Finding myself miserably unhappy with my career, I knew I had to make a change. It didn't take long before I realized I had to be involved with animals, and I tried many avenues before I struck upon the idea of making blankets and pads for pets that are completely machine washable and dryable. I don't know where I came up with the idea to try selling at dog and cat shows, but that's where I got my start.
It didn't take long before people were asking me about beds for their pets. Doing a bit of research showed that most of the beds available were really not practical for pets and their busy owners -- they had to be taken apart to be washed, and then only parts were washable! After a few (thankfully) false starts, I came up with the original designs for my Critter Furniture -- round or square, from chairs up to couches that are completely machine washable and dryable.
The next stage was the development of doggie bags. I kept seeing people trying to walk their dogs (usually at parks) so loaded down with 'stuff' they became easy targets for anyone with a criminal idea. Research showed there were backpack-type items available, but most were designed for serious hiking, making them heavy and expensive. My doggie bags are large enough for the typical outing with your pet, still washable & dryable, considerably less expensive, and able to free your hands!
It was at this time, about 4 months since my first show, that I was urged to check into carrying other items. Again I did research, finding that too much of what was being sold was over priced and some was of poor quality. Since then I have selectively added items to my inventory, relying a great deal on the feedback I receive from my customers to determine what really is desirable and of good quality. Thanks to those many, many people and their honesty I have developed what I consider to be a wonderful selection.
In January, 2005, I launched my website. A few months later I started selling on e-bay, eventually building a store. Both of these internet approaches were born out of the realization I wanted to reach more people than I could ever find at shows.
I still do shows, and still thoroughly enjoy them. The face-to-face contact with the animals & their people gives me great pleasure. Knowing that I am doing my best to provide wonderful and useful products at the best prices I can gives me a true feeling of joy.
I have 4 cats and 3 dogs of my own -- and I show one of the dogs (everybody else is a rescue, and I wouldn't trade any of them for anything!). I'm currently learning agility, which I have found is a lot harder than it looks -- but still a great deal of fun. My daughter enjoys showing as well -- and my husband pitches in, too.
Thank you for the opportunity to tell you about myself and my company, Creature Comforters -- which is truly a labor of love.
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