HiwayDog.com, behind the scenes

2011-09-14T12:56:00.000-07:00

The Hiway Dog program is just not getting the attention it deserves. I have tried to get businesses to join us, but they seem too consumed with the concept that there will be piles of poo on their sites. Bah...my yard is clean, because pet lovers have been great about cleaning up after their pets! I will keep getting the word out that a symbol for PET FRIENDLY is a great way to attract new customers.

I have had a great summer, lots of repeat customers pulled in on their annual trip through Wisconsin, so I got to visit with them and see their pets again! So, I will continue to be an example of how easy and enjoyable it is to offer pet hospitality.

2011-09-14T10:58:00.000-07:00

Fall again...already! The colors are going to be exceptional this year, according to my local TV weatherman. I expect plenty of traffic as folks take a last road trip to enjoy the colorful foliage. We had a very busy summer, with tourists from Australia, Japan and other far away places finding my little shop!

I have been reminded that it has been over a year since I posted anything. Time is flying by so fast anymore! The grand kids are suddenly taller than I, my boat hasn't been out of the shed more than a couple times all summer, and the store has turned over its merchandise so many times, that all my posted photos are outdated!

We added a few new critters to our farm; meet Morris and Ophelia! Our new donkeys have been a hit with the visitors!

Here is wishing everyone a great Fall, cozy Winter, and a warm early Spring. That should cover it until next time I take the time to update this blog!

The new web site is up and we are ready for members to join us!

2010-08-06T09:10:00.000-07:00

This has been a great week! We secured 4 conflicting domain names, so pet people can find us through many combinations of search words. We had to buy one from a man in the UK, so that took us some time to negotiate.

Its been baby steps while we work through all the stages of getting program off the ground, but at last I can start contacting and signing new members.

All we need is to see our logo attached to existing road signs, so we can find which motels allow our ENTIRE family to stay, or which fast food restaurants want our business bad enough to set aside a bit of shade and green space.
Its so simple...and such good business. SIMPLY SHOW US A SIGN!!

Keep those emails coming....they keep me enthused and focused on the final goal of seeing our logo on signs across the USA. It will make our journeys so much friendlier.

Pictured is Judy B. with Shadow! She tells me that if the dog can't go, she WON'T go. She is looking forward to staying at Hiway Dog member motels!

So much excitement!

2010-07-19T08:30:00.000-07:00

Hello again! Now that the store is in very capable hands, we took a much needed week off to fish, sleep and let the creative juices and visualization flow into the new Hiway Dog program.

We already have 2 innovative products in the works, one is already being tested! So, we have patents to apply for and more ideas for expansion popping up.

We are about to incorporate, join with other pet loving folks to help get the program off and running. I can't tell you details yet, but there is some major interest by some major corporations who want to stand out from their competition by adding a dash of pet hospitality. So, stay tuned! I will get back to updating this blog as soon as the dust settles!

I agreed to doggie sit old Zoomer, (shown on a boat ride) this weekend. He is an old dog, but loves to ride along where ever his family goes! This weekend his family is traveling out of state, and being IOWA doesn't have any Hiway Dog stops (yet) they want to leave him with me. He has been our friend for 11 years, and enjoys hanging out in the country with us - so no problem!

Until then, thanks again for all your enthusiasm and help in getting the word out! Keep attaching our link in your facebook and twitter posts!

A map of Hiway Dog stops is in the plan!

2010-05-06T17:59:00.000-07:00

I have a couple who are going to lease the farm/store for the next year, so once I move I can get rolling on HIWAY DOG! As for all the folks asking for a map...be patient, its gonna happen as soon as I can get more folks signed up and a dedicated web designer to keep it updated!

Spring brings travelers....and their pets!

2010-04-21T08:53:00.000-07:00

We are finalizing the trademark, and have our farm on the market...waiting for a buyer so I can get out and promote Hiway Dog. We have too much to do, and so little time over summer to accomplish our goals.
I have my Hiway Dog shady parking ready for travelers, dog treats on the counter, and planning our next steps on how to move the program ahead. Now, its a matter of patience......Sigh...

Ahhhhh, SPRING at LAST!

2010-03-18T06:42:00.000-07:00

Its been a long dark winter and at last the warm sunshine is revitalizing our little farm! Our farm sale fell through last December, so its back to showings and working at my antique store. I want to hit the road and get the Hiway Dog signs up for summer travelers, but stuck here until the place sells. Aargh.

Don't lose faith, I will prevail in my efforts. As for now, I will keep spreading the word and hopefully businesses will join up soon and draw in the pet lovers for the summer season.

If you know any wanting a work at home job, in a beautiful part of Wisconsin....have them get in touch with me! My store is hopping in the summer, and a great home for animals.

contact@hiwaydog.com

2009-11-28T08:38:00.000-08:00

(That's Lisa, enjoying our shady pet parking area. Her family loved having a cool, safe place for her to relax while they enjoyed our store and grounds.)

More news to report! We have an opportunity to sell our antique store/farm, so am finally freed up to devote my time to promoting the Hiway Dog concept.

I was pleased to see another article about the program in Dog Fancy last month!
I got a call from some folks who reported seeing my link on various personal blog and websites....THANKS everyone!

A lady stopped at my shop yesterday. She had her dog in the car and asked about the Hiway Dog sign posted on my roadsign. I gave her a quick run down on the idea of pet friendly places posting the sign to indicate as much. She thought it was a great idea! She had recently purchased a book listing pet friendly stops....my concept cuts out the middle man and customers don't need to buy anything to enjoy the benefits. She put a bumper sticker on her car and drove off, excited about the possibilities of having the symbol posted along her routes.

Off and running....wishing you all Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!

2009-11-11T14:53:00.000-08:00

Hello again!
Did you see the stories in Dog Fancy or Bark, telling the pet world about the new symbol for "pet friendly?" I was so honored that those prestigeous magazines would include my new program in their pages. If that wasn't exciting enough, I was invited to be on a national pet radio show which was scary but I got through it.

I have plenty of pet owners asking for maps to businesses that are Hiway Dog members, but businesses continue to take a "wait and see" attitude. They forget the huge numbers of pet owners that are more than willing to patronize a business that is pet friendly.

Just to be clear, "PET FRIENDLY" doesn't mean a store or stop will allow the pet inside....but some do! It means that it has a rest spot available, perhaps an exercise area and shady parking reserved for the vehicles with pets.....really not that hard to provide. C'mon businesses! Join us and stand out from your competiton!

Also, thank you to the many people who have linked their sites to Hiway Dog's site, to the truck driver who put a big HIWAY DOG logo on the back doors of his semi trailer, to the many pet lovers driving around with Hiway Dog stickers on their cars, to the national race car driver who requested large stickers for his race cars, and to the folks who keep telling me that this idea is going to be the new standard for customer service!

I know its going to take time...someday we WILL HAVE AN ONLINE MAP, showing where to find the places who have made the commitment to be pet freindly, and post the symbol to prove it. I can't wait!!

Until then, I will keep plugging away, getting the word out.
Mary

2009-08-23T05:55:00.000-07:00

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.

2009-08-20T15:48:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-08-19T06:31:00.000-07:00

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.