7 Questions for Ian White, Inventor of Paw Pets
December 2nd, 2008
The Paw Pets Partners: Robert Shank & Ian White
ThingsForPups: So, who was the REAL mastermind behind Paw Pets?
Ian White: The real mastermind must be [my dog,] Leo… He’s the one who was able to make me want to play with him so much that I had to invent a toy… Without Leo I would have never thought up Paw Pets!
TFP: Was there a moment of inspiration behind the creation of Paw Pets, or was it an idea that evolved over time?
IW: It was a moment of inspiration. I couldn’t use my hand to play with Leo anymore because he was jumping at my hands and learning bad behaviors. I was on vacation with my girlfriend when I saw a puppet, one that wasn’t safe or strong enough to use playing with Leo, but I knew then that I had to have a puppet that I could use to play with and train Leo. I couldn’t find anything on the market so I got to work.
IW: Crocobob is more popular, but they are a tight crew and now with Hippolynne joining the group they are all-for-one-and-one-for-all… A “tripod” so to speak, need all three legs to stand!
TFP: Hippolynne will be debuting soon. Any predictions on how she’ll do?
IW: She, so far, looks to be the most popular Paw Pet… I think she will be big this Valentines day!
TFP: Any special Paw Pets events/promotions this Christmas you want us to know about?
IW: Macy’s Union Square (San Francisco): we sponsored a window with the SPCA and are giving away Paw Pets with all of the SPCA adopted puppies so that they can have Crocobob and Sharkiana by their side when they meet their new family. Then they can use Sharkiana and Crocobob to build relationships with and train their new humans!!!
TFP: What is the most common question or comment that customers have for you?
TFP: Lastly…Has anyone ever told you that Crocobob might actually be an alligator? (He has a short snout vs. the long, pointy one crocodiles have)
IW: Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, he might hear you!!!!! We are having a writing competition at local schools and they will be telling the true story so I won’t comment too much before we have all of the facts but I’d just say that Crocobob is the kind of guy that’s always full of smiles and full of surprises.
SHOP Paw Pets at ThingsForPups
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December 2nd, 2008 at 2:33 pm
Thank you for the interview and the great blog! Things For Pups rocks and if you are reading this make sure to check out their store!
December 2nd, 2008 at 2:42 pm
Sounds like you’re onto something good here… Keep up the great work! Love your site…
December 2nd, 2008 at 2:43 pm
Sign me up. My labradoodle is going to love these guys.
December 2nd, 2008 at 4:50 pm
Thanks for the comments everyone! Make sure you let your other dog-loving friends know about PawPets!
December 2nd, 2008 at 6:04 pm
Who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks? Our 12 year old half golden, half border collie, Mishka, wasn’t sure about Sharkiana at first. She was used to playing with soft toys, like Sharky, but not so big. She was a little taken back when she saw Sharky come to life in my hand. Then curiosity got the best of her. I think she thought it was another dog to play with. So she nipped a little, backed up, did like a little dance. She still likes her other toys, but this one is a playmate!
Oh, the kids in the park just love when we play with Sharkiana. It’s like a puppet show for them! Mishka enjoys even more attention; doggy heaven or what!
December 3rd, 2008 at 2:32 pm
Great to hear that Esther! Sounds like you are having real fun with your dog.
September 9th, 2009 at 4:43 pm
WOW a cool idea. Pups would love one too and also Garth!