This is a big day for me. I am a guest on PET WISE Radio, AM1570 in the Mpls/St Paul area, and KDWA AM 1460 out of Phoenix and Tucson. I am not what anyone would call a public speaker, so am praying I don't get tongue tied.

After that, we take our first days off of the summer...and head to the UP to meet with some motel owners who are interested in joining Hiway Dog.

Wednesday I have an interview with a reporter from Dog Fancy! All this attention is absolutely wonderful...but will it encourage businesses to welcome travelers with pets? We will see.

The TV reporter and camera man from Eau Claire's Channel 13 came to my shop today, to do a story about the Hiway Dog program. It was raining, my hair was a mess, I was nervous, but I think they can edit it creatively and make it worth seeing. Next Sunday, I will be on a national radio show, relating how this whole project started....stay tuned, and tell your local Mom and Pop shops to join us! Its fun!

Trial and Tribulations of starting a new business!

Welcome to my world of struggling to get a fledgling business off the ground. I never expected to be in this position, it was thrust upon me and I thought I could handle it. I am beginning to wonder!

If you read the info on my http://www.hiwaydog.com/ website already, you know that this project was in my head when I awoke one morning last January. The whole thing...logo, membership concept, the levels of ammenities displayed in "bones". I got right to work, spent a ton of money on a trademark, printed materials, clothes for presentations, software, printer, website and more. I actually thought I would be able to do it all....but beginning to realize the enormity of the situation.

For instance, I keep getting more requests from the Trademark Office, to define the use of the logo for the members, or color placement, or how the wording should look.....I sent color photos of the logo and a summary of how the logo is posted by members.....I just keep sending back what I think they want to hear. I get letters from Attorneys that will do it for me, but who can afford an attorney.

I get hundreds of emails from folks who want to use the Hiway Dog member's services....but so far, businesses haven't been rushing to join us. Only 3 members so far! Also, people have asked me to change the logo to: include cats, horses, birds. Or, put the dogs head inside the vehicle, because of the danger to the dog. Or add mirrors to the car, or a family, or a better shape. It's just a cartoon symbol....thats all the intention. A pet, person, and endless highway. Plus, I don't dare change anything after I see how hard it is to get the trademark process hammered out.

Many people have asked for an online map of members, that is in the plans...when we get businesses to realize that this is really going to be what consumers patronize! Its just good business to offer this level of customer service.

There are bright spots, too. A wonderful lady from DOG WORLD magazine called me last week. She told me that this program was going to be HUGE! She built up my confidence and requested a press release to print in their magazines. She made my day...thanks, LaTanya!

As for each day, I remind myself that the "handicap symbol" took 7 years to be accepted and posted. I will try to improve our website, keep sending out info and making presentations to all that will listen. I am not a public speaker, I stumble and bumble every sentence, so this is a challenge for me. So, keep me in your prayers, and help me spread the word. I would love everyone with a pet, to add my links to your site....help me promote a symbol for "pet friendly - guaranteed!"

I started this blog, because I can't access and update the http://www.hiwaydog.com/ site. So, put this site on your "favorites" and I will try to keep up with relaying what is going on. THANKS to everyone who has sent me notes of encouragment....I need them! Special thanks to George Jarret, a man who has gone great lengths to spread the word about this program....I can't wait to meet him in person.

Enough for now, wish me luck....its another day of paperwork, meetings, and presentations.