It is with great pleasure that we introduce our newest full time staff member: Kristina Meyer. Kristina, a former intern with Shure Pets, joins the team and will focus on customer support, fundraising and all aspects of Pet Parties. She recently graduated from Valparaiso University (Indiana). Kristina is the proud parent of Socrates, her one year old Maine Coon Cat. "He is the light of my life. He loves having me working at Shure Pets because he gets to enjoy all of the wonderful products." Let's give a tail- waggingly warm welcome to Kristina. She can be reached via email at kristina.meyer@shurepets.com. Please let her know about your upcoming parties, events and fundraising questions.

Please mark your calendars now for the next Shure Pets University (SPU) Program. The next SPU will be held on Tuesday, November 9 at 2:00 p.m. at the Shure Pets Corporate Office, located at 1556 N. LaSalle, Chicago, IL (Please note: this is NOT the first Tuesday of November as usual because of Election Day). Following each two-hour training session is Shure Pets' monthly "Meet and Greet" event, which is open to prospective Pet Consultants. The "Meet and Greet" sessions begin at 4:00 p.m. Advance reservations are required for Shure Pets University (so we can plan accordingly), which can be made by calling 1.888.SHURE.PETS; or emailing SPU@shurepets.com. We hope to see you all soon and are looking forward to the continued growth of Shure Pets University.

Linda L. (#0145 Grottoes, VA) has been a successful Shure Pets Consultant since June 2004, and has already led several successful at-home Pet Parties. Linda explains "At these parties, we tell stories about our pets, play a couple games and have a barking good time."

Linda is retired from the Commonwealth of Virginia; however, the Virginia Department of Social Services contracted her to work full-time as a Food Stamp Compliance Reviewer. She is married to Jim and has a 23 year old daughter named Jodi. Completing her family is her beautiful Golden Retriever, Chessie, who will be twelve in February. "Chessie is the sweetest, most loving dog I have ever been around, and I have known some real "sweeties" in my lifetime. Before our cat Tom crossed over the Rainbow Bridge two years ago, Chessie let him have everything of hers he wanted, including her food which she absolutely loves."

Linda describes her passion as "animals"- she absolutely loves them and has always dreamed of working with them. She, along with some friends, has been active in making sure animals are not being abused. Linda says "When I first read about Shure Pets in the USA Weekend, I knew that I wanted to be a part of this unique business opportunity even though I had never attempted to sell anything in the past. I visited the Shure Pets web site and was so impressed with what I saw that I knew I wanted to be part of the fun! My first party was in my home with very close friends. Since that time, my daughter (who is a sales consultant) has helped me develop a sales presentation and even made the presentation at my last party. I also have two great- nieces (Tia, 13 and Kayla, 12) who are really excited and involved with the business. Shure Pets has also given me an opportunity to meet other folks who share my love and compassion for animals. Overall, I have found the products to be excellent." Keep up the grr-eat work Linda!

We are excited to announce another solid period of growth last month. We are also happy to report that the number of Shure Pets Consultants that have been recruited is now above 300. We have also expanded into Alabama, as Terri L. (#0304) has begun her business. We promise to continue to be proactive, as our Pet Consultants' businesses grow.

Our new puppy Pet Consultants are critical to keeping our business growing and helping spread the word about Shure Pets! Please join us in welcoming the newest members of the Shure Pets Team! Congratulations and welcome the following members:

Linda B. (#0289 Evening Shade, AR), Carol C. (#0290 Redford, MI), Gregory K. (#0291 Wilmington, DE), Valerie T. (#0292 Kingston, IL), Rosa K. (#0293 Prescott, AZ), Donna F. (#0294 Wilmington, DE), Abbie P. (#0295 Newark, DE), Tracey M. (#0296 Winchester, VA), Philomena W. (#0297 Lynn Haven, FL), Diana R. (#0298 Columbia, MO), Polly A. (#0299 Charlotte, NC), Jennifer J. (#0300 Waukesha, WI), Sandra J. (#0301 Oakdale, NY), Vicki S. (#0302 Cincinnati, OH), Tracey F. (#0303 Waterloo, IN), Terri L. (#0304 Madison, AL) and Robin M. (#0305, Winchester, MA).

We look forward to working with each of you and helping you cultivate and develop your Shure Pets business until you reach your goals!

