April 15, 2007
Home parties for pets
By MICHAEL McBRIDE
A nurse, Cathy Klein was looking for a way to pass empty hours now that her children and her husband's children were grown and out of the house.
"This is real different than my day job -- which is serious stuff working with sick people and with their insurance," said Klein, a consultant for Shure Pets since August. "I'm not ready to quit my day job, but I think I am in (Shure Pets) for the long haul.
"It is a relatively new concept, but I don't think it will be a flash in the pan -- and they offer products the box stores don't have."
Shure Pets utilizes the decades-old home party concept used to sell everything from kitchen ware to cosmetics -- with a twist.
Human guests at Shure Pets parties are encouraged to arrive with a four-legged friend (dogs alone get along better than cats and dogs).
Just four years old, the Chicago-based company has 1,500 consultants in all 50 states, but Klein said her closest fellow consultant was in Fortville.
"The products sell to people who are crazy about their animals," said Klein, an owner of two dogs and a cat. "This is a ground-floor opportunity for me with a young company.
"And I was looking for a way to supplement my income."
Products
Shure Pets bounty is split between two categories:
• Products for the pets, including dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets and horses.
• Products for pet owners, including watches, ties, pillows, towels, shirts, jackets, socks, car license-plate brackets, canvas bags and door mats, all emblazoned with likenesses of their favorite breed.
"It's a $38-billion-a-year industry," Klein said. "
Klein plans to invite pets from her neighborhood to an outside party where the pets must keep the humans on a leash. Her dachshunds, Reagan and Gracie, will likely be invited. Smoky the cat will likely stay inside.
Most pet products are for the dogs, and include kerchiefs, outfits, shampoos, beds, blankets, treats, vitamins, treats and toys -- Pupcorn and Yappy meals, a lollipup with a rawhide stick.
Hair-care products smell like baby powder, oranges, creamsicles and other fragrances. Shampoos are made special for either dark-haired or light-colored dogs. And there is a cleanser to remove "the gunk" from around poodles' eyes.
"One of the biggest sellers is waterless shampoo for when you don't want to take your dog to a groomer," Klein said.
Klein said some professional groomers had been interested in gentle shampoos for animals with sensitive skins.
"Many people consider their pets like a child in the family," Klein said. "Our youngest is 21, and the kids all make fun of us about the way we treat our pets."
Four years old, Shure Pets products are constantly changing.
One of Klein's favorites, a car magnet saying, 'My dog is smarter than your honor roll student' is no longer available.
How it works
Shure Pets employs a model similar to other home-party companies where hosts earn discounts and consultants who attract other consultants earn bonuses.
"The key thing: You can't buy the items at a store, and you can't call Chicago and order it," Klein said. "You have to purchase products through a consultant."
The set-up guarantees that customers will have someone to talk to who understands the products, and a ready source for future orders, or to deal with problems.
The Kleins live north of Yorktown, and two of their six grown children (three apiece) are Yorktown High School graduates. Cathy is an Anderson native.
"I plan to grow the business and bring more consultants to East Central Indiana," Klein said.
Information: 759-8191/212-6420; www.shurepets.com, clklein@comcast.net, animal-lovers-r-us@shopshurepets.com