#BlogPaws 2017 Wake Up Call

So, yes, I realize that it has been a very long time since I have shared with you, and for that I sincerely apologize. Life Happened! That is really my only excuse;)  However, as ponder what I actually have been doing, I don't feel like I have been a slacker.

In the past couple of years, I have:

• Assisted with a couple of other family businesses
• Been on the BOD at a local food pantry
• Helped plan our daughter's wedding and of course, gained a wonderful son-in-law
• Welcomed our 8th grandchild, and helped our daughter when she was a zombie, due to lack of sleep
• Gone on mission trips to Togo in West Africa, Tarapoto PERU, Bangkok THAILAND, Iquitos PERU and CUBA.
• Three months ago, suffered the loss of our 35 year old son, and believe me, the suffering continues. 
• Had our 15 year old (10th Grade) granddaughter move in with us, with all of the opportunities, like arising very early with a smile on my face, driving her and her friends to the Library to study, to work on the school float, to coffee houses in Farmington and Detroit for poetry readings to get extra credit etc. Yes, it is truly a blessing, not an inconvenience.
• Realized I have a calling for providing Help and Hope for people in need and a passion for missions and hospital visitation
• Gone to numerous Choir & Band Concerts, Basketball & Football Games, and Track Meets to cheer on our grandchildren

We have a family business, now going into the 3rd Generation.  We have more than 4 decades of experience in the pet industry, beginning as pioneers in the natural dog chews category, when pig ears first came over from Europe.  We take the trust that pet parents have in us very seriously and want to make sure that we gain and deserve that trust daily. I am also making sure that I have a life well lived. We must make sure that we don't stay so busy making a living, that we forget to make a life.

Just two weeks ago, we went to our first #BlogPaws Conference in Myrtle Beach, SC.  Two things happened. First, we came to realize that there is an entire industry of incredible Bloggers, many of whom are involved in pet shelters and rescue organizations.  They are wonderful people and so much fun. We will be sending them our dog chews to try on their own dogs and write a review. We'll be sharing those with you in the near future.  Secondly, I was reminded of my love of writing, and thus, here I am, pouring out my heart to you. 

Below is my husband of 43 years, Ralph at our booth at #BlogPaws.  He's the real pioneer.

Thank you for taking the time to let me catch-up with you. My daughter Crystal and son-in-law Matt, bring my adorable 6 month old granddaughter Lillyann to work with them, along with their new puppy, Levi.  Before you start thinking, our office and warehouse must be quite a scene, remember, I left you know in advance that this is a family business. We love what we do and we are fortunate to be able to do it together.

Please watch for Crystals blogs, "The Adventures of Lilly and Levi", coming soon with some very stinking cute pictures.  

Until we meet again...

Fireworks Fun or Frenzy?  

While the 4^th of July is certainly reason for celebration, it is important that you take your canine companions happiness into consideration too. 

Noise – You have advance notice to the noise, as you skillfully and safely light the fireworks, however the explosion of colorful light and sound may come as a shock to your dog.  Even if you are staying indoors, ordering pizza and getting caught on what you have recorded on your DVR, it is likely that your neighbors will be making enough noise for the whole block.  Fireworks can be extremely unsettling for pets, even to the point of fear and anxiety.  If possible keep your pets inside, pull down the shades and turn on some music, to at least buffer some of the noise.  If they are outside, these sudden explosions could cause your dog to bolt from this scary scene and maybe get lost or run into the street, so make sure they are secured or in a fenced yard.

My brother has a friend named Annie, who puts a storm coat on her little dog, Camille (a Schnauzer mix) which fits snugly, mimicking a comforting, secure hug.  This is a nice option.  There are also natural scents and sprays that are relaxing.

Last, but certainly not least, giving one of our natural chews could help keep them satisfied and distract from the commotion.

HEAT! -  Maybe in the past, you let the sparklers, flying spinners and fountains cool off and since it is dark, pick them up the next morning.  However, now that you have a furry member of the family, remember that he/she does not have on sneakers, loafers or flip flops, so have the flashlight handy and have clean up time as you go, so that the paws of your precious pet do not get hurt or blistered. 

Fireworks also contain chemicals that are highly dangerous to your pet if consumed.  Keep the following phone number handy just in case:

Pet Poison Helpline:   (800) 213-6680

Refreshment - The month of July is typically pretty hot, so in the midst of grilling burgers, playing horseshoes, and visiting with friends and family, don’t forget to make sure that your dog always has plenty of fresh water and a way of having shade when needed. 