Congratulations to Anita R. (#0134 Apple Valley, CA) for earning bone-uses for achieving both the $2,000 and $5,000 sales points. The Shure Pets bone-us sales points program works as follows: For every dollar of Shure Pets products sold, you receive the equivalent of one bone-us dollar. For every one person directly recruited to your Shure Pets Business you receive the equivalent of a $200 bonus. Keep up the grrr-eat work Anita!

Shure Pet's Consultants have put together some very successful fundraisers during the previous months. These fundraisers help raise money for well-deserving organizations (i.e. Humane Societies, Assistant Dogs for the Blind etc.). All the fundraising group needs to do is find their local Pet Consultant and work together with them to sell Shure Pets Products, and they earn 25% of total retail sales! We hope more organizations continue to take advantage of our fundraising program...we are happy to assist your organization any way we can. For questions about our fundraising program, feel free to call us at 1.888.SHURE.PETS (1.888.748.7373) or email Kristina.meyer@shurepets.com

Now available are a variety of new sample-sized items! Now you can purchase 2 oz. samples of your favorite items for guests to try before they buy. New sample items include: Paramount Stain and Odor Control (#110s at $1.25), Paramount Vivid Vanilla Shampoo (#104s at $1.25), Ideal Oatmeal Shampoo (#116s at $1.25), and Aromutt Therapy Sample Pack (#120s all six scents at $12.00)

To the right is our latest "Pet of the Month," Zoe, sent in by owner Tamara R. (#0264 Arvada, CO). If you want your pet to be considered for next month's Pet Gazette, please send your pictures to petlover@shurepets.com. Thank you, and we look forward to sharing your pictures.

Do you look like your pet? We are holding our first Shure Pets "Pet-Owner Look Alike" contest! Send your pictures to petlover@shurepets.com. We will be posting the entries in future newsletters, so be "shure" to look and see if you and your pet's picture are included! The winner will be announced in our December newsletter. Good luck!

Keep up the good work, Pet Consultants! The average order size for September was $147.79; this is an increase of over 45% from last month! Bow Wow!!

The average sales at a Pet Party is $396.56 per party; this is an increase of 31% from last month! Michigan and California led the way with the most number of Pet Parties in September.

In the breed specific category, there were some changes in our top fifteen best selling breeds. 1: Golden Retriever 2: Lab (black) 3: Jack Russell Terrier 4: German Shepherd 5: Beagle 6: Boxer 7. Rottweiler 8: Bernese Mountain Dog 9: Weimeraner 10: Boston Terrier 11:Yorkie 12: Pug 13: Pomeranian 14: Cavalier King Charles 15: Chihuahua

The top ten states with the greatest sales last month: 1. California 2.Michigan 3.Pennsylvania 4.Illinois 5.New Hampshire 6.Connecticut 7.Texas 8.Indiana 9.Maryland and 10.Deleware

The ten states with the greatest number of orders placed last month: 1.Michigan 2.Illinois 3.Pennsylvania 4.Delaware 5.California 6.New Hampshire 7.Indiana 8.Colorado 9.Wisconsin and 10.Minnesota

Our Pet Consultant Sales Force is comprised of 97% females and 3% males. 45% have had some prior experience with other direct sales companies (or Party Plan Businesses).

According to the Pet Food Institute (PFI), pet ownership has increased steadily over the past decade, from 98 million pet cats and dogs in 1981 to 135 million today- an increase of 38 percent.

According to the Direct Selling Association (DSA), the direct sales industry has experienced more than 18 years of consecutive growth. The market has more than doubled in less than ten years to at least 13 million participants nationwide.

"One of my co-workers stopped by my office this morning to let me know they had used the Paramount Bright White Shampoo over the weekend for the first time on his dog, Duchie, and he LOVED it. He said Duchie sparkles and smells great. And he used the Purr-fect Pet Towel too. He said it was Amazing!" Beverly F. (#0104, Claymont, DE).

"The Treat Jar is beautiful. The Umbrella is an attention getter. The Dog Leashes and Baseball Caps are very high quality. The Denim shirt is very comfortable and has a high quality embroidery." Sandy T. (#0148, Seabrook, NH).

"My New Puppy on the Block Kit arrived this afternoon and it's just great! I had so much fun unwrapping all the products. The information in the training manual included was really good. This should be exciting." Donna F. (#0294 Wilmington, DE).

"I have had really good reviews from the Paramount Ear Solution, and I love it too. The Eucalyptus smell is grrrr-eat! The stain and odor remover works for virtually everything and smells good. A co-worker uses the vanilla spritzer in her office as a room freshener." Kendra K. (#0007, Gainesville, FL).

The October Feature Products of the Month are all brand new items. They are: Purr-sonalized Pet Bed, Paramount Itty Bitty Puppy Kitty Shampoo and Purr-fect Wheat Grass.

Purr-soanlized Pet Bed (#813). This new pet bed is for customers who demand the best for their pets. It is constructed of the finest materials, looks great, and has exceptional comfort. The durable poly/cotton cover can be zipped off for machine washing. The bed contains 100% new polyester fill. Available in small, medium, large and X- large.

Q: How can I personalize my dog's bed to display his name?

A: Just let your local Shure Pets Consultant know the name to include on the bed (up to 10 letters/spaces). Then choose your size and color bed. Bed is available in Navy (with gray stitching) or Khaki (with chocolate stitching).

Paramount Itty Bitty Puppy Kitty Shampoo (#121). This 17 oz. item was formulated and created with your younger pets in mind. This tear free shampoo removes odors, is pH balanced and is detergent and soap free. This product is biodegradable.

Q: How was this product created specifically for younger pets?

A: Paramount Itty Bitty Puppy Kitty Shampoo is formulated and pH balanced for the more delicate and newer skin of younger animals including puppies and kittens. This product actually moisturizes the skin and provides a soft sheen to the coat, especially during the maturing process from puppy and kitten coat to mature coat.

Purr-fect Wheat Grass (#209). This cat item will leave your feline busy for hours nibbling on our all-natural tender sprouts of grass grown entirely for them. This item is fun and simple to grow. Succulent leaf spears aid in kitty's digestion and are pesticide free.

Q: Why use Purr-fect Wheat Grass?

A: Purr-fect Wheat Grass is a great alternative to your cat eating your houseplants which can be dangerous. You'll enjoy watching your cat munch on this item and you'll feel safe doing it as well.

While Halloween is a great time for both kids and adults, don't forget that it can be a scary and even dangerous time for your pets. Listed below are some tips and hints to protect your pet this Halloween:

Trick-or-treat candy (or any candy for that matter) is not meant for pets: Chocolate is poisonous to most animals, and tin foil and cellophane candy wrappers can be hazardous if swallowed.

Please do not leave your pet unattended in the yard on Halloween: Unfortunately, there are too many stories of pranksters who have teased, harmed, stolen and even killed pets on this night. Please keep your companion animal indoors this Halloween.

Although Fido might look cute in a Halloween costume, be careful. Some animals are put under a lot of stress while wearing unusual apparel (if you do dress up your pet, make sure the costume isn't constricting, annoying or unsafe. Be careful not to obstruct his vision).

Watch pets carefully around lit pumpkins: Pets may accidentally knock them over, causing a fire to occur. Curious kittens especially run the risk of getting burned.

Finally, be extra careful that your cat or dog doesn't dart out through the open door while you give kids their treats.

Hey Kids: Find the following words in the pet-related word search. 1. CANARY 2. CAT 3. COCKATIEL 4. DOG 5. FERRET 6. FINCH 7. FISH 8. GERBIL 9. HAMSTER 10. IGUANA 11. MOUSE 12. PARAKEET 13. PARROT 14. RABBIT 15. RAT 16. SNAKE 17. TURTLE

Puzzle Source: Livewire Puzzles

The answers are listed below in this newsletter.

Question: In 2003, which pet-themed Halloween costume proved to be most popular among kids?

Be the first to email trivia@shurepets.com with the correct answer and the winner will 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 September trivia question was: George Herriman's famous cartoon character "Krazy Kat" made its debut in the New York Journal in what year? The correct answer is: 1913. The winner was Mike F. (Royal Oak, MI)! Grrr-eat job, Mike! Good luck to everyone on winning October's trivia question!

We are making it even easier to advertise your Shure Pets business! Now you can increase your exposure everyday with new Shure Pets apparel! We have more colors, styles and designs than before! To see the Shure Pets apparel, please go through the Pet Docs portion of the Shure Pets website or visit www.cafepress.com/shurepetsgoods.