Happy Veteran’s Day

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

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

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

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

The Texting, Video Game Playing Generation

Ralph and I were talking this weekend about how the pet industry has changed with this generation. Pet shops used to be filled with children’s excited faces pressed against the aquarium glass and pet cages, in anticipation of getting a new pet. A pet is great for kids because it teaches responsibility  because the animal is depending on them.  When I was little, my dad used to say, “Honey, an animal can’t talk, so you have to know what it needs and make sure you provide it.”  Having an animal to care for provides an appreciation for life too. While I am not by any means bashing texting (yes, I do it too, though not while driving) I believe that we would be doing our children and grandchildren a favor by instilling in them, the love and responsibility of pets, to replace some of the time they spend with technology.

New products have arrived!

We are so excited to be unveiling new products like Hare Ears and Hare Meat Rolls from non-domesticated wild rabbit/hare from Argentina.