

After a long, successful career in the consumer products industry, Joe Messner has retired, handing over the day-to-day responsibilities to new Petmate CEO Alice Tillett.

Messner will assume the role of chairman.

“Alice will be a great asset to Petmate,” said Messner. “She is a proven leader in the consumer goods industry who will continue to accelerate our growth strategies, and I look forward to working with her during this transition.”

Tillett takes over the reins at Petmate with more than 20 years of leadership and a track record of growth with national retailers. She most recently served as president of Pacific Bicycle, a division of Dorel Industries, where she led the company to record sales and exciting new product introductions under its umbrella of brand names, including Schwinn, Mongoose, Pacific, Roadmaster and more.

PETMATE TAKES TOP HONORS AT EDISON AWARDS

Prior to that, she served in leadership positions for several large consumer brands including Gibson Greetings, Rubbermaid and Huffy Bicycle.

“It is an honor to work with Joe and the entire Petmate team,” said Tillett. “For 50 years, Petmate has been creating innovative and functional products that bring joy to pet families. I am confident that together we will continue to build strong customer partnerships and increase consumer loyalty.”

The company said Messner has been instrumental in accelerating Petmate’s growth and innovation through marketing-driven brand initiatives, new product development and acquisitions. He joined the company in 2011, when it was sold to Wind Point Partners the same year.

New Distribution Partners for Caru

Caru Pet Food has seven new strategic partnerships with distributors in the U.S. and Canada.

U.S. distributors include, DD (Dizzy Dogg) Industries, Zeigler’s Distributor, United Pacific Pet and Pet Food Experts. Canadian distributors include, Maddies Natural Pet Products Ltd, Maritime Pet Supplies and MJM Unique Pet Supplies.

Caru Natural Stews are the first pet food packaged in Tetra Pak cartons in North America, offering consumers significant eco and convenience advantages versus conventional cans. They also offer a complete family of Caru Soft ‘n Tasty Treats available in Bar and Bite varieties.

Distributors and retailers interested in carrying Caru can contact their regional distributor, call 855-330-CARU (2278) or email [email protected].

World Turtle Day Puts Spotlight on Unique Pets

Started by the American Tortoise Rescue, World Turtle Day has been celebrated every May 23, since 2000, in an effort to help people celebrate and protect turtles and tortoises and their disappearing habitats around the world.

“We launched World Turtle Day to increase respect and knowledge for the world’s oldest creatures,” said Susan Tellem, on the group’s website.

Being a tortoise owner, days like this help put animals such as turtles and tortoises in the spotlight, and not only for advocacy purposes. It brings attention to a category of pets that are sometimes overlooked.

I’ve liked turtles and tortoises for almost as long I have had a passion for dogs and horses. It’s likely, as is my entire love of animals, my aunt’s fault who not only had a cute red eared slider when I was a kid, but got me my own painted turtle when I was about 6 years old; much to the displeasure of my parents.

Since then, I have kept Russians, yellow footed and red footed tortoises, including a cherry head red footed that I got last year at the National Reptile Breeders Expo in Daytona Beach, Fla. I even rescued two tortoises from an animal shelter in the Hamptons, after parents complained about them as classroom pets.

When people ask me about what pets I have they always want to know what breed of dog, its name and how old it is. They chuckle when I mention the baby Betta fish, and look completely puzzled when I say I have a tortoise.

“Doesn’t that get big?”

“Where do you keep it?”

“Really?”

These are the usual responses I get, before I can start explaining. Once I tell them how they each have a unique personality and characteristics, they usually ask even more questions, including care, food and housing questions.

Carrying turtle and tortoise products in a retail store can be a smart move for some retailers. Owners have made in an investment in the animal, and want to give it the best proper care, which is not cheap.

A quick Google search of tortoise cages show a price range of $99 to almost $500. And, that is not including the decor, special lights, supplements and food. For example, I recently spent about $100 just on a lighting set-up for my tank.

Plus, these products are not something that a customer can walk into a grocery store and buy along with their milk and bread. These are unique items, that a pet retailer can not only carry, but become an expert on, further luring the customer back when they have questions.

Pet Valu’s Pet Appreciation Weekend

Pet Valu celebrated domestic critters and those who love them with their annual Pet Appreciation Weekend.

The two day event focused on building awareness for homeless animals and raising money, food and supplies for local animal charities.

Pet Valu raised $178,000, and $35,000 in product donation during the event. All of the contributions will stay within each Pet Valu community to support animal rescues and shelters.

In addition, Pet Valu helped 575 animals find homes.

Bass Joins Whitegate PR

Sheryl Bass, a communications professional with approximately 6 years of public relations agency experience, 3 years of journalistic, reporting experience and 1 year of corporate communications experience, joined Whitegate PR.

She is known for consistently garnering significant national, regional and local, publicity for clients including The Wall Street Journal, The Associated Press, Fox & Friends, CNN/Monday, Reuters, The New York Times and NBC’s Today Show.

“Sheryl has the experience, expertise and enthusiasm for both public relations and the pet industry,” said Dana Humphrey, owner of Whitegate PR. “We are so excited to welcome Sheryl to the pack.”

New Key Accounts Manager at Marshall

Maria Cristina Roth has been named the new key accounts manager – USA regional account manager for Marshall Pet Products.

Previously, Roth was the sales and operations executive, as well as the sales and operations assistant for Rush Direct, Inc. She has worked with major retailers such as, Wal-mart, Walgreen’s, Dollar Tree, Big Lots, Giant Tiger and more.

“As a professional in the pet industry for at least 10 years, I am very honored to be part of the Marshall Pet Products team,” Roth said. “All the products I get to work with are all very high quality, and therefore great for our pets. My goal is to take Marshall Pet Products to chains and stores nationally as well as internationally. I am a firm believer that everyone who loves their pets should be able to find great products everywhere.”

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Month: May 2014