Laura states, "I began working with dogs when Phred and I joined our first obedience class in 1998. It was so much fun that I couldn't get enough. I began working at Mahogany Ridge, a training and daycare facility, and worked my way to become an obedience and agility instructor. I have also worked at a vet's office and started a pet-sitting business. There is so much reward in educating people about dogs and caring for dogs!"

"I think becoming a Shure Pets Consultant was the natural progression on my journey. I tell everyone I know about the great product line. All pet lovers want to listen and try things. I will be having "mystery host" parties with the classes that I teach."

"I have booked vendor space at some agility trials coming to my area this season so I can share Shure Pets with even more people. I will also be competing with two of my dogs. The best tip I can give anyone getting started is to use the products and then tell everyone about them! I find people to be intrigued just because they have never seen "Pet Parties" before."

"Everyone at The Shure Pets Corporate Office, 'The Pound', is very helpful and so quick to help. Thanks to you all. The Shure Pets yahoo Chat Group has been a huge help. I encourage everyone to participate and utilize the files contained there. It's very exciting to be involved in such a vibrant young company. I look forward to being part of Shure Pets' future success."

Any companion animal that shares the house with a child needs to have his own private area where he feel safe, comfortable and where he can go to get away from the kids. This may be a crate, bed or specific room in the house. Children should be taught to leave the pet alone when in his private area and to respect his privacy.

Pets can become a wonder-fur resource for children to learn about respect and responsibility. It can become beneficial to involve children in a pet's daily care, including their grooming, training, walking and feeding habits. Your veterinarian might even be willing to talk with your children to explain the importance of caring properly for your pet.

Finally to avoid bites, children should be taught the appropriate way to act around all animals (no teasing or hitting).

On the first Tuesdays of each month, Shure Pets holds a conference call for interested pet lovers who want to further explore the Shure Pets business opportunity in grr-eater de-tail prior to enrolling. These calls have proven to be a grr-eat learning tool for all involved and we highly encourage you to participate. Space is limited so please RSVP to kristina.meyer@shurepets.com to sign up for your informative Conference Call session. 

Daily Dog Vitamins (#201) keep dogs of all sizes, ages and breeds healthy, and help fight against purr-tential problems in the future. Containing over 40 nutrients, including fat-soluble vitamins A, C, D, E and K, these vitamins will result in clean bright eyes, a healthy textured coat and strong healthy teeth. They are liver-flavored and chewable. 90 tablets.  $22.00

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What is the state dog of North Carolina? (officially adopted on August 12, 1989.)

Please email info@shurepets.com with your trivia answer. A winner will be selected at random from all correct responses to receive FREE Shure Pets Products! The correct answer to this issue's Bone-us Trivia will be printed in next month's Pet Gazette.

The February trivia question was: In a 1914 Kellogg's Toasted Corn Flakes Advertisement, a cat appeared on boxes in the arms of a child, with the words "For Kiddies, not Kitties." What was the name of this cat?  Although we had many responses, Lynda A. (#49 Glouster, OH) was the selected winner with the correct response (Crinkle) and she received a special Shure Pets prize. Good luck to everyone participating in March's trivia contest!

• The Pet Industry, sales at $44 billion, is expected to reach $52 billion by 2009.
• 63% of U.S. households own a pet (69.1 millions homes).  In 1988, this number was 56%.
• 45% of U.S. households own more than one pet.
• The Direct sales force is over 13.6 million people (up from 8.5 million people in 1996).
• U.S. direct sales have doubled in the last decade to over $29.7 billion and is now more than $82 billion
• worldwide (Expected to grow to $100 billion soon).
• The direct sales industry has experienced 18 years of consecutive growth.
• Shure Pets created the channel of 'direct selling of pet products' by merging these two dynamic growth categories.