Happy Veteran's Day

Happy Veteran’s Day

Posted on November 11, 2012by freerangeeconaturals

 

Whether you believe in war, or not, is neither here nor there, when it comes to Veteran’s Day. Anyone who has served in the United States Military is worthy of a day honoring them and showing appreciation for their dedication and for risking their lives to defend our freedom. My feeling is that each and every veteran should receive a hero’s welcome when coming home from war. It doesn’t matter if we, or even they, considered the war they served in to be a place that the United States should be involved in. The fact that they left the comforts of home, family and friends to stand up for us, and placed themselves in harm’s way, MUST be appreciated.

A special, heart-felt thank you goes to my son, Ralph Wayne Claypool II. He has always had a strong sense of patriotism, which led him to join the Army, even before he graduated from high school, even though he had countless options, that were much safer. His outstanding bravery and dedication in Iraq, earned him the Bronze Star. Strong, smart, a great son, husband and father, one of the most conscientious people I have ever met, and now finishing law school, Ralph still gets choked up when the stars and stripes pass, gently swaying in the breeze; this is who he is and I am so proud. Thank you Ralph for your bravery and responding to your personal sense of duty.

Not about Dog Chews and Treats today

Posted on November 10, 2012by freerangeeconaturals

 

My day? Fantastico! Out for a 1/2 hour walk at 6:00 a.m. Got to the beach, where beautiful rays from the sun shone in an array through the clouds. Only thing that seemed to be missing, was Jesus descending from Heaven for those who have asked Him to forgive their sins and be Lord of their life.
Then breakfast, ho hum. Then the exciting part; water aerobics for an hour, a game of kicking a soccer ball across the pool into a soccer net (of which I won 3rd Place. No there wasn’t only 3 of us. There was about 30-35, and yes men and women, almost all, younger than me.), then dance class. I think that I lost the calories from breakfast.

No, I am not in Michigan today. Mexico was summoning us from the cold beginning of winter and the frantic pace of day-to-day business, designing packaging, getting imported product from Argentina cleared with U.S. Customs and FDA, etc. Don’t be too jealous. It isn’t like no work will continue on. Does anyone, go anywhere, anymore, without a cell phone and laptop in tow? It is the weekend, so I’m taking it somewhat easy. Next week, I will be finishing the text for the new website, listening to the social media webinars (that I missed part of, due to phone calls and my family calling for me through the offices during such), answering, sorting and eliminating e-mails, getting caught up on our business Twitter and Facebook, personal Facebook and the like.

WOW! I mentioned Jesus in a business blog. I wonder if I am guilty of some sort of social media crime. Hmm; let me ponder. No, I am sure I am in the clear, because He makes me who I am. Every morning, I am keenly aware that I have been given a gift of 24 hours to be with family and friends and to do what I do, with the talents that have been given to me. That’s what I’ll reply in my defense, if someone calls the social media police on me.

What makes you, who you are? Let me know at twitter.com/freconaturals.

H.H. Backer / 2012 Pet Industry CHRISTmas Show

Posted on October 12, 2012

October for approximately the past 20 years, includes exhibiting at the H.H. Backer Show in Chicago. Yesterday was set-up. It was too easy! We rented a booth this year (yes, that is green/eco friendly at it’s finest). At noon, attended a meeting presented by APPA with our host, Dr. David A. Dzanis, who always does a great job at keeping us informed on Regulatory issues with AAFCO, FDA etc. Our evening was truly enjoyable with great food and fellowship with kindred spirits in the pet industry at the new, huge warehouse in Des Plaines of Zeus & Company. Congratulations David Levy. Only problem was when Tim Peterson asked for ketchup for his Chicago Coney Dog. Apparently this is highly frowned upon in Chicago and David felt the need to bring over a group of good looking, strong arms to “kick his butt”. Too funny! Tim found some ketchup anyway. I was reminded again, how wonderful it is to be in the pet industry. For the most part, the people are passionate about providing products that are beneficial to the pets and their parents. We are blessed to be a part of it.

Good Luck for Cats

Posted on September 18, 2012by freerangeeconaturals

Yes, I know we are in the business of natural dog chews and treats “Provided by Nature”. However, since we have the Hare Meat Rolls and Hare Ears from wild, non-domesticated Argentina Hare, we figured we may as well put the feet and tails to good use. See our Press Release. http://www.prweb.com/releases/2012/8/prweb9781804.htm