WBO Pet Project

We aren't our work. I've been telling myself that for years whenever I get too caught up in being a business owner. Work is not my identify. So I get excited when other women business owners show their passions in ways other than building a profitable business. With expertise and good customer service we can meet client needs, but sometimes what most fills our hearts is in the nonprofit arena.

Three women I know — Becky Mollenkamp (Becky Mollenkamp Creative Services), Sara Henderson (SOS-Small Office Solutions) and Karla Rendall (Liberty Bank) — have recently combined forces with two other concerned pet lovers (Monica Wimber of McKee, Voorhees & Sease and marketer Holly Hartling) to create The Pet Project Midwest, a non-profit that complements current local animal organizations by providing services they don't offer. They started Iowa Pet Alert -- sort of an "Amber Alert" for animals -- and use social media (Facebook and Twitter [@IAPetAlert]) to let folks know that a pet has been lost or found. The goal: speed the reconnection of pets and their owners. Aren't these women something?

They're also paying attention to the economy. You've no doubt heard of the increase in homeless pets; their owners have fallen on hard times and can't afford the cost of feeding and caring for their animals. So The Pet Project Midwest plans to open a Pet Pantry -- sort of a food bank for animals -- in January and is accepting donations of products to stock their shelves. Of course, they're also accepting dollars, but their 501(c)(3) status won't come through until early 2010 (so $ are not tax deductible yet, but will be soon).

They need unopened puppy and dog food, unopened cat and kitten food, collars, leashes, pet beds, kennels, dog houses, cat litter, litter boxes, flea/tick medicine, pet shampoo, nail trimmers/ files and brushes. They'll also take manufacturers' coupons to help them purchase pet products at reduced prices. Please consider putting them on your holiday list. I've never bought dog food...before last week! And it was for them.