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Handicapped Dog Inspires Business Imagine bringing home your brand-new Pug puppy, only to notice a slight limp 3 months later. Then imagine your veterinarian telling you that his vertebra is compressing his spinal cord, causing your new puppy’s limp and surgery is not an option. Your puppy’s hind end is paralyzed. You can’t leave him alone during the day because he needs your help to relieve himself. How do you make a living? That is precisely what happened to Polly Kanavel and her husband, Scott Horvath in 1999. With a degree in Engineering from The Ohio State University, Polly was looking for her first “real job.” Concerned with leaving “Luckey,” the Pug, home alone, Polly and Scott decided having their own business would be the perfect solution. With Polly’s desire to be a “stay-at-home mom” to care for Luckey, Scott helped her develop an on-line store that would carry products for cats, dogs, and their owners. With Scott (he has a Management Information Systems degree, also from OSU) doing the initial computer work, 18toes.com was born. The name “18 Toes” was derived from the fact that normal cats and dogs have eighteen “toes” when counting the dewclaws. With customers across the country and around the globe, Polly and Scott strive to give their customers unique, high quality pet items at reasonable prices. Some of the most popular items are: · Chuck It! A hands-free ball throwing device allowing humans to hurl a ball over 100 feet. · Lupine collars, harnesses, & leads. Every product is covered under their famous “Guaranteed, even when chewed” warranty. · Durango Chiplets and Beefy Cutz. All natural, preservative free treats for dogs. · Crunchkins cards for Cats & Dogs. Available in a variety of designs for all occasions. Cat cards feature a detachable catnip toy while dog cards are made of 100% rawhide printed with non-toxic inks. · Wild Bryde Jewelry (for humans). Popular on the West Coast for years, Wild Bryde has over 1,500 animal and nature designs to choose from. 18 Toes is Wild Bryde’s exclusive special order retailer. In addition to the online store, “18 Toes” also sells at local animal fundraisers such as the San Diego Humane Society’s Fiesta Island Walk and the Chula Vista Doggie Dash. Booths at these events give Luckey a chance to meet his adoring fans. He also likes to travel by Snugli, a carrying device for small babies. Scott has had countless photos taken of him and Luckey, though most don’t include Scott’s head! To see products from “18 Toes,” please visit www.18toes.com or contact Polly directly for an interview and story ideas. Toll Free: 1 888 518 6690 Fax: 619 741 6690
